Overview
RISC-V is a free and open ISA that allows anyone to design, manufacture, and sell RISC-V chips without paying royalties. It is managed by the RISC-V International foundation.
Why it Matters
- No Licensing Fees: Reduces the cost of developing custom chips.
- Customizability: Companies can add their own custom instructions for specific tasks (like AI or encryption).
- Transparency: The open nature makes it popular for security-sensitive applications and academic research.
Adoption
Increasingly used in embedded controllers, storage devices, and by companies looking to reduce their dependence on proprietary architectures like ARM or x86.