Inside the DHRUV64 microprocessor, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) launched DHRUV64, an indigenous microprocessor, on December 15, 2025.
• DHRUV64 is a 64-bit, dual-core processor running at 1 GHz, developed by C-DAC under MEITY’s Microprocessor Development Programme.
• It is intended for use in electronics and industrial automation, aiming to reduce India's reliance on imported processor designs.
• DHRUV64 is part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme, which promotes the development of RISC-V-based microprocessors.

Detailed Insights:

• DHRUV64 aims to provide a platform for startups, academia, and industry to develop and test products without relying on foreign processors, potentially lowering costs for new system architectures.
• While DHRUV64's performance is not on par with top-tier consumer processors, it is suitable for applications like telecom base stations, industrial controllers, routers, and automotive modules, where reliability and hardware-software integration are crucial.
• The DIR-V programme includes other processors like SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, and THEJAS64, targeting strategic operations, control systems, spaceflight systems, and industrial automation.
• The announcement of DHRUV64 lacks specific engineering details, such as performance benchmarks, memory subsystem details, fabrication specifics, and a clear development roadmap, raising questions about its readiness for widespread adoption.
• Government initiatives like the 'Chips to Startup' programme, the Design Linked Incentive scheme, and the India Semiconductor Mission aim to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and talent development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Microprocessor: A central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit, responsible for executing instructions in a computer system.
• RISC-V: An open-standard instruction set architecture (ISA) based on established reduced instruction set computing (RISC) principles.
• System-on-Chip (SoC): An integrated circuit that integrates all or most components of a computer or other electronic system.