MIPS Goes Open Source: Wave Computing’s Strategy and Industry Implications

In 2018, RISC‑V surged among chip architects seeking open‑source instruction sets, but by 2019 MIPS emerged as another contender when Wave Computing announced it would open‑source the MIPS ISA and its latest R6 core in the first quarter of 2019.

Art Swift, Wave’s president of MIPS licensing, emphasized that open‑sourcing MIPS is crucial for accelerating its adoption in the ecosystem. Wave, a startup focused on bringing AI and deep learning from data centers to the edge, views MIPS as a key driver for its AI ambitions.

The MIPS ISA includes SIMD and DSP extensions, and Swift promised a "commercial‑ready" and "robust" architecture that allows chip designers to build verified cores for any purpose. Since 2000, MIPS‑based chips have shipped up to 8.5 billion units, with customers such as Microchip, Mobileye (Intel), MediaTek, and Denso.

Despite its strong engineering reputation, MIPS has struggled to build a vibrant ecosystem and now lags behind ARM. Analysts note that MIPS’s fragmented ownership has hindered its open‑source momentum, though its comprehensive ISA (including DSP and SIMD) remains a competitive advantage.

Swift acknowledged that the success of the open‑source plan depends on community involvement and proper governance. He suggested establishing a new foundation or leveraging the existing prpl Foundation, which focuses on security and interoperability for embedded devices.

The open‑source model also raises questions about licensing revenue, as the community must balance openness with a sustainable business model. Wave plans to integrate MIPS IP into its AI portfolio, offering solutions that complement existing MIPS cores.

Patent considerations are complex: after MIPS was sold to Imagination in 2012, many patents were transferred to Bridge Crossing, which retained a royalty‑free license for the remaining core patents. Wave claims participants in the MIPS Open Program can access hundreds of existing global patents.

China’s role is significant; historically, Chinese firms like Loongson, Action, and Ingenic have relied on MIPS, and the open‑source move aligns with Chinese market trends favoring RISC‑V.

Overall, the open‑source transition aims to revitalize MIPS by leveraging its mature toolchain, extensive patent portfolio, and potential for AI acceleration, while navigating ecosystem, licensing, and competitive challenges.