OpenCores aims for 'super-low-cost' ASIC design

OpenCores, a community website for the development of hardware IP cores as open source, has set up a donation website to gather funds for an open-source ASIC based on the OpenRISC processor.

The donation site, which aims to design a 'super-low-cost' SoC ASIC component, provides more information about the project claiming to have already received contributions totalling nearly Rs.6.70 lakh ($15,000) from around 330 people and organisations.

OpenCores is the host for source code for different digital hardware projects such as IP-cores, SoC and boards as well as providing support with different tools, platforms, forums and other useful information

Its latest initiative is seen as a challenge to the industry for a flat-price ASIC regardless of volumes. According to OpenCores, the price level will be set based on the accumulated annual volume, which means all—and not just high-volume buyers—will benefit if the volumes go up.

OpenCores says this move to increase overall volumes in hopes of reducing unit costs will be a joint effort. The project will also allow smaller companies to compete with larger companies on fair conditions and get the same price for the ASIC.

The plan is to develop a complete SoC design and implement it into an ASIC component, and then offer it back to the OpenCores community as a 'super-low-cost' OR1200 processor-based SoC ASIC component that can be used to develop commercial products without any restrictions or royalties. A development board will also be created using this OpenRISC-ASIC.

- Colin Holland
  EE Times