Sticking It To The Developer

The ToolStick acts like any normal USB device. Plug it in and pop in the accompanying CD when the ToolStick is detected by Windows. This installs the driver needed for the ToolStick as well as the development software. The defaults let you start up the test applications immediately, so you can hit the second development plateau in less than half an hour assuming you read some of the documentation. You can be up and programming your own code within an hour if you are familiar with C and check out some of the limitations on the C compiler. The 8051 is not that conducive to using C unless you stick to the basics. Of course, this is true for just about any 8-bit microcontroller.

Overall, the ToolStick is a very neat way to check out Silicon Lab’s 8051 and its toolset. It also has potential for use as a product, although you will have to build your own boards. I suspect that few would use the clear plastic case for a real product.

If you are looking to do 8-bit embedded work and have not done so before, this is a bargain. If you want to check out the features of Silicon Labs’ chips, then this is a very inexpensive way to do it. Either way, it gets my nod for a really neat product.

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