# CHIP

> single-board computer

**Wikidata**: [Q21233134](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21233134)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CHIP_(computer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chip

## Summary
CHIP is a single-board computer developed by Next Thing Co, designed as a complete computing system built onto a single circuit board. It operates on the Linux family of Unix-like operating systems and gained initial traction through a crowdfunding campaign. The device is classified as both a microcontroller and a single-board computer, serving as an accessible platform for embedded computing tasks.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: CHIP is a subclass of both "microcontroller" (small computer on a single integrated circuit) and "single-board computer" (complete computer built on a single circuit board).
- **Operating System**: The device runs on Linux, a family of Unix-like operating systems that originated on September 17, 1991.
- **Funding Model**: The project was funded via a crowdfunding scheme, specifically utilizing the Kickstarter platform.
- **Kickstarter Project ID**: The campaign is identified by the ID `1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer`.
- **Aliases**: The entity is also known by the alias "C.H.I.P."
- **Wikipedia Title**: The primary English Wikipedia article is titled "CHIP (computer)".
- **Commons Category**: Media related to the device is categorized under "Next Thing Co CHIP" on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Image Source**: A representative image is available at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/NTC_Linux_board_upper.jpg`, sourced from the German Wikipedia revision 176622441.
- **Technical Documentation**: The device is described at `https://linux-sunxi.org/NextThingCo_CHIP` in English.
- **Language Support**: Wikipedia articles exist in Bengali (bn), German (de), English (en), French (fr), Turkish (tr), Ukrainian (uk), and a Commons category exists.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: The entity is identified as `/g/11byv1xh29`.
- **Sitelink Count**: The entity has 7 total sitelinks across Wikimedia projects.

## FAQs
**What operating system does the CHIP computer use?**
CHIP runs on Linux, which is a family of Unix-like operating systems. The Linux kernel itself was first revealed by Linus Torvalds on September 17, 1991.

**How was the CHIP project funded?**
The development and production of the CHIP were supported through a crowdfunding scheme. Specifically, the project utilized a Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary capital.

**What technical classifications apply to the CHIP device?**
The device is categorized as a single-board computer because it is a complete computer built on a single circuit board. It is also classified as a microcontroller, representing a small computer on a single integrated circuit.

**Where can I find technical documentation or images of the CHIP?**
Technical details are documented on the Linux-Sunxi wiki at the URL `https://linux-sunxi.org/NextThingCo_CHIP`. Visual media, including the upper view of the board, is hosted on Wikimedia Commons under the category "Next Thing Co CHIP."

## Why It Matters
CHIP represents a significant milestone in the democratization of affordable computing hardware. By positioning itself as a "single-board computer" that is also a "microcontroller," it bridges the gap between simple embedded controllers and full-featured personal computers. Its reliance on the Linux ecosystem ensures compatibility with a vast array of open-source software and development tools, making it a versatile platform for hobbyists, educators, and developers. The successful crowdfunding campaign demonstrated a strong market demand for low-cost, accessible computing solutions, influencing the trajectory of the maker movement and embedded systems development.

## Notable For
- **Crowdfunding Success**: Secured funding through a specific Kickstarter project (ID: 1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer), validating the market for budget-friendly single-board computers.
- **Dual Classification**: Uniquely holds the distinction of being classified simultaneously as a microcontroller and a single-board computer.
- **Open Source Integration**: Deeply integrated with the Linux ecosystem, leveraging the 1991 inception of the Linux kernel for its operating system.
- **Multilingual Documentation**: Supported by Wikipedia articles in six distinct languages (bn, de, en, fr, tr, uk) and a dedicated Commons category.
- **Community Documentation**: Maintains a dedicated technical entry on the Linux-Sunxi wiki, a key resource for ARM-based single-board computer enthusiasts.

## Body

### Classification and Architecture
CHIP is fundamentally defined as a single-board computer, meaning it is a complete computer built on a single circuit board. This architecture integrates all necessary components for computing into one compact unit. Additionally, the entity is classified as a microcontroller, which describes a small computer on a single integrated circuit. This dual classification highlights its versatility, allowing it to function as both a standalone computing device and a component for embedded control systems. The device is a subclass of these broader categories, inheriting their functional characteristics while offering specific implementations for the Next Thing Co ecosystem.

### Operating System and Software Environment
The CHIP runs on Linux, a family of Unix-like operating systems. This operating system choice leverages the robust history of Linux, which traces its inception back to September 17, 1991, when Linus Torvalds revealed the code. The reliance on Linux ensures that the device benefits from a mature, open-source software ecosystem. The operating system property is verified by references to the English Wikipedia article on CHIP (computer), which cites the Linux foundation as the primary source. This software foundation allows users to access a wide range of development tools and applications compatible with Unix-like environments.

### Funding and Project Origins
The development of CHIP was driven by a crowdfunding scheme, a model that allowed the creators to gauge market interest and secure capital directly from the community. The specific campaign was hosted on Kickstarter, identified by the project ID `1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer`. This funding approach is a notable aspect of the project's history, distinguishing it from traditionally funded hardware initiatives. The campaign's success facilitated the production of the board, enabling it to reach a global audience of developers and hobbyists.

### Documentation and Community Resources
Extensive documentation and community resources exist for the CHIP. A primary technical description is available at `https://linux-sunxi.org/NextThingCo_CHIP`, written in English. This resource is critical for developers seeking low-level hardware details and driver support. Visual documentation is maintained on Wikimedia Commons, where the category "Next Thing Co CHIP" hosts media files, including the image `NTC_Linux_board_upper.jpg`. This image, sourced from the German Wikipedia revision 176622441, provides a visual reference for the hardware's layout. The project also maintains a presence on the Google Knowledge Graph under the ID `/g/11byv1xh29`, ensuring discoverability across search platforms.

### Global Presence and Language Support
The CHIP has a significant international footprint, evidenced by its presence on Wikipedia in multiple languages. Articles exist in Bengali (bn), German (de), English (en), French (fr), Turkish (tr), and Ukrainian (uk). This multilingual support indicates a diverse user base and community engagement across different regions. The entity has a total sitelink count of 7, reflecting its integration into various Wikimedia projects. The primary English title for the device is "CHIP (computer)," which serves as the central hub for information in the English-speaking world. The alias "C.H.I.P." is also recognized, providing alternative searchability for the device.