ENC28J60 LAN Ethernet Network Board Module
The ENC28J60 Ethernet LAN Network Module is a low-cost Ethernet controller board that adds wired internet connectivity to microcontroller projects. Based on the Microchip ENC28J60 chip, it communicates with the host MCU via the SPI interface and integrates a full IEEE 802.3 compliant 10BASE-T Ethernet MAC and PHY, including an on-board RJ45 jack with integrated magnetics. With an on-board 3.3V regulator and 5V-tolerant SPI lines, it is fully compatible with Arduino, STM32, PIC, AVR, and ESP-family microcontrollers.
وحدة الإيثرنت ENC28J60 هي لوحة تحكم شبكية اقتصادية تضيف إمكانية الاتصال السلكي بالإنترنت للمشاريع المعتمدة على المتحكمات الدقيقة. مبنية على شريحة Microchip ENC28J60، وتتواصل مع المتحكم عبر منفذ SPI، وتتضمن متحكم إيثرنت 10BASE-T متوافقًا مع معيار IEEE 802.3، ومنفذ RJ45 مدمج مع المحولات المغناطيسية. تحتوي على منظم جهد 3.3 فولت داخلي وخطوط SPI متوافقة مع 5 فولت، مما يجعلها متوافقة بالكامل مع Arduino و STM32 و PIC و AVR و ESP.
The ENC28J60 Ethernet LAN Module is the most popular low-cost solution for adding wired Ethernet networking to embedded projects. Based on the well-known Microchip ENC28J60 stand-alone Ethernet controller, the module brings full TCP/IP-ready connectivity to small microcontrollers that do not have built-in networking hardware.
The ENC28J60 integrates a complete IEEE 802.3 compliant 10BASE-T Ethernet MAC and PHY into a single chip, along with 8 KB of dual-port SRAM for transmit and receive packet buffering. Communication with the host microcontroller is handled over the SPI interface, requiring only a few pins (MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS, and INT). This leaves most of the MCU's I/O pins free for other tasks.
The module ships with an on-board RJ45 jack with integrated magnetics, a 3.3V LDO regulator that allows the board to be powered from a 5V supply, link/activity status LEDs, and a 2x5 pin SPI header for easy connection via jumper wires. The SPI logic lines are compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers when used carefully (the ENC28J60 itself is a 3.3V part).
On the software side, the ENC28J60 is supported by mature Arduino libraries such as EtherCard, UIPEthernet (a drop-in replacement for the standard Ethernet library), and enc28j60 drivers for many other platforms. With these libraries, the module supports protocols such as TCP, UDP, ARP, ICMP, DHCP, and DNS, enabling applications such as web servers, MQTT clients, sensor data uploaders, and remote control devices.
Specifications
- Ethernet Controller: Microchip ENC28J60
- Standard: IEEE 802.3 compliant, 10BASE-T
- Connection Speed: 10 Mbps (full and half duplex)
- Buffer Memory: 8 KB dual-port SRAM (transmit/receive)
- Host Interface: SPI (up to 20 MHz clock)
- Operating Voltage (chip): 3.3V (on-board regulator allows 5V supply)
- Power Supply: 3.3V or 5V (depending on header used)
- Logic Level: 3.3V (most modules include level-friendly SPI lines for 5V MCUs)
- Connector: RJ45 with integrated magnetics
- Indicators: Link / Activity LEDs on the RJ45 jack
- Pin Header: 2x5 (10-pin) SPI interface header
- Supported Protocols (via libraries): TCP, UDP, ICMP, ARP, DHCP, DNS, HTTP
- Compatible Libraries: EtherCard, UIPEthernet, and other open-source drivers
Applications
- Arduino Ethernet projects (web server, web client, remote control)
- IoT sensor uploaders sending data to cloud servers
- MQTT clients for home automation and industrial monitoring
- Remote control of relays, motors, and home appliances
- Network-attached data loggers for sensors and instruments
- Embedded web servers for configuration and monitoring
- Networked LED displays and signage
- STEM and university networking and embedded-systems courses
- Industrial automation with PLCs and custom controllers
- Smart home gateways and bridge devices
- DIY networked alarm and security systems
- 3D printer remote-monitoring and control add-ons