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Rapid Development of Hardware Prototype Concepts using an AI LLM and a Renesas EK-RA2E1 Kit
Dr. Don Wilcher - Watch Now - EOC 2025 - Duration: 39:51
Developing a hardware prototype proof of concept (PoC) does not require a major investment in electronic components and test equipment. Such electronic components and test equipment include active integrated circuits, electromechanical tactile switches, LEDs, oscilloscopes, and function generators. Several prototype PoCs can be built quite rapidly using an embedded hardware development board or kit, one to three electronic modules, and an AI LLM.
Another item that can aid in providing design focus when engineering a PoC is the use of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model. The model has five characteristic levels that can identify the customers’ requirements. With such a model, a needs analysis can be included within the hardware PoC development process.
This talk will illustrate the application of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model with an AI LLM to create a 3-bit binary counter for a PoC controller. The Renesas EK-RA3E1 kit will serve as the rapid hardware development platform for the project demonstrator.
Thank you, datamstr.
Do you think students are successfully using ChatGPT to help resolve conceptual issues that they are stuck on? For example, if they encounter a pull-up resistor in a datasheet for the first time, do you think that they can use it to get a satisfactory understanding of the problem that's being solved?
Hi John,
That's a very good question. I am seeing Junior and Senior Level ECE learners using ChatGPT to generate code for solving a specific microcontroller task. I am also seeing them using ChatGPT to build MATLAB code for modeling Functional Decomposition system behaviors. The use of ChatGPT has been used to solve high-level concerns in programming microcontrollers, developing firmware, and modeling power and electromechanical systems. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding as it relates to the context, style, and functionality of the code. John, I hope my response answered your question.
Hi, Don. Yes, it does answer my question. I'm not sure if I've heard an educator's thoughts on ChatGPT before. Thinking about that after your talk though, I think that's exactly who I needed to get a positive message from before fully engaging with ChatGPT to see how it can help me. Thank you for your thoughtful talk and response!
Funny!
Excellent presentation!