# BrainChip

### Akida (Brainchip) Runtime in PySDK

PySDK supports version **2.11.0** of Akida Runtime.

#### Supported Platforms

**Linux**

* **Architecture**: x86-64 or ARM64/AArch64
* **Python Versions**: 3.9–3.11

***

### Installation

Ensure your pip is up to date and install the Akida Runtime package:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
pip install --upgrade pip
pip install akida==2.11.0
```

{% endcode %}

You can verify the installation by running the following command:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
akida version
```

{% endcode %}

You can check available Brainchip devices by running the following command:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
akida devices
```

{% endcode %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
REQUIRED: Add Akida Runtime to LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH
{% endhint %}

For PySDK to locate Akida Runtime, LD\_LIBRARY\_PATH must include the Akida Runtime library path.

**Temporary Setup**

To set `LD_LIBRARY_PATH` for the current terminal session, run the following command:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="$(python3 -c "import akida, os; print(os.path.dirname(akida.__file__))"):$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"
```

{% endcode %}

**Permanent Setup**

To make this change persistent, we find the Akida Runtime path and then add it to `~/.bashrc`. Run the following commands:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
AKIDA_PATH=$(python3 -c 'import akida, os; print(os.path.dirname(akida.__file__))')
echo 'export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="'$AKIDA_PATH':$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
```

{% endcode %}

#### Troubleshooting

If no Brainchip device is detected in `degirum sys-info` output, please see the permanent setup instructions here.

If no Brainchip device is detected in `akida devices` output, you may need to (re)install the Akida PCIe driver.

### Driver Installation

Driver Installation is done through a script provided by Brainchip in their GitHub repository:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
git clone https://github.com/Brainchip-Inc/akida_dw_edma
cd akida_dw_edma
sudo ./install.sh
```

{% endcode %}

After installation, check the device list again:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
akida devices
```

{% endcode %}