Getting Started with RAIL

RAIL Documentation | Release Notes | Downloads

Silicon Labs RAIL (Radio Abstraction Interface Layer) provides an intuitive, easily-customizable radio interface layer that supports proprietary or standards-based wireless protocols. RAIL is designed to simplify and shorten the development process. Developers no longer have to deal with hundreds of registers across multiple products, but can instead rely on a unified software API. RAIL, delivered through the Silicon Labs Flex SDK (Software Development Kit), also makes applications portable across Silicon Labs wireless products. RAILtest, included with the Flex SDK, supports lab evaluation as well as application development.

RAIL Documentation

The RAIL SDK and the accompanying Connect SDK are delivered as part of the Proprietary Flex SDK.

Getting Started

QSG168: Proprietary Flex SDK v3.x Quick Start Guide - Provides basic information on configuring, building, and installing applications using Silicon Labs Connect and RAIL, the two development paths in the Silicon Labs Proprietary Flex SDK v3.x.

AN1244: EFR32 Migration Guide for Proprietary Applications - Describes the distinguishing features of different EFR32 families that are most relevant to porting proprietary wireless applications between them. Provides insight that is also helpful when selecting an initial target platform for proprietary wireless solutions.

Developing with RAIL

UG103.13: RAIL Fundamentals - Describes the features and functions of Silicon Labs RAIL (Radio Abstraction Interface Layer). RAIL provides an intuitive, easily-customizable radio interface layer that is designed to support proprietary or standards-based wireless protocols.

UG471: Flex SDK v3.x Range Test Demo User's Guide - Provides an easy way to evaluate the link budget of the Wireless Gecko EFR32 devices using Silicon Labs RAIL (RAIL) by performing a range test between two nodes using Range Test, a standalone test application. The range test demo implements Packet Error Rate (PER) measurement.

UG460: EFR32 Series 1 Long Range Configuration Reference - Introduces the long-range radio profile, escribes its development, and examines underlying details that enable it to realize extended range. Instructions for using example applications are included.

AN1253: EFR32 Radio Configurator Guide for Simplicity Studio 5 - Describes the radio configurator GUI for RAIL framework applications in Simplicity Studio 5. With it, you can create standard or custom radio configurations on which to run your RAIL-based applications. The role of each GUI item is explained.

UG409: RAILtest User's Guide - Describes the functionality available in the RAILtest application.

AN972: EFR32 RF Evaluation Guide - Describes using RAILTest to evaluate radio functionality, as well as peripherals, deep sleep states, etc. With it you can fully evaluate the receiving and transmitting performance and test RF functionality of development kit hardware or custom hardware.

AN1119: Using RAIL for Wireless M-Bus Applications with EFR32 - Describes using the Flex SDK for Wireless M-Bus development on EFR32 Wireless Geckos. Includes features and limitations as well as examples.

AN1127: Power Amplifier Power Conversion Functions in RAIL 2.x - Outlines how to account for the variation in output characteristics across custom boards and applications for the Silicon Labs EFR32 family of chips.

UG162: Simplicity Commander Reference Guide - Describes how and when to use Simplicity Commander's Command-Line Interface.

AN1392: Detailed Timing Test Results for RAIL - Provides information about various timing measurements that may be of interest when using RAIL to develop an application.

Training Sessions

RAIL Tutorials - Series of training sessions designed to help you get started with RAIL. You should have some experience with embedded C, for example know how to handle interrupts, what volatile means, and so on.