USB ToolStick

The Silicon Labs ToolStick is an easy to use development system that allows designers to develop and debug application firmware directly on the target microcontroller using the Silicon Labs Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Once complete, designers can replace the Daughter Card with a Programming Adapter and program blank devices for use in their actual system.  

The easiest way to get started experimenting with the ToolStick is with the ToolStick Starter Kit. This kit is a complete development system that contains a ToolStick Base Adapter and an interchangeable C8051F330 MCU Daughter Card. To continue developing with a selected MCU, use the guide below to choose the appropriate Daughter Card and Programming Adapter. Daughter Cards are sold individually and require a separate Base Adapter to be purchased if not previously owned. Programming Adapter kits include a Base Adapter and a separate purchase is not required.

See the Silicon Labs MCUniversity page for information on ToolStick solutions for colleges and universities. See the Capacitive Touch Sense page for information on Silicon Labs' touch sense solutions and ToolStick development boards.

Choose the appropriate Daughter Card and Programming Adapter for your part number. Refer to the ToolStick Base Adapter User's Guide.

To develop with a different MCU, designers need the ToolStick Base Adapter.

Create a ToolStick compatible Daughter Card using the ToolStick Daughter Card Template. The template includes a schematic, bill of materials and fab drawing for easy development of a ToolStick compatible Daughter Card.

The ToolStick Debug Adapter, in conjunction with a ToolStick Base Adapter, provides an interface between the PC’s USB port and the target device’s in-system debug/programming circuitry. The ToolStick Debug Adapter can be used to program and debug a standard Silicon Labs MCU development board.

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Application Driven ToolSticks demonstrate a specific application implementation using a Silicon Labs MCU device in addition to serving as a general development platform. The base adapter for Application Driver ToolSticks is included on the board, so a separate ToolStick Base Adapter is not required for code download and debugging.

The ToolStickClassD evaluation kit demonstrates direct-drive Class D amplification using the SiM3U1xx high-drive I/O. The kit highlights the integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, internal oscillator and phase-locked loop (PLL), up to 300 mA high-drive I/O, dual ADCs, enhanced PWM timer and capacitive sensing. The evaluation kit includes a 1 W Class D amplifier and a speaker.