DHRUV64: India’s First 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core Microprocessor
Overview of DHRUV64 Microprocessor
India has achieved an important milestone in its semiconductor journey with the development of DHRUV64, the country’s first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing under the Microprocessor Development Programme, DHRUV64 provides India with a reliable domestic processor platform capable of supporting both strategic and commercial requirements. It marks a clear advancement toward technological self-reliance in advanced chip design.
Technical Characteristics and Use Cases
DHRUV64 is built on modern processor architecture that offers higher efficiency, improved multitasking capability and enhanced operational reliability. Its design enables smooth integration with a wide range of external hardware systems. This flexibility makes it suitable for deployment in telecommunications infrastructure, automotive electronics, industrial automation, consumer devices and Internet-of-Things applications, aligning domestic processor capability with contemporary global technology standards.
Strategic Importance for India
The development of DHRUV64 strengthens India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem and supports national digital infrastructure security. India accounts for a significant share of global microprocessor consumption, and the availability of a domestically designed processor reduces long-term dependence on external suppliers. DHRUV64 builds upon earlier indigenous processor initiatives such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM and THEJAS, collectively forming the foundation of a self-sustaining national processor ecosystem.
Contribution to Research and Innovation
DHRUV64 provides startups, academic institutions and industry with a cost-effective platform to design, test and scale computing systems using indigenous technology. It enables experimentation with new system architectures without reliance on foreign intellectual property. This supports innovation, strengthens research capabilities and helps expand the pipeline of skilled semiconductor professionals within the country.
Role of Open Architecture and RISC-V
The processor has been developed within the Digital India RISC-V framework, which promotes open instruction-set architecture. RISC-V eliminates licensing costs and encourages collaborative development through shared standards and tools. This approach supports the creation of a comprehensive portfolio of indigenous processors and facilitates cooperation across research organisations, startups and industry, accelerating ecosystem growth.
Institutional and Programme Support
India’s progress in processor development is backed by coordinated institutional support and national programmes focused on policy guidance, funding and long-term planning. These initiatives strengthen chip design capability, provide access to fabrication infrastructure, encourage large-scale investment and build human resource capacity. Together, they integrate research, innovation and industry participation into a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.
Overall Significance
The rollout of DHRUV64 demonstrates India’s growing ability to design, develop and prototype advanced microprocessors using domestic expertise and resources. The transition from earlier processor designs to DHRUV64, along with the development of future processors, reflects a structured and confident pathway toward technological self-reliance. By combining open architecture, institutional backing and a strong talent base, India is steadily strengthening its position in advanced semiconductor technologies.
MCQ:
- DHRUV64 is best described as which one of the following?
(a) A domestically assembled foreign-designed processor
(b) A fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor
(c) A graphics processing unit for consumer electronics
(d) A prototype chip limited to academic research only
- DHRUV64 was developed under which institutional arrangement?
(a) A private industry consortium
(b) A joint foreign–Indian venture
(c) A defence-only classified programme
(d) A national programme led by a public research organisation
- Which organisation played a central role in the design and development of DHRUV64?
(a) Semiconductor Lab, Mohali
(b) Indian Space Research Organisation
(c) Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
(d) National Informatics Centre
- The primary objective behind developing DHRUV64 is to:
(a) Compete in low-cost consumer chip markets
(b) Achieve technological self-reliance in advanced processor design
(c) Replace all imported electronics immediately
(d) Focus exclusively on space missions
- Which of the following sectors can directly benefit from the deployment of DHRUV64?
(a) Only defence manufacturing
(b) Telecommunications, automotive and industrial systems
(c) Agriculture extension services alone
(d) Banking and insurance software platforms only
- One key architectural advantage of DHRUV64 is its ability to:
(a) Eliminate the need for external hardware interfaces
(b) Operate without an operating system
(c) Integrate smoothly with diverse hardware systems
(d) Replace high-end supercomputers
- The strategic significance of DHRUV64 mainly lies in:
(a) Increasing software exports
(b) Reducing dependence on imported microprocessors
(c) Expanding consumer electronics imports
(d) Replacing traditional manufacturing industries
- DHRUV64 builds upon earlier indigenous processor initiatives such as:
(a) PARAM, VEGA and AGNI
(b) SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM and THEJAS
(c) BHARAT, ARJUN and NAG
(d) GAGAN, IRNSS and NAVIC
- Which group is most directly enabled by DHRUV64 for low-cost experimentation and innovation?
(a) Only large multinational corporations
(b) Foreign semiconductor manufacturers
(c) Startups, academia and domestic industry
(d) Financial institutions and service providers
- The development of DHRUV64 particularly strengthens which aspect of the national ecosystem?
(a) Chip-design skills and research capacity
(b) Textile and garment manufacturing
(c) Mining and raw material extraction
(d) Traditional handicraft industries
- DHRUV64 has been developed within a framework that promotes which type of architecture?
(a) Proprietary closed-source instruction sets
(b) Licensed architectures with high royalty costs
(c) Open instruction-set architecture
(d) Military-restricted architectures only
- A major advantage of using open architecture for processor development is:
(a) Complete elimination of fabrication costs
(b) Freedom from licensing fees and wider collaboration
(c) Automatic dominance in global chip markets
(d) Guaranteed commercial success
- Institutional and programme support for DHRUV64 primarily contributes to:
(a) Short-term import substitution only
(b) Integration of research, industry and skill development
(c) Expansion of non-electronic sectors
(d) Reduction of higher education enrolment
- The progression from earlier processors to DHRUV64 indicates:
(a) Fragmented and uncoordinated development efforts
(b) Dependence on external technology providers
(c) A structured and long-term technological roadmap
(d) Focus on experimental prototypes without deployment
- Overall, DHRUV64 reflects India’s growing capability to:
(a) Manufacture consumer gadgets at scale
(b) Design, develop and prototype advanced microprocessors domestically
(c) Eliminate the need for global semiconductor cooperation
(d) Shift entirely away from digital infrastructure development
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