onsemi Studio
A comprehensive VS Code extension for streamlined embedded development with bare-metal CMake and Zephyr RTOS projects. Provides integrated tools for workspace setup, project management, building, debugging, and IntelliSense configuration—all within a unified development environment.
Note: This extension is currently tested on Windows only. Linux and macOS support will be available in upcoming releases of the extension.
Features
- Guided Workspace Setup - Interactive wizard that detects the project type (Zephyr or bare-metal CMake/SDK) and installs the matching tools automatically
- Multi-Project Support - Manage Zephyr RTOS and bare-metal CMake/SDK projects with individual configurations
- Import & Create Application Wizards - Bring in existing samples (multi-sample selection for CMake/SDK sources) or author a new application from scratch or a sample template, for both project types
- Visual Debug Configuration - Intuitive webview panel for creating and managing debug configurations with support for both the Eclipse CDT GDB adapter and the ASIP debug adapter (for ASIP-capable cores); direct editing of
.vscode/launch.json is fully supported
- Active ELF Management - Automatic detection and selection of ELF files for debugging, with status-bar indicator and quick-pick switching
- Advanced Build System Integration
- Zephyr: West workspace management, Kconfig (menuconfig/guiconfig), sysbuild, memory reports
- CMake: Multiple configurations, presets, toolchain files, cache variables, per-configuration
sourceDir for superbuild projects, target selection, KConfig (auto-detected from menuconfig / guiconfig targets)
- SDK Dependency Resolution - Projects declare SDK dependencies by name and semver in
sdk.json; the extension resolves them against installed SDKs and exports each SDK's envVarName for $env{} substitution in CMakePresets.json
- Intelligent IntelliSense - Auto-generate configuration for clangd (default) or Microsoft C/C++ with
compile_commands.json integration; multi-folder and sub-project aware
- Integrated Terminal - Pre-configured project terminals with toolchain paths, Python virtual environment activation (Zephyr and CMake), and environment variables
- Task Providers - Custom VS Code task definitions for build, flash, clean, configure, and debug operations
- Task Cancellation - Stop in-flight build / configure / clean / flash tasks via inline icon, Command Palette, or context menu
- Context Menus - Right-click project folders for quick access to build, debug, and configuration commands
- Repository Management - Add and remove SDKs / Repositories with inline icons in the Application view; configuration entries are removed without deleting files on disk
Documentation
For complete documentation, guides, and examples:
Quick Start
Guided setup (recommended, both project types):
- Setup Workspace: Run
onsemi: Workspace and Tools Setup to configure your SDK or Repository and install matching tools (the wizard detects bare-metal SDK vs. Zephyr/West and adapts its steps)
- Import or Create Application: Use
onsemi: Import Application to bring in existing samples (multi-sample for CMake/SDK), or onsemi: Create New Application for a new project from scratch or a sample template
- Build: Right-click the project folder →
onsemi: Project: Build
- Debug: Right-click the project folder →
onsemi: Project: Debug (the active ELF is auto-detected after build; use the status bar to switch between multiple ELFs)
Manual setup (open an existing folder):
- Open Folder: Use
File → Open Folder to open your project directory
- Configure Settings: Open the Configure Project Settings panel (onsemi Studio Activity Bar → Configuration → Configure Settings) or edit
.vscode/settings.json directly
- Build / Debug as above
For detailed setup instructions, see the full documentation.
Available Commands
The extension provides commands for:
- Setup: Workspace and Tools Setup, Import Application, Create New Application (all support Zephyr and bare-metal CMake/SDK)
- Project Operations: Build, clean, rebuild, configure, flash, debug, stop running task
- West / Zephyr: Workspace initialization, board/shield management, Python environment setup, Kconfig editors
- KConfig (CMake):
menuconfig / guiconfig actions auto-detected from project targets
- IntelliSense: Provider switching (clangd default, Microsoft C/C++ as alternative), configuration regeneration
- Debug Files: ELF selection, scanning, and management
See complete command reference for details.
Configuration
Configure the extension through:
- Global Settings: Repository configurations, tool paths, certificates
- Project Settings: Workspace path, board, toolchain, build configurations, environment variables
- IntelliSense Settings: Provider selection, auto-generation options
See configuration documentation for comprehensive examples.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Common solutions for:
- Build failures (West not found, toolchain issues)
- IntelliSense configuration
- Debugging setup (ELF file detection, configuration creation)
- Board and certificate errors
See troubleshooting guide and FAQ.
Included Extensions
This extension automatically installs essential debugging and monitoring tools:
- Eclipse CDT GDB Debug Adapter - GDB debugging for embedded targets
- Memory Inspector - Memory viewing and editing during debug sessions
- Peripheral Inspector - SVD-based peripheral register inspection
- Serial Monitor - Integrated serial port communication
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