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.
Base Adapter
The Base Adapter connects to the PC using a USB connector and supports any Daughter Card or Programming Adapter.
Daughter Card
The target MCU and application circuitry are located on the Daughter Card; the IDE interfaces with this MCU. The Daughter Card plugs into the Base Adapter.
Programming Adapter
The Programming Adapter provides the appropriate mechanical socket to program a blank device. The Programming Adapter plugs into the Base Adapter.
Software
The required software to debug on the ToolStick development platform is available as free downloads
 ToolStick Development Tools – includes example code, documentation and the ToolStick Terminal application
Silicon Laboratories IDE – integrates a source-code editor, source-level debugger and an in-system Flash programmer
Keil Evaluation 8051 Tools – includes an evaluation version of the Keil 8051 assembler, compiler and linker
Production Programmer – use with the Programming Adapters to easily program devices for prototypes or production
Install the ToolStick Development Tools and Silicon Labs IDE to the same directory and follow the appropriate Daughter Card User’s Guide for instructions on using the development tools and running the demonstration firmware.
Getting Started
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.
 ToolStick Starter Kit ($24.99)
See the Silicon Labs MCUniversity page for information on ToolStick solutions for colleges and universities. See the the Capacitive Touch Sense page for information on Silicon Labs' touch sense solution and ToolStick development boards.
To develop with a different MCU, designers need the Base Adapter and the selector guide below to choose the appropriate Daughter Card and Programming Adapter.
ToolStick Accessories and Resources ToolStick Daughter Card Template
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.
ToolStick Evaluation Kit
The ToolStick Evaluation Kit provides an easy way to evaluate the Silicon Laboratories IDE and the on-chip debug capabilities of our microcontrollers. The target microcontroller on the board is a Silicon Laboratories C8051F300 which interfaces with the PC via the integrated Silicon Laboratories USB Debug Adapter that uses the C8051F321 USB MCU.
ToolStick Evaluation Kit ($10.99)
User's Guide ToolStick Debug Adapter
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 Laboratories MCU development board.
ToolStick Debug Adapter ($8.90)
User's Guide
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