*open-source cant be difficult, since most designs are based on FPGA code, right? I would imagine it cant be difficult to make chips for $1 a peice that are a basic design (exactly what avalon and asicminer did IMO)*
Just FYI - I'm not sure if you've seen this:
https://mega.co.nz/#!GIF1gYZK!M_8JowhsGc6wc2b3fsRHVCdst5w8UC0M2yq1RgHwDV8
Here's source code "as is" of all my fpga-related work.
This is a wonderful gift to the community, bitfury. I'll be the first to say thank you! It is a shame that it is hidden away in a post on this forum. Do you plan to give it a proper home on your website, and/or github?
I did not see a license specified in the archive. That would be helpful to people, so they know what they are allowed to do with the code.
Congratulations on your achievement! Here's to hoping the first run of your ASICs runs as furiously as your name implies.
License - no any restrictions - do whatever you want both commercial and non-commercial.
Well - to make great announcement of bitstream - there's some docs should be written, porting, etc. really not much people can understand, maybe even some license notice if taken so seriously. I don't remember exactly to whom (but can look on skype) - but I gave it I think in Feb 2013 to people who appeared to be skilled in FPGA. and till today no results and no announce. I doubt they really wished to spend effort required :-(
So, there are good places to start from. (and bitfury's is not the only source available - if you search the forums there are more fpgaminer and related posts with references to such designs)