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.
-
Simplicity Studio Version 5
-
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 (3.1)
Latest Release - Q4/2020 (December 2020)
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version 3.1.0.0
- Angle of Arrival General Availability
- LE Power Control
- Support for CMSIS-RTOS2
- New NCP tool - Bluetooth NCP Commander
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 3.1.0.0  |
| 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0 |
|
| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
Bluetooth Mesh Version 2.0.0.0
- Support added for MGM220P, xGM210LA, BGM220SC22HNA modules
- Integration with Gecko SDK Suite
- Simplicity Studio 5 support added
- New Bluetooth Mesh APIs
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 2.0.0.0 |
Bluetooth Location Services
RTL Library Version 3.1.0.0
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 3.1.0.0 |
Gecko Platform Version 3.1.0.0
- Peripherals
- Include handling pcntModeOvsQuadx modes in PCNT_Init
- Services
- New NVM3 function that enables reading only parts of a data object
- Common
- Platform converted to use BASEPRI interrupt levels, vs. PRIMASK interrupt enable/disable
- MCU SDK 6.0 integrated into Common platform
- Security
- Mbed TLS updated to version 2.24.0
- Added attestation support in SE Manager
- Operating System
- Platform components are now compatible with any kernel providing a CMSIS-RTOS2 implementation
- Examples
- Added alpha quality Hello World and Micro Speech examples for TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers
- Added several common sample apps for EFM and EFR devices
- Removed several MCU sample apps
- Boards and External Devices
- Added better support for 60 Ohm ESR crystals
- Other Platform Components
- Added alpha support for TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers version 2.3.1
- RAIL Library
- EFR32FG23 Alpha 2 Support
- EFR32FG23 Alpha 2 Support
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 3.1.0.0 |
| 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 4.2.0.0
- Added preliminary support for EFM8BB51 and EFM8BB52
- Added GPIO Expander example for EFM8 devices
- Added header files for EFM8BB3 Rev D
| Release | Release Notes |
|---|---|
| 2020/12 | |
| Version 4.2.0.0 |
32-bit MCU Version 6.0.0.0
- Added platform examples for EFM32 series 0 and series 1 devices
- Reduced number of sample applications for EFM32 hardware kits
- Reduced pre-compiled demo list for EFM32 hardware kits
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 6.0.0.0 |
| 2020/10 | Version 5.10.2.0 |
|
| 2020/09 | Version 5.10.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 5.10.0.2 |
Proprietary Flex Version 3.1.0.0
- Connect Apps and Stack
- EFR32xG21 and MGMx CONNECT GA support
- FreeRTOS Support for CONNECT
- Long Range PHY Support for CONNECT
- New example: ECDH key exchange
- Example ported from Flex 2.7: DMP Light/Switch
- Support for the RAIL-embedded IEEE 802.15.4 PHY
- RAIL Library
- EFR32FG23 Alpha 2 Support
- EFR32xG21 Flex Support
- Wi-SUN Profile and PHYs in Radio Configurator
- New example: SimpleTRX Standards for demonstrating 15.4/BLE usage
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 3.1.0.0 |
| 2020/10 | Version 3.0.2.0 |
|
| 2020/09 | Version 3.0.1.0 |
|
| 2020/07 | Version 3.0.0.2 |
OpenThread Version 1.1.0.0
- Alpha support for IEEE 802.15.4 managed coexistence with Wi-Fi·
- Antenna Diversity
- Border router sample application
- FreeRTOS integration with sample applications
- MGM210L module support
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 1.1.0.0 |
| 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 7.15.1.0
- New Z-Wave Long Range protocol
- All Apps supported by Z-Wave Long Range
- New Z-Wave PC-based Controller v5.50 supporting Z-Wave Long Range
- New Z-Wave PC-based Zniffer v4.65 supporting Z-Wave Long Range
- New Network Analyzer supporting Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range
*For 500 Series support, see Version 4
| Full Releases | Z-Wave 700 Release Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave SDK | Z/IP Gateway SDK | Z-Ware SDK | |
| 2020/12 | Version 7.15.1.0 |
Version 7.15.1.0 |
Version 7.15.1.0 |
| 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 6.9.0.0
- Updated ZCL framework to ZCL 8
- Added low power (EM2) support for EFR32MG21 DMP applications
- Added bidirectional messaging for Green Power
- Updated door lock cluster
- Removed EM35x part support
| Release | Date | Release Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020/12 | Version 6.9.0.0 |
| 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 1.7.3.0
- 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 | 2020/12 | Version 1.7.3.0 |
| 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 |