Inside the DHRUV64 Microprocessor

Context:

• On December 15, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, an indigenous microprocessor, aimed at strengthening India’s homegrown processor ecosystem.
• The chip is part of India’s broader push for strategic autonomy in semiconductor design, reducing dependence on imported processor technologies.
• DHRUV64 is positioned as a general-purpose processor suitable for electronics, telecom, industrial automation, and embedded systems.

Key Highlights:

What is DHRUV64?

• Developed by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
• Programme: Microprocessor Development Programme under MeitY
• Type: 64-bit, dual-core microprocessor
• Clock speed: 1 GHz
• Designed to balance:
  • Ability to run modern operating systems
  • Energy efficiency for embedded applications
• Intended as a general-purpose “brain” for electronic systems

Why DHRUV64 Matters for India

• Processors form the backbone of:
  • Telecom networks
  • Industrial control systems
  • Automotive electronics
  • Strategic and critical infrastructure
• Control over processor design ensures:
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Cybersecurity assurance
  • Protection against export controls and geopolitical disruptions
• Aligns with India’s vision of technological sovereignty

Understanding the Specifications

• 64-bit architecture enables:
  • Advanced software support
  • Modern operating systems
• Performance is modest compared to flagship consumer CPUs:
  • Fewer cores
  • Lower clock speeds
  • No specialised accelerators like GPUs
• However, suitable for:
  • Telecom base stations
  • Routers
  • Industrial controllers
  • Automotive modules
• These sectors prioritise reliability, longevity, and integration over raw performance

India’s Indigenous Processor Ecosystem

• SHAKTI – IIT Madras
• AJIT – IIT Bombay
• VIKRAM – ISRO–Semiconductor Laboratory
• THEJAS64 – C-DAC (expected 2025)
• DHRUV64 complements this ecosystem by offering:
  • A common platform for startups, academia, and industry
  • Lower-cost prototyping without reliance on foreign chips

DIR-V and RISC-V Connection

• RISC-V: An open-source instruction set architecture (ISA)
  • No licensing fees
  • Publicly available specifications
  • Modular and customisable
• Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme:
  • Aims to build a portfolio of RISC-V-based Indian processors
  • Earlier chips:
    • THEJAS32 – fabricated in Malaysia
    • THEJAS64 – fabricated at SCL Mohali
• DHRUV64 is the third DIR-V chip
• MeitY has not disclosed where DHRUV64 was fabricated, raising supply-chain questions

Key Information Gaps About DHRUV64

• Performance metrics: No benchmarks, cache details, memory architecture, or power efficiency data
• Fabrication details: No clarity on foundry, process node, yields, or reliability targets
• Meaning of “fully indigenous”:
  • Could refer to design, ISA, toolchain, IP blocks, or ownership — not clarified
• Adoption readiness:
  • No information on developer boards, OS support, security audits, or government anchor usage
• Roadmap clarity:
  • Next chips announced:
    • DHANUSH: 1.2 GHz, quad-core (28 nm)
    • DHANUSH+: 2 GHz, quad-core (14/16 nm)

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Indigenous microprocessor development in India.
• Key Facts:
  • DHRUV64: 64-bit, dual-core, 1 GHz
  • Developed by C-DAC under MeitY
  • Based on RISC-V ISA
• Related Programmes:
  • DIR-V Programme
  • Microprocessor Development Programme
• Benefits:
  • Reduced import dependence
  • Strategic autonomy
  • Secure digital infrastructure
• Challenges:
  • Competing with mature global ecosystems
  • Limited fabrication capacity
  • Lack of performance transparency

Relevant Mains Points:

• Strategic Importance:
  • Semiconductors as a strategic national asset
  • Role in national security and digital sovereignty
• Technological Dimensions:
  • Importance of open architectures like RISC-V
  • Need for full-stack capability: design → fabrication → software → ecosystem
• Governance and Policy:
  • Role of MeitY and India Semiconductor Mission
  • Public investment in high-risk, long-gestation technologies
• Challenges:
  • Absence of benchmarks and adoption incentives
  • OEM trust and ecosystem readiness
  • Manufacturing scale and yield issues
• Way Forward:
  • Transparent performance disclosures
  • Government as an anchor customer
  • Strong software and developer ecosystem
  • Integration with domestic fabs and testing facilities
  • Long-term roadmap for system-on-chip families

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper III (Science & Technology):
  • Indigenous technology, semiconductor ecosystem
• GS Paper II (Governance):
  • Government policy, strategic autonomy
• GS Paper III (Economy):
  • Industrial policy, high-tech manufacturing, Make in India