How to Use T-ETH-Lite ESP32: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The T-ETH-Lite ESP32 is a compact development board designed and manufactured by LILYGO®. It features the powerful ESP32 microcontroller with integrated Ethernet capabilities, making it an excellent choice for IoT applications that require both Wi-Fi and wired network connectivity. This board is ideal for projects such as smart home systems, industrial automation, and networked sensors.

• IoT devices requiring dual connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet)
• Smart home automation systems
• Industrial monitoring and control
• Networked data loggers
• Prototyping Ethernet-enabled IoT solutions

The T-ETH-Lite ESP32 is built around the ESP32 microcontroller, which offers robust performance and versatile connectivity options. Below are the key technical details:

The T-ETH-Lite ESP32 features a variety of pins for interfacing with peripherals. Below is the pinout description:

The T-ETH-Lite ESP32 is versatile and easy to use in a variety of applications. Below are the steps and best practices for using this development board.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a 5V power source via the USB-C port or the VIN pin.
   • Ensure the power supply provides sufficient current (at least 500mA).

2. Programming the ESP32:

   • Use the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework) to program the board.
   • Select the correct board type (ESP32 Dev Module) in the Arduino IDE.
   • Connect the board to your computer via USB-C and upload your code.

3. Ethernet Setup:

   • Connect an Ethernet cable to the RJ45 port on the board.
   • Use the LAN8720 Ethernet controller library to configure and manage Ethernet communication.

4. Wi-Fi Setup:

   • Use the built-in Wi-Fi library in the ESP32 to connect to a wireless network.
   • Configure the SSID and password in your code.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Boot Mode: To enter boot mode for programming, hold down the BOOT button while pressing the RESET button.
• Ethernet Cable: Use a high-quality Ethernet cable to ensure reliable wired network connectivity.
• GPIO Usage: Avoid using GPIO pins reserved for Ethernet (e.g., GPIO12, GPIO13) for other purposes.

Below is an example of how to configure the T-ETH-Lite ESP32 for Ethernet communication using the Arduino IDE:

#include <ETH.h>

// Define Ethernet configuration
#define ETH_CLK_MODE    ETH_CLOCK_GPIO17_OUT  // Clock mode for LAN8720
#define ETH_POWER_PIN   -1                    // No power pin used
#define ETH_TYPE        ETH_PHY_LAN8720       // Ethernet PHY type
#define ETH_ADDR        1                     // PHY address
#define ETH_MDC_PIN     23                    // MDC pin
#define ETH_MDIO_PIN    18                    // MDIO pin

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  // Initialize Ethernet
  if (!ETH.begin(ETH_ADDR, ETH_POWER_PIN, ETH_MDC_PIN, ETH_MDIO_PIN, ETH_TYPE, ETH_CLK_MODE)) {
    Serial.println("Ethernet initialization failed!");
    return;
  }
  Serial.println("Ethernet initialized successfully!");
  Serial.print("IP Address: ");
  Serial.println(ETH.localIP());
}

void loop() {
  // Keep the Ethernet connection alive
  delay(1000);
}

1. Ethernet Not Working:

   • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the RJ45 port.
   • Verify that the correct pins (MDC, MDIO) are configured in your code.

2. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Check the USB-C cable for proper data transfer capability.
   • Ensure the correct drivers for the ESP32 are installed on your computer.

3. Wi-Fi Connection Fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and not overloaded.

4. GPIO Pins Not Responding:

   • Verify that the pins are not being used for Ethernet or other reserved functions.
   • Check for short circuits or incorrect wiring.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels on the power and GPIO pins.
• Update the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE to the latest version.
• Refer to the LILYGO® documentation for additional technical support and resources.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the T-ETH-Lite ESP32 for your IoT and networking projects.