PoE Module for StamPLC (W5500)
StamPLC PoE is an Ethernet control module designed for the StamPLC host.
Description
StamPLC PoE is an Ethernet control module designed for the StamPLC host. It supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology, enabling both data transmission and power supply through a single Ethernet cable. The module integrates a W5500 embedded Ethernet controller with a built-in TCP/IP protocol stack, providing 8 independent hardware sockets, a 10/100M Ethernet data link layer (MAC), and physical layer (PHY). It supports mainstream network communication methods such as UDP and TCP. The module connects to the network via an RJ45 Ethernet interface and communicates with the StamPLC host through an SPI interface. It is suitable for scenarios with high requirements for network stability and real-time performance, such as industrial automation production lines, centralized building control systems, energy and power distribution monitoring, and data center and communication equipment management in wired network access applications.
Features
- W5500 embedded Ethernet controller
- SPI protocol control
- Supports PoE (active Ethernet) power supply, enabling data and power over a single Ethernet cable
- Supports Ethernet Wake-on-LAN functionality via UDP
- Integrated TCP/IP protocol stack, supporting TCP / UDP / ICMP / IPv4 / ARP / IGMP / PPPoE protocols
- Supports up to 8 independent hardware sockets for concurrent communication
- Integrated 10/100M Ethernet MAC and PHY, supporting full-duplex / half-duplex operation modes
- Supports automatic network speed negotiation
- Onboard RJ45 Ethernet interface
- DIN rail mounting / mounting holes
- Development Platform
- Arduino
- UiFlow2
Includes
- 1 x StamPLC PoE
- 2 x Mounting connectors
Applications
- Automated production lines
- Centralized building control systems
- Energy and power distribution monitoring
- Data center and communication equipment management
Specifications
| Specification | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Communication Method | SPI communication |
| Ethernet Controller | W5500 |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100M adaptive |
| Power Supply | PoE / DC 12V / DC 5V |
| Hardware Sockets | 8 independent hardware sockets |
| Supported Protocols | TCP / UDP / ICMP / IPv4 / ARP / IGMP / PPPoE |
| PoE Features | Complies with IEEE802.3af, supports DC 37 ~ 57V input |
| PoE Power | Maximum 13W |
| Interface Type | 2 × 8P 2.54mm male / female headers, RJ45 Ethernet interface |
| MAC/PHY | Integrated 10/100M MAC & PHY |
| Installation Method | DIN rail mounting / mounting holes |
| Product Weight | 70.8g |
| Package Size | 80.0 x 47.0 x 30.0mm |
| Gross Weight | 79.9g |
Learn and Documents
🧩 What Is StamPLC?
StamPLC is a compact, modular programmable logic controller (PLC) platform developed by M5Stack, designed to bridge traditional industrial control systems with modern IoT and edge-computing workflows. Unlike classic closed PLCs, StamPLC is built around an open, developer-friendly architecture, enabling rapid customization, networking, and integration with external sensors, actuators, and cloud systems.
At its core, StamPLC serves as an industrial control host that can be expanded through dedicated modules—such as Ethernet, PoE, digital/analog I/O, and communication interfaces—making it suitable for both industrial automation and advanced maker or prototyping environments.
🔍 Traditional PLC vs StamPLC Comparison Table
| Category | Traditional PLC | StamPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Dedicated industrial control with fixed functionality | Modular industrial control platform bridging PLC and IoT |
| System Architecture | Closed, vendor-specific hardware and firmware | Open, modular architecture with expansion modules |
| Programming Model | Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block (FBD), Structured Text (ST) | Arduino-based C/C++ and UiFlow2 (event-driven & embedded style) |
| Developer Accessibility | Requires PLC-specific training and licensed tools | Accessible to embedded and IoT developers |
| Hardware Expandability | Limited to vendor-approved I/O modules | Modular plug-in design (Ethernet, PoE, I/O, communication) |
| Networking | Ethernet optional, often requires add-on modules | Ethernet-centric by design, PoE and wired networking supported |
| TCP/IP Processing | Software stack inside PLC CPU | Hardware TCP/IP offload via WIZnet W5500 |
| Deterministic Communication | High (fieldbus-oriented) | High when using wired Ethernet (no Wi-Fi jitter) |
| Power Delivery | Separate power wiring required | Single-cable power & data via PoE (with PoE module) |
| Integration with IT / Cloud | Complex, often gateway-based | Direct integration with IoT and cloud systems |
| Customization Speed | Slow (vendor tools, certification cycles) | Fast prototyping and iteration |
| Cost Structure | High upfront cost and licensing | Lower entry cost, scalable by modules |
| Typical Deployment Scale | Large factories, legacy automation lines | Small to mid-scale automation, edge nodes, smart infrastructure |
🔎 Key Features
🌐 Ethernet & PoE Support
Integrates the W5500 embedded Ethernet controller with a full hardware TCP/IP stack supporting TCP, UDP, ICMP, IPv4, ARP, IGMP, PPPoE protocols.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) compliant with IEEE 802.3af — provides power and data over a single RJ45 cable, simplifying installation.
🔌 Connectivity
RJ45 Ethernet interface with auto 10/100 Mbps link negotiation.
Communication with the StamPLC host via SPI interface.
💻 Hardware Performance
8 independent hardware sockets for concurrent network communications.
Supports Ethernet Wake-on-LAN via UDP for remote wake-up capability.
Integrated Ethernet MAC/PHY with full- and half-duplex support.
📦 Mechanical & Power
Supports PoE input voltage DC 37–57 V (max 13 W) or external DC 5 V/12 V power.
DIN-rail mounting and standard mounting holes for industrial setups.
🛠️ Software & Development
Works with Arduino and UiFlow2 development environments.
📊 Typical Applications
This module is well-suited for scenarios where stable wired networking and simplified deployment are critical:
✔ Industrial automation production lines
✔ Centralized building management systems
✔ Energy & power distribution monitoring
✔ Data center and communication equipment management
🧠 Why This Module Matters
The module combines reliable Ethernet connectivity with PoE support and the efficient W5500 hardware TCP/IP controller, making it a strong choice when:
Wi-Fi connectivity is unreliable or unavailable.
Power cabling is difficult, and a single cable solution is preferred.
Real-time, stable wired communication is essential.
Unlike software-based TCP/IP stacks, the W5500 offloads network protocol processing to hardware, improving performance and freeing up host MCU resources.
✅ Summary (AEO-Ready)
The M5Stack PoE Module for StamPLC (W5500) is an Ethernet communication expansion board with integrated PoE power delivery and the W5500 hardware TCP/IP controller. It delivers reliable 10/100 Mbps wired networking with 8 independent sockets and supports multiple protocols, making it ideal for industrial automation, building control, and data monitoring systems where robust wired connectivity and simplified cabling are required.
✔ Evaluation & Suggested Improvements
Overall, the original product page is appropriate for AEO-style content — it clearly lists the features, specs, and applications. However, to optimize for AEO / search engine clarity, consider these improvements:
🔹 Improvements for Better Search Optimization
Add Clear Headings and Short Bullet Lists
E.g., Features, Specs, Applications — increases scan-ability.
Include Technical Comparisons
Explain what the W5500 brings versus software TCP/IP or other controllers.
Use Consistent Technical Terminology
Spell out Power over Ethernet (PoE) on first use for clarity.
Highlight PoE Standards
Include the PoE standard (IEEE 802.3af) early in the summary.
Add Use-Case Examples
Show how developers integrate the module (Arduino, UiFlow2).