Frequently Asked Questions Regarding OpenFPGA

What is OpenFPGA all about?

OpenFPGA is an effort undertaken by several academic, commercial, government and international organizations to further the use of field programmable gate arrays in high-performance and enterprise applications.

How can I participate in OpenFPGA?

The best way to participate in OpenFPGA is to join and contribute to the working groups which is where the majority of advances will be developed. OpenFPGA also maintains a mailing list open to all participants. This mailing list provides a means to get questions answered or to share ideas related to FPGA computing.

How do I use the OpenFPGA Wiki?

To register with the Wiki site --

  1. Click here to go to the OpenFPGA Wiki site.
  2. On the left hand side click the link that says "Register".
  3. Fill out the form and click "Submit".

What is the role of the OpenFPGA steering group?

The OpenFPGA steering group was created in early 2005 to guide the development of the OpenFPGA effort. Presently, the group helps to maintain cross-coordination among the working groups. As the OpenFPGA organization matures, the future of the steering group is undetermined.

Do I need to be a member of the steering group to make an impact?

Definitely not. The optimal place to make an impact is in the various technical and user working groups where real efforts are taking shape.

What are the future plans of OpenFPGA?

OpenFPGA Inc. continues on the vision to make adoption and incorporation of reconfigurable technology an easy decision for enterprise, high-performance and reconfigurable computing applications. The organization has working groups in operation, is building official membership and establishing the collaborative network required for success.

Is there a fee to participate in OpenFPGA?

There is no fee to subscribe to the OpenFPGA mailing list.

However, becoming an official OpenFPGA member does require a modest and affordable annual cost, $150 per individual (commercial organizations) and $100 per individual (non-commercial organizations). As a not for profit organization, this investment also funds the activities of OpenFPGA Inc. including developing standards that will move the industry forward.

Where can I find out more about becoming an OpenFPGA member?

More information on OpenFPGA membership can be found at the official OpenFPGA membership page, http://www.myopenfpga.org/

How can I sponsor OpenFPGA activities beyond individual membership?

OpenFPGA is an independent non-profit organization. As such, organizational support for OpenFPGA is warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. Sponsorships, contributions and donations will greatly accelerate efforts to reduce adoption costs and increase the use of reconfigurable technology across the computing spectrum. Support obtained by direct sponsorship, contribution or donation will help to increase the resources available to the community, support OpenFPGA activities and potentially reduce the individual membership rates.

Please contact OpenFPGA at the following location with your interest in learning more about supporting OpenFPGA.

OpenFPGA Inc.
300 College Park Avenue
Dayton, OH 45469-0187

Phone: 937/229-5506
Fax: 937/229-1555