VEGA AS2161 is a high-performance 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, which is configured to meet high computing requirements in a spectrum of applications of the current times. It is of the VEGA family of processors, an Indian project under the Microprocessor Development Programme through the Centre of Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY). Basing their implementation on the open-source RISC-V 64G (RV64IMAFD), the architecture has introduced an open source, versatile and high-performance software platform to the embedded and high-throughput computing market.
VEGA AS2161 Dual-core Microprocessor Specifications:
At its core, the AS2161 features a dual-core out-of-order processing engine with a 13–16 stage pipeline, enabling it to handle complex instructions efficiently and deliver strong processing performance. Advanced features like branch prediction (BTB, BHT, RAS), separate instruction and data memories under a Harvard architecture, and a robust memory subsystem with Linux support make it well-suited for modern operating system environments. It also has three-quarters of an inch single and double-precision floating point support, a full-fledged Memory Management Unit (MMU), programmable multi-level caches (L1/L2), state-of-the-art IEEE 754-conforming floating point engine.
Besides raw performance, the AS2161 has a wide range of features on the system, including vectored interrupts, enhanced integrated debug support (JTAG, HW/SW breakpoints, Eclipse/GDB chain), and up to 127 interrupt lines. These render it suitable for development, testing and its implementation in complex systems. Due to this performance, flexibility and open-architecture, the VEGA AS2161 can be used in media servers, single board computers, storage, networking, and other applications that demand high throughput and efficient multi-tasking.
Key features of DHRUV64
Software support and availability:
Linux can also be used on the VEGA AS2161 due to its built-in support of the MMU and virtual memory, thus making it run regular Linux applications and services. The offering of development is facilitated by RISC-V GNU toolchains to C/C++ programs via the available SDK and BSP for system bring-up. Software development and debugging may also be easily performed with the help of the processor that supports JTAG-oriented debugging with such programs as GDB and OpenOCD. Along with Linux, embedded and real-time applications may have support for lightweight RTOS options on RISC-V platforms.
DHRUV64 Driving India’s Indigenous Chip Roadmap
The VEGA AS2161 does not have a publicly listed price on the official website. It is not sold as a regular off-the-shelf chip and is mainly available through C-DAC and authorised partners for research, evaluation, and product development under the Government of India’s Microprocessor Development Programme. Interested users or companies typically need to contact C-DAC directly to request pricing, samples, or access via development platforms and reference designs.
Niladri Chowdhury