Lab 4 AI Prototype
Help! Which Timers Should I Use?
Learning Goals
The goal of this prototype is to experiment with using AI as a documentation search assistant to navigate memory maps and guide the configuration of various peripherals. By the end of this experiment you should be able to:
- Demonstrate the using an LLM to search complex documentation.
- Analyze the steps provided and compare with the thought process you undertook.
- Document specific tips on how to use the LLM effectively.
- Compare your experience using an LLM to search for information against using Google, Ctrl-F and other technologies.
Prototype
Fire up your favorite LLM. ChatGPT is a good place to start, but you may consider using other LLMs as well like Claude or Gemini. Enter the prompt below.
What timers should I use on the STM32L432KC to generate frequencies ranging from 220Hz to 1kHz? What’s the best choice of timer if I want to easily connect it to a GPIO pin? What formulae are relevant, and what registers need to be set to configure them properly?
Once the LLM responds, review the answer and compare it with your decision-making process.
Try attaching the reference manual for the MCU as context. Does its answer become more accurate?
Reflect
Write up a few paragraphs reflecting on your experience using the LLM to help you code. Feel free to make full use of screenshots, code snippets, and other media as you write your reflections.
Here are a few ideas of on what you might comment on:
- How would you rate the quality of the output and why?
- How does the speed and quality of LLM output compare to your own read of the reference manual? Can it point you in the right direction when Ctrl-F can’t?
- Did the LLM generate any code for you? If so, how does it compare to your setup?
- How does the LLM’s explanation compare to your reasoning for choosing your timer?
- Does the LLM work well for document search? Is it better or worse at this than acting as a HDL generator as demonstrated in previous prototypes?