Neshant wrote:Vikram is an array of x86 processors used in parallel, not a single chip as you have incorrectly assumed. It is basically a parallel computer with a bus architecture linking these independant chips together.
Likewise with Param although param is more of a full fledged computer. The word Vikram "microchip" is misleading.
That is what I've heard about it anyways.
Assuming that is all the Vikram 'microchip' is, its not of any major significance and probably obsolete by now.
You can get military grade (not sure about rad-hard) processors from COTS.
This link clearly states that Vikram is a replacement for MC68000
http://domain-b.com/aero/20070425_indigenous.htm
And since ISRO had used the MC68000 , the architecture is NOT x86 but M68k.
See link here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M68k
The 68k line of processors has been used in a variety of systems, from modern high-end Texas Instruments calculators (the TI-89, TI-92, and Voyage 200 lines) to older members of the palm pilot series, and even radiation hardened versions in the critical control systems of the Space Shuttle.
A architecture refers to the instruction set and in turn refers to how internal circuits and logic are built in a processor.
The instruction set was much more "orthogonal" than those of many processors that came before (e.g., 8080) and after (e.g., x86). That is, it was typically possible combine operations freely with operands, rather than being restricted to using certain addressing modes with certain instructions. This property made programming relatively easy for humans, and also made it easier to write code generators for compilers.
Whats this means is that the software (assembly language?) instructions that ISRO wrote for MC68000 would be compatible with the Vikram processor.
ISRO does not need the latest quad core processors. You dont need a bus linked arrayed processors in a launch vehicle u nless you want to solve CFD problems halfway up the air.
I had given a example of valve control in my earlier post. That could possible be one of a myriad of tasks a single processor can do.
Another example would be to monitor the temparaure of the cryogenic fuel. Typically sensors would monitor the temparature of the tanks and send the value to the processor which would check if it is ok. When a anomaly is sensed , (a leak ? ) the processor would send an interrupt which could mean a aborted launch or a self-destruct operation depending on where the vehicle is. And there could be hundreds of such a parameters.
And note that ISRO need not be the only recipient of processor. If AAD requires on-board processing then maybe there too?