Simplicity Studio is the core development environment designed to support the Silicon Labs IoT portfolio of SoCs and modules. It provides access to target device-specific web and SDK resources in the Launcher; software and hardware configuration tools; an integrated development environment (IDE) featuring industry-standard code editors, compilers and debuggers; and advanced, value-add tools for network analysis and code-correlated energy profiling.
Simplicity Studio is designed to simplify developer workflow as it intelligently recognizes all evaluation and development kits released by Silicon Labs and then makes appropriate SDKs and development resources readily available to the user. While Simplicity Studio also provides a feature-rich Eclipse and GNU toolchain-based IDE, developers may also use the other features of Simplicity Studio in conjunction with their own development environments.
Simplicity Studio is an industry-leading suite of tools offered cost-free to developers building products with the Silicon Labs portfolio of EFM8, EFM32, EFR32, EM35x, and EFP. Simplicity Studio supports customers looking to develop both simple projects through to complex, power-optimized applications and robust mesh networks.
Which Version of Simplicity Studio is Right for You?
Pick the right version to simplify development and speed time-to-market of your IoT applications.
Simplicity Studio 5 - IDE based on the latest versions of Eclipse and the C/C++ Development Tooling. Builds off the features of the previous version and includes advanced SecureVault technology, a new web-like interface, and solid performance improvements.
Simplicity Studio 4 - IDE based on Eclipse 4.5. Features energy profiling, configuration and wireless network analysis, and improved debugging. Recommended for existing applications.
| Criteria | Simplicity Studio 4 |
Simplicity Studio 5 | ||||
| Bluetooth | Proprietary | Zigbee | Z-Wave | EFM | ||
| GSDK | up to 2.7.x | 3.x.x | 3.x.x | 3.x.x | 3.x.x | 3.x.x |
| Status | Maintained | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| Existing Projects | ✔ | via migration | via migration | via migration | via migration | via migration |
| New Projects | ✔ (Not preferred) |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Support for Secure Vault Technology | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Future Release | Series 2 Only |
Still not sure which version of Simplicity Studio software you need?
View the release notes within each of the tabs below to get information on the capabilities, features, improvements, and recommended use cases of each version. Note: Before you upgrade to Simplicity Studio 5, please ensure your application meets the migration criteria outlined in the release notes.
Compare Simplicity Studio Versions
Downloads, System Requirements and Release Notes
Want to try both? You can now install two different versions of Simplicity Studio on one machine.
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Simplicity Studio Version 5
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Simplicity Studio Version 4
Simplicity Studio 5
Simplicity Studio 5 is a major upgrade to the popular IDE. The experience is largely based on feedback from customers, employees and competitive reviews. No matter your experience level, you'll benefit from an optimized workflow that produces quicker project progression and device configuration. Simplicity Studio 5 also includes the latest versions of Eclipse and C/C++ Development Tooling (CDT), adding robustness, improving performance, and giving you the ability to customize your experience using plug-ins from the Eclipse Marketplace. Version 5 enables SecureVault, a new suite of state-of-the-art security features designed to help future proof your IoT devices against escalating threats and regulatory pressures. The IDE also includes a new UI engine for modern, responsive, web-like user interfaces.
Download the Full Online Installer Version of Simplicity Studio 5
System Requirements
Operating Systems
| Operating System | Tested Version |
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| macOS | 10.14 Mojave 10.15 Catalina (GNU toolchain only) |
| Linux | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS |
Hardware
| Hardware Component | Item |
| CPU | 1 GHz or better |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended for Wireless Protocol development |
| Disk Space | 600 MB disk space for minimum FFD installation 7 GB for Wireless Dynamic Protocol support |
Gecko SDK Release Notes (3.0)
Latest Release - Q4/2020 (October 2020)
Bluetooth Version 3.0.2.0
- Integrated with Gecko Platform component-based architecture
- New Bluetooth stack API
- Support for 32 simultaneous connections
- Support for Randomized Advertising Channel Indexing
- Support for BGM220P and BGM220S modules
*For Bluetooth Mesh support, see Version 4
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0  |
| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
Gecko Platform Version 3.0.2.0
- Services
- New Power Manager service replacing SLEEP driver
- Deprecated RTCDRV in favor of Sleep Timer service
- Security
- Mbed TLS updated to v2.16.6
- Added hardware acceleration for AES-GCM
- Gecko Bootloader
- Added rollback prevention feature
- Upgrade process speedup
- RAIL Library
- Studio V5/GSDK 3.0 support for RAIL
- New channel hopping (Preamble Sense) and low duty cycle (LDC) modes to help performance in noisy environments
- Optional support for the Silicon Labs Power Manager
- New and updated Sample Applications
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0 |
| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
8-bit 8051 MCU Version 4.1.7.0
- Added Configurator support for F970
- Updated examples to use "si_toolchain.h"
- Removed /an examples from SDK
| Release | Release Notes |
|---|---|
| 2019/12 | |
| Version 4.1.7.0 |
32-bit MCU Version 5.10.2.0
- Deleted examples for EFM32G-DK3550, EFM32LG-DK3650, EFM32GG-DK3750 and EFM32WG-DK3850
- Examples adapted to changes in underlying platform
- Restructured FreeRTOS examples
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 5.10.2.0 |
| 2020/09 | Version 5.10.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 5.10.0.2 |
Proprietary Flex Version 3.0.2.0
- Connect Apps and Stack
- Studio V5/GSDK 3.0 support for CONNECT
- EFR32xG22 CONNECT GA support
- Improved CONNECT frequency hopping algorithm to handle synchronization loss
- TX and RX packet time stamping to allow accurate synchronization
- RAIL Library
- Studio V5/GSDK 3.0 support for RAIL
- New channel hopping (Preamble Sense) and low duty cycle (LDC) modes to help performance in noisy environments
- Optional support for the Silicon Labs Power Manager
- New and updated Sample Applications
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0 |
| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
OpenThread Version 1.0.2.0
- First release of OpenThread in the Gecko SDK Suite
- Dynamic multiprotocol OpenThread + BLE functionality
- Network co-processor (NCP) and radio co-processor (RCP) support
- Added EFR32 module support
- Network Analyzer support for OpenThread
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 1.0.2.0 |
| 2020/09 | Version 1.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 1.0.0.2 |
Z-Wave 700 Version 7.14.3.0
- New Z-Wave LED Bulb application
- Z-Wave pre-certified applications: Door Lock Key Pad, LED Bulb, Power Strip, Sensor PIR, Switch On/Off & Wall Controller
- New Z-Wave PC-based Controller v5.40
*For 500 Series support, see Version 4
| Full Releases | Z-Wave 700 Release Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave SDK | Z/IP Gateway SDK | Z-Ware SDK | |
| 2020/10 | Version 7.14.3.0 |
— | — |
| 2020/09 | Version 7.14.2.0 |
Version 7.14.2.0 |
Version 7.14.2.0 |
| 2020/07 | Version 7.14.1.0 |
Version 7.14.1.0 |
Version 7.14.1.0 |
Zigbee EmberZNet Version 6.8.2.0
- Concurrent support for multiple PANs
- Expanded size of reporting table to 1024 entries
- Green Power sample application updates
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 6.8.2.0 |
| 2020/09 | Version 6.8.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 6.8.0.2 |
Simplicity Studio 4
Simplicity Studio simplifies the IoT development process with one-click access to everything developers need to complete their projects using an integrated development environment (IDE) based on Eclipse 4.5. Simplicity Studio includes a powerful suite of tools for energy profiling, configuration and wireless network analysis, as well as demos, software examples, complete documentation, technical support and community forums.
Download the Full Online Installer Version of Simplicity Studio 4
System Requirements
Operating Systems
| Operating System | Tested Version |
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| macOS | 10.14 Mojave |
| Linux | Ubuntu 18.04 LTS |
Hardware
| Hardware Component | Item |
| CPU | 1 GHz or better |
| Memory | 1 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended for Wireless Protocol development |
| Disk Space | 600 MB disk space for minimum FFD installation 7 GB for Wireless Dynamic Protocol support |
Gecko SDK Release Notes (2.8)
Latest Release - Q4/2020 (Updated October 2020)
Bluetooth Version 2.13.8.0
- Adds directional priority PTA support for Wi-Fi Coexistance
- Updates to the Bluetooth Mobile app
- NVM3 support on EFR32[B|M]G1x devices
- New part support - EFR32[B/M]G22 and Thunderboard EFR32BG22
- Bluetooth 5.2 compliance
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 2.13.8.0 |
| 2020/08 | Version 2.13.7.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 2.13.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.13.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.13.5.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 2.13.4.0 |
|
| 2020/03 | Version 2.13.3.0 |
|
| 2020/02 | Version 2.13.2.0 |
|
| 2020/01 | Version 2.13.1.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 2.13.0.0 |
| 2019/11 | Version 2.12.4.0 |
Bluetooth Mesh Version 1.7.2.0
- New part support – EFR32[B|M]G22 and Thunderboard EFR32BG22
- Time model API and documentation
- Scheduler model API and documentation
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/11 | Version 1.7.2.0 |
| 2020/10 | Version 1.7.1.0 |
|
| 2020/06 | Version 1.7.0.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 1.6.3.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 1.6.2.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 1.6.0.0 |
| 2019/12 | Version 1.5.3.0 |
Gecko Platform Version 2.7.8.0
- RAIL Library
- Added support for a mode to select the best PA for a given power level
- Added support for new IEEE 802.15.4G-2012 features
- mbed TLS
- Added AES-GCM support for Series-2
- Updated mbed TLS library to version 2.7.12
- Gecko Bootloader
- Added certificate support
- Added EZSP GPIO plugin
- Added EUART driver
- Other Gecko Platform Software
- Updated LwIP package to version 2.1.2
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 2.7.8.0 |
| 2020/08 | Version 2.7.7.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.7.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.7.5.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 2.7.4.0 |
|
| 2020/03 | Version 2.7.3.0 |
|
| 2020/02 | Version 2.7.2.0 |
|
| 2020/01 | Version 2.7.1.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 2.7.0.0 |
| 2019/11 | Version 2.6.4.0 |
8-bit 8051 MCU Version 4.1.7.0
- VCPXpress 2.0 release
- Replaced compiler_defs.h with si_toolchain.h
| Releases | Date | Release Notes | Offline Installers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | |||
| 2019/12 | Version 4.1.7.0 |
   |
32-bit MCU Version 5.9.8.0
- Integration of sleeptimer service
- New Micrium OS LwIP WFX200 example
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 5.9.8.0 |
| 2020/08 | Version 5.9.7.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 5.9.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 5.9.5.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 5.9.4.0 |
|
| 2020/03 | Version 5.9.3.0 |
|
| 2020/02 | Version 5.9.2.0 |
|
| 2020/01 | Version 5.9.1.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 5.9.0.0 |
| 2019/07 | Version 5.8.1 |
Proprietary Flex Version 2.7.8.0
- Connect Apps and Stack
- New and updated APIs
- RAIL Library
- Added support for new EFR32xG22
- Added support for a mode to select the best PA for a given power level
- Added support for a new IEEE 802.15.4G-2012 features
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 2.7.8.0 |
| 2020/08 | Version 2.7.7.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.7.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 2.7.5.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 2.7.4.0 |
|
| 2020/03 | Version 2.7.3.0 |
|
| 2020/02 | Version 2.7.2.0 |
|
| 2020/01 | Version 2.7.1.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 2.7.0.0 |
| 2019/11 | Version 2.6.4.0 |
Thread Version 2.10.4.0
- DotDot v1.0 Support
- Thread 1.2 DUA + Multicast Support
- Dynamic Multi-Protocol (DMP) Thread + BLE
- Support for MG21 Modules
- MGM210P and MGM210L
*For OpenThread support, see Version 5
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2019/11 | Version 2.10.4.0 |
| 2019/09 | Version 2.10.3.0 |
|
| 2019/08 | Version 2.10.2.0 |
|
| 2019/07 | Version 2.10.1.0-A |
|
| 2019/06 | Version 2.10.0.0 |
|
| 2019/03 | Version 2.9.5 |
Z-Wave
700 Series
- Z-Wave 700 series module and SoC support
- Z-Wave Plus v2
- Z-Wave SmartStart
- Z-Wave S2 Security Framework
| Full Releases | Z-Wave 700 Series Release Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave SDK | Z/IP Gateway SDK | Z-Ware SDK | |
| 2020 | Version 7.13.8 |
Version 7.13.6 |
Version 7.13.6 |
| Version 7.13.6 |
Version 7.13.1 |
Version 7.13.1 |
|
| Version 7.13.5 |
— | — | |
| Version 7.13.4 |
— | — | |
500 Series
- Z-Wave SmartStart
- IMA Support for remote diagnostics
- HomeKit support – Adjunct review R10 passed
- Multicast FLiRS
| Releases | Z-Wave 500 Series | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave SDK Release Notes | Z/IP Gateway SDK Release Notes | Z-Ware SDK Release Notes | |
| 2020 | Version 6.82.x |
Version 2.81.x |
Version 1.11.x |
| 2019 | Version 6.81.x |
— | — |
| Version 6.71.x |
— | — | |
Zigbee EmberZNet Version 6.7.8.0
- Added support for EFR32MG22 parts
- Adds sample application for Zigbee Alliance TIS/TRP RF testing
- New optimized network steering algorithm
- Limited token set option for Smart Energy CommsHub
- Expanded EZSP Frame Header to support additional frame IDs
| Releases | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/10 | Version 6.7.8.0 |
| 2020/08 | Version 6.7.7.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 6.7.6.0 |
|
| 2020/05 | Version 6.7.5.0 |
|
| 2020/04 | Version 6.7.4.0 |
|
| 2020/03 | Version 6.7.3.0 |
|
| 2020/02 | Version 6.7.2.0 |
|
| 2020/01 | Version 6.7.1.0 |
|
| 2019 | 2019/12 | Version 6.7.0.0 |
| 2019/11 | Version 6.6.4.0 |