Introduction:
In a remarkable feat that reverberates through the annals of Indian technology, the Shakti microprocessor has etched its name as the nation’s inaugural indigenous industrial-grade processor.
Crafted under the meticulous guidance of the Reconfigurable Intelligent Systems Engineering (RISE) group at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, this groundbreaking creation is a testament to India’s burgeoning capabilities in semiconductor innovation.
Significantly, the project has received partial funding from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a nod to its strategic importance.
The aim of SHAKTI is to produce production grade processors, complete System on Chips (SoCs), development boards and SHAKTI-based software platform.
Shakti Project: Pioneering Indigenous Microprocessors for the Future
Launched in 2014, the Shakti project embarked on a journey to create a new era of indigenous microprocessors and revolutionize the microprocessor ecosystem. This ambitious undertaking aimed to develop industrial-grade microprocessors and associated components, with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The project is a testament to India’s commitment to reducing its dependency on imported microchips and nurturing its technological sovereignty.
Ministry Backing for Indigenous Innovation
The Shakti project’s roots trace back to the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Recognizing the strategic importance of homegrown microprocessors, MeitY has been a driving force in funding the project. With a history spanning two decades, these initiatives underscore India’s commitment to nurturing domestic innovation and self-reliance in technology.
Read more: India’s RISC-V Revolution: DIR-V to Create 10,000 Jobs
Meticulous Design by a Dedicated Team
Over nearly a decade, a team of approximately 30 skilled designers embarked on an intricate journey of innovation and refinement. These designers meticulously modified and chiseled the Shakti processor’s architecture to create a technologically advanced and adaptable microprocessor. The dedication and expertise of this team have been instrumental in shaping the processor’s capabilities and ensuring its competitiveness in the global landscape.
Birth of the Shakti Processor at RISE Laboratory
The epicenter of innovation for the Shakti processor lies within the Reconfigurable Intelligent Systems Engineering (RISE) Laboratory. Situated within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras), this laboratory has been the crucible of creative thinking and technological breakthroughs. The Shakti processor’s development within this environment underscores the significance of academic-industry collaboration in fostering cutting-edge solutions.
Tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Small Devices
One of the remarkable features of the Shakti processor is its targeted application in the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT) and small devices. Recognizing the growing importance of these domains, the designers specifically tailored the Shakti processor to excel in these contexts. This strategic alignment amplifies the processor’s potential impact, enabling it to power a multitude of interconnected devices that define the modern digital landscape.
How SHAKTI has changed India’s Semiconductor game
1. Reducing Dependency on Imported Systems and Cybersecurity Risks
The Shakti processor stands as a formidable challenger to India’s reliance on imported microchips, a longstanding concern that has led to technological and economic vulnerabilities. By producing its own microprocessors, India can achieve greater autonomy, ensuring a more secure and stable technology landscape. Moreover, as indigenous technology, the Shakti processor reduces the risk of cyber-attacks, offering a higher level of control and protection over critical systems.
2. Diverse Applications for Shakti Processor in India
The versatility of the Shakti processor is exemplified by its potential applications across multiple sectors within India. The Department of Atomic Energy, in a 2017 report, highlighted the Shakti processor’s suitability for critical systems like nuclear technology. Beyond this, the Shakti processor can power smartphones, surveillance cameras, and smart meters, effectively permeating various aspects of daily life and infrastructure development.
3. Empowering Digital India Initiatives
As India embarks on its Digital India initiative, the Shakti processor aligns seamlessly with the nation’s aspirations. The processor’s customizable cores make it adaptable to a wide range of applications, catering to the diverse needs of the digital era. Whether for smart cities, e-governance, or other digital advancements, the Shakti processor can be harnessed where conventional power sources are available, enhancing India’s technological capabilities.
4. Industry Interest and Collaborative Efforts
The Shakti processor has generated significant interest from Indian industries, reflecting its potential impact on various sectors. Collaborative efforts between the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and more than 13 strategic and commercial partners demonstrate a united front in harnessing this technology’s potential. This collaboration not only fosters technological advancement but also strengthens the ecosystem for indigenous innovation.
Fabrication in India & USA
The Shakti processor was fabricated in India as well as abroad.
The Shakti processor was fabricated at Intel’s facility in Oregon, USA, using the 22nm FinFET technology node. FinFET is a type of transistor that is more efficient and can be made smaller than traditional transistors. This allows for more transistors to be packed into a chip, which can lead to better performance and lower power consumption.
However, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, India, has also fabricated the Shakti processor. The SCL is the only semiconductor fabrication facility in India that can manufacture chips at the 180nm technology node.
The Shakti processor was fabricated in India and the US for a few reasons.
- To accelerate the development and commercialization of the processor. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, India, is the only semiconductor fabrication facility in India that can manufacture chips at the 180nm technology node. However, the SCL has limited capacity and it takes time to fabricate chips at this technology node. Intel has the expertise and experience to manufacture chips at scale and to meet the quality standards required for commercial use. This allowed the Shakti processor to be developed and commercialized more quickly.
- To gain access to Intel’s expertise and resources. Intel is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. It has the expertise and resources to help the Shakti processor team to develop and improve the processor. Intel also has a strong network of partners, which could help the Shakti processor team to bring the processor to market.
- To test the processor in different environments. Intel’s facility in Oregon is a state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of environmental conditions. This allowed the Shakti processor team to test the processor in different environments and to ensure that it was reliable and could withstand the harsh conditions of the Indian market.
A Glimpse into the Shakti Architecture
The Shakti microprocessor is based on 22nm FinFET technology, a testament to its cutting-edge design and fabrication. This advanced architecture underpins Shakti’s prowess, equipping it to compete with commercial offerings on multiple fronts, including power efficiency, performance, and compactness.
Freedom through Open Source: Modified BSD License
The Shakti project champions the spirit of open-source innovation. All the source codes for SHAKTI are generously open-sourced under the Modified BSD License 5 of the University of California, Berkeley. This license underscores the project’s commitment to democratizing technology and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. It signifies that the source code is royalty and patent-free, granting individuals and entities the freedom to utilize, modify, and distribute the code in alignment with the license terms.
“The Shakti microprocessor’s foundation on open-source principles magnifies its impact. It is a tribute to the power of collaboration, enabling not just innovation but also the democratization of advanced processor technology.”
Dr. Kamakoti, Director, IIT-M.
Key Milestones of Shakti’s Odyssey:
- It stands as India’s inaugural indigenous industrial-grade processor, a milestone that shapes the nation’s technological narrative.
- The Shakti 35 initiative marks the first open-source endeavor by IIT Madras to develop a homegrown processor based on the RISC-V architecture.
- Collaboration with Intel Corporation underscores the project’s global reach and commitment to nurturing homegrown innovation.
- The Shakti microprocessor, rooted in advanced 22nm FinFET technology, redefines performance benchmarks and technological excellence.
- By embracing open-source values and the Modified BSD License, Shakti democratizes access to cutting-edge processor technology.
The Shakti microprocessor’s triumphant emergence not only stands as a testament to Indian ingenuity but also sets a resounding precedent for the nation’s journey towards global eminence in the semiconductor arena. It signifies a quantum leap towards India’s goal of being at the helm of technological innovation on the global stage.
