Platform#
Platform (formerly known as Gecko Platform) is the foundation for Silicon Labs embedded software development kits (SDKs). It provides common utilities, peripheral interfaces, drivers, services, middleware, a bootloader, security and cryptographic libraries, and more.
Simplicity SDK provides a framework for building power-optimized and secure IoT products based on our Series 2 and Series 3 wireless and MCU devices. It integrates wireless protocol stacks and application examples built on top of Platform version 5.0 and later.
Simplicity SDK is a follow-on to our popular Gecko SDK, which is built upon Platform version 4.4.x and earlier. Gecko SDK will continue to be available providing long-term support for our Series 0 and Series 1 devices. For additional information see the Gecko SDK page on silabs.com.
Supported Device Series#
Series 2 Devices: Mature wireless and MCU devices with internal flash memory, supporting both bare-metal and RTOS applications using the former sl_system or new sl_main programming models.
Series 3 Devices: Next-generation wireless and MCU devices featuring external flash memory with advanced security capabilities including Authenticated Execute in Place (AXiP). Series 3 devices require RTOS applications and use the new sl_main programming model exclusively.
Programming Model and Memory Management#
The sl_main component orchestrates firmware startup by managing the initialization sequence of hardware, software components, and applications with configurable hooks for custom integration. It supersedes sl_system while supporting both bare-metal and RTOS execution models.
For detailed information, see the Programming Model and Memory Layout documentation.
Migration Considerations#
Series 2 to Series 3: Applications targeting Series 3 devices must migrate to RTOS and sl_main, as Series 3 devices require RTOS execution and exclusively use sl_main for system initialization.
sl_system to sl_main: RTOS applications benefit from migrating to sl_main for earlier kernel initialization, improved memory placement for power optimization, and enhanced modularity with configurable start tasks and multiple initialization hooks. Bare-metal applications remain compatible with sl_system without requiring changes. See the SL System to SL Main Migration Guide.