Introduction#

Gecko Software Development Kit suite (GSDK) version 3 (GSDK v3.0) introduced a new underlying Gecko Platform architecture based on components. Beginning with GSDK 4.0, the Gecko Bootloader now uses this underlying architecture. With Simplicity Studio 5 (SSv5) and GSDK 4.0, developers working with Gecko Bootloader will benefit from the following component-based project configuration features:

  • Search and filter to find and discover software components that work with the target device

  • Automatically pull in all component dependencies and initialization code

  • Configurable software components including peripheral inits, drivers, middleware, and stacks

  • All configuration settings are in C header files for usage outside of Simplicity Studio

  • Configuration validation to alert developers to errors or issues

  • Easily manage all project source via git or other SCM tools

  • Managed migration to future component and SDK versions

  • Simplified transitions from Silicon Labs development kits to custom hardware

Other features of the SSv5/GSDK 4.x development environment include:

  • Project source management options (link to SDK sources or copy all contents to user folder)

  • Graphical pin configuration through the Pin Tool

  • Redesigned Radio Configurator with a fresh UI that’s more intuitive for single- and multi-PHY customization

  • Iterative development (configure components, edit sources, compile, debug) using SSv5 configuration tools and third-party IDEs

  • GNU makefiles as a build option

This document summarizes the differences between the Gecko Bootloader v2.x in GSDK 4.0 and earlier AppBuilder-based versions. These differences include:

  • Differences between AppBuilder and the new component-based Project Configurator

  • Comparison of the new Project Configurator components with AppBuilder plugins

  • Features of the Pin Tool, now used instead of Hardware Configurator

  • Other differences including:

    • Linker file

    • Additional Macros

    • Postbuild steps

    • Main bootloader in main flash

    • Callbacks

    • Storage Slots

    • App Properties