Shakti Processor: India’s Homegrown Open-Source CPU Revolution
- Kalyan Bhattacharjee
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Overview
In the rapidly evolving world of computing, the Shakti processor stands out as a proud achievement for India. Developed by the Reconfigurable Intelligent Systems Engineering (RISE) group at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Shakti is India's first open-source processor built to reduce dependency on foreign technology and to ensure national security and digital sovereignty.
What Is the Shakti Processor? 🧠
The Shakti Processor is a RISC-V-based microprocessor family designed and developed in India. RISC-V is an open-standard instruction set architecture (ISA) that allows developers to design custom processors without proprietary restrictions.
The Shakti family is intended for a range of applications—from low-power embedded systems to high-performance computing. It promotes indigenous hardware development, enhances security, and reduces licensing costs—making it a strategic asset for India.
Key Features of the Shakti Processor 🚀
Open-Source: Entirely open-source, from the ISA to the architecture design files.
Based on RISC-V: Uses the modern, modular, and royalty-free RISC-V architecture.
Multiple Variants: Designed for different use cases (IoT, mobile devices, desktops, servers).
Secure by Design: Implements hardware-level security, ideal for defense and critical infrastructure.
Designed & Fabricated in India: From source code to silicon, it supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
Variants of the Shakti Processor 🧩
The Shakti project currently includes several microarchitecture classes:
Variant | Purpose | Features |
E-Class | Embedded Systems (IoT devices) | Low power, compact core, simple applications |
C-Class | Client Devices (smartphones, tablets) | Multi-threading, Linux support, moderate power |
I-Class | Industrial/Workstation use | High-performance, out-of-order execution |
M-Class | Microcontrollers | For real-time systems with deterministic behavior |
S-Class | Server-class applications | Multi-core, high throughput |
H-Class | High-performance computing (HPC) | Speculative, superscalar, for supercomputers |
Use Cases and Applications of Shakti Processor 🛠️
Defense & Aerospace: Where security, customization, and trust in hardware are crucial.
Smart Cities & IoT: E-Class and M-Class processors are perfect for connected devices.
Secure Communications: Built-in security features make it suitable for encryption and secure channels.
Academic Research & Education: Its open-source nature allows students and researchers to study, modify, and innovate.
Why Is Shakti Important for India? 🔍
Security: Custom-built chips minimize the risk of hidden vulnerabilities.
Strategic Independence: Reduces reliance on global tech giants and foreign processors.
Open Innovation: Enables developers and startups to innovate freely.
Cost Efficiency: Saves millions in licensing fees over time.
Made in India: Fully designed and fabricated locally, supporting national growth.
Fabrication & Collaborations 🏭
The initial chips were fabricated using 22nm FinFET technology at Intel’s foundry and later tested successfully. The project has also seen collaborations with CDAC, BEL, and ISRO for defense and aerospace-related applications.
Future of the Shakti Processor 📈
The roadmap includes:
Enhanced AI and ML capabilities
Integration into Indian-made laptops and IoT platforms
Support for 5G networks, secure servers, and edge computing
Export potential as a trusted processor design for developing countries
Fun Fact 💡
The name "Shakti" symbolizes power, fitting perfectly for a processor family meant to empower India’s digital and technological independence.
Key Takeaways
The Shakti Processor isn’t just another CPU—it's a symbol of self-reliance, innovation, and sovereignty. As India continues to build a secure and tech-forward digital ecosystem, projects like Shakti are bound to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
Whether you’re a developer, a student, or a tech enthusiast, Shakti offers a glimpse into the future of open-source hardware—made by India, for the world.
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