Gabriel L. Somlo aims to create a Free/OpenSource computer system using fully available HDL and Software sources. The system is built on an FPGA to ensure trustworthiness and security against Privilege Escalation hardware backdoors. By using Free/OpenSource tools, he reduces the attack surface during fabrication and focuses on auditable sources for a trustworthy final product. Some resources and early experiments related to this project are provided, highlighting the importance of open tools and components. Mention of the lowRISC project’s reliance on closed-source tools and proprietary IP modules is noted. Additionally, a unique yoloRISC blinky demo SoC is included, showcasing the innovative approach to building self-hosting hardware+software stacks.
https://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~somlo/BTCP/