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

The ENC28J60 Ethernet Module is a versatile network communication module that allows microcontrollers to connect to an Ethernet network. It is based on the ENC28J60, a standalone Ethernet controller with an industry-standard Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). This module is commonly used in embedded systems for network communication, enabling devices to access the Internet or communicate on a local network. It is particularly popular in the DIY and hobbyist community for its ease of use with platforms like Arduino.

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Home automation systems
• Networked sensors and data logging
• Remote device control and monitoring

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

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V source and the GND pin to the ground.
2. SPI Interface: Connect the SCK, SI, SO, and CS 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.
5. Wake on LAN: (Optional) Connect the WOL pin if you require the Wake on LAN feature.

• Ensure that the power supply is 3.3V, as higher voltages can damage the module.
• Use a level shifter if your microcontroller operates at 5V logic levels.
• 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 power supply noise.
• For stable operation, consider using a dedicated SPI bus for the module to avoid conflicts with other SPI devices.

#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() {
  // Code to handle Ethernet communication
}

• The Ethernet.h library is used to interface with the ENC28J60 module.
• The mac array holds the MAC address for the Ethernet module.
• The EthernetClient object is used for network communication.
• Ethernet.begin(mac) initializes the Ethernet module with the specified MAC address.

• No Network Connection: Ensure that the wiring is correct and the module is properly powered.
• SPI Communication Failure: Check the SPI connections and ensure that the correct pins are used.
• Module Not Responding: Perform a hardware reset or check the power supply.

• Verify that the ENC28J60 module is not overheating.
• Check for soldering issues on the module pins.
• Ensure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected and functioning.
• Use network diagnostic tools to check for connectivity issues.

Q: Can the ENC28J60 module be used with a 5V microcontroller? A: Yes, but a level shifter is required for the SPI lines to ensure proper logic level conversion.

Q: Is it possible to use multiple ENC28J60 modules with one microcontroller? A: Yes, you can use multiple modules by assigning different chip select (CS) pins for each module.

Q: How do I assign a static IP address to the ENC28J60 module? A: You can assign a static IP using the Ethernet.begin(mac, ip) function, where ip is the desired static IP address.

Q: What library should I use for the ENC28J60 with an Arduino? A: The standard Ethernet library may not support the ENC28J60. Use a compatible library like UIPEthernet or EtherCard for Arduino.