Free Software (GNU/Linux) and Open Source Software (BSD Linux) revolutionized software development. Nearly every supercomputer since 2017 has run on blade computers and Linux. Every level of capability from a Zilog Z80 equivalent to the latest in RISC architecture is now available in Open Silicon. RISC-V,for example, is adding matrix capabilities, a bit like IBM’s matrix hardware addons to its mainframes, with APL and matrix-enabled FORTRAN.
Some RISC-V International members, such as SiFive, Andes Technology, Synopsys, Alibaba's Damo Academy, Raspberry Pi, and Akeana,[16][17] offer or have announced commercial systems on a chip (SoCs) that incorporate one or more RISC-V compatible CPU cores.[18]
Pointing the way to free and open silicon
EU-backed researchers provide recommendations and a roadmap for open-source silicon to help propel Europe into a new era of digital technology.
The EU-funded GOIT project has published recommendations and a roadmap to speed up the adoption of open-source silicon in Europe. The report highlights the way to boosting Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and making it a leader in the field. Europe’s IT hardware development is constantly hampered by obstacles such as exorbitantly priced development tools, legal constraints and political events. Added to that, the region’s digital infrastructure is heavily reliant on foreign closed-source chips, where only the creators can access and modify the design files and which have also been known to contain malicious or unintended functions. This makes hardware development costly and inefficient.
Google Silicon Initiative
The Google Open Silicon Initiative is an initiative launched by the Google Hardware Toolchains team to democratize access to custom silicon design. Google has partnered with SkyWater Technology and GlobalFoundries to open-source their Process Design Kits for 180nm, 130nm and 90nm process.[1][2] This initiative provides free software tools for chip designers to create, verify and test virtual chip circuit designs before they are physically produced in factories.[3][4][5][6] The aim of the initiative is to reduce the cost of chip designs and production, which will benefit DIY enthusiasts, researchers, universities, and chip startups. The program has gained more partners, including the US Department of Defense, which injected $15 million in funding to SkyWater, one of the manufacturers supporting the program.[7]
Silicon | Google for Developers
Modern free and open source silicon clone of Zilog's Z80. On the path to become a silicon proven, pin compatible, open-source replacement for classic Zilog Z80.
On April 15 of 2024 Zilog has announced End-of-Life for Z80, one of the most famous 8-bit CPUs of all time.
It is a time for open-source and hardware preservation community to step in with a Free and Open Source Silicon (FOSS) replacement for Zilog Z80.
GOAL: To develop a drop-in Z80 replacement in 8-bit home computers such as ZX Spectrum and recent DIY computer kits such as RC2014.
How the Silicon Commons, developed through OpenTitan, is revolutionizing chip design
I'm here to tell you about work we've been doing at
lowRISC to make open silicon a commercial reality in terms of actual shipping products. We're doing this via a process we have dubbed the Silicon Commons.
Note: Not the company Open-Silicon, which trademarked its name, but does not offer open silicon.
