What is OpenSPARC?
Open-source software? Sure, everyone has heard of that. We all take advantage of it as we navigate through the Internet (OpenSolaris, Java, Linux, Apache, Perl, etc.) and even when we sit down to relax with TiVo (Linux) or watch a Blu-Ray disc (Java). But open-source hardware ... eh? What is open-source hardware?! Small amounts of computer hardware Intellectual Property (IP) have been available for many years in open-source form, typically as circuit descriptions written in an RTL (Register Transfer Level) language such as Verilog or VHDL. However, until now, few large hardware designs have been available in open-source form. One of the most complex designs imaginable is for a complete microprocessor; with the notable exception of the LEON 32-bit SPARC processor, none have been available in open-source form until recently. In March 2006, the complete design of Sun Microsystems' UltraSPARC T1 microprocessor was released-in open-source form, it was named OpenSPARC T1. In early 2008, its successor, OpenSPARC T2, was also released in open-source form. These were the first (and still only) 64-bit microprocessors ever open-sourced. They were also the first (and still only) CMT (chip multithreaded) microprocessors ever open-sourced. Both designs are freely available from the OpenSPARC website, http://www.OpenSPARC.net, to anyone. These downloads include not only the processor design source code but also simulation tools, design verification suites, Hypervisor source code, and other helpful tools. Variants that easily synthesize for FPGA targets are also available.
History of OpenSPARC
Sun Microsystems began shipping the UltraSPARC T1 chip multithreaded (CMT) processor in December 2005. Sun surprised the industry by announcing that it would not only ship the processor but also open-source that processor - a first in the industry. By March 2006, UltraSPARC T1 had been open-sourced in a distribution called OpenSPARC T1. In 2007, Sun began shipping its newer, more advanced UltraSPARC T2 processor, and open-sourced the bulk of that design as OpenSPARC T2.The "source code" for both designs offered on OpenSPARC.net is comprehensive, including not just millions of lines of the hardware description language (Verilog, a form of "register transfer logic"-RTL) for these microprocessors, but also scripts to compile ("synthesize") that source code into hardware implementations, source code of processor and full-system simulators, prepackaged operating system images to boot on the simulators, source code to the Hypervisor software layer, a large suite of verification software, and thousands of pages of architecture and implementation specification documents.
OpenSPARC.net is the genesis of a vision by engineers, technologists, evangelists, and executives at Sun Microsystems, Inc. to create a larger community where open conversations and collaborative development projects spawn dramatic innovations around chip design. Individual programmers as well as representatives from Universities, industry associations, supporting software companies, foundries, entrepreneurs, large corporations and visionaries have already begun to participate in this expanded community.
SPARC stands for Scalable Processor ARchitecture. The technology is based on pioneering research around RISC at the University of California, Berkeley. It has been the basis of Sun's premiere line of servers since its introduction the Sun 4/260 and 4/280, in mid-1987 and then as the Campus-1 "pizza box" in 1989. That year, Sun transferred the ownership of the SPARC specifications to SPARC International, who continues to license the technology and manage compliance testing for the trademark today. SPARC has had a long history of openness. Take a look at Dawn of OpenSPARC.
Goals of the OpenSPARC Initiative
- To significantly increase participation in processor
architecture development and application design by making cutting-edge
hardware intellectual property freely available.
- To eliminate barriers to the next big build-out of the Internet.
- To improve collaboration and cooperation among hardware designers.
- To enable community members to build on proven technology at a markedly lower cost.
- To encourage innovation.
- To foster bringing bold new products to market.
What OpenSPARC Means to You
As a developer
Opening the UltraSPARC T1 & UltraSPARC T2 source code lets developers create innovative software applications faster, and with a higher degree of hardware integration than ever before. Software developers will now be able to create highly optimized applications that are tightly integrated with the hardware, creating unique, high-value solutions for specific markets.
As a customer
Opening the UltraSPARC T1 & UltraSPARC T2 source code helps create an environment that will speed the development of new, thread-rich applications. Customers will enjoy more choices and shorter development cycles.
As an OEM
Opening the UltraSPARC T1 & UltraSPARC T2 source code gives OEMs the opportunity to create unique solutions built on a proven architecture. OEM's can apply their expertise in hardware design to create new, high-value solutions for specific customers and markets rapidly.
As a foundry or silicon provider
A 64-bit, Chip Multi-threaded (CMT), SPARC architecture design point is now freely available for innovation and quick productization.
As a student or professor in academia
A modern, real (not "toy") design -- OpenSPARC can boot real off-the-shelf commercial operating systems (e.g.Solaris, Linux, FreeBSD). Use a real design for your study or research.
Join us - take part in new synergies that take place, and contribute to new solutions as they unfold. Help us stretch existing technology into the next generation. The more time and energy you have to interact with opensparc.net community members, the more exposure you'll gain among your peers. The return investment can come in a variety of ways, including the reputation you or your organization earn through leadership roles and contributions to the site and, perhaps more importantly, the market pulse and community needs you discover and leverage.
It's time to open doors to collaboration around chip design. Help spread the word OpenSPARC.net is a home for making this happen.
Testimonials
See what people have said about OpenSPARC.
Learn from the real chip
Explore the code that works. Learn techniques that have been tested to create low-power, highly productive chips.
Get Involved and Contribute
See how you can contribute to OpenSPARC.
|
Get Informed 
