How to Use ENC28J60 LAN Shield: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ENC28J60 LAN Shield is an Ethernet module that allows Arduino boards and other microcontrollers to connect to the internet or a local area network (LAN). It is based on the ENC28J60 Ethernet controller from Microchip and is designed to provide a simple and effective way to give embedded systems network capabilities. Common applications include home automation, IoT devices, and networked sensors.

• Voltage Supply: 3.3V
• Current Consumption: 180 mA (typical)
• Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Ethernet Controller: Microchip ENC28J60
• Speed: 10 Mbps (Ethernet)
• Interface: SPI
• Buffer Size: 8 KB

1. Power Connections: Connect VCC to 3.3V on the Arduino and GND to a ground pin.
2. SPI Connections: Connect SI, SO, SCK, and CS to the corresponding SPI pins on the Arduino.
3. Reset and Interrupt (Optional): Connect RESET to a digital pin for software reset capability and INT to an interrupt-capable pin if using interrupts.

1. Library Installation: Install the UIPEthernet or EtherCard library through the Arduino Library Manager.
2. Initialization: In your Arduino sketch, initialize the library with the appropriate CS pin.
3. Network Configuration: Configure the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server as per your network settings.

#include <UIPEthernet.h> // Include the Ethernet library

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

// IP address for the Ethernet shield
IPAddress ip(192, 168, 1, 100);

// Initialize the Ethernet client
EthernetClient client;

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

void loop() {
  // Your code to send and receive data
}

• Power Supply: Ensure that the ENC28J60 is powered with 3.3V, as higher voltages can damage the chip.
• SPI Speed: The ENC28J60 operates at a maximum SPI clock frequency of 20 MHz. Ensure that the SPI clock does not exceed this value.
• Heat Dissipation: The ENC28J60 can generate heat during operation. Provide adequate ventilation or heat sinking if necessary.
• Library Compatibility: Use libraries that support the ENC28J60, as standard Ethernet libraries may not be compatible.

• No Network Connection: Check the wiring, ensure the correct pins are used for SPI communication, and verify that the network settings are correct.
• Unstable Operation: Ensure that the power supply is stable and that the ENC28J60 is not overheating.

• SPI Issues: If there are issues with SPI communication, try using shorter wires and verify that other SPI devices are not interfering.
• Resetting the ENC28J60: If the module becomes unresponsive, a hardware reset can be performed by toggling the RESET pin.

Q: Can the ENC28J60 operate on a 5V system? A: The ENC28J60 is a 3.3V device, but it can be interfaced with 5V systems using level shifters for SPI signals.

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: How many simultaneous connections can the ENC28J60 handle? A: The ENC28J60 can handle up to 4 simultaneous socket connections.

Q: Is the ENC28J60 shield compatible with all Arduino boards? A: The ENC28J60 can be used with any Arduino board that supports SPI communication, but level shifting may be necessary for 5V boards.

For further assistance, consult the manufacturer's datasheet and the community forums dedicated to ENC28J60 and Arduino development.