Group:Hardware/TODO/DUPLICATE INFO/Processors

Introduction

The purpose of this page is to allow CPUs to be evaluated for suitability for use in FSF-endorsed hardware. Presence or otherwise of a CPU on this page DOES NOT imply that it is an exhaustive list, nor does it imply that each and every CPU is or is not FSF-endorsed. Certain CPUs for example require proprietary libraries for their 3D Graphics, but over time a Free Software compliant alternative may become available, or may be reverse-engineered, in which case CPUs that previously did not qualify suddenly would.

So to be clear: this page is for the PURPOSES of evaluating CPUs, to store research about their present status, NOT to specifically or categorically state "this CPU is endorsed, period".

Processors, types and pricing (appx)

Manufacturer	Model	Type	Speed	Price
Samsung	S5PV210	ARM Cortex A8	1ghz	$14
Samsung	Orion	ARM Cortex A9	1ghz	?$45?
TI	AM3715	ARM Cortex A8	1ghz	$24
TI	AM3703	ARM Cortex A8	1ghz	$17
TI	AM3892	ARM Cortex A8	1.5ghz	n/a
TI	AM3894	ARM Cortex A8	1.5ghz	$43
TI	OMAP4400	ARM Cortex A9	1ghz	?$45?
Ingenix	jz4760	MIPS32 (x1)	700mhz	$7
NXP	PNX8490	ARM Cortex A9	800mhz	n/a
NXP	PNX8491	ARM Cortex A9	800mhz	n/a
TI	DM3730	ARM Cortex A8	1ghz	$30
TI	DM3725	ARM Cortex A8	1ghz	$27

Processor, Compiler, Links, Status

Model	Links	3D	Treacherous
S5PV210	datasheet	PowerVR	Factory-configurable (*1)
Orion		PowerVR	TBD
AM3715		PowerVR	No (*2)
AM3703		SIMD (NEON)	No (*2)
AM3892		SIMD (NEON)	No (*2)
AM3894		PowerVR	No (*2)
OMAP4400		PowerVR	No (*2)
jz4760	linux-mips	SIMD FPU (XBurst)	No
PNX8490	product brief	SIMD (NEON)	TBD
PNX8491	product brief	PowerVR	TBD
DM3730	datasheet	PowerVR	No
DM3725	datasheet	none	No

Notes

• (*1) It is possible to effectively disable any opportunity for the S5PC110 and S5PV210 from being "Treacherous", by blowing an e-fuse. Once "normal booting" has been selected, it is not possible to enable "secure" (Treacherous) booting:

     6.1 OVERVIEW OF BOOTING SEQUENCE
     S5PC110 consists of 64KB ROM and 96KB SRAM as internal memory. For booting, internal 64KB ROM and
     internal 96KB SRAM regions can be used. S5PC110 boots from internal ROM to enable secure booting, which
     ensures that the image cannot be altered by unauthorized users. To select secure booting or normal booting,
     S5PC110 should use e-fuse information. This information cannot be altered after being programmed.

• (*2) TI CPUs with hardware motherboard configuration, to prevent Treachery. discussion here

About Treacherous Computing

Treacherous Computing starts with the processor, by making it impossible, right from the startup of the CPU, to gain control over what is run on the device. This practice is lauded and loved by the Industry, as once you are running "secure" bootloader code, especially when blown into an on-board ROM, regaining control of the device that you have purchased is somewhat challenging.

Should any device with a Treacherous-capable CPU seek FSF Hardware Endorsement, it would be... unfortunate if that device was then purchased for the purposes of reprogramming the secure bootloader area (if the CPU had one), thus preventing and prohibiting users from being able to use that FSF Hardware-endorsed device! Thus, logically, it makes sense to ensure that the device can at least always have its Operating System replaced at any time, starting by ensuring that any Treacherous "Secure bootloader" capability is non-existent, impossible or can be permanently disabled.

At least, then, if the OS on that FSF Hardware Endorsed device is ever replaced with a Treacherous OS and the device re-sold, at least the OS can, again, be replaced with a Free Software Compliant OS of the new owner's choice.