Before starting, ensure you have the necessary compilers and
tools installed as mentioned in the Compatibility and Use Notices
section of the user manual.

2. Accessing Sample Applications:

The Connect SDK comes with sample applications provided in
source code. You can find these within the Connect SDK package.

3. Developing Applications:

To develop applications using the Connect SDK, refer to the
extensive documentation provided. Make sure to follow the
guidelines and best practices outlined in the documentation.

4. Troubleshooting:

If you encounter any issues or errors while using the Connect
SDK, refer to the Known Issues section in the user manual for
possible workarounds or solutions. You can also check for updates
on the Silicon Labs website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What is the main purpose of the Connect SDK?

A: The Connect SDK is a complete software development suite for
proprietary wireless applications, designed for customizable
broad-based proprietary wireless networking solutions with low
power consumption.

Q: Where can I find the sample applications provided with the
Connect SDK?

A: The sample applications are included in the Connect SDK
package and are available in source code format.

Q: What compilers are compatible with the Connect SDK?

A: The Connect SDK is compatible with GCC version 12.2.1, which
is provided with Simplicity Studio.

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Connect SDK 4.0.0.0 GA
Simplicity SDK Suite 2024.12.0 December 16, 2024

The Connect SDK is a complete software development suite for proprietary wireless applications that was previously part of the Proprietary SDK. Starting with the Connect SDK 4.0.0.0 release, Proprietary SDK is split into RAIL SDK and Connect SDK.
Connect SDK uses Silicon Labs Connect, an IEEE 802.15.4-based networking stack designed for customizable broad-based proprietary wireless networking solutions that require low power consumption and operates in either the sub-GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency bands. The solution is targeted towards simple network topologies.
Connect SDK is supplied with extensive documentation and sample applications. All examples are provided in source code within the Connect SDK sample applications.
These release notes cover SDK version(s):

CONNECT APPS AND STACK KEY FEATURES
· PSA Crypto hardware acceleration for payload encryption enabled in Connect Stack on Series-2 parts
· Connect stack and Connect SDK enabled on BRD4276A radio board with EFR32FG25 and SKY66122-11 frontend module for high TX power applications

4.0.0.0 GA released December 16, 2024.

Compatibility and Use Notices
For information about security updates and notices, see the Security chapter of the Platform Release Notes installed with this SDK or on the TECH DOCS tab on https://www.silabs.com/developers/flex-sdk-connect-networking-stack. Silicon Labs also strongly recommends that you subscribe to Security Advisories for up-to-date information. For instructions, or if you are new to the Silicon Labs Flex SDK, see Using This Release.
Compatible Compilers:
IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM (IAR-EWARM) version 9.40.1 · Using wine to build with the IarBuild.exe command line utility or IAR Embedded Workbench GUI on macOS or Linux could result in
incorrect files being used due to collisions in wine’s hashing algorithm for generating short file names. · Customers on macOS or Linux are advised not to build with IAR outside of Simplicity Studio. Customers who do should carefully
verify that the correct files are being used.
GCC (The GNU Compiler Collection) version 12.2.1, provided with Simplicity Studio.

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Connect 4.0.0.0

Contents
Contents
1 Connect Applications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.1 New Items…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.2 Improvements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.3 Fixed Issues …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 1.4 Known Issues in the Current Release ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 1.5 Deprecated Items ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 1.6 Removed Items …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
2 Connect Stack ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 2.1 New Items…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2.2 Improvements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2.3 Fixed Issues …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 2.4 Known Issues in the Current Release ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 2.5 Deprecated Items ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2.6 Removed Items …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
3 Using This Release ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 3.1 Installation and Use ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 3.2 Security Information……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 3.3 Support ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 3.4 SDK Release and Maintenance Policy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

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Connect 4.0.0.0 | 2

1 Connect Applications

Connect Applications

1.1 New Items
Added in release 4.0.0.0 · simplicity_sdk/app/flex is split into two:
o simplicity_sdk/app/rail (RAIL SDK) o simplicity_sdk/app/connect (CONNECT SDK)

1.2 Improvements
Changed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

1.3 Fixed Issues
Fixed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

1.4 Known Issues in the Current Release
Issues in bold were added since the previous release. If you have missed a release, recent release notes are available on the TECH DOCS tab on https://www.silabs.com/developers/flex-sdk-connect-networking-stack.

ID # 652925
1139850

Description
EFR32XG21 is not supported for “Flex (Connect) – SoC Light Example DMP” and “Flex (Connect) – SoC Switch Example”
DMP instabilities with XG27

Workaround

1.5 Deprecated Items
Deprecated in release 4.0.0.0 Flex SDK Flex folder is deprecated and will be removed. It has been split into Rail folder for RAIL SDK and Connect folder for Connect SDK..
1.6 Removed Items
Removed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

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Connect 4.0.0.0 | 3

2 Connect Stack

Connect Stack

2.1 New Items
Added in release 4.0.0.0
· The CCM* operations realized to encrypt and decrypt the stack communications are now performed by default using PSA Crypto API. Until now, the stack used its own implementation of CCM* and only used PSA Crypto API to perform AES block calculations. Two new components, “AES Security (Library)” and “AES Security (Library) | Legacy”, have been added, allowing the selection of one or the other of the implementations. The two components are compatible and can be installed at the same time. Refer to https://docs.silabs.com/connect-stack/4.0.0/connect-security-key-migration/ for further information.
2.2 Improvements
Changed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

2.3 Fixed Issues
Fixed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

2.4 Known Issues in the Current Release
Issues in bold were added since the previous release. If you have missed a release, recent release notes are available on the TECH DOCS tab on https://www.silabs.com/developers/gecko-software-development-kit.

ID # 501561

Description
When running the RAIL Multiprotocol Library (used for example when running DMP Connect+BLE), IR Calibration is not performed because of a known issue in the RAIL Multiprotocol Library. As result, there is an RX sensitivity loss in the order of 3 or 4 dBm.
In the Legacy HAL component, the PA configuration is hardcoded regardless of the user or board settings.

Workaround
Until this is changed to properly pull from the configuration header, the file ember-phy.c in the user’s project will need to be modified by hand to reflect the desired PA mode, voltage, and ramp time.

2.5 Deprecated Items
Deprecated in release 4.0.0.0 None.
2.6 Removed Items
Removed in release 4.0.0.0 None.

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Connect 4.0.0.0 | 4

Using This Release
3 Using This Release
This release contains the following: · Radio Abstraction Interface Layer (RAIL) stack library · Connect Stack Library · RAIL and Connect Sample Applications · RAIL and Connect Components and Application Framework
This SDK depends on the Simplicity Platform. The Simplicity Platform code provides functionality that supports protocol plugins and APIs in the form of drivers and other lower layer features that interact directly with Silicon Labs chips and modules. Simplicity Platform components include EMLIB, EMDRV, RAIL Library, NVM3, and mbedTLS. Simplicity Platform release notes are available through Simplicity Studio’s Documentation tab.
For more information about the Flex SDK v3.x see UG103.13: RAIL Fundamentals and UG103.12: Silicon Labs Connect Fundamentals. If you are a first time user, see QSG168: Proprietary Flex SDK v3.x Quick Start Guide.

3.1 Installation and Use
The Proprietary Flex SDK is provided as part of the Simplicity SDK, the suite of Silicon Labs SDKs. To quickly get started with the Simplicity SDK, install Simplicity Studio 5, which will set up your development environment and walk you through Simplicity SDK installation. Simplicity Studio 5 includes everything needed for IoT product development with Silicon Labs devices, including a resource and project launcher, software configuration tools, full IDE with GNU toolchain, and analysis tools. Installation instructions are provided in the online Simplicity Studio 5 User’s Guide.
Alternatively, Simplicity SDK may be installed manually by downloading or cloning the latest from GitHub. See https://github.com/SiliconLabs/simplicity_sdk for more information.
Simplicity Studio installs the GSDK by default in: · (Windows): C:Users<NAME>SimplicityStudioSDKssimplicity_sdk · (MacOS): /Users/<NAME>/SimplicityStudio/SDKs/simplicity_sdk
Documentation specific to the SDK version is installed with the SDK. Additional information can often be found in the knowledge base articles (KBAs). API references and other information about this and earlier releases is available on https://docs.silabs.com/.

3.2 Security Information
Secure Vault Integration
When deployed to Secure Vault High devices, sensitive keys are protected using the Secure Vault Key Management functionality. The following table shows the protected keys and their storage protection characteristics.

Wrapped Key Thread Master Key PSKc Key Encryption Key MLE Key Temporary MLE Key MAC Previous Key MAC Current Key MAC Next Key

Exportable / Non-Exportable Exportable Exportable Exportable Non-Exportable Non-Exportable Non-Exportable Non-Exportable Non-Exportable

Notes Must be exportable to form the TLVs Must be exportable to form the TLVs Must be exportable to form the TLVs

Wrapped keys that are marked as “Non-Exportable” can be used but cannot be viewed or shared at runtime.

Wrapped keys that are marked as “Exportable” can be used or shared at runtime but remain encrypted while stored in flash. For more information on Secure Vault Key Management functionality, see AN1271: Secure Key Storage.

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Connect 4.0.0.0 | 5

Using This Release
Security Advisories
To subscribe to Security Advisories, log in to the Silicon Labs customer portal, then select Account Home. Click HOME to go to the portal home page and then click the Manage Notifications tile. Make sure that `Software/Security Advisory Notices & Product Change Notices (PCNs)’ is checked, and that you are subscribed at minimum for your platform and protocol. Click Save to save any changes.
The following figure is an example:

3.3 Support
Development Kit customers are eligible for training and technical support. Use the Silicon Labs Flex web page to obtain information about all Silicon Labs Thread products and services, and to sign up for product support. You can contact Silicon Laboratories support at http://www.silabs.com/support.
3.4 SDK Release and Maintenance Policy
For details, see SDK Release and Maintenance Poilcy.

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Connect 4.0.0.0 | 6

Simplicity Studio
One-click access to MCU and wireless tools, documentation, software, source code libraries & more. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux!

IoT Portfolio
www.silabs.com/IoT

SW/HW
www.silabs.com/simplicity

Quality
www.silabs.com/quality

Support & Community
www.silabs.com/community

Disclaimer Silicon Labs intends to provide customers with the latest, accurate, and in-depth documentation of all peripherals and modules available for system and software implementers using or intending to use the Silicon Labs products. Characterization data, available modules and peripherals, memory sizes and memory addresses refer to each specific device, and “Typical” parameters provided can and do vary in different applications. Application examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Labs reserves the right to make changes without further notice to the product information, specifications, and descriptions herein, and does not give warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the included information. Without prior notification, Silicon Labs may update product firmware during the manufacturing process for security or reliability reasons. Such changes will not alter the specifications or the performance of the product. Silicon Labs shall have no liability for the consequences of use of the information supplied in this document. This document does not imply or expressly grant any license to design or fabricate any integrated circuits. The products are not designed or authorized to be used within any FDA Class III devices, applications for which FDA premarket approval is required or Life Support Systems without the specific written consent of Silicon Labs. A “Life Support System” is any product or system intended to support or sustain life and/or health, which, if it fails, can be reasonably expected to result in significant personal injury or death. Silicon Labs products are not designed or authorized for military applications. Silicon Labs products shall under no circumstances be used in weapons of mass destruction including (but not limited to) nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, or missiles capable of delivering such weapons. Silicon Labs disclaims all express and implied warranties and shall not be responsible or liable for any injuries or damages related to use of a Silicon Labs product in such unauthorized applications.
Trademark Information Silicon Laboratories Inc.®, Silicon Laboratories®, Silicon Labs®, SiLabs® and the Silicon Labs logo®, Bluegiga®, Bluegiga Logo®, EFM®, EFM32®, EFR, Ember®, Energy Micro, Energy Micro logo and combinations thereof, “the world’s most energy friendly microcontrollers”, Redpine Signals®, WiSeConnect , n-Link, EZLink®, EZRadio®, EZRadioPRO®, Gecko®, Gecko OS, Gecko OS Studio, Precision32®, Simplicity Studio®, Telegesis, the Telegesis Logo®, USBXpress® , Zentri, the Zentri logo and Zentri DMS, Z-Wave®, and others are trademarks or registered trademarks of Silicon Labs. ARM, CORTEX, Cortex-M3 and THUMB are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARM Holdings. Keil is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other products or brand names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.
Silicon Laboratories Inc. 400 West Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 USA
www.silabs.com

Documents / Resources

SILICON LABS Connect SDK Software [pdf] User Guide
Connect, SDK, Connect SDK Software, Software

References

User Manual

Connect SDK Software

Product Information

Specifications:

Product Usage Instructions:

1. Installation and Setup:

2. Accessing Sample Applications:

3. Developing Applications:

4. Troubleshooting:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What is the main purpose of the Connect SDK?

Q: Where can I find the sample applications provided with the
Connect SDK?

Q: What compilers are compatible with the Connect SDK?

Documents / Resources

References

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