India launches DHRUV64, the country’s first 1.0 GHz, 64-bit indigenous microprocessor

India has made a substantial advancement in the field of semiconductors with the recent development of DHRUV64, the first indigenously developed 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor in the country, an event that highlights the visualisation of ‘AatmaNirbhar Technology’ in the Indian context.

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About DHRUV64

As per a press release by the Government of India, the processor named DHRUV64 has been fully designed by C-DAC in India as part of the Microprocessor Development Programme. It is to be noted here that the processor has been launched under the Digital India RISC-V Programme with a focus on making the country a hub for electronics system design and manufacturing.

“DHRUV64 is a critical component of a larger strategy of making the country less dependent on foreign processors. It is a processor supporting both strategic and commercial applications, providing a stable indigenous base of advanced technologies,”said a statement announcing the processor.

Key features

• Featuring latest architectural advancements, 

• DHRUV64 enhances efficiency, reliability, and multitasking capacity. 

The adaptable technology is fully integrable with any external hardware system and can be applied for different applications like 5G communications, automotive electronics, consumer products, industrial control, and Internet of Things technology.

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What led to its conception?

The initial indigenous processor designs, such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, and THEJAS64, formed the base for the current vibrant ecosystem.

The DHRUV64 is expected to offer a: 

• cost-effective platform for startups, researchers, and players in the sector 

• to design and prototype without depending on foreign processors. 

The initiative also acts as a training ground for the increasing number of skilled Indians in designing chips and builds a competence base for future projects aimed at semiconductors. The success of DHRUV64 is also anticipated to quicken the development of future processors such as Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors.

It is the third chip produced in the framework of the DIR-V programme, after THEJAS32 and THEJAS64. Work has also started on DHANUSH64 and DHANUSH64+ System on Chip versions.

Win for India’s Semiconductor Industry

In recent years, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been leading the national efforts in the areas of Microprocessor Development Program, DIR-V, Chips to Startup (C2S), India Semiconductor Mission, Design Linked Incentive Scheme, and INUP-i2i.

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