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Open Source 3D Hardware
An anonymous submitter writes: "Open Source haven icculus.org has updated with a new project: Manticore. Different from most Open Source projects however, Manticore is hardware. It is a 3D graphics acceleration design, coded in VHDL. Although still fairly early in development, its goals are similar to those of other 3D cores, from companies like NVIDIA and ATI. The project includes an SDRAM controller for storage, and a VGA unit for display, in addition to the 3D rendering core. It is available under the Design Science License. Source, Documentation and other information available at the Manticore Homepage."
Why dont they put it on Open Cores?
Thats where all open hardware projects are.
Mouse powered Chips, Open source Processors and Lego
Such cards do exist. They generally cost at least a few thousand dollars though.
Also don't expect a fpga based card do outperform a dedicated circuit. Youll need an order of magnitude (at least) more silicon area to make a circuit on an fpga than on an asic, and you can never hope to match the speed.
Furthermore you will need appropiate software to synthesize and run place and route on the fpga. These generally cost from around $10000 each, Though prices are negotiable. If you can manage with less you might be able to make do with the vendor provided synthesis software, but don't expect good results. Synplicity or leonardo spectrum (to be replaced with Precision Synthesis) are the good choices.
Q: I grabbed Manticore from CVS, but it won't compile on my x86 1.8 GHz P4.
A: Manticore is a hardware project. You must fabricate the chip using the VHDL files.
Q: Help, I can't get Manticore to fab.
A: Are you using an Applied Materials Silicon Etch DPS II Centura 300 etcher? This is the only machine we have access to, we can't support other models.
Q: I produced a wafer, what next?
A: Many people use a dremel tool to cut the chip to size and mount in a 432-pin test carrier.
Q: Do you have a PCB design for AGP4x?
A: Check the mailing lists, most of the PCB layout guys are quite active there.
Q: I finally have my Manticore graphics card. Where can I find the drivers?
A: We need software developers! See http://www.manticore.org/contribute.html for details