Introduction to the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK

The SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK is a set of software development tools that enables engineers to develop software applications on the SimpleLink CC13x0 ULP devices. This powerful software toolkit provides a cohesive and consistent software experience for all CC13x0 users by packaging essential software components such as TI RTOS, peripheral drivers, TI 15.4-Stack, Bluetooth Low Energy, and RF-Proprietary examples in one easy-to-use software package along with exhaustive documentation.

The SimpleLink MCU portfolio offers a single development environment that delivers flexible hardware, software and tool options for customers developing wired and wireless applications. With 100 percent code reuse across host MCUs, Wi-Fi™, Bluetooth low energy, Sub-1GHz devices and more, choose the MCU or connectivity standard that fits your design. A one-time investment with the SimpleLink software development kit (SDK) allows you to reuse often, opening the door to create unlimited applications. For more information, visit www.ti.com/simplelink.

Prerequisites

The user is expected to have the following:

• CC13x0 LaunchPad
• A computer running a supported operating system listed in the Release Notes

• At least one of the following IDE supported by the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK:

  • CCS 7.4
  • IAR for ARM 8.11.4
  • GNU ARM Embedded Toolchain, 6-2017-q1

• FreeRTOSv9.0.0 (Optional - For TI Drivers projects) The SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK does not deliver FreeRTOS sources. User is expected to download the same from www.freertos.org if they want to use FreeRTOS with the SDK.

SDK - Download and Installation

Using the SDK Online

A quick and easy way to start working with the SDK is to use TI Resource Explorer on dev.ti.com. This online tool lets you explore the contents of the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK. You can build the examples directly using the cloud version of Code Composer Studio. If you choose to use the SDK online, there is no need to download the SDK to your local computer or install any tools (other than the TI Cloud Agent for first time users).

Installing the SDK

You can also download the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK from TI Resource Explorer or the software product page on TI’s website.

IDE - Download and Installation

CCS Download and Installation

This section covers the required settings for a CCS installation. The CCS toolchain contains many features beyond the scope of this document. More information and documentation can be found on the CCS Webpage.

Check the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK release notes to see which CCS version to use and any required workarounds. Object code produced by CCS may differ in size and performance as compared to IAR produced object code.

1. Download CCS

   CCS is available here: https://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Download_CCS

   Refer to the Prerequisites section above for the version that is compatible with this SDK.

2. Installation Options

   During the installation, the following options are recommended:

   • We recommend that you use the default installation folder
   

   Figure 1. Default CCS Installation Location

   • Select SimpleLink CC13xx and CC26xx Wireless MCUs is selected. You can select additional processor support options as needed.
   

   Figure 2. Select Processor Support

   To use a debug probe, select TI XDS Debug Probe Support and any other options you would like. The CC13x0 LaunchPad uses TI XDS Debug Probe by default.

   

   Figure 3. CCS Debugger Options

   When the installation has completed, make sure that CC13xx/CC26xx Device Support is installed by checking for updates under Help -> Check for Updates.

3. Discovering the SDK in CCS

   Install the SDK in the default location pointed to by the installer - c:\ti and restart CCS. CCS will automatically detect the latest install.

   You can also Install products manually by selecting Window -> Preferences -> Code Composer Studio -> Products and clicking Install and navigating to the SDK installation location.

   Code Composer Studio automatically discovers the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK if it installed in its default installation directory (c:/ti). Once discovered by CCS, it defines a build environment variable named SIMPLELINK_CC13X0_SDK_INSTALL_DIR which is used by all SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK projects.

   If a project is imported from a path other than what was specified during the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK installation, the SIMPLELINK_CC13X0_SDK_INSTALL_DIR variable must be redefined after the import proceeding at a project-by-project basis.

   To redefine this variable:

   1. Open the CCS project’s properties (Project -> Properties)

   2. Navigate to Resource -> Linked Resources and edit SIMPLELINK_CC13X0_SDK_INSTALL_DIR and have it point to your imported root directory location.

      

      Figure 4. Redefining SIMPLELINK_CC13X0_SDK_INSTALL_DIR

4. Using a Specific TI ARM Compiler

   1. Verify ARM Compiler Tools version

      If needed, the CCS and ARM compiler versions can be verified by going to into Help -> About Code Composer Studio. Under the Installation Details button, you can determine the ARM Compiler Tools version. Please ensure this version satisfies the version requirements as stated in the release notes.

      If an update is required, refer to Installing a Specific TI ARM Compiler for the procedure to install the required TI ARM Compiler version.

   2. Install a Specific TI ARM Compiler, refer to the following steps and Figure 5.

      1. Help -> Install New Software
      2. Under the Work with: drop-down list, select Code Generation Tools Update
      3. Uncheck Show only the latest versions of available software
      4. Expand TI Compiler Update.
      5. Select the desired ARM Compiler Tools version as stated in the release notes.
      6. Press Next to complete the installation. You may have to restart CCS afterwards.

   

   Figure 5. TI ARM Compiler Version in Code Composer Studio

IAR Download and Installation

This section covers the required settings for a IAR installation. The IAR toolchain contains many features beyond the scope of this document. More information and documentation can be found at IAR.com.

Check the SimpleLink CC13x0 SDK release notes to see which IAR version to use and any required workarounds. Object code produced by IAR may differ in size and performance as compared to CCS produced object code.

1. Download IAR Download and install IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM. You can get IAR for ARM here: https://www.iar.com/iar-embedded-workbench/partners/texas-instruments/ti-wireless/

   To get IAR, choose one of the following methods:

   • Download the IAR Embedded Workbench 30-Day Evaluation Edition – This version of IAR is free, has full functionality, and includes all of the standard features. The size-limited Kickstart evaluation option is not compatible with this SDK.
   • Purchase the full-featured version of IAR Embedded Workbench – For complete BLE application development using the CC13x0, TI recommends purchasing the complete version of IAR without any restrictions. You can find the information on purchasing the complete version of IAR.

   Attention

   The version required is stated in the release notes. Opening IAR project files with a previous version of IAR may cause project file corruption.

2. Installation Options

   

   Figure 6. Default IAR Installation Location

   Make sure to select TI XDS as one of the debug probe drivers. You may also select other drivers. The driver will be installed towards the end of the installation of IAR.

Figure 7. IAR Debugger Options

3. Show Build Messages

   TI recommends showing all the build output messages for full verbosity during building. To do this, go to Tools -> Options and set Show Build Messages to All (see Figure 8.)

   

   Figure 8. Show All Build Messages in IAR