Installing the AI/ML Extension for Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio#

This guide details the installation process for the AI/ML extension within Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio. This extension empowers developers to integrate machine learning capabilities into their Silicon Labs-based projects.

Prerequisites#

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure you have the following:

  • Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio: The latest version of Simplicity Studio is essential. Download it from the official Silicon Labs website.

  • Supported Hardware: Verify that your target Silicon Labs hardware is compatible with the AI/ML extension. Consult the extension's release notes or documentation for a list of supported devices.

  • Python Environment (Potentially): Some AI/ML functionalities might rely on a Python environment. It is recommended to have Python 3.7 or higher installed. A virtual environment is strongly advised to manage dependencies effectively.

  • Git (Potentially): Git might be required for certain installation methods or for accessing specific resources. Ensure Git is installed on your system.

Installation Methods#

The AI/ML extension can be installed via the following methods:

1. Simplicity Studio Installation Manager (Recommended):

This is the most straightforward and recommended approach.

  1. Open Simplicity Studio.

  2. Navigate to Help > Update Software....

  3. Click Installation Manager > SDKs ....

  4. Select the Silicon Labs AI/ML extension from the list of available extensions under Simplicity SDK.

  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

2. Manual Installation (If Applicable):

If a manual installation method is provided alongside the Extension Manager method, follow the instructions below. Note that this is less common.

  1. Download the desired AI/ML extension package version from https://github.com/SiliconLabsSoftware/aiml-extension/releases. A link to the corresponding release version is provided in the extension's release notes as well.

  2. Extract the downloaded package to a "simplicity_sdk\extension" folder.

  3. Consult the extension's documentation for specific manual installation steps. These steps might involve copying files to specific locations within the Simplicity Studio installation directory or running installation scripts.

Post-Installation Steps#

After successful installation:

  1. Restart Simplicity Studio: Restart Simplicity Studio to ensure the changes take effect.

  2. Verify Installation: Check the Simplicity Studio preferences or installed software list to confirm that the AI/ML extension is listed and installed.

  3. Explore Documentation and Examples: The AI/ML extension should include documentation and example projects. These resources are crucial for getting started and understanding how to use the extension's features and APIs.

Troubleshooting#

If you encounter any issues during installation:

  1. Check Simplicity Studio Logs: Examine the Simplicity Studio logs for any error messages. These logs can provide valuable clues for troubleshooting.

  2. Review Documentation: Refer to the AI/ML extension's documentation and release notes for troubleshooting tips and known issues.

  3. Silicon Labs Community Forum: The Silicon Labs community forum is an excellent resource for finding solutions to common problems or asking for help from other users and Silicon Labs experts.

Updating the Extension#

To update the AI/ML extension, follow the same installation steps as described above. Simplicity Studio will typically detect the newer version and guide you through the update process.

Uninstallation#

To uninstall the AI/ML extension, use the Simplicity Studio Extension Manager, or consult the extension's documentation for specific uninstallation instructions.

Important Note: This guide provides a general overview of the AI/ML extension installation process with most up to date information. Always refer to release notes for version specific custom instructions that may be required. Any additional instructions and associated URLs along with manual instructions will be provided with the release notes.