Open Source Hardware User Group

Event #1

An Introduction to XCore XS1 & Amino

Open source hardware is an approach to building physical objects with the principle of allowing collaborative development, use and tinkering through the liberal licensing of artefacts such as manuals, software, schematic diagrams and CAD documents. Typical open source hardware projects range from simple electronic circuits to digital and radio systems, through reprogrammable computing platforms, to hardware that combines elements of electronic, mechanical and software engineering, such as 3D printers and laser engravers.

This is the first of what is hoped will become a regular event for people with an interest in open source hardware. For the inaugural meeting we are fortunate to have presentations from Prof. David May FRS, CTO of XMOS Semiconductor, and Alan Wood of Folknology Labs.

For more information on the user group please see the OSHUG website.

XCore XS1 (XMOS)

David May will be known to many as architect of the transputer and author of the concurrent programming language, occam. As co-founder and chief technical officer of XMOS Semiconductor, he will be providing an introduction to the XCore XS1 microprocessor architecture and the associated development environment. [actual abstract TBC]

XMOS is a fabless semiconductor company that develops multi-core multi-threaded processors designed to execute several real-time tasks, DSP, and control flow all at once. XMOS coined the term software-defined silicon, and this can be seen as midway between FPGA and MCU. However, unlike an FPGA there is no requirement for a complex HDL toolchain, and C and C++ can be employed in development, with XMOS extensions to C for concurrency (XC).

Amino (Folknology Labs)

Amino: a networked creator tool for hardware and software production. XMOS software-defined silicon technology serves to blur the line between software and hardware, and Amino uses this technology to further blur the line between prototyping and production. Amino is also Internet native, event driven and optimised for concurrency, and may be seen as a building block for networked open source hardware creation.

Alan Wood - a.k.a. Folknology - originally trained in systems engineering, got lost in software engineering and open source for a decade, before returning back to his hardware roots via the open source hardware and makers movement that has gathered momentum over the last few years. Al's interest lay in pushing the envelope for open source hardware/software production and agility: "We are approaching a tipping point where open source and open creation physically changes the real world not just the virtual world. With Amino we are selling a creative tool, not a finished product. We are selling possibilities. The participant decides what runs on it, not us. We just give them as much as we can to help them through that process.".

At the conclusion of the formal part we plan to head across the road to a pub, for open discussion and to plan future events.

Note:

• Due to security arrangements it is vital that people arrive on time, or if possible slightly early - any time from 17:45 is fine. If there is nobody on reception please call 020 7960 1771 for access.
• If capacity is reached and you would like to attend please contact us, we'll put you on a waiting list and may arrange a larger venue if there is sufficient demand.