From 246d0881690d74a0b7160ed0169ce51413ce1dac Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: NawfalMotii79 Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:39:23 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Update README with licensing details Added hardware and software licensing information to the README, detailing the CERN Open Hardware License for hardware and the MIT License for software. --- README.md | 41 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 40 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 7bb7ecd..86d2147 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,6 +1,7 @@ # AERIS-10: Open Source Pulse Linear Frequency Modulated Phased Array Radar -[![License: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-MIT-yellow.svg)](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT) +[![Hardware: CERN-OHL-P](https://img.shields.io/badge/Hardware-CERN--OHL--P-blue.svg)](https://ohwr.org/cern_ohl_p_v2.txt) +[![Software: MIT](https://img.shields.io/badge/Software-MIT-yellow.svg)](https://opensource.org/licenses/MIT) [![Status: Alpha](https://img.shields.io/badge/Status-Alpha-orange)](https://github.com/NawfalMotii79/PLFM_RADAR) [![Frequency: 10.5GHz](https://img.shields.io/badge/Frequency-10.5GHz-blue)](https://github.com/NawfalMotii79/PLFM_RADAR)) [![PRs Welcome](https://img.shields.io/badge/PRs-welcome-brightgreen.svg)](https://github.com/NawfalMotii79/PLFM_RADAR/pulls) @@ -142,3 +143,41 @@ The AERIS-10 main sub-systems are: 4. **Antenna**: Choose appropriate array for your version 5. **Enclosure**: 3D printable files in `/10_docs/Hardware/Enclosure` +## 📜 License + +This project is open-source but uses **different licenses for hardware and software** to ensure proper legal coverage. + +### Hardware Documentation +The hardware design files—including: +- Schematics and PCB layouts (in `/4_Schematics and Boards Layout`) +- Bill of Materials (BOM) files +- Gerber files and manufacturing outputs +- Mechanical drawings and enclosure designs + +are licensed under the **CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 – Permissive (CERN-OHL-P)** . + +This is a hardware-specific license that: +- ✅ Clearly defines "Hardware," "Documentation," and "Products" +- ✅ Includes explicit patent protection for contributors and users +- ✅ Provides stronger liability limitations (important for high-power RF) +- ✅ Aligns with professional open-hardware standards (CERN, OSHWA) + +You may use, modify, and sell products based on these designs, provided you: +- Maintain the original copyright notices +- Distribute any modified designs under the same license +- Make your modifications available in Source format + +### Software and Firmware +The software components—including: +- FPGA code (VHDL/Verilog in `/9_Firmware`) +- Microcontroller firmware (STM32) +- Python GUI and utilities + +remain under the **MIT License** for maximum flexibility. + +### Full License Texts +- The complete CERN-OHL-P license text is in the `LICENSE` file +- MIT license terms apply to software where not otherwise specified + +### Why This Change? +Originally, the entire project used the MIT license. The community (special thanks to [GitHub Username]!) pointed out that MIT lacks legal protections needed for physical hardware. The switch to CERN-OHL-P ensures the project is properly protected while maintaining the same permissive spirit.