MIT's 6.5950 Secure Hardware Design is a free and open-source course exploring the landscape of hardware security. It covers various attack models, including side-channel attacks, fault injection, and reverse engineering, while also delving into defensive countermeasures. The course features lecture videos, slides, labs with open-source tools, and assessments, providing a comprehensive learning experience for understanding and mitigating hardware vulnerabilities. It aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and secure hardware designs against sophisticated attacks.
This blog post chronicles a personal project to build a functioning 8-bit computer from scratch, entirely with discrete logic gates. Rather than using a pre-designed CPU, the author meticulously designs and implements each component, including the ALU, registers, RAM, and control unit. The project uses simple breadboards and readily available 74LS series chips to build the hardware, and a custom assembly language and assembler are developed for programming. The post details the design process, challenges faced, and ultimately demonstrates the computer running simple programs, highlighting the fundamental principles of computer architecture through a hands-on approach.
HN commenters discuss the educational value and enjoyment of Ben Eater's 8-bit computer project. Several praise the clear explanations and well-structured approach, making complex concepts accessible. Some share their own experiences building the computer, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing it work and the deeper understanding of computer architecture it provides. Others discuss potential expansions and modifications, like adding a hard drive or exploring different instruction sets. A few commenters mention alternative or similar projects, such as Nand2Tetris and building a CPU in Logisim. There's a general consensus that the project is a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in computer hardware.
Byran created a fully open-source laptop called the "Novena," featuring a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for maximum hardware customization and a transparent design philosophy. He documented the entire process, from schematic design and PCB layout to firmware development and case construction, making all resources publicly available. The project aims to empower users to understand and modify every aspect of their laptop hardware and software, offering a unique alternative to closed-source commercial devices.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the project's ambition and documentation. Several expressed admiration for the creator's dedication to open-source hardware and the educational value of the project. Some questioned the practicality and performance compared to commercially available laptops, while others focused on the impressive feat of creating a laptop from individual components. A few comments delved into specific technical aspects, like the choice of FPGA and the potential for future improvements, such as incorporating a RISC-V processor. There was also discussion around the definition of "from scratch," acknowledging that some pre-built components were necessarily used.
This blog post details a simple 16-bit CPU design implemented in Logisim, a free and open-source educational tool. The author breaks down the CPU's architecture into manageable components, explaining the function of each part, including the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), registers, memory, instruction set, and control unit. The post covers the design process from initial concept to a functional CPU capable of running basic programs, providing a practical introduction to fundamental computer architecture concepts. It emphasizes a hands-on approach, encouraging readers to experiment with the provided Logisim files and modify the design themselves.
HN commenters largely praised the Simple CPU Design project for its clarity, accessibility, and educational value. Several pointed out its usefulness for beginners looking to understand computer architecture fundamentals, with some even suggesting its use as a teaching tool. A few commenters discussed the limitations of the simplified design and potential extensions, like adding interrupts or expanding the instruction set. Others shared their own experiences with similar projects or learning resources, further emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning in this field. The project's open-source nature and use of Verilog also received positive mentions.
Researchers have developed a new transistor that could significantly improve edge computing by enabling more efficient hardware implementations of fuzzy logic. This "ferroelectric FinFET" transistor can be reconfigured to perform various fuzzy logic operations, eliminating the need for complex digital circuits typically required. This simplification leads to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient fuzzy logic hardware, ideal for edge devices with limited resources. The adaptable nature of the transistor allows it to handle the uncertainties and imprecise information common in real-world applications, making it well-suited for tasks like sensor processing, decision-making, and control systems in areas such as robotics and the Internet of Things.
Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality of the reconfigurable fuzzy logic transistor. Several questioned the claimed benefits, particularly regarding power efficiency. One commenter pointed out that fuzzy logic usually requires more transistors than traditional logic, potentially negating any power savings. Others doubted the applicability of fuzzy logic to edge computing tasks in the first place, citing the prevalence of well-established and efficient algorithms for those applications. Some expressed interest in the technology, but emphasized the need for more concrete results beyond simulations. The overall sentiment was cautious optimism tempered by a demand for further evidence to support the claims.
Summary of Comments ( 12 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43562109
HN commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for MIT offering this open-source hardware security course. Several appreciated the focus on practical attack and defense techniques, noting its relevance in an increasingly security-conscious world. Some users highlighted the course's use of open-source tools and FPGA boards, making it accessible for self-learning and experimentation. A few commenters with backgrounds in hardware security pointed out the course's comprehensiveness, covering topics like side-channel attacks, fault injection, and reverse engineering. There was also discussion about the increasing demand for hardware security expertise and the value of such a free resource.
The Hacker News post titled "MIT 6.5950 Secure Hardware Design – An open-source course on hardware attacks" has generated several comments discussing the MIT course and related topics.
Several commenters express enthusiasm for the course material. One notes the high quality of MIT OpenCourseware in general and anticipates this course will be similarly valuable. Another appreciates the focus on practical attacks and defenses, rather than purely theoretical concepts. A few users mention specific topics covered in the course that they find particularly interesting, such as side-channel attacks and Rowhammer. The open-source nature of the course is also praised, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and potentially contribute to its development.
Some comments delve into the broader implications of hardware security. One commenter highlights the increasing importance of hardware security in the context of growing cyber threats. Another discusses the challenges of designing secure hardware, considering the complexity of modern systems and the constant evolution of attack techniques. The discussion also touches upon the need for more education and training in this field, given the relative scarcity of hardware security experts.
A few commenters share personal anecdotes and experiences related to hardware security. One recounts a past experience discovering a hardware vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and verification. Another mentions the difficulty of finding comprehensive resources on hardware security, further highlighting the value of this MIT course.
One thread discusses the relationship between hardware and software security, with some arguing that hardware security forms the foundation for overall system security. Another thread focuses on the tools and techniques used in hardware security analysis, with users mentioning specific software and hardware tools they find helpful.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong interest in the topic of hardware security and an appreciation for the MIT course making this information accessible. The discussion highlights the growing importance of hardware security, the challenges involved, and the need for more education and resources in this field.