Software upgrade simplifies embedded development

This software release inherits the best features of the original Simplicity Studio by supporting more than 240 ARM®-based EFM32 MCUs shipping today while extending development support to Silicon Labs’ 8051-based MCU products. The new Simplicity Studio platform also integrates an Eclipse-based IDE that supports both 32-bit and 8-bit embedded designs.

Simplicity Studio is designed to make the development process easier, faster and more efficient by providing embedded designers with everything they need to complete their projects, from initial concept to final product, in a single, simple-to-use platform. The Simplicity Studio platform has built-in intelligence to immediately detect the connected target MCU. Graphical hardware configuration tools automatically configure the MCU, freeing the developer from the time-consuming task of perusing technical documentation. Developers can get projects up and running in minutes with sample demos and application code examples.

Simplicity Studio enables Silicon Labs’ MCU customers to develop on both 8- and 32-bit MCUs, without having to learn new software tools. This unified approach saves time and resources for customers needing both 8- and 32-bit MCUs and reduces the learning curve for new projects. Using Simplicity Studio, developers can explore Silicon Labs’ entire MCU portfolio, product options and embedded design solutions. The platform helps developers select the right MCU for their applications, provides integrated links to purchase MCU products and development kits, and offers extensive training materials.

Embedded developers can use the integrated Simplicity IDE to develop and debug their firmware. The IDE supports Eclipse plugins, uses the Eclipse Debugger for C/C++, and supports Keil® and Gnu Compiler Collection (GCC) build tools. Silicon Labs also provides 8-bit MCU developers with Keil PK51 build tools at no charge. For customers who prefer the Keil µVision or IAR Embedded Workbench IDE, Simplicity Studio delivers seamless third-party tools support, allowing developers to launch their preferred IDE from inside Simplicity Studio.

Additional Simplicity Studio development tools help designers ease development by configuring MCU pin-out and peripheral placement and by generating C-code. The configuration tools also automatically resolve pin-out conflicts, saving the developer considerable time and effort.

To help developers optimize their 32-bit applications for energy efficiency, Simplicity Studio includes real-time energy profiling and analysis tools for estimating power consumption and balancing performance and energy efficiency. The energyAware Battery Calculator helps developers estimate current consumption and battery life. Developers can select EFM32 MCU Energy Modes and battery configuration and estimate power consumption before writing any code. The energyAware Profiler analyzes current consumption in real-time, quickly identifying areas of code that should be optimized if current draw is deemed to be too high.

To help developers find application-critical information and resources quickly and easily, Simplicity Studio provides one-click access to demos, software examples, data sheets, application notes, technical support and community forums. With everything embedded developers need in one place, they can spend less time searching for information and more time making progress on their applications.

“Simplicity Studio helps embedded developers take a major leap forward in productivity by integrating an entire suite of advanced software tools into a ‘one-stop-shop’ platform offering native support for Silicon Labs’ 8- and 32-bit MCUs,” says Geir Førre, senior vice president and general manager of Silicon Labs’ MCU and wireless products. “Development has never been simpler now that embedded system designers can complete their projects in one unified development ecosystem from initial concept to final design.”

Simplicity Studio supports seamless, web-based updates, greatly simplifying the process of adding extra support and features with new platform releases. As Simplicity Studio updates become available, developers can update software tools without having to reinstall the studio.

Simplicity Studio is available now to developers at no charge.