Context
Between 2008 and 2010 the idea of open source hardware is rising (Arduino, RepRap, Chumby, Adafruit, SparkFun) but lacks a formal definition analogous to the OSI Open Source Definition for software. Several players — companies and communities — start to coordinate.
The definition
The Open Source Hardware (OSHW) Definition goes through multiple drafts and is released as version 1.0 in February 2011, later consolidated and adopted as reference in June 2012 with the establishment of the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) as a non-profit entity.
The principles require:
- Accessible design documentation (schematics, PCB layout, BOM, mechanical CAD, firmware)
- Licence permitting modification and redistribution (both commercial and non-commercial)
- No discrimination against persons, groups, fields of use
- Attribution preserved but without requiring further permission
OSHWA
Open Source Hardware Association (registered in 2012 as 501(c)(3)) is based in New York. Founders include Alicia Gibb, Windell Oskay, Nathan Seidle (SparkFun), Phillip Torrone (Adafruit), Limor “Ladyada” Fried (Adafruit), Massimo Banzi (Arduino) and others.
Mission:
- Maintain and update the OSHW Definition
- Run the OSHW Certification program (with UID logo, Unique Identifier) — since 2016
- Organise the Open Hardware Summit (annual, since 2010)
- Advocacy toward legislators and the scientific community
Typical licences
For the different components of an open hardware project, different licences are used:
- CC BY-SA 4.0 — documentation, mechanical CAD, manuals
- CERN Open Hardware Licence (v1.2/v2, CERN 2011/2020) — schematics and PCB
- TAPR Open Hardware License — historic alternative
- GPL / LGPL — firmware
- Solderpad License (2012) — PCB layout
- Creative Commons Zero (CC0) — public domain release
OSHWA certification
Since 2016 OSHWA offers certification: a hardware project that meets the Definition can request an OSHW UID (e.g. IT000042) certifying conformance. Certification is free and includes public documentation in the OSHWA registry.
Iconic projects
Examples of OSHW-certified hardware or projects historically aligned with the Definition:
- Arduino Uno and the whole Arduino line (CC BY-SA + CERN OHL schematics)
- RepRap / Prusa i3 (GPLv3)
- OLIMEX boards (Bulgaria)
- Chumby (2006-2012)
- Raspberry Pi Pico — Raspberry Pi Foundation boards (partially open)
- SparkFun boards and Adafruit boards
- System76 (Coreboot laptops + drivers)
In the Italian context
Arduino is historically the most influential Italian contribution to the OSHW movement (dedicated article separate). The Italian OSHW ecosystem also includes:
- OLIMEX — collaborations with Italian Fablabs
- WASP (3D printers)
- Sharebot (3D printers)
- UDOO — SBC boards with integrated CPU + microcontroller
- eMotorWerks (historic Italian spin-off, later acquired)
OSHW is a reference for the Italian Public Procurement Code (open source reuse in PA) and for AgID guidelines on technology procurement — although with predominant software focus.
References: Open Source Hardware Definition 1.0 (February 2011). Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA, 2012). Alicia Gibb, Nathan Seidle, Limor Fried, Massimo Banzi. CERN Open Hardware Licence (CERN, 2011/2020). OSHW Certification program (2016+). Open Hardware Summit (since 2010).