Free and open-source hardware refers not so much to the manufactured devices, but to the design specifications, including mechanical drawings, schematics, layout data, associated software source codes, and so on.
Source codes for open hardware should be readily accessible, and its components are easily obtainable. Users with access to the design specifications and source codes can update and improve the code, as well as modify the design of the device or object, and share their results. Free and open-source hardware licenses permit others to obtain and study these designs, redistribute them, modify them, and then distribute the modifications, whether for free or for sale.
Similar to software, hardware designs are subject to copyright and patent protection laws. As with open-source software, open-source hardware creators use these laws to make their designs publicly accessible. Some free and open-source hardware projects use existing software licenses, while others opt to use the Creative Commons by Attribution licenses, some of which were designed to protect works of art.
Unlike proprietary hardware, open-source hardware has to be accompanied by documentation, including the design files and the source codes of any software that might be incorporated into the design. Additionally, the license that governs the hardware must allow for the modification and distribution of these design files. In projects for which there is interest, this encourages and speeds up the process of troubleshooting and improving the hardware design.
Use of free and open-source software has increased greatly in recent years, including its use by governmental bodies, organizations, and businesses. While still within the fringe, the use of free and open-source hardware is also blossoming.
As technology advances more and more electronics and other gadgets are being locked down by licenses and warranties that restrict what end users can do with the things that they have purchased, sometimes even to the point where minor problems can be fixed only by people authorized by the manufacturer or license holder. Largely, this is because more gadgets are digitized than in the recent past, and proprietary copyrights prevent users from making any changes to the software that powers the hardware.
We can see this in the cars that we drive today. Frequently now, we encounter problems that can only be repaired by an authorized dealer.
While dependent upon proprietary hardware, businesses have to adjust to the hardware's capabilities rather than adjusting the hardware so that it meets the needs of the company that purchased it.
That problem is alleviated through free and open-source hardware because in-house technicians are free to view the design documentation, including any applicable source codes, and to modify the equipment to meet the specific needs of the company.
Topics related to free and/or open-source hardware are the focus of resources that are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Offering a wide range of software tools, hardware platforms, and technical documentation, Arduino plays a large role in the open-source hardware and software ecosystem. The open-source hardware and software company also supports a user community that designs and manufactures single-board micro controllers and micro controller kits for digital devices, licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License or the GNU General Public License. An online store is included.
https://www.arduino.cc/
A project of the Free and Open Source Silicon (FOSSi) Foundation, a volunteer organization charged with giving a voice to the digital hardware design community, LibreCores is a gateway to free and open-source digital designs and other components, advancing the idea of OpenCores in supplying a venue to share projects, ideas, and information. A guide to publishing and documenting code is reported, and information about its services, projects, and programs are included.
https://www.librecores.org/
Michigan Tech Open Source Hardware
The student-run organization is dedicated to the development of open source hardware, including the design and prototype, production, publishing, and collaboration with the larger community. Its projects include GM 3D printer automation, high-temperature printers, granulators, recyclebots, and others. Its rates are published to the site, an order form is included, the crew is recognized, and credits, contacts are posted.
http://openhardware.eit.mtu.edu/
MySensors is a free and open-source do-it-yourself (DIY) software framework for wireless Internet of Things devices, allowing them to communicate through radio transmitters. The site offers build instructions, ready-to-use code examples, and adaptable open-source hardware designs, all of which runs on the MySensors software library for tested communications. An overview of the framework is put forth, downloads are available, and there is a discussion forum.
https://www.mysensors.org/
Formed in 2011, the OCP shares designs of data center products among several large social media and tech companies, its purpose being to design and enable the delivery of efficient server, storage, and data center hardware designs for scalable computing. Maintained by the Open Compute Project Foundation, a Delaware corporation, the OCP is involved in several projects, with an emphasis on efficiency, scalability, openness, and impact. Membership information and event calendars are posted.
https://www.opencompute.org/
Online since 1999, OpenCores is an online community focused on the development of gateway intellectual properties (IP) cores, and a place where such cores are shared and promoted in the community spirit of free and open-source collaboration. Although a commercially owned organization, core users of OpenCare established the Free and Open Source Silicon Foundation, and the organization is often cited as an example of open-source in the electronics hardware community.
https://opencores.org/
OpenEVSE is an Arduino-based electric vehicle charger created by Christopher Howell, composed of open-source software and hardware, which can be made DIY. Its charging stations, kits, and parts are highlighted, with documentation. A knowledge base, source codes, and a discussion forum are put forth, along with guides to its standard and advanced series, and an online store, as well as a profile of the company, including contacts.
https://www.openevse.com/
The site identifies, tracks, and reviews various open hardware projects, particularly those created by the MySensors community, but readers are encouraged to share any type of open hardware or DIY electronic projects. OS hardware creators may receive donations from other community members, or commissions from designs that are sold through the site's manufacturing partners. Prices on PCB fabrication and assembly may be compared, and a discussion forum is included.
https://www.openhardware.io/
OsciPrime is an open-source Android high-speed data acquisition hardware platform and Android oscilloscope application, with all of the layers of the project (hardware, firmware, and software) documented in great detail. Using USB, the hardware plugs into Android devices that support the USB host. Together with the OsciPrime Android oscilloscope application, it turns the mobile device or tablet into a high-speed data acquisition system. The project, its specifications, and source are featured.
http://osciprime.com/
