W5500 Ethernet Module: Pinout, Features, Specifications, and Complete Guide

Introduction

The W5500 Ethernet Module is a reliable and efficient solution for connecting microcontrollers to Ethernet networks. It is designed by WIZnet and comes with a built-in hardwired TCP/IP stack, MAC, and PHY, all in a single chip. This means that instead of writing a complex networking protocol from scratch, developers can simply use this module to add stable wired network communication to their projects.

The W5500 is widely used in embedded systems, industrial control, and data communication devices because of its high performance, stability, and ease of use. In this guide, we will explore its features, pinout, specifications, working principle, types, applications, and even a practical example.

Key Features of W5500

The W5500 comes with several features that make it a strong choice for Ethernet communication:

• Built-in TCP/IP protocols such as TCP, UDP, IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IGMP, and PPPoE.

• High-speed SPI interface that works up to 80 MHz for fast communication.

• Supports 8 hardware sockets so multiple connections can run at the same time.

• 32 KB internal buffer memory for efficient data transmission and reception.

• Low power consumption which makes it suitable for continuous operation.

• Stable wired connection compared to wireless options, ensuring reliability.

• Integrated MAC & PHY so no extra components are needed for Ethernet.

These features make the W5500 easy to integrate with different microcontrollers while offering professional-grade network connectivity.

W5500 Pinout Explanation

To use the module effectively, it’s important to understand the pinout:

• VCC – Power supply (3.3V or 5V depending on module version)

• GND – Ground connection

• MOSI – Master Out Slave In, SPI data input

• MISO – Master In Slave Out, SPI data output

• SCK – Serial clock for SPI

• CS (Chip Select) – Enables SPI communication

• RESET – Resets the module

• INT – Interrupt pin for event notifications

• TX+ / TX- – Ethernet transmit pins

• RX+ / RX- – Ethernet receive pins

The SPI pins (MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS) are the main communication lines between the W5500 and the microcontroller.

Technical Specifications

Here are the important specifications of the W5500 Ethernet controller:

• Supply Voltage: 3.3V (with regulator support for 5V modules)

• Communication Interface: SPI (up to 80 MHz)

• Ethernet Standard: IEEE 802.3 10/100 Base-T

• Internal Buffer Size: 32 KB for data transmission and reception

• Number of Sockets: 8 hardware sockets

• Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C

• Package: LQFP-48 chip or module form

• PHY Support: Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDIX

These specifications make it suitable for small embedded projects as well as professional industrial systems.

How W5500 Works

The W5500 works by handling all TCP/IP network communication in hardware. Normally, a microcontroller would need to run a large networking stack in software, which consumes processing power and memory. But with the W5500, this is done inside the chip itself. The microcontroller communicates with the W5500 through the SPI interface. When sending data, the microcontroller transfers it to the W5500’s internal buffer. The W5500 then takes care of transmitting it over the Ethernet. Similarly, when receiving data, the W5500 stores it in its buffer, and the microcontroller can read it easily. This process makes networking much simpler and allows even small microcontrollers to handle Ethernet communication.

Advantages of Using W5500

Using the W5500 comes with several benefits:

• Saves microcontroller resources by handling TCP/IP in hardware.

• Faster performance compared to software stacks.

• More reliable communication with stable wired Ethernet.

• Easy to use with different microcontrollers through SPI.

• Low power consumption makes it suitable for continuous use.

Types of W5500 Modules

The W5500 is available in different forms depending on the project needs:

1. W5500 Breakout Module – A small board exposing SPI pins for easy microcontroller connections.

2. W5500 Ethernet Shield – Designed for Arduino boards, it can be mounted directly on top.

3. W5500 Embedded Modules – Integrated into larger circuit boards for industrial use.

Each version offers the same functionality, but the form factor and connectors vary.

Applications of W5500

The W5500 module is suitable for a wide variety of applications:

• Industrial monitoring and control systems
• Data logging and storage over Ethernet
• Embedded devices needing network connectivity
• Communication between multiple devices on a wired network
• Remote access servers
• Automation systems

Its reliability makes it a trusted choice in professional and hobbyist projects alike.

Example Project: W5500 with Arduino

Here’s a simple example showing how to use the W5500 with an Arduino to run a basic web server.

In this example:

• The Arduino is assigned a static IP address.
• The W5500 starts an Ethernet server on port 80.
• When a client (like a web browser) connects, it sends a simple response.

This shows how quickly the W5500 can enable Ethernet communication with just a few lines of code.

Conclusion

The W5500 Ethernet Module is a powerful and convenient solution for adding Ethernet connectivity to microcontrollers. With its built-in TCP/IP stack, multiple socket support, and high-speed SPI communication, it takes away the complexity of network programming.

Whether you are building industrial systems, automation projects, or embedded devices, the W5500 provides a stable, reliable, and efficient way to connect to Ethernet. Its simplicity, low power usage, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for both beginners and professionals. By understanding its pinout, features, and working principle, and by using ready-made libraries, developers can quickly integrate the W5500 into their projects and achieve fast results.