Researchers from SEECS taped-out first indigenously designed RISC-V microprocessor

NUST family congratulates Dr Rehan Ahmed (Principal Investigator) and his team members including Mr Shaheer Sajid, Mr Qazi Shahid Ullah, Mr Abdul Moeed and Mr Syed Talha Imam from SEECS for successfully taping-out their indigenously designed RISC-V based embedded microprocessor.

NUST, as a research-intensive Institute, is actively involved in pursuing applied research projects to support self-reliance. In line with our fabless design strategy, the microprocessor chip has been fabricated from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using a 65nm design process. The unique aspect of the project is its completely home-grown RTL design which makes it truly indigenous and unique in comparison to using open-source cores. The project is a step towards our Quaid’s vision of self-reliance and is a timely intervention that will help reduce the dependence on foreign sources for microprocessor requirements in the long run.

Our heartfelt felicitations are also extended to the project management team including Pro-Rector (Academics) Dr Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector (Research, Innovation & Commercialisation), Dr Rizwan Riaz, Principal and Dean SEECS Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan SI (M), and Associate Dean Electrical Engineering Dr Hassaan Khaliq Qureshi.