Wiznet makers

Overview

Monolitix is a compact PLC designed for modern industrial automation.

A key feature of this product is that it uses WIZnet W55RP20 as a Serial to Ethernet solution. By integrating W55RP20, Monolitix can bridge serial-based control data to Ethernet networks, making it easier to connect PLC systems to SCADA, HMI, monitoring servers, and industrial IoT platforms.

This is an important example of how WIZnet’s embedded Ethernet solution can be used in compact industrial controllers.

Background

PLC systems are widely used in factory automation, machine control, process equipment, and remote monitoring systems.

Many PLC and controller systems still use serial communication internally because it is simple, stable, and easy to implement. However, modern industrial automation increasingly requires Ethernet connectivity.

Ethernet is needed for:

• SCADA communication
• HMI connection
• Remote monitoring
• Data logging
• Industrial IoT integration
• Maintenance and diagnostics
• Connection to factory networks

This creates a common design challenge:

How can a compact PLC keep simple serial-based control communication while also supporting Ethernet networking?

Monolitix solves this by using W55RP20 as a Serial to Ethernet bridge.

Solution

Monolitix applies WIZnet W55RP20 to convert serial communication into Ethernet communication.

The system concept can be described as follows:

PLC Control Logic / MCU
        |
   Serial UART
        |
   WIZnet W55RP20
        |
     Ethernet
        |
SCADA / HMI / Monitoring Server / IoT Platform

In this architecture, the PLC controller exchanges data through a serial interface.
W55RP20 receives the serial data and sends it over Ethernet. It can also receive Ethernet data and pass it back to the PLC controller through serial communication.

This makes W55RP20 suitable for compact PLC products that need Ethernet connectivity without increasing system complexity.

Why W55RP20?

W55RP20 combines an RP2040 microcontroller and WIZnet’s Ethernet technology in a single chip. This makes it useful for embedded devices that need both MCU processing and wired Ethernet communication.

For Serial to Ethernet applications, W55RP20 is especially attractive because it can handle:

• UART serial communication
• Ethernet communication
• Protocol conversion logic
• Device configuration
• Application-level control

This allows product developers to build compact Ethernet-enabled devices with fewer external components.

Serial to Ethernet Function

In Monolitix, W55RP20 is used as a Serial to Ethernet solution.

The basic function is simple:

1. Serial data is received from the PLC side.
2. W55RP20 processes or packetizes the data.
3. Data is transmitted over Ethernet.
4. Ethernet data from the network is received by W55RP20.
5. The data is converted back to serial and delivered to the PLC side.

This structure allows existing serial-based control logic to communicate over TCP/IP networks.

Benefits for Compact PLC Design

Using W55RP20 in Monolitix provides several benefits.

1. Compact Hardware Design

Because W55RP20 integrates MCU and Ethernet capability, it helps reduce board complexity compared with designs that require a separate MCU and Ethernet controller.

This is important for compact PLC products where PCB area and enclosure size are limited.

2. Ethernet Connectivity

W55RP20 enables wired Ethernet communication, which is widely used in industrial automation systems.

Ethernet provides stable connectivity for factory and machine environments where reliability is important.

3. Flexible Serial Interface

Serial communication is still commonly used in embedded control systems.

By converting serial data to Ethernet, Monolitix can connect serial-based PLC functions to modern network systems.

4. Industrial Protocol Support

Once serial data is available over Ethernet, the product can support network-based communication models such as:

• TCP server
• TCP client
• UDP
• Modbus TCP gateway-style communication
• Remote monitoring protocol
• Custom industrial protocol

The exact implementation depends on Monolitix firmware, but W55RP20 provides the hardware foundation for this type of function.

5. Easier Integration with SCADA and HMI

SCADA and HMI systems usually communicate through Ethernet.

By using W55RP20, a compact PLC can exchange data with upper-level industrial systems more easily.

System Architecture

A Monolitix system using W55RP20 can be explained as below:

Sensors / Switches / Field Inputs
        |
 PLC Main Controller
        |
 Serial UART
        |
 W55RP20 Serial to Ethernet
        |
 Ethernet Network
        |
 HMI / SCADA / Server / Cloud

The PLC main controller handles I/O control and automation logic.

W55RP20 handles network connectivity and Serial to Ethernet conversion.

This separation makes the product easier to design, maintain, and expand.

Application Use Cases

This structure is useful for many compact automation products, including:

• Compact PLCs
• Serial to Ethernet gateways
• Remote I/O controllers
• Machine controllers
• Factory monitoring devices
• Data collection units
• Industrial protocol converters
• HMI-connected controllers
• SCADA-connected field devices
• IoT edge gateways

Monolitix is a good example of applying W55RP20 to an industrial product where compact size and Ethernet connectivity are both important.

WIZnet Maker Angle

For WIZnet Maker, this project can be introduced as a real-world example of W55RP20 Serial to Ethernet in industrial automation.

The important points are:

• Monolitix is a compact PLC.
• It uses WIZnet W55RP20.
• W55RP20 is used as a Serial to Ethernet solution.
• The product connects serial-based PLC communication to Ethernet networks.
• This enables communication with SCADA, HMI, monitoring systems, and industrial networks.

Recommended wording:

Monolitix integrates WIZnet W55RP20 as a Serial to Ethernet solution, enabling compact PLC hardware to connect serial-based control communication to Ethernet networks.

Conclusion

Monolitix shows how WIZnet W55RP20 can be used in a compact industrial PLC.

By using W55RP20 as a Serial to Ethernet solution, Monolitix can connect serial-based control data to Ethernet networks. This allows the PLC to communicate with SCADA systems, HMI panels, monitoring servers, and industrial IoT platforms.

This case is a strong example of W55RP20 being applied beyond simple evaluation boards or maker projects. It demonstrates how W55RP20 can be used as a practical networking solution in real industrial automation products.

Q1: What WIZnet product is used in Monolitix?

A1:
Monolitix uses WIZnet W55RP20.

Q2: How is W55RP20 used in this product?

A2:
W55RP20 is used as a Serial to Ethernet solution. It converts serial communication from the PLC side into Ethernet communication for network connectivity.

Q3: Why is Serial to Ethernet useful in a PLC?

A3:
Many PLC systems use serial communication internally, while modern industrial networks use Ethernet. Serial to Ethernet allows the PLC to connect to SCADA, HMI, monitoring servers, and IoT systems without changing the core control architecture.

Q4: Why is W55RP20 suitable for compact PLCs?

A4:
W55RP20 integrates MCU functionality and Ethernet connectivity, which helps reduce hardware complexity and supports compact product design.

Q5: What applications can use the same architecture?

A5:
The same architecture can be used in compact PLCs, serial device servers, remote I/O modules, industrial gateways, machine controllers, and factory monitoring devices.

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