In terms of Ethernet interface connections, there are usually two solutions: one is when the terminal product has a system running, such as Android systems on chips like RK3399, Linux systems on chips like i.MX6, and RTOS systems on low-end ARM chips like STM32F107. These chips have integrated Ethernet MACs, and by adding simple PHY chips, network transformers, and RJ45 connectors, they can achieve networking. Below are common PHY chip parameter references:
Single PHY chips include ICPULS’s IP101GA (48LQFP, 0~70℃) and IP101GRI (32QFN, -40~85℃). It is recommended to use Taiwan’s REALTEK (瑞昱) RTL8201 and ICPULS’s IP101, or MICROCHIP’s PHY chips. For network transformers, it is recommended to use: HRW5500TE, and for integrated network transformers and RJ45 interfaces, it is recommended to use HRW5500RE. The other solution is when the terminal product itself is relatively simple but requires networking functionality, or in environments with stringent operational requirements and high stability needs, using a microcontroller or ARM’s serial port can achieve low-cost networking functionality. For this demand, it is recommended to use WIZNET’s (微知纳特) all-hardware TCP/IP protocol stack Ethernet chips, which integrate a full hardware TCP/IP protocol stack (supporting TCP, UDP, ICMP, IPv4, ARP, IGMP, PPPoE protocols; the hardware protocol stack is secure and stable against network attacks), integrate 802.3 Ethernet MAC, and integrate 10/100Base-T Ethernet PHY. The host interface supports SPI high-speed serial peripheral interface and parallel bus interface, and supports embedded Linux & RTOS operating systems, etc. Below is the selection catalog for WIZNET (微知纳特):
If the project has a tight schedule and cannot develop chips in a short time, you can directly use WIZNET (微知纳特)‘s serial to Ethernet modules: 1-channel TTL W5500S2E-R1, W5500S2E-S1, W5500S2E-Z1, W7500S2E-Z1, W7500S2E-R1, WIZ550S2E, WIZ107SR (1-channel TTL/RS232), WIZ108SR (1-channel RS-422/485); serial to Ethernet single-chip solution: W7100-S2E (with WIZ107SR or WIZ108SR firmware preloaded), W7500S2E-C1 (with WIZ7500S2E firmware preloaded). Of course, WIZNET (微知纳特) also provides customers with compact network IO modules based on chips, WiFi modules, and many other options. In terms of device selection for Ethernet, for safety reasons (not subject to network attacks) and to ensure stable and reliable networking, it is recommended to use high cost-performance Ethernet chips with full hardware TCP/IP protocol stacks, such as the classic W5500, W5100S, etc. Serial to Ethernet modules are recommended to be based on high cost-performance Ethernet chips with full hardware TCP/IP protocol stacks developed modules, such as the classic W5500S2E-S1 and WIZ550S2E, after all, reliable and stable Ethernet connections are what we ultimately pursue.
Further Reading:
1:China Chip Selection: Low-Cost Solutions for Cat.1 Module Peripheral Devices
2: Super Simple; Super Cost-Effective! Embedded 4G Five-Mode All-Net DTU Module
3: Analysis and Solutions to Problems with RFID RF IC Card Modules in Charging Pile Industry
4: Comparison of Technical Indicators and Comprehensive Evaluation Videos of Mainstream “Serial to Ethernet Modules” in the Industrial Market
5:NB-IoT Selection: Optimal Selection of IoT Modules Based on Chip Solutions
6:GNSS Selection: Optimal Selection of BDS (Beidou)/GPS Positioning Modules
7: “Precise IoT, Location Geek” IoT Module Chip Selection Recommendation — TECHTOTOP (泰斗微)
There are actually many functions to choose from, many brands to choose from, and many price ranges to choose from. When it comes to making a choice, selection is greater than effort, and the choice that suits oneself is often obtained through optimal selection. The choice that can overview the entire market and grasp application trends, combined with practical application details, is the choice that suits oneself.