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Add comprehensive Alif E8 Ethos-U85 learning path with MNIST inference demo
- Complete hardware setup and UART configuration - Software prerequisites (ARM GCC, CMSIS Toolbox, JLink) - Build and flash workflow with RTT debugging - MNIST digit classification with NPU acceleration - LED status indicators and troubleshooting guides - Co-authored by Waheed Brown and Fidel Makatia Omusilibwa
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‎content/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/1-overview.md‎

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---
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title: Overview
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weight: 2
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### FIXED, DO NOT MODIFY
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layout: learningpathall
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---
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## Hardware Overview - Alif's Ensemble E8 Series Board
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Selecting the best hardware for machine learning (ML) models depends on effective tools. You can visualize Arm Ethos-U85 performance early in the development cycle by using Alif's [Ensemble E8 Series Development Kit](https://alifsemi.com/ensemble-e8-series/).
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<center>
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<iframe src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jAvi2xKxkE4?si=Wd-E1PUCM4Y49uXM' allowfullscreen frameborder=0 width="800" height="400"></iframe>
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*Alif Ensemble Series Overview*
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</center>
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![Alif Ensemble E8 Board SoC Highlighted alt-text#center](./alif-ensemble-e8-board-soc-highlighted.jpg "Arm Ethos-U85 NPU location")
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### Alif's Ensemble E8 Processor Decoded
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![Alif's Ensemble E8 Processor alt-text#center](./ensemble-application-processor.png "Alif's Ensemble E8 Processor")
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**Alif's Processor Labeling Convention:**
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|Line|Meaning|
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|----|-------|
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|AE101F|• AE – Ensemble E-series family<br>• 101F – Specific device SKU within the E8 series (quad-core Fusion processors: x2 Cortex-A32 + x2 Cortex-M55 + Ethos-U85 + x2 Ethos-U55)|
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|4Q|• Usually denotes package type and temperature grade|
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|71542LH|• Likely a lot code / internal wafer lot number used for traceability|
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|B4ADKA 2508|• B4ADKA - Assembly site & line identifier<br>• 2508 - year + week of manufacture (Week 08 of 2025)|
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|UASA37002.000.03|• UASA37002 - Identifies the silicon mask set<br>• .000.03 - means revision 3 of that mask|
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## Software Overview - Alif SETOOLS
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The [Alif Security Toolkit](https://swrm.alifsemi.com/Content/3.4%20SETOOLS.htm?TocPath=Secure%20Enclave%20Subsystem%7C_____4) (SETOOLS) contains utlities for working with the Alife Ensemble E8 board. You will install this later in this learning path on the following page: [Install Alif SETOOLS](/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/3-install-setools/).
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## Software Overview - TinyML
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This Learning Path uses TinyML. TinyML is machine learning tailored to function on devices with limited resources, constrained memory, low power, and fewer processing capabilities.
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For a learning path focused on creating and deploying your own TinyML models, please see [Introduction to TinyML on Arm using PyTorch and ExecuTorch](/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/introduction-to-tinyml-on-arm/)
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## Benefits and Applications
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NPUs like Arm's [Ethos-U85](https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/ethos/ethos-u85) provide significant advantages for embedded ML applications:
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- **Hardware Acceleration**: 10-50x faster inference compared to CPU-only execution
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- **Power Efficiency**: Lower power consumption per inference operation
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- **Real-time Capable**: Suitable for latency-sensitive applications
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- **On-device Processing**: No cloud dependency, enhanced privacy
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- **Visual Feedback**: RGB LED indicators provide immediate status confirmation
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- **Debug Capabilities**: UART and RTT output for detailed performance analysis
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The Alif [Ensemble E8 Series Development Kit](https://alifsemi.com/ensemble-e8-series/) integrates the Ethos-U85 NPU with Cortex-M55 and Cortex-A32 cores, making it ideal for prototyping TinyML applications that require both ML acceleration and general-purpose processing.

‎content/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/2-boot-alif.md‎

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---
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# User change
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title: "Hardware Setup and Connections"
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weight: 3
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# Do not modify these elements
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layout: "learningpathall"
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---
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In this section, you will set up the Alif [Ensemble E8 Series Development Kit](https://alifsemi.com/ensemble-e8-series/) hardware connections for ML development and debugging.
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## Hardware Requirements
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You need the following hardware:
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- **Alif DK-E8 Board** (Ensemble E8 Development Kit)
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- **USB-C Cable** for JLink programming (connects to PRG USB port)
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- **USB-TTL Converter** (1.8V logic level) for UART debug output (optional but recommended)
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## Connect the Programming Interface
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1. Locate the **PRG USB** port on the underside of the board:
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![The PRG USB Port on the Underside of the Board alt-text#center](./prg-usb-port.png "The PRG USB Port on the Underside of the Board")
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2. Connect the board's `PRG USB` port to your computer using a USB Type-C cable
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3. The board powers on automatically, with an LED in the bottom right alternating red-green-blue:
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<center>
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<iframe src='/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/e8-board-connected.mp4' allowfullscreen frameborder=0 width="800" height="400"></iframe>
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*Alif Ensemble E8 Board Connected and Powered On*
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</center>
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## Set Up UART Debug Output (Optional)
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For real-time debug output, you can connect an external USB-TTL converter to the board's UART2 pins. This is useful for monitoring inference results and debugging.
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{{% notice Note %}}
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Due to potential SW4 switch soldering issues on some boards, using an external USB-TTL converter is more reliable than the onboard USB-to-serial.
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{{% /notice %}}
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### UART Connection Table
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Connect your USB-TTL converter to the J8 header on the board:
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### UART Connection Table
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Connect your USB-TTL converter to the J8 header on the board:
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| USB-TTL Pin | J8 Header Pin | Signal |
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|-------------|---------------|-------------|
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| GND | Pin 1 | Ground |
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| TXD | Pin 12 | P1_1 (UART2_TX) |
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| RXD | Pin 14 | P1_0 (UART2_RX) |
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{{% notice Note %}}
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Use a 1.8V logic level USB-TTL converter. Standard 3.3V or 5V converters can damage the board.
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{{% /notice %}}
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### J8 Header Pin Layout
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The J8 header is a 2x20 pin connector. When looking down at the board:
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```
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J8 Header (2x20, looking down at board)
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Pin 2 Pin 1 ← GND (connect here)
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Pin 4 Pin 3
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Pin 6 Pin 5
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Pin 8 Pin 7
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Pin 10 Pin 9
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Pin 12 Pin 11 ← UART TX (connect here)
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Pin 14 Pin 13 ← UART RX (connect here)
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... ...
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```
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### Verify UART Connection
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After connecting the USB-TTL converter:
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1. Find the serial port on your computer:
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```bash
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ls /dev/tty.*
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```
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2. Connect using a terminal program:
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```bash
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screen /dev/cu.usbserial-XXXX 115200
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```
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Or use the baud rate scanner if output appears garbled:
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```bash
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./scan_baud.sh
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```
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## LED Status Indicators
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The Alif E8 board uses an RGB LED to indicate system status:
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| LED Color | Timing | Meaning |
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|-----------|--------|---------|
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| Red-Green-Blue alternating | Continuous | Board powered, waiting for program |
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| White flash | 500ms at startup | Board initialized successfully |
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| Green flash | 500ms after init | System ready |
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| Blue blink | 1 Hz | Application running normally |
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## Verify Board is Ready
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Before proceeding to the next steps, confirm:
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- ✅ PRG USB cable is connected
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- ✅ Board LED is alternating red-green-blue
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- ✅ (Optional) UART connections are made and verified
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- ✅ Board appears as a USB device on your computer
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You're now ready to install the required software tools.
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* Now you can enter Fastboot mode by typing the following command in the `u-boot=>` prompt:
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```bash
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fastboot 0
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```
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* You will be required to enter Fastboot mode on the next page of this learning path
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## [Optional] Run the Built-In NXP Demos
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* Connect the NXP board to a monitor via HDMI
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* Connect a mouse to the NXP board's USB-A port
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![NXP board built-in ML demos alt-text#center](./nxp-board-built-in-ml-demos.png "NXP board built-in ML demos")

‎content/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/3-install-setools.md‎

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---
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# User change
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title: "Install Alif SETOOLS"
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weight: 4 # 1 is first, 2 is second, etc.
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# Do not modify these elements
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layout: "learningpathall"
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---
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1. Navigate to the [Alif SETOOLS download page](https://swrm.alifsemi.com/Content/3.4%20SETOOLS.htm?TocPath=Secure%20Enclave%20Subsystem%7C_____4) and download the zip / achive file for your operating system (Windows, Linux or macOS).
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2. When you extract the files from the zip / archive, you will find the below usage instructions in a PDF file named similarly to this one:
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`AUGD0005-Alif-Security-Toolkit-User-Guide-v1.107.0.pdf `
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* Execute the utilities directly from the command line; example:
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```bash { output_lines = "2-7" }
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./maintenance
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# Example output:
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COM ports detected = 3
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-> /dev/cu.wlan-debug
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-> /dev/cu.debug-console
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-> /dev/cu.Bluetooth-Incoming-Port
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Enter port name:
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```
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{{% notice macOS %}}
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Allow SETOOLS utilities when you first try to open them:
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![macOS SETOOLS Warning alt-text#center](./macos-not-opened-warning.jpg "macOS SETOOLS Warning")
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![Allow SETOOLS Utilities on macOS alt-text#center](./macos-allow-setools.jpg "Allow SETOOLS Utilities on macOS")
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{{% /notice %}}
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3. The recommended <release-location> installation directories are:
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* Windows: `C:\app-release-exec`
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* Linux: `/home/$USER/app-release-exec-linux`
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* macOS: `/Users/$USER/app-release-exec-macos`
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4. Connect the Alif board's `PRG USB` port (on the underside of the board) to your machine via a USB Type-C cable:
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![The PRG USB Port on the Underside of the Board alt-text#center](./prg-usb-port.png "The PRG USB Port on the Underside of the Board")
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* The board should power on, with a LED in the bottom right alternating red-green-blue
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<center>
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<iframe src='/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/e8-board-connected.mp4' allowfullscreen frameborder=0 width="800" height="400"></iframe>
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*Alif Ensemble E8 Board Connected*
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</center>
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5. Update the Alif Ensemble E8 board to the latest System Package release:
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```bash
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./updateSystemPackage
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```
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* You will see output prompting you to connect to a COM port:
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```bash { output_lines = "1-8" }
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Burning: System Package in MRAM
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...
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COM ports detected = 4
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-> /dev/cu.wlan-debug
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-> /dev/cu.debug-console
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-> /dev/cu.Bluetooth-Incoming-Port
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-> /dev/cu.usbmodem0012195566321
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Enter port name:
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```
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* Enter (copy-paste) the port name that is similar to `/dev/cu.usbmodem0012195566321`:
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```bash { output_lines = "1-12" }
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Enter port name:/dev/cu.usbmodem0012195566321
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# Example output
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Bootloader stage: SERAM
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[INFO] Detected Device:
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Part# AE822FA0E5597LS0 - Rev: A0
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...
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Download Image
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alif/SP-AE822FA0E5597LS0-rev-a0-dev.bin[####################]100%: 270400/270400 bytes
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...
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Download Image
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alif/offset-58-rev-a0-dev.bin [####################]100%: 16/16 bytes
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...
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```
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* You can confirm that you have the correct device by looking for the part number `AE822FA0E5597LS0` in the above `Bootloader` output:
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* `AE822FA0E5597LS0` is the product number of the [Alif Ensemble E8 processor](https://alifsemi.com/ensemble-e8-series/)
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* You can find your processor's serial number (starting with `AE101F`) by going back to the [Overview](/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/observing-ethos-u-on-alif/1-overview/) page of this learning path
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## Troubleshooting
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* If you need to rediscover your USB UART adapter port, just add `-d` to any SETOOLS utility; for example:
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```bash
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./updateSystemPackage -d
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```

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