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How to Use Ethernet Pro: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of Ethernet Pro
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with Ethernet Pro in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The Ethernet Pro by SparkFun Electronics is a high-performance network interface card designed to provide fast and reliable Ethernet connectivity. It is ideal for professional and enterprise environments where efficient data transmission is critical. This component is particularly suited for applications requiring robust networking capabilities, such as IoT devices, industrial automation, and data logging systems.

Explore Projects Built with Ethernet Pro

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
ESP32 and W5500 Ethernet Module Controlled 8-Channel Relay
Image of ESP32 38Pin 8 Channel Relay USB-C: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
This circuit enables Ethernet connectivity and device control through an ESP32 microcontroller. It uses the W5500 Ethernet module for network communication and controls an 8-channel relay module for switching external devices or loads.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Raspberry Pi 5 Ethernet Module Integration for Enhanced Connectivity
Image of w5500: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
This circuit connects a Raspberry Pi 5 to a W5500 Ethernet module, enabling Ethernet connectivity. The Raspberry Pi communicates with the W5500 via SPI interface, and a resistor is used to manage the reset signal for the Ethernet module.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Optiplex Micro and PoE Camera Surveillance System with Ethernet Switching
Image of Engine Mounts Wiring: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
This circuit describes a networked system where an Optiplex Micro computer is powered by a PC Power Supply and connected to a PC Screen via HDMI for display output. The computer is networked through an Ethernet Switch, which also connects to two PoE Cameras and a Toyopuc PLC. The Ethernet Switch is powered by a PoE PSU 48V DC, and all AC-powered devices are connected to a common 220V AC source.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ESP8266 NodeMCU with LoRa and RS-485 Communication and Ethernet Connectivity
Image of Wiring Diagram LoRa: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
This circuit serves as a multi-protocol communication hub featuring two ESP8266 NodeMCUs for processing, each connected to a LoRa Ra-02 SX1278 for long-range wireless communication. One NodeMCU is also connected to an RS-485 module for serial communication and a W5500 Ethernet module for network connectivity, with MB102 modules supplying power.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with Ethernet Pro

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of ESP32 38Pin 8 Channel Relay USB-C: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
ESP32 and W5500 Ethernet Module Controlled 8-Channel Relay
This circuit enables Ethernet connectivity and device control through an ESP32 microcontroller. It uses the W5500 Ethernet module for network communication and controls an 8-channel relay module for switching external devices or loads.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of w5500: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
Raspberry Pi 5 Ethernet Module Integration for Enhanced Connectivity
This circuit connects a Raspberry Pi 5 to a W5500 Ethernet module, enabling Ethernet connectivity. The Raspberry Pi communicates with the W5500 via SPI interface, and a resistor is used to manage the reset signal for the Ethernet module.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Engine Mounts Wiring: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
Optiplex Micro and PoE Camera Surveillance System with Ethernet Switching
This circuit describes a networked system where an Optiplex Micro computer is powered by a PC Power Supply and connected to a PC Screen via HDMI for display output. The computer is networked through an Ethernet Switch, which also connects to two PoE Cameras and a Toyopuc PLC. The Ethernet Switch is powered by a PoE PSU 48V DC, and all AC-powered devices are connected to a common 220V AC source.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Wiring Diagram LoRa: A project utilizing Ethernet Pro in a practical application
ESP8266 NodeMCU with LoRa and RS-485 Communication and Ethernet Connectivity
This circuit serves as a multi-protocol communication hub featuring two ESP8266 NodeMCUs for processing, each connected to a LoRa Ra-02 SX1278 for long-range wireless communication. One NodeMCU is also connected to an RS-485 module for serial communication and a W5500 Ethernet module for network connectivity, with MB102 modules supplying power.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Internet of Things (IoT) devices requiring Ethernet connectivity
  • Industrial automation systems
  • Data logging and remote monitoring
  • Networked embedded systems
  • Prototyping Ethernet-enabled projects

Technical Specifications

The Ethernet Pro is built to deliver reliable performance in demanding environments. Below are its key technical specifications:

Specification Details
Manufacturer SparkFun Electronics
Ethernet Standard IEEE 802.3 (10/100 Mbps Ethernet)
Operating Voltage 3.3V
Input Voltage (VIN) 5V
Current Consumption ~180mA (typical)
Communication Protocol SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
Controller Chip WIZnet W5100
Operating Temperature -40°C to 85°C
Dimensions 2.7" x 2.1" (68.6mm x 53.3mm)

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The Ethernet Pro features a standard pinout for easy integration with microcontrollers like the Arduino UNO. Below is the pin configuration:

Pin Name Description
1 GND Ground connection
2 3.3V 3.3V power supply
3 VIN 5V input voltage
4 SCK SPI Clock signal
5 MISO SPI Master-In-Slave-Out signal
6 MOSI SPI Master-Out-Slave-In signal
7 CS Chip Select for SPI communication
8 RESET Resets the Ethernet Pro
9 INT Interrupt pin for signaling events
10 RJ45 Connector Ethernet port for connecting to a network

Usage Instructions

The Ethernet Pro is straightforward to use and integrates seamlessly with microcontrollers like the Arduino UNO. Below are the steps to get started:

Connecting the Ethernet Pro

  1. Power Supply: Connect the VIN pin to a 5V power source or use the 3.3V pin if your system operates at 3.3V.
  2. SPI Communication: Connect the SPI pins (SCK, MISO, MOSI, and CS) to the corresponding SPI pins on your microcontroller.
  3. Ethernet Cable: Plug an Ethernet cable into the RJ45 connector to establish a network connection.
  4. Reset Pin: Optionally, connect the RESET pin to your microcontroller for remote resetting.

Example Code for Arduino UNO

Below is an example of how to use the Ethernet Pro with an Arduino UNO to create a simple web server:

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

// MAC address and IP address for the Ethernet Pro
byte mac[] = { 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED }; 
IPAddress ip(192, 168, 1, 177); // Set a static IP address

// Initialize the Ethernet server on port 80
EthernetServer server(80);

void setup() {
  // Start the Ethernet connection
  Ethernet.begin(mac, ip);
  
  // Start the server
  server.begin();
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Server is ready at IP: ");
  Serial.println(Ethernet.localIP());
}

void loop() {
  // Listen for incoming clients
  EthernetClient client = server.available();
  if (client) {
    Serial.println("New client connected");
    boolean currentLineIsBlank = true;
    while (client.connected()) {
      if (client.available()) {
        char c = client.read();
        Serial.write(c); // Print received data to Serial Monitor

        // Respond to HTTP GET request
        if (c == '\n' && currentLineIsBlank) {
          client.println("HTTP/1.1 200 OK");
          client.println("Content-Type: text/html");
          client.println("Connection: close");
          client.println();
          client.println("<!DOCTYPE HTML>");
          client.println("<html>");
          client.println("<h1>Welcome to Ethernet Pro Web Server!</h1>");
          client.println("</html>");
          break;
        }
        if (c == '\n') {
          currentLineIsBlank = true;
        } else if (c != '\r') {
          currentLineIsBlank = false;
        }
      }
    }
    // Give the client time to receive the data
    delay(1);
    client.stop();
    Serial.println("Client disconnected");
  }
}

Best Practices

  • Use a regulated power supply to avoid damaging the Ethernet Pro.
  • Ensure proper grounding to minimize noise and interference.
  • Use a static IP address for reliable network communication.
  • Avoid long SPI cables to reduce signal degradation.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues

  1. No Ethernet Connection

    • Cause: Incorrect wiring or configuration.
    • Solution: Double-check the SPI connections and ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected.
  2. Unable to Obtain IP Address

    • Cause: DHCP server not available or misconfigured.
    • Solution: Use a static IP address in your code.
  3. High Power Consumption

    • Cause: Overloading the Ethernet Pro with peripherals.
    • Solution: Use an external power supply if the current exceeds the microcontroller's capacity.
  4. Intermittent Connectivity

    • Cause: Poor-quality Ethernet cable or network interference.
    • Solution: Replace the cable and ensure the network environment is stable.

FAQs

Q: Can the Ethernet Pro be used with 3.3V microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the Ethernet Pro supports 3.3V operation. Ensure the SPI voltage levels are compatible.

Q: Does the Ethernet Pro support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
A: No, the Ethernet Pro does not support PoE. Use an external power source.

Q: How many simultaneous connections can the Ethernet Pro handle?
A: The WIZnet W5100 chip supports up to 4 simultaneous socket connections.

Q: Can I use the Ethernet Pro with other microcontrollers besides Arduino?
A: Yes, as long as the microcontroller supports SPI communication, the Ethernet Pro can be used.