In a surprise announcement last year, Wave Computing revealed their plans to open source MIPS architecture, and more specifically the new MIPS Release 6 architecture. The company has now started to deliver the goods with the release of the first MIPS Open Program components.
Specific components of the first release include:
- MIPS ISA – The latest R6 version of the MIPS 32-and-64-bit architecture, including extensions such as virtualization, multi-threading, SIMD, DSP and microMIPS code compression
- MIPS Open Tools – Integrated development environment for embedded real-time operating systems and Linux-based systems for embedded products that enable developers to build, debug and deploy applications on MIPS-based hardware and software platforms;
- MIPS Open Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)– A complete training program for community members that includes:
- Getting Started Package – Provides the MIPS FPGA system as a set of Verilog files, plus an overview and instructions on how to use the MIPS FPGA system;
- Labs – Includes 25 hands-on labs that help developers explore the MIPS architecture and system-level designs;
- SoC Tutorials – Step-by-step direction on how to build a system-on-chip design based on the MIPS Open FPGA using an open source Linux operating system;
- RTL Code for the MIPS microAptiv core – Sample (non-commercial) code enables developers to explore microarchitecture features.
All resources can be downloaded on MIPS Open website after signing-up, accepting the license agreement, and waiting for approval within 3 working days.
The next release should include “commercial production verified microAptiv uC and uP Cores” with RTL code for the MIPS microAptiv cores as well as new features for the development environment. The company also plans to host MIPS Open Developer Days in the coming months.

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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