This is Fantastic! (Score 2)

I've always liked the PP for its novel approach to a multi-core micro. Opening up the hardware design like this can really grow its application space. Just because you can't imagine a use for this doesn't mean there is no use for it. And these days, FPGAs are making great strides in their accessibility. Verilog is the language of choice for most because of its similiarities with C. VHDL is mostly relegated to defense, because it has its roots in Ada (the syntax is almost identical). If you're into functional languages, check out BlueSpec, which will auto-generate SystemVerilog. And writing HDL is no longer for just EEs (which is a misnomer, btw). Tools like HDL Coder let anyone create a digital circuit. And there is greater selection these days for low-cost hobby boards. Plus, softcore micros have a long history in digital designs. Think microBlaze, NIOS II, even ARMs. Not to mention the OpenRISC core that's really quite capable. Imagine a robot where all of the software and control circuits are built into one chip, complete with ADC/DAC and PWM, all custom, and entirely reconfigurable. And FPGAs are getting better about power consumption, although they're still a long way away from 5V, 100mA, and more like 5V, 500mA for the smaller ones, but still. The big thing holding back OSHW, IMO, is access to tools that actually let you run a circuit on a chip without having to give blood to the tool vendor. Otherwise, AFAIC, the sky's the limit with this!