VIHAAN Indigenous Chip (Science and Technology)

VIHAAN Indigenous Chip (Science and Technology)

VIHAAN Indigenous Chip (Science and Technology)Why In News:Recently, the achievement of first-pass silicon success for VIHAAN, an indigenously designed broadband chip built on the VEGA microprocessor architecture, was highlighted.Source: PIB Today, 15 August 2026 - 'VIHAAN: Indigenous Chip and VEGA Processor'https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2299883&reg=3&lang=1About Vihaan,About: VIHAAN is India’s first domestically designed broadband networking System-on-Chip (SoC), based on the open-standard RISC-V architecture and powered by C-DAC’s indigenous 64-bit VEGA processor.Developer: The chip has been developed by Aheesa Digital Innovations, Chennai, with support under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme of the India Semiconductor Mission and MeitY.Objective: It aims to provide high-performance and secure indigenous telecom silicon for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), broadband routers and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), reducing dependence on imported networking chips.

How VIHAAN Works

Fiber Data Processing: It receives internet data through GPON/EPON fibre networks and distributes it through Gigabit Ethernet connections.High-Speed Processing: Its 64-bit VEGA core supports routing, traffic management, Quality of Service (QoS) and firewall functions.Built-in Security: The chip incorporates secure boot, hardware root of trust and cryptographic engines to protect firmware and network communications.Integrated Software: It runs Aheesa Router OS (AROS), based on OpenWrt, enabling its use in routers, modems and access points.

Key Features

First-Pass Silicon Success: VIHAAN successfully worked in its first fabrication attempt, reducing redesign time and development costs.Indigenous Architecture: Its VEGA RISC-V core reduces dependence on proprietary foreign processor architectures.Optimised for Broadband: It integrates GPON/EPON connectivity, computing and memory functions into a single chip for FTTH applications.Hardware-Level Security: Features such as secure boot and encryption provide protection against cyber and network threats.Supports Domestic Manufacturing: Its reference platform and software ecosystem can help Indian manufacturers develop Wi-Fi routers and ONTs more rapidly.