New ContributorPublication of the FPGA bitstream (.pof) as Open Source
Hello everyone,
I am reaching out here because, after directly contacting Intel’s support team, they advised me to post this question on this forum.
I am working on a project in collaboration with several research laboratories. We have developed a system based on FPGA technology, which has generated significant interest within the neuroscience community. In this context, I would like to know if it is possible to publish the bitstream (.pof) of the FPGA program as Open Source, even though it includes some Intel IP blocks that I used in the project.
A few important points:
I only want to share the bitstream (.pof) file, without the project files (any modification would therefore require purchasing the corresponding IP blocks by those who want to make changes).
The goal is to publish the complete system architecture in a scientific journal, so that the neuroscience community can easily implement this system.
Interested neuroscientists would naturally have to purchase the necessary hardware (especially the FPGA boards).
There is no commercial intent: the idea is simply to provide them with a file they can flash onto the EEPROM to use the system.
I would therefore like to know:
- Is it possible, according to the licenses and rules in force (Intel/Altera Quartus and the relevant IPs), to publish only the bitstream (.pof) as Open Source?
- Are there any specific restrictions or steps to be taken with Intel (or other rights holders) to avoid any risk of violating licenses?
Thank you in advance for your feedback and advice.
Best regards,
Laura Durieux
Hi Laura6721,
My apologies for overlooking your post. To address your questions, it is generally possible to publish a compiled FPGA bitstream (.pof) that includes Intel IP cores as "open-source," provided that the IP cores used in your design are properly licensed. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Intel IP Licensing: If you have obtained the necessary production licenses for the Intel IP cores used in your project, you are allowed to distribute the compiled bitstream (.pof) without violating Intel's licensing terms. This is similar to shipping a pre-programmed FPGA device, the end-user can flash the bitstream onto their hardware, but they cannot modify or extract the proprietary IP.
Restrictions: The bitstream can only be shared in binary form, without the source project files. This ensures that others who wish to modify the design will need to purchase the appropriate IP licenses from Intel. The IP itself remains closed and protected within the bitstream.
Steps to Follow:
Ensure that all the IP cores included in your design are licensed for production use (not in evaluation mode).
In your publication or accompanying documentation, make it clear that the bitstream includes proprietary Intel IP cores and cannot be modified without obtaining the necessary IP licenses.
You can include a disclaimer such as: “This FPGA bitstream includes licensed Intel® FPGA IP cores. Modifications to the design require an appropriate Intel license.”
Intel’s Approval: Generally, there is no requirement to seek formal approval from Intel to distribute the bitstream, as long as you comply with the licensing terms. However, it's always a good practice to double-check the specifics of your IP license if you're unsure.
In summary, you can proceed to share the .pof file openly with the neuroscience community for non-commercial use, as long as the IP cores are properly licensed. Just be mindful of the restrictions related to IP modifications.
Please feel free to reach out if you need further clarification.
Regards,
Fakhrul
