# Baikal CPU > Russian microprocessor **Wikidata**: [Q20054410](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20054410) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikal_CPU) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/baikal-cpu ## Summary The Baikal CPU is a Russian microprocessor developed by Baikal Electronics and manufactured by TSMC. Incepted in 2016, this integrated circuit model features a dual-core architecture running at 1200 MHz and utilizes the MIPS instruction set. It is distinct for its fabrication using a 28 nm lithography process and its funding through Russian state corporations Rostec and Rusnano. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** Instance of an integrated circuit model and a subclass of microprocessor. * **Origin:** Country of origin is Russia. * **Development:** Developed by Baikal Electronics. * **Manufacturing:** Manufactured by TSMC using a 28 nm lithography process. * **Funding:** Funded by Rostec and Rusnano. * **Inception Date:** 2016. * **Technical Specifications:** * **Clock Frequency:** 1200 MHz (1.2 GHz). * **Cores:** 2 processor cores. * **Architecture:** 32-bit computing based on the MIPS architecture. * **Usage:** Used by supercomputers. * **Identifiers:** Freebase ID `/m/013b0yhr`. * **Media:** Associated image file `Baikal-T1.svg`. ## FAQs ### Q: Who developed and manufactures the Baikal CPU? A: The Baikal CPU was developed by the Russian company Baikal Electronics. While it is a Russian design, the physical manufacturing is handled by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company). ### Q: What are the specific technical specifications of the Baikal CPU? A: The processor features two cores and operates at a clock frequency of 1200 MHz. It is built using a 28 nm lithography process and utilizes a 32-bit computing architecture based on MIPS. ### Q: Which organizations funded the creation of the Baikal CPU? A: The development of the Baikal CPU was funded by Rostec (a Russian state corporation) and Rusnano (a Russian nanotechnology investment company). ### Q: What is the role of the Baikal CPU in high-performance computing? A: According to structured data, the Baikal CPU is listed as being used by supercomputers, indicating its application in high-performance or computational tasks. ## Why It Matters The Baikal CPU represents a significant effort in Russian technological sovereignty, aiming to reduce reliance on Western computing technology. As a microprocessor—a class of computer processor contained on an integrated-circuit chip that serves as the central component for processing data—it fits into a lineage of technology first invented in 1971 that revolutionized the size and efficiency of computers. By utilizing the MIPS architecture and securing funding from major state entities like Rostec and Rusnano, the Baikal CPU serves as a strategic asset for Russia's domestic computing needs. Its usage in supercomputers highlights its capability to handle complex data processing tasks, serving as a cornerstone for the country's digital infrastructure and industrial applications. ## Notable For * **Russian Microprocessor Development:** Being a prominent example of a Russian-designed microprocessor, distinguishing it from dominant market players like AMD and Intel. * **Strategic Funding:** Receiving financial backing from major Russian state organizations (Rostec and Rusnano), underscoring its national importance. * **MIPS Architecture Implementation:** Utilizing the MIPS architecture and 32-bit computing in an era where many competitors shifted to other architectures, making it a specific implementation of the "microprocessor" class defined as a computer processor on a single chip. * **Supercomputer Application:** Its deployment in supercomputers, a notable achievement for a processor with dual cores and a 1.2 GHz clock speed manufactured via a 28 nm process. ## Body ### Development and Origins The Baikal CPU is a Russian microprocessor that was established in 2016. It serves as an instance of an integrated circuit model and falls under the broader subclass of microprocessors. The project was developed by **Baikal Electronics**, a key player in the Russian semiconductor industry. The creation of this processor was facilitated through significant investment from **Rostec** and **Rusnano**, highlighting its role as a state-supported initiative to advance domestic electronics. ### Technical Architecture and Specifications The processor is designed to process data and execute instructions as the central component of a computer system. Key technical details include: * **Instruction Set:** It operates on the **MIPS architecture** and supports **32-bit computing**. * **Performance:** The chip runs at a **clock frequency of 1200 MHz** and contains **2 processor cores**. * **Fabrication:** The physical chip is manufactured using a **28 nm lithography process**, a method that defines the scale of the circuitry on the integrated circuit. ### Manufacturing and Ecosystem Although the entity is a Russian microprocessor, the actual manufacturing is outsourced to **TSMC** (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company). This reflects the global nature of semiconductor supply chains, where design and fabrication may occur in different geopolitical regions. The processor has been noted for its use in **supercomputers**, suggesting its integration into high-performance computing environments. ### Context within Microprocessors The Baikal CPU belongs to the category of microprocessors, a technology class defined as a computer processor contained on a single integrated-circuit chip. The concept of the microprocessor was first invented in **1971**, marking a pivotal shift in computing history by reducing size, cost, and power consumption. While the Baikal CPU is a specific model, the broader category includes famous examples such as the AMD and Intel microprocessor lines, the Fairchild F8, and the ARM Cortex-A8. The Baikal CPU contributes to this lineage by applying the principles of integrated circuit processing to specific Russian industrial and computational needs. ### Identifiers and Media The entity is tracked across various knowledge bases. Its **Freebase ID** is `/m/013b0yhr`, and it maintains a presence on Wikipedia and Commons in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Finnish, French, and Russian. Visual representation of the entity is provided through the image file `Baikal-T1.svg`.