How to Use ENC28J60 Ethernet Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ENC28J60 Ethernet Board is a versatile network module that enables Ethernet communication for embedded systems. It integrates a Microchip ENC28J60 Ethernet controller and PHY (Physical Layer Transceiver), providing a cost-effective solution for adding network connectivity to microcontroller projects. This module is commonly used in applications such as home automation, IoT devices, and web server implementation in microcontroller-based systems.

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Home automation systems
• Simple web servers
• Networked sensors and controllers
• Remote monitoring and control

• Voltage: 3.3V
• Current: 150 mA (typical)
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Ethernet Controller: Microchip ENC28J60
• Speed: 10 Mbps (Ethernet)
• Interface: SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Buffer Size: 8 KB

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V source and the GND pin to ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the CS, SI, SO, and SCK pins to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
3. Reset: Connect the RESET pin to a digital pin on your microcontroller for software reset capability.
4. Interrupts (Optional): Connect the INT pin to an interrupt-capable pin on your microcontroller if you wish to use interrupt-driven communication.

• Ensure that the power supply is 3.3V, as higher voltages can damage the board.
• Use a level shifter if interfacing with a 5V microcontroller like the Arduino UNO.
• Keep the SPI clock speed within the limits specified by the ENC28J60 datasheet.
• Use a proper decoupling capacitor close to the VCC and GND pins to minimize noise.
• For long cable runs, ensure that the Ethernet cable is of good quality and properly shielded.

#include <SPI.h>
#include <Ethernet.h>

// MAC address for the Ethernet shield
byte mac[] = { 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED };

// Initialize the Ethernet client library
EthernetClient client;

void setup() {
  // Start the Ethernet connection
  Ethernet.begin(mac);
}

void loop() {
  // Your code here to handle Ethernet communication
}

• The Ethernet.h library is used to handle Ethernet communication.
• The mac array holds the MAC address for the Ethernet board.
• The EthernetClient object is used to create clients that can connect to a specified internet IP address and port.
• Ethernet.begin(mac) initializes the Ethernet shield with the provided MAC address.

• No Network Connection: Ensure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected and that the router or switch is functioning.
• SPI Communication Failure: Check the wiring of the SPI pins and ensure that the correct pins are used for the microcontroller.
• Board Not Resetting: Verify that the RESET pin is correctly wired and that the microcontroller is configured to control it.

• Use the Ethernet.h library's diagnostic functions to check for connectivity and obtain IP address information.
• Ensure that the ENC28J60 module is not exposed to temperatures outside its operating range.
• If using with a 5V microcontroller, confirm that a level shifter is in place to protect the 3.3V logic of the ENC28J60.

Q: Can the ENC28J60 Ethernet Board be used with a 5V microcontroller? A: Yes, but a level shifter is required to convert the 5V signals to 3.3V to avoid damaging the ENC28J60.

Q: Does the ENC28J60 support Power over Ethernet (PoE)? A: No, the ENC28J60 does not natively support PoE. External circuitry would be required to implement PoE functionality.

Q: Can I use multiple ENC28J60 boards with one microcontroller? A: Yes, you can use multiple boards with a microcontroller by using separate Chip Select (CS) lines for each ENC28J60 board.

Q: How do I assign an IP address to the ENC28J60 Ethernet Board? A: The IP address can be assigned programmatically using the Ethernet.begin() function in your code. It can also be set to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP.

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to integrating the ENC28J60 Ethernet Board into your projects. For further information, consult the ENC28J60 datasheet and the Ethernet library documentation for your specific platform.