Build and run the Arm Machine Learning Evaluation Kit examples
Introduction
Build the ML Evaluation Kit examples
Install Arm Ecosystem FVP
Run the examples on the FVP
Next Steps

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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  30 min
Last updated:  13 Aug 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  30 min
Last updated:
  13 Aug 2026
Author:Ronan Synnott, Arm
Arm IP:Cortex-M Ethos-U Corstone
Tags: ML Baremetal Arm Virtual Hardware FVP GCC Arm Compiler for Embedded
Author:
  • Ronan Synnott, Arm
Arm IP:
Cortex-M Ethos-U Corstone
Tags:
ML Baremetal Arm Virtual Hardware FVP GCC Arm Compiler for Embedded

Who is this for?

This is an introductory topic for embedded software developers interested in machine learning applications.

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Build examples from the Arm Machine Learning Evaluation Kit (MLEK)
  • Run the examples on Arm Ecosystem Fixed Virtual Platform (FVP)

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • Some familiarity with embedded programming
  • A Linux host machine running Ubuntu

Summary

AI-assisted

This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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You’ll build machine learning examples from MLEK and run them on the Corstone-320 FVP. You’ll locate generated AXF images, prepare the FVP, and launch an image with -a. You’ll configure the Ethos-U MAC count to match the build and verify that the application starts successfully.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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How do I know the build succeeded, and where are the output binaries?
The build produces .axf images in a cmake-*/bin directory that reflects your configuration. List the files with ls *.axf to confirm the outputs exist.
Which FVP should I install to run these examples?
Install the Corstone-320 Ecosystem FVP on your local machine. Download it from the Arm Developer website and follow the referenced Fast Model and FVP install guide .
How can I shorten a long FVP command line?
Put the model configuration options in a file such as config.txt. Remove -C from each option in the file, then pass the file to the FVP with -f config.txt.
How do I load a specific example into the FVP?
Use the -a option to pass your desired .axf image location. Select an image from the cmake-*/bin directory that matches your build configuration.
How do I configure Ethos-U for the run, and what must match?
Set the NPU MACs using -C mps4_board.subsystem.ethosu.num_macs on the FVP command line. The number of MACs must match the value used when building the example.
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