IcePi Zero is an open-source project aiming to create an FPGA-based equivalent of the Raspberry Pi Zero. Using a Lattice iCE40UP5k FPGA, it replicates the Pi Zero's form factor and many of its features, including GPIO, SPI, I2C, and a micro SD card slot. The project intends to be a low-cost, flexible alternative to the Pi Zero, allowing for hardware customization and experimentation. It currently supports running a RISC-V softcore processor and aims to achieve software compatibility with some Raspberry Pi distributions in the future.
Dalus, a YC W25 startup building high-speed, high-precision industrial robots, is seeking a Founding Software Engineer. This engineer will develop software for designing and simulating the robots' complex hardware systems. Responsibilities include creating tools for mechanism design, motion planning, and system analysis, as well as building internal software infrastructure. Ideal candidates have a strong background in robotics, mechanics, and software development, experience with C++ and Python, and a desire to work on challenging technical problems in a fast-paced startup environment.
The Hacker News comments discuss the Dalus job posting, focusing on the unusual combination of FPGA, hardware design, and web technologies. Several commenters express skepticism and confusion about the specific requirements, questioning the need for TypeScript and React experience for a role heavily focused on low-level FPGA and hardware interaction. Some speculate about the potential applications, suggesting possibilities like robotics or control systems, while others wonder if the web technologies are intended for a control/monitoring interface rather than core functionality. There's a general sense of intrigue about the project but also concern that the required skillset is too broad, potentially leading to a diluted focus and difficulty finding suitable candidates. The high salary is also noted, with speculation that it reflects the demanding nature of the role and the niche expertise required.
Spade is a hardware description language (HDL) focused on correctness and maintainability. It leverages Python's syntax and ecosystem to provide a familiar and productive development environment. Spade emphasizes formal verification through built-in model checking and simulation capabilities, aiming to catch bugs early in the design process. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous designs and compiles to synthesizable Verilog, allowing integration with existing hardware workflows. The project aims to simplify hardware design and verification, making it more accessible and less error-prone.
Hacker News users discussed Spade's claimed benefits, expressing skepticism about its performance compared to Verilog/SystemVerilog and its ability to attract a community. Some questioned the practical advantages of Python integration, citing existing Python-based HDL tools. Others pointed out the difficulty of breaking into the established HDL ecosystem, suggesting the language would need to offer significant improvements to gain traction. A few commenters expressed interest in learning more, particularly regarding formal verification capabilities and integration with existing tools. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious curiosity, with several users highlighting the challenges Spade faces in becoming a viable alternative to existing HDLs.
This blog post details the initial phase of a project to design an open-source, multi-gigabit Ethernet switch using readily available components. The author outlines their motivation, stemming from the limited availability and high cost of such switches, especially for homelab environments. They choose the Marvell Amethyst family of switch chips due to their performance, feature set, and relatively accessible documentation. This first stage focuses on bring-up and basic functionality, using a simple development board with an Amethyst chip and an FPGA for initial control and testing. The author describes their progress in setting up the hardware and software tools, establishing communication with the chip, and configuring basic register settings for PHY initialization and link establishment. Future work will involve implementing more advanced switching features and integrating a proper network stack.
Hacker News users generally expressed enthusiasm for the open-source Ethernet switch project, praising the author's ambition and thorough approach to the complex task. Several commenters with networking experience offered specific technical suggestions and insights, including recommendations for alternative chipsets, PHY considerations, and FPGA design choices. Some questioned the long-term viability of the project given the competitive landscape and the resources required for such an undertaking. Others discussed potential use cases, like homelabbing, educational purposes, and niche applications requiring specialized features. The feasibility of achieving wire-speed performance and the potential challenges of software development were also recurring themes. A few users pointed out similar projects, providing valuable context and potential avenues for collaboration.
This presentation explores the potential of using AMD's NPU (Neural Processing Unit) and Xilinx Versal AI Engines for signal processing tasks in radio astronomy. It focuses on accelerating the computationally intensive beamforming and pulsar searching algorithms critical to this field. The study investigates the performance and power efficiency of these heterogeneous computing platforms compared to traditional CPU-based solutions. Preliminary results demonstrate promising speedups, particularly for beamforming, suggesting these architectures could significantly improve real-time processing capabilities and enable more advanced radio astronomy research. Further investigation into optimizing data movement and exploiting the unique architectural features of these devices is ongoing.
HN users discuss the practical applications of FPGAs and GPUs in radio astronomy, particularly for processing massive data streams. Some express skepticism about AMD's ROCm platform's maturity and ease of use compared to CUDA, while acknowledging its potential. Others highlight the importance of open-source tooling and the possibility of using AMD's heterogeneous compute platform for real-time processing and beamforming. Several commenters note the significant power consumption challenges in this field, with one suggesting the potential of optical processing as a future solution. The scarcity of skilled FPGA developers is also mentioned as a potential bottleneck. Finally, some discuss the specific challenges of pulsar searching and RFI mitigation, emphasizing the need for flexible and powerful processing solutions.
Dmitry Grinberg created a remarkably minimal Linux computer using just three 8-pin chips: an ATtiny85 microcontroller, a serial configuration PROM, and a voltage regulator. The ATtiny85 emulates a RISC-V CPU, running a custom Linux kernel compiled for this simulated architecture. While performance is limited due to the ATtiny85's resources, the system is capable of interactive use, including running a shell and simple programs, demonstrating the feasibility of a functional Linux system on extremely constrained hardware. The project highlights clever memory management and peripheral emulation techniques to overcome the limitations of the hardware.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and limitations of the 8-pin Linux computer. Several commenters questioned the usefulness of such a minimal system, pointing out its lack of persistent storage and limited I/O capabilities. Others were impressed by the technical achievement, praising the author's ingenuity in fitting Linux onto such constrained hardware. The discussion also touched on the definition of "running Linux," with some arguing that a system without persistent storage doesn't truly run an operating system. Some commenters expressed interest in potential applications like embedded systems or educational tools. The lack of networking capabilities was also noted as a significant limitation. Overall, the reaction was a mix of admiration for the technical feat and skepticism about its practical value.
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.
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.
This paper explores Karatsuba matrix multiplication as a lower-complexity alternative to Strassen's algorithm, particularly for hardware implementations. It proposes optimized Karatsuba formulations for 2x2, 3x3, and 4x4 matrices, aiming to reduce the number of multiplications and additions required. The authors then introduce efficient hardware architectures for these formulations, leveraging parallelism and resource sharing to achieve high throughput and low latency. They compare their designs with existing Strassen-based implementations, demonstrating competitive performance with significantly reduced hardware complexity, making Karatsuba a viable option for resource-constrained environments like embedded systems and FPGAs.
HN users discuss the practical implications of the Karatsuba algorithm for matrix multiplication, questioning its real-world advantages over Strassen's algorithm, especially given the overhead of recursion and the complexities of hardware implementation. Some express skepticism about achieving the claimed performance gains, citing Strassen's wider adoption and existing optimized implementations. Others point out the potential benefits of Karatsuba in specific contexts like embedded systems or systolic arrays, where its simpler structure might be advantageous. The discussion also touches upon the challenges of implementing efficient hardware for either algorithm and the need to consider factors like memory access patterns and data dependencies. A few commenters highlight the theoretical interest of the paper and the potential for further optimizations.
The MSXbook OneChipMSX is a compact, portable MSX2 computer contained within a book-like form factor. It features a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller emulating a Z80 processor, offering a faithful MSX2 experience. The system includes a membrane keyboard, a small LCD screen, integrated SD card storage for ROMs and data, and various ports for connecting peripherals like joysticks and external displays. Intended for retro gaming and MSX development, the OneChipMSX aims to provide a convenient and affordable way to enjoy the classic MSX platform.
Hacker News users discussed the OneChipMSX's appeal stemming from nostalgia for the MSX standard, particularly in Europe and South America. Several commenters reminisced about their experiences with MSX computers in their youth. Some expressed interest in the device but questioned the high price, while others debated the practicality of emulating MSX versus owning dedicated hardware. The open-source nature and FPGA implementation were praised. There was some discussion about potential use cases like introducing younger generations to retro computing or connecting to CRT televisions for an authentic experience. The lack of a built-in keyboard was also noted.
Eli Lipsitz has introduced Game Bub, an open-source handheld console built around a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) designed for accurate retro game emulation. Unlike software emulation, the FPGA hardware recreates the original consoles' logic, offering cycle-accurate performance. The device features a 3.5-inch LCD, familiar gamepad controls, and a MicroSD card slot for ROMs. All design files, including the hardware schematics, FPGA code, and 3D-printable case designs, are available on GitHub, enabling others to build, modify, and improve the project. While currently focused on Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles, future expansion to other systems is possible.
Hacker News users discussed the Game Bub, an open-source FPGA retro emulation handheld. Several commenters expressed excitement about the project, praising its open-source nature and the potential for customization. Some questioned the choice of using an iCE40 FPGA, considering its limited resources compared to other options, particularly for more demanding systems like the PlayStation. The project's reliance on a soft CPU core for some systems also drew some skepticism about performance. Others raised concerns about battery life and the overall cost, but many remained optimistic about the Game Bub's potential, especially for simpler 8-bit and 16-bit systems. There was interest in seeing future updates and improvements to the project.
The "R1 Computer Use" document outlines strict computer usage guidelines for a specific group (likely employees). It prohibits personal use, unauthorized software installation, and accessing inappropriate content. All computer activity is subject to monitoring and logging. Users are responsible for keeping their accounts secure and reporting any suspicious activity. The policy emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property and adhering to licensing agreements. Deviation from these rules may result in disciplinary action.
Hacker News commenters on the "R1 Computer Use" post largely focused on the impracticality of the system for modern usage. Several pointed out the extremely slow speed and limited storage, making it unsuitable for anything beyond very basic tasks. Some appreciated the historical context and the demonstration of early computing, while others questioned the value of emulating such a limited system. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of preserving old software and hardware, with commenters noting the difficulty in finding working components and the expertise required to maintain these systems. A few expressed interest in the educational aspects, suggesting its potential use for teaching about the history of computing or demonstrating fundamental computer concepts.
AMD is integrating RF-sampling data converters directly into its Versal adaptive SoCs, starting in 2024. This integration aims to simplify system design and reduce power consumption for applications like aerospace & defense, wireless infrastructure, and test & measurement. By bringing analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion onto the same chip as the processing fabric, AMD eliminates the need for separate ADC/DAC components, streamlining the signal chain and enabling more compact, efficient systems. These new RF-capable Versal SoCs are intended for direct RF sampling, handling frequencies up to 6GHz without requiring intermediary downconversion.
The Hacker News comments express skepticism about the practicality of AMD's integration of RF-sampling data converters directly into their Versal SoCs. Commenters question the real-world performance and noise characteristics achievable with such integration, especially given the potential interference from the digital logic within the SoC. They also raise concerns about the limited information provided by AMD, particularly regarding specific performance metrics and target applications. Some speculate that this integration might be aimed at specific niche markets like phased array radar or electronic warfare, where tight integration is crucial. Others wonder if this move is primarily a strategic play by AMD to compete more directly with Xilinx, now owned by AMD, in areas where Xilinx traditionally held a stronger position. Overall, the sentiment leans toward cautious interest, awaiting more concrete details from AMD before passing judgment.
This project details the creation of a minimalist 64x4 pixel home computer built using readily available components. It features a custom PCB, an ATmega328P microcontroller, a MAX7219 LED matrix display, and a PS/2 keyboard for input. The computer boasts a simple command-line interface and includes several built-in programs like a text editor, calculator, and games. The design prioritizes simplicity and low cost, aiming to be an educational tool for understanding fundamental computer architecture and programming. The project is open-source, providing schematics, code, and detailed build instructions.
HN commenters generally expressed admiration for the project's minimalism and ingenuity. Several praised the clear documentation and the creator's dedication to simplicity, with some highlighting the educational value of such a barebones system. A few users discussed the limitations of the 4-line display, suggesting potential improvements or alternative uses like a dedicated clock or notification display. Some comments focused on the technical aspects, including the choice of components and the challenges of working with such limited resources. Others reminisced about early computing experiences and similar projects they had undertaken. There was also discussion of the definition of "minimal," comparing this project to other minimalist computer designs.
VexRiscv is a highly configurable 32-bit RISC-V CPU implementation written in SpinalHDL, specifically designed for FPGA integration. Its modular and customizable architecture allows developers to tailor the CPU to their specific application needs, including features like caches, MMU, multipliers, and various peripherals. This flexibility offers a balance between performance and resource utilization, making it suitable for a wide range of embedded systems. The project provides a comprehensive ecosystem with simulation tools, examples, and pre-configured configurations, simplifying the process of integrating and evaluating the CPU.
Hacker News users discuss VexRiscv's impressive performance and configurability, highlighting its usefulness for FPGA projects. Several commenters praise its clear documentation and ease of customization, with one mentioning successful integration into their own projects. The minimalist design and the ability to tailor it to specific needs are seen as major advantages. Some discussion revolves around comparisons with other RISC-V implementations, particularly regarding performance and resource utilization. There's also interest in the SpinalHDL language used to implement VexRiscv, with some inquiries about its learning curve and benefits over traditional HDLs like Verilog.
DeepSeek-R1 is an open-source, instruction-following large language model (LLM) designed to be efficient and customizable for specific tasks. It boasts high performance on various benchmarks, including reasoning, knowledge retrieval, and code generation. The model's architecture is based on a decoder-only transformer, optimized for inference speed and memory usage. DeepSeek provides pre-trained weights for different model sizes, along with code and tools to fine-tune the model on custom datasets. This allows developers to tailor DeepSeek-R1 to their particular needs and deploy it in a variety of applications, from chatbots and code assistants to question answering and text summarization. The project aims to empower developers with a powerful yet accessible LLM, enabling broader access to advanced language AI capabilities.
Hacker News users discuss the DeepSeek-R1, focusing on its impressive specs and potential applications. Some express skepticism about the claimed performance and pricing, questioning the lack of independent benchmarks and the feasibility of the low cost. Others speculate about the underlying technology, wondering if it utilizes chiplets or some other novel architecture. The potential disruption to the GPU market is a recurring theme, with commenters comparing it to existing offerings from NVIDIA and AMD. Several users anticipate seeing benchmarks and further details, expressing interest in its real-world performance and suitability for various workloads like AI training and inference. Some also discuss the implications for cloud computing and the broader AI landscape.
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 ( 50 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44115853
Hacker News users discussed the IcePi Zero project with interest, focusing on its potential and limitations. Several commenters questioned the "Raspberry Pi equivalent" claim, pointing out the significantly higher cost of FPGAs compared to the Pi's processor. The lack of readily available peripherals and the steeper learning curve associated with FPGA development were also mentioned as drawbacks. However, some users highlighted the benefits of FPGA flexibility for specific applications, like hardware acceleration and real-time processing, suggesting niche use cases where the IcePi Zero could be advantageous despite the cost. Others expressed excitement about the project, seeing it as an intriguing educational tool or a platform for exploring FPGA capabilities. The closed-source nature of the FPGA bitstream was also a point of discussion, with some advocating for open-source alternatives.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Icepi Zero – The FPGA Raspberry Pi Zero Equivalent" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments.
Many users expressed excitement and interest in the project, praising the creator for their work and ingenuity. Several commenters focused on the potential applications of such a device, particularly in areas like embedded systems, hardware hacking, and education. The small form factor and low cost were frequently cited as appealing features.
A recurring theme in the comments was the comparison to the Raspberry Pi Zero. While acknowledging the similarities in size and target audience, several users pointed out key differences. Some highlighted the FPGA's reconfigurability as a significant advantage over the fixed-functionality of the Raspberry Pi's processor, allowing for greater flexibility and customization. Others discussed the potential performance benefits and power efficiency that could be achieved with an FPGA, though some cautioned that realizing these benefits often requires specialized hardware design knowledge.
Some commenters inquired about the specifics of the Icepi Zero's hardware, including the FPGA chip used, available I/O, and power consumption. There were also questions about the software toolchain and the ease of development for the platform. The creator actively participated in the discussion, providing answers to these questions and engaging with the community.
A few commenters raised concerns about the project's practicality and cost-effectiveness compared to existing solutions. They questioned whether the added complexity of FPGA development would be a barrier for many users, and whether the performance gains would justify the effort in most applications. However, others argued that the Icepi Zero offered a unique combination of features and could find a niche in specific use cases.
Overall, the comments reflected a generally positive reception of the Icepi Zero. While some concerns were raised, the majority of commenters expressed enthusiasm for the project and its potential. The discussion highlighted the growing interest in FPGA technology and its potential applications in various fields.