HACKER Q&A
📣 roschdal

Open-Source Simple CPU?


Is there a open source simple CPU? Preferably Intel compatible or able to run Linux? Something I can build in my garage or in a simple microprocessor fab.

https://github.com/google/skywater-pdk

  👤 RetroTechie Accepted Answer ✓
Have a look at OpenCores.org, or some of the smaller RISC-V cores out there (most of which should be Linux capable).

x86 hasn't been "simple" since around the 286 days. IC fabs even less.

Plz. define "build in my garage"? Fabricate IC's? Build cpu from heaps of discrete transistors? Implement on programmable logic eg. FPGA?

Is "Linux capable" a requirement? Again: kinda conflicts with "simple" - especially considering other things needed to make a working system (screen or serial console, keyboard etc). A small RTOS may be more up your alley.

If custom IC: a rough estimate of transistor budget would help. And what peripherals or memory you'd want integrated (if any).

👤 bjourne
Yes, google for risc-v cores. There are literally hundreds of them. Some you can build on breadboards even.