To boost the indigenisation of India’s defence technology, DRDO has tasked Accord Software with developing an entirely local receiver chip, as required by ISRO’s NavIC.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commissioned Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL) to develop an indigenous receiver chip to access and distribute Indian time using ISRO’s Indian Constellation (NavIC) satellite system.
DRDO is developing a receiver chip for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), while ISRO provides NavIC and aims to make it widely available, offering directional mapping through GPS.
To develop this chip, Accord Software has been tasked with creating a custom timing system for NavIC. ASSPL confirmed they are developing an entirely Indian-made receiver for defence and commercial use. However, no financial details of the deal was disclosed.
The Bengaluru-based chip developer additionally stated that the recent development would significantly benefit the defence sector, as transitioning to Indian-made receivers would give the sector total control. It also noted that the 24-month project commenced on July 1.
The IRNSS via NavIC currently relies on the US GPS to map land, rail, and air users. It was explained that the need for this initiative emerged from the Kargil War experience when India’s request to the US for access to GPS technology for area information was denied.
ASSPL is one of seven private firms that have partnered with DRDO under the Technology Development Fund. Recently, it also announced a project with Craftlogic Labs to develop an in-flight icing detection system.
Furthermore, DRDO is collaborating with other Indian MSMEs on projects such as indigenous simulation toolkits, underwater UAVs, long-range remote vehicles, radar processors, and smart textiles.
