GoKawiilFomu packs an open-source FPGA and RISC-V core into a USB stick
Fomu is a tiny programmable device that plugs directly into a USB-A port, combining an FPGA chip, four touch pads, and an RGB LED in a compact plastic case. It ships with enough RAM and storage to run Python natively, while also supporting a RISC-V softcore and other softcores like LM32 and OpenRISC, all programmable through a fully open-source toolchain without accounts, NDAs, or heavy installers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
FPGAs and RISC-V are typically gated behind expensive tools, vendor lock-in, and steep learning curves, which keeps hardware experimentation out of reach for many hobbyists and students. Fomu lowers that barrier dramatically by pairing cheap, pocket-sized hardware with an entirely open development chain, potentially accelerating grassroots adoption of RISC-V and open silicon design.
- Fomu is a USB-A-sized FPGA board with buttons, an RGB LED, and 128KB of RAM.
- It supports Python, RISC-V, LM32, and OpenRISC softcores loaded entirely over USB.
- The entire toolchain is open source, requiring no accounts, NDAs, or large downloads.
Alchitry Cu FPGA Development Board — If Fomu's open-source iCE40 workflow appeals to you, the Alchitry Cu is another Lattice iCE40-based board you can actually buy today and program with the fully open Yosys/nextpnr toolchain. It's a tidy way to experiment with FPGA fabric and RISC-V softcores on a breadboard-friendly form factor.
See Alchitry Cu FPGA Development Board on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: crowdsupply.com, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Fomu An FPGA board that fits inside your USB port”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.