Thread Development Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to provide a reference for all stages of development using TI Thread connectivity products.

Step 0: Learn the technology

Step 1: Pick your device

Step 2: Download necessary software

Step 3: Begin software development

Step 4: Deep-dive into documentation

Step 5: Design your hardware

Step 6: Certification and production

Also see the ‘Common Development Questions’ section at the end.

Not sure which connectivity technology to use? Check out the Wireless Connectivity Technology Selection Guide!

Step 0: Learn the technology

• Connect Videos
  • 3.1 Connect: Thread Demo
  • 3.27 Connect: Smart home automation demo
• TI Training Videos
  • Thread on CC2652 & CC1352
  • Simple Thread network with Bluetooth 5 over-the-air download
• White Papers
  • Thread and Zigbee for home and building automation
  • Use of Low-Power Thread and Zigbee With the SimpleLink™ Wireless MCU Family
  • Dynamic Multi-protocol Manager (DMM)

Step 1: Pick your device

• Wireless Connectivity Technology Selection Guide
• CC2652R: LaunchPad
• CC2652P
• CC2652RB: LaunchPad
• CC1352R: LaunchPad or SensorTag
• CC1352P: LaunchPad

Step 2: Download necessary software

• SIMPLELINK-CC13X2-26X2-SDK (includes SysConfig for driver and stack configuration)
• Choose an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
  • Code Composer Studio
  • IAR Embedded Workbench
• Programmer (optional if you are using an IDE)
  • UNIFLASH
  • FLASH-PROGRAMMER
• Other tools for evaluation (optional)
  • Evaluate RF packet configurations: SmartRF Studio
  • Develop low power sensor interface: Sensor Controller Studio
  • Sniff over-the-air packets: SmartRF Protocol Packet Sniffer
  • Estimate RF range of technology: RF Range Estimator

Step 3: Begin software development

• Out of Box Experience: Once you have selected your LaunchPad, learn about its features and run your first application!
• Quick Start Guide: This guide provides a roadmap to developing with TI OpenThread. Get started using TI Resource Explorer, learn how to import a project into CCS or IAR, or develop a new application.
• SimpleLink Academy: Check out the SimpleLink Academy training platform for step-by-step instructions to learn about setting up and using Thread examples.

Step 4: Deep-dive into documentation

• SDK Documents (including TI-OpenThread): You can find all stack user’s guides and API guides here, plus kernel, TI Drivers, and configuration tools
• Technical Reference Manual
• CC2538/CC26x0/CC26x2 Serial Bootloader Interface
• Measuring CC13XX and CC26XX current consumption

Step 5: Design your hardware

• CC13xx/CC26xx Hardware Configuration and PCB Design Considerations
• SIMPLELINK-2-4GHZ-DESIGN-REVIEWS: Ask a TI expert to review your schematics and layout
• Additional hardware documents can be found on your device’s product page (see Step 1: Pick your device)

Step 6: Certification and production

• TI OpenThread is a Thread Certified Component as shown on the OpenThread Certification page.  Refer to the Thread Certified Products and OpenThread Vendors pages for a list of applicable TI SimpleLink CC13X2 / CC26X2 devices.
• CC2538/CC26x0/CC26x2 Serial Bootloader Interface
• Final Test Considerations for Wireless Technology Products
• FLASH-PROGRAMMER or UNIFLASH

Common Development Questions

• How do I get started?

Start with the Out of Box Experience! This demo helps you learn about your LaunchPad and run your first application. After that, start to learn about the different features and software libraries we provide on SimpleLink Academy.                                                                                                                                                   

• How do I add my technology to a new application?

It is recommended that users start with one of the various development examples provided in the SDK.

• How do I learn about the peripheral drivers? Where do I find examples for PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, or GPIOs?

The TI Drivers Runtime APIs provide basic usage summaries and examples for each peripheral, and additional TI Drivers examples are provided for each device inside the examples/<rtos>/<LaunchPad>/drivers folder of your SDK.

• How do I flash code to my LaunchPad?

Use the CCSTUDIO IDE to build, load, and debug code. To program a binary image on a 2.4 or Sub1-GHZ device, refer to either FLASH-PROGRAMMER or UNIFLASH.

• Where do I learn about security features?

Find out more about the SimpleLink security features available on each stack with these White Papers.

• How do I get a schematic and layout review?

Design reviews can be requested for Sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and Wi-Fi hardware.

• Where do I go for help? Where can I find more FAQs?

The E2E Wireless Connectivity forum is the go-to source for help throughout every step of the design process.

E2E is a public forum with questions and answers posted by TI engineers and knowledgeable community members to help users quickly solve their design issues. Search a few keywords to see resolved questions, or you can ask a new question!