[svlug] j-core vs RISC-V

[Ivan Sergio Borgonovo]

On 05/08/2017 08:37 PM, Rick Moen wrote:
> Quoting Ivan Sergio Borgonovo (mail at webthatworks.it):

> I'm pretty sure I cited the LWN.net coverage in this space at the time,
> but here it is again:
> https://lwn.net/Articles/647636/

This makes it a bit clearer but I'm still wondering.
Fortunately current simple processors could run a lot of things and you 
could hope they will be able to run even more but it is painfully hard 
and barely useful to live isolated.

eg. you build up your home server, usual stuff, file server, email, tor, 
git repository. But then you access those files from your workstation 
where you compile your software.

It is a good starting and could probably be a necessary one, but then 
you'll have to delegate your trust at some point. That point will 
theoretically neutralize all your effort to be so strict on openness.
Theoretically even not being so strict will neutralize all your effort 
to be safe.

RISC-V doesn't mandate you've to build a CPU with some closed part, you 
may do so, it use BSD like open license and it is already not patent 
encumbered as j-core. SiFive FE310 seems to be completely open.

I haven't been able to understand if RISC-V can run Linux.

At this point I'd say the major advantage of j-core over RISC-V could be 
its ancestry that has pros (some software, the "Why recreate existing 
architecture? in their 2015 session) and cons (older architecture).

That doesn't diminish my uttermost respect for Dionne, Landley, and 
Kawasaki.
My point is not arguing which is best. I'd like understand if:

>> Do you think there is any chance to see large deployment of Linux on a
>> new architecture?
>
> You asked that of Rob, not me, but here's my take on that:
>
> There's always been room in Linux space for non-mass-market interests.
> It's just a matter of a modest investment of money, like initial design
> and batch-production runs of open-design SoCs, and significant

You're not replying to my question.
Yeah I agree with your point... still...

-- 
Ivan Sergio Borgonovo
http://www.webthatworks.it http://www.borgonovo.net