Wiznet makers

Overview

In industrial environments, testing equipment plays a critical role in ensuring product quality and reliability. Efficient data communication between testing devices and central management systems is essential for real-time monitoring and process optimization.

TNcore, a company under TN Group, developed a cartridge tester system designed to evaluate and manage cartridge-based products in production environments. To enable reliable network communication, the system integrates WIZnet’s W55RP20, utilizing its Serial-to-Ethernet functionality.

This approach allows the tester to seamlessly transmit data from serial interfaces to Ethernet-based systems, supporting centralized monitoring and automation.

Background

Cartridge testing equipment typically communicates using serial interfaces such as UART, which are simple and widely used in industrial devices. However, these interfaces present limitations when integrating with modern network-based systems:

• Limited communication distance
• Difficulty in centralized monitoring
• Lack of direct connectivity to Ethernet networks

As manufacturing environments become more connected, there is increasing demand for solutions that can bridge serial devices to Ethernet networks efficiently and reliably.

Solution

To address these challenges, TNcore implemented a Serial-to-Ethernet solution using WIZnet’s W55RP20.

The W55RP20 combines an MCU and a hardwired TCP/IP Ethernet controller in a single chip, enabling compact and efficient system design.

In the cartridge tester system:

• Serial data from the tester is transmitted via UART
• W55RP20 converts serial communication into Ethernet packets
• Data is sent to a central server or monitoring system

This enables real-time data collection, remote monitoring, and integration with factory automation systems.

System Architecture

The system consists of the cartridge tester device, a communication module, and a central monitoring system.

The W55RP20 acts as a bridge between serial-based equipment and Ethernet infrastructure, enabling seamless data flow across the system.

Key Technologies

W55RP20

The W55RP20 is an integrated MCU with a hardwired TCP/IP Ethernet controller, designed for efficient network-enabled embedded systems.

Key features include:

• Built-in TCP/IP stack
• Integrated MCU and Ethernet controller
• Serial-to-Ethernet conversion capability
• Reduced system complexity and BOM

This integration simplifies development while ensuring reliable communication in industrial environments.

Benefits

By adopting the W55RP20-based Serial-to-Ethernet solution, the system achieves:

• Seamless integration of serial devices into Ethernet networks
• Real-time monitoring of test results
• Improved data accessibility and centralized control
• Reduced hardware complexity through integrated design
• Enhanced scalability for industrial applications

This enables manufacturers to improve operational efficiency and maintain higher quality standards.

Conclusion

As industrial systems continue to evolve toward connected and automated environments, bridging legacy interfaces with modern networks becomes increasingly important.

By utilizing WIZnet’s W55RP20, TNcore successfully developed a cartridge tester system that converts serial communication into Ethernet-based data flow, enabling real-time monitoring and integration with centralized systems.

This solution demonstrates how Serial-to-Ethernet technology can enhance industrial testing systems and support smart manufacturing infrastructure.