Wiznet makers

Overview

Kimage developed a 2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet converter using WIZnet’s W55RP20 to connect serial-based field devices to Ethernet networks more efficiently.

In this project, the W55RP20 was adopted as the core device for implementing Serial-to-Ethernet communication in a compact embedded design. By integrating serial communication handling and Ethernet connectivity in a single platform, Kimage built a practical solution for applications that require reliable network access for multiple serial channels.

The result is a converter that enables legacy serial devices to be connected to Ethernet infrastructure more easily, while supporting two serial ports in one product.

Background

Many industrial and embedded devices still rely on serial communication for control, monitoring, and data exchange. However, modern systems increasingly require these devices to be connected to Ethernet-based networks for centralized monitoring, remote access, and easier system integration.

This creates several practical requirements:

• Support for multiple serial channels in one device
• Reliable Serial-to-Ethernet communication
• Compact embedded hardware design
• Easier integration of legacy serial equipment into Ethernet-based systems

To address these needs, Kimage developed a 2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet converter based on WIZnet’s W55RP20.

Solution

In this product, WIZnet’s W55RP20 was used as the main communication device to implement a compact 2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet converter.

The W55RP20 combines MCU capability with Ethernet connectivity in a single chip platform, and WIZnet describes it as supporting two UARTs, along with hardwired TCP/IP networking features. This makes it well suited for embedded products that need to bridge serial interfaces and Ethernet communication efficiently.

Based on Kimage’s product concept:

• Two serial channels are supported in one converter
• Serial data from connected devices is received and processed by the system
• The W55RP20 enables Ethernet communication for network transmission
• The product provides a practical bridge between legacy serial equipment and Ethernet-based infrastructure

This approach helps simplify system design while making serial devices easier to monitor and manage over a network.

System Architecture

The overall system can be described as follows:

1. Serial Device Connection

Two serial devices can be connected to the converter through separate serial ports.

2. Data Acquisition

The system receives serial data from each connected device.

3. W55RP20-based Processing and Networking

The W55RP20 handles communication control and Ethernet connectivity in the embedded system. WIZnet states that the device integrates networking capability and supports two UART interfaces, which is highly relevant for this kind of multi-port serial communication product.

4. Ethernet Transmission

The collected serial data is transmitted over Ethernet to upper-level systems, monitoring platforms, or remote control environments.

Key Technologies

W55RP20

The W55RP20 is WIZnet’s ioMCU that integrates MCU functionality and Ethernet networking in a single device. WIZnet publicly states that it supports two UARTs and hardwired TCP/IP networking, making it a strong fit for Serial-to-Ethernet applications.

2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet Design

By supporting two serial channels in one device, the converter can connect multiple legacy devices to Ethernet without requiring separate converters for each port.

Compact Embedded Communication Platform

Using the W55RP20 helps reduce design complexity by combining control and Ethernet communication in a compact architecture. This is especially useful for industrial and embedded connectivity products.

Benefits

This W55RP20-based 2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet converter provides several advantages:

• Two serial channels in one device
  Multiple serial devices can be connected through a single compact converter.
• Simplified Ethernet integration
  Legacy serial equipment can be connected to Ethernet-based systems more easily.
• Efficient embedded design
  By using W55RP20, serial handling and networking can be implemented in a more integrated architecture.
• Better system scalability
  A 2-port design supports broader deployment in industrial and embedded environments where multiple serial devices must be networked.
• Reliable networking foundation
  W55RP20 provides hardwired TCP/IP-based Ethernet capability for embedded applications. 

Conclusion

Kimage’s 2-Port Serial-to-Ethernet converter demonstrates how WIZnet’s W55RP20 can be used to connect multiple serial interfaces to Ethernet in a compact embedded product.

By adopting the W55RP20, Kimage built a solution that supports two serial ports while providing reliable Ethernet connectivity for modern network-based monitoring and control systems. For applications that still depend on serial communication but increasingly require Ethernet integration, this design offers a practical and scalable approach.