Wiznet makers

Overview

BasicPI is developing a modular ECU / PLC system with different add-on modules such as CAN, RS485, analog I/O, digital output, and Ethernet.

One of the Ethernet options is a single Ethernet module based on W5500.

This module is designed to add standard Ethernet connectivity to the modular ECU / PLC system.
By using WIZnet W5500, the system can provide reliable wired Ethernet communication for embedded control, industrial networking, and modular automation applications.

Background

Modern ECU and PLC systems often need multiple communication interfaces.

Typical industrial and vehicle-oriented systems may require:

• CAN
• CAN-FD
• RS485
• Modbus
• Ethernet
• Analog input
• Digital output
• Motor control
• Data logging

BasicPI’s design approach is modular.
Instead of building every function into one fixed controller, the system uses a motherboard with add-on modules.

This allows users to select only the functions they need.

For example:

• CAN module for vehicle or NMEA2000-style networks
• RS485 module for Modbus devices
• Ethernet module for standard network communication
• Analog I/O module for sensor measurement
• Digital output module for power control and PWM

The page explains that the system can use up to 8 add-on modules, and each module shares the same interface to the motherboard.

Solution

The W5500 Ethernet module adds wired Ethernet connectivity to the BasicPI modular ECU / PLC platform.

The basic architecture can be described as follows:

Sensors / Field Devices / Vehicle Network
        |
CAN / RS485 / Analog I/O / Digital I/O
        |
BasicPI ECU / PLC Motherboard
        |
W5500 Ethernet Module
        |
Ethernet Network
        |
PC / HMI / SCADA / Server / Gateway

The motherboard handles the main control logic and module coordination.

The W5500 Ethernet module provides a standard Ethernet interface, allowing the ECU / PLC system to connect to network-based devices or software.

This makes the system useful for industrial automation, vehicle control systems, data logging, gateway applications, and remote monitoring.

Why W5500?

W5500 is a hardwired TCP/IP Ethernet controller from WIZnet.

It is suitable for this type of modular ECU / PLC system because it provides Ethernet connectivity through a compact and simple embedded interface.

1. Standard Ethernet Connectivity

The BasicPI system includes many fieldbus and control interfaces, but Ethernet is important for connecting to PCs, gateways, monitoring software, and higher-level control systems.

A W5500-based module can provide this standard Ethernet connection.

2. Compact Modular Design

The BasicPI platform is based on compact add-on modules.

W5500 is useful in this structure because it integrates Ethernet MAC, PHY, and hardwired TCP/IP stack into a single chip.

This helps keep the Ethernet module compact.

3. Reduced Host Workload

W5500 handles TCP/IP processing in hardware.

This reduces the network processing burden on the main controller and allows the ECU / PLC motherboard to focus on control logic, module coordination, and field communication.

4. Suitable for Embedded Ethernet

The page mentions a single Ethernet module based on W5500 or similar, and also notes that the W5500 option is ready to be ordered.

This makes W5500 a practical choice for adding Ethernet to the modular system.

Single Ethernet vs Dual Ethernet

BasicPI also discusses a Dual Ethernet Module using M12-4 ports.

The dual Ethernet design targets features such as redundant Ethernet, Profinet, and EtherCAT capability.

However, the W5500-based option is positioned more as a simpler Ethernet module.

The page notes that the W5500 module can also provide redundant Ethernet, but Profinet RT and EtherCAT support are not expected with W5500.

This gives two possible Ethernet directions:

W5500 Ethernet Module
- Simple Ethernet
- Compact design
- Suitable for standard TCP/IP communication
- Good for monitoring, configuration, and gateway use

Dual Ethernet Switch Module
- More complex Ethernet design
- Targets Profinet / EtherCAT capability
- Suitable for advanced industrial Ethernet use

System Architecture

A typical BasicPI modular ECU / PLC system can be structured as follows:

Main Controller
---------------------------------
ECU / PLC Motherboard
Module interface
Configuration logic
Message forwarding

Add-On Modules
---------------------------------
CAN Module
RS485 Module
W5500 Ethernet Module
Analog I/O Module
Digital Output Module

Network Side
---------------------------------
Ethernet Switch
PC / Server
HMI / SCADA
Remote Monitoring System

The W5500 Ethernet module acts as the network interface for the modular system.

It allows data from CAN, RS485, analog inputs, digital outputs, and other modules to be accessed through Ethernet.

Applications

This W5500-based Ethernet module can be used in many applications, including:

• Modular PLC systems
• Vehicle ECU networks
• Industrial control systems
• CAN to Ethernet gateways
• RS485 to Ethernet gateways
• Remote I/O systems
• Data logging systems
• Machine monitoring
• Test equipment
• Embedded automation platforms

The modular structure makes it especially useful where different projects require different combinations of I/O and communication interfaces.

Conclusion

BasicPI’s modular ECU / PLC system shows how Ethernet can be added as a flexible communication module.

By using WIZnet W5500, the system can provide standard wired Ethernet connectivity while keeping the module compact and practical.

The W5500-based Ethernet module is suitable for applications that require reliable TCP/IP communication, remote monitoring, configuration, data logging, or gateway functionality.

This case is a good example of W5500 being used not as a standalone evaluation board, but as part of a larger modular industrial and vehicle-oriented control platform.

Q1: What is this project?

A1:
It is a modular ECU / PLC system from BasicPI with add-on modules such as CAN, RS485, analog I/O, digital output, and Ethernet.

Q2: Which WIZnet product is used?

A2:
The Ethernet module is based on WIZnet W5500.

Q3: What is the role of W5500?

A3:
W5500 provides wired Ethernet connectivity for the modular ECU / PLC system.

Q4: Why is W5500 useful here?

A4:
W5500 provides a compact Ethernet solution with a hardwired TCP/IP stack, making it suitable for embedded modules that need standard Ethernet communication.

Q5: Does W5500 support Profinet RT or EtherCAT?

A5:
According to the BasicPI article, the W5500-based option is not expected to support Profinet RT or EtherCAT. Those functions are discussed in relation to a more advanced dual Ethernet module.

Q6: What applications can use this design?

A6:
This design can be used for modular PLCs, vehicle ECUs, CAN/RS485 gateways, remote monitoring systems, industrial controllers, data loggers, and embedded automation platforms.