Overview
Silicon Labs offers an advanced 8-bit microcontroller studio, available at no charge to developers. These tools unlock the power and flexibility of the 8-bit microcontroller family.
8-bit Microcontrollers Families Supported
Supported Families
C8051F00x/01x
C8051F02x
C8051F04x
C8051F06x
C8051F12x/13x
C8051F2xx
C8051F54x
C8051F55x
C8051F56x
Supported Families
C8051F57x
C8051F58x
C8051F59x
CC8051F7xx
C8051F80x/81x/82x/83x
C8051T60x
C8051T61x
C8051T62x/T32x
C8051T63x
Downloads
Silicon Labs IDE
The Silicon Labs Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a complete, stand-alone software program that includes a project manager, source editor, source-level debugger and other utilities. The IDE interfaces to third party development toolchains to provide system designers with a complete embedded software development environment. The IDE supports the entire 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) portfolio.
Configuration Wizard
The Configuration Wizard 2 utility helps accelerate development by automatically generating initialization source code to configure and enable the on-chip resources needed by most design projects. In just a few steps, the wizard creates a complete startup code for a specific Silicon Labs MCU.
Flash Programming Utilities
The Flash Programming Utilities allow you to download your code to a device and perform other memory operations without needing to use the Silicon Labs IDE. These utilities are static examples of the C8051Fxxx On-Chip Interface Utilities DLL detailed in application note AN117. The downloaded installation utility installs both the Windows Flash Programming Utility and the Command-line (32-bit) Flash Programming Utility.
Keil® PK51 Developer’s Kit
The Keil PK51 Developer’s Kit includes an industry-leading 8051 C compiler, linker and assembler for use with Silicon Labs’ 8-bit microcontrollers and Studio. This toolchain package provides the build support for 8051 projects, while the IDE provides editing and debugging support. This free toolchain comes without time or code size limit!
ToolStick Development Tools
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.
Debug Driver for Keil µVision Software
Silicon Labs and Keil Software have teamed to provide support for the C8051F family of MCUs in the Keil µVision state-of-the-art development platforms. The µVision debug driver allows the Keil µVision IDE to communicate with Silicon Labs on-chip debug logic. In-system Flash memory programming integrated into the driver allows you to rapidly update target code. The µVision IDE can be used to start and stop program execution, set breakpoints, check variables, inspect and modify memory contents and single-step through programs running on your actual target hardware.
Additional Components
The following additional components are also included, which support all 8-bit Silicon Labs MCU devices:
| Component | Release Notes |
|---|---|
| — |
Keil® PK51 Professional Developer's Kit
These tools help develop, download, and debug firmware to the 8051/EFM8 8-bit MCU devices. Register your product and receive the key to unlock your PK51 tools.
IAR Embedded Workbench
IAR Embedded Workbench for 8051 is a complete IDE with many smart features, including a highly optimizing compiler, a comprehensive debugger, integrated static analysis tools, and more. This workbench supports all EFM8 devices.
Learn More
Tech Docs
Gecko SDK Release Notes (4.0)
Latest Release - Q4/2021 (December 2021)
8-bit 8051 MCU Version 4.2.3.0
- Updated header files for EFM8BB52 and EFM8BB51
- Updated PWM examples for EFM8BB52 and EFM8BB51
- Fixed SFRPAGE issue in pwr.c for EFM8BB52 and EFM8BB51
| Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|
| 2021/12 | Version 4.2.3.0  |
Gecko Platform Version 4.0.0.0
- CMSIS Device
- Added support for ZGM230S modules
- Drivers
- Added support for RBG LEDs in the LED driver
- Services
- Added password and session protection in the CLI
- Middleware
- Fixed vulnerabilities in Micrium OS Net
- Deprecated Micrium OS USB Device and USB Host
- Deprecated Gecko USB
- Security
- Mbed TLS is updated to version 3.0.0
- Operating System
- Changed default configurations of the Micrium OS Kernel to reduce code size
- Gecko Bootloader
- Projects now supported in Project Configurator
- Provided as a full-source delivery
- Machine Learning
- Updated TensorFlow Lite Micro version and updated quality to production level
- Added accelerated kernels and automatic initialization of TensorFlow Lite Micro
- Examples
- Added emode demo
- Added new machine learning examples
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021/12 | Version 4.0.0.0 |
| 2021/10 | Version 3.2.3.0 |
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| 2021/09 | Version 3.2.2.0 |
|
| 2021/07 | Version 3.2.1.0 |
|
| 2021/06 | Version 3.2.0.0 |
|
| 2021/04 | Version 3.1.2.0 |
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| 2021/01 | Version 3.1.1.0 |
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| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 3.1.0.0 |
| 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0 |
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| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
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| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
Community & Support