---
title: "4-Universe Art-Net LED Controller with WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Lihan__/projects/4-universe-art-net-led-controller-with-wiznet-w5500-evb-pico/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/Lihan__/projects/4-universe-art-net-led-controller-with-wiznet-w5500-evb-pico/md"
type: "UCC: User Created Content"
author: "UltraW3ird"
author_url: "https://www.instructables.com/Artnet-Node-for-WS2812B-RP2040-Based-4-Universe/"
editor: "WIZnet"
editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/"
original_author: "UltraW3ird"
original_url: "https://www.instructables.com/Artnet-Node-for-WS2812B-RP2040-Based-4-Universe/"
published: "2025-10-29"
language: "en"
hardware: ["WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico", "DFRobot WS2812B LED Strip"]
likes: 0
views: 721
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# 4-Universe Art-Net LED Controller with WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico

> RP2040-based Art-Net node built on WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico drives 4 × 170 WS2812B pixels at ≈120 FPS, offering 5-24 V input and compact 3-D-printed enclosure.

Original author: UltraW3ird (source: https://www.instructables.com/Artnet-Node-for-WS2812B-RP2040-Based-4-Universe/)

## Components

- **WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico** x 1 ([docs](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500/w5500-evb-pico))
- **DFRobot WS2812B LED Strip** x 1
- Software: **Arduino IDE** ([docs](https://www.arduino.cc/en/software))

## Article

### Project Overview

This build turns the **WIZnet W5500-EVB-Pico** into a rock-solid, four-universe Art-Net node for pixel-dense LED sculptures. Hardware TCP/IP off-load in the W5500 guarantees stable UDP throughput while the RP2040’s PIO + DMA stream 800 kHz LED data, achieving ~120 FPS for 680 pixels. The 5-24 V tolerant buck and IP-rated connectors make it ready for touring installations.

### Key Features

**Hard-wired Ethernet** – W5500 handles MAC/PHY, freeing CPU time for LED timing.

**4 independent outputs** – each drives up to 170 pixels (one DMX universe) in parallel.

**High refresh** – ~120 FPS at full load keeps fast visuals crisp.

**Wide-input PSU & sealed case** – accepts stage power (12 V strips, 24 V rigs) and survives rain with printed gasket.

### Hardware Setup

The custom two-layer PCB plugs the EVB-Pico upside-down so the MagJack aligns with a panel bulkhead. A 74AHCT125 shifts the RP2040’s 3 V SPI to 5 V. Four 3-pin terminals expose **V+ | DATA | GND**; keep each rail under 10 A. Large electrolytics tame inrush from long strips.

### Software Implementation

### Network Architecture

Each node occupies four consecutive universes; subnet and start-universe are compile-time parameters. Multiple nodes scale linearly (e.g., subnet 0 / uni 0-3, 4-7 …). A gigabit switch or even 100 M run perfectly; crossover direct-link also works for quick demos.

### Performance Results

Bench tests with 4 × 1 m strips showed **~120 FPS** sustained with <1 ms jitter, zero frame drops over 48 h soak. Current draw steadied at 4.1 A @ 5 V (static white). Network latency PC→Node measured 1.6 ms round-trip (Wireshark).

### Lessons Learned

W5500’s large DMA buffers are essential—default 8-socket config overflowed RAM.

RP2040 PIO + DMA keeps CPU under 15 % while slinging 2.2 M B/s to LEDs.

Bulkhead Ethernet plus printed gasket achieved IP-ish splash resistance but PLA proved brittle outdoors; PETG solved it.

### Future Improvements

Migrate to **W6100** for IPv6 show control.

Add web UI (LittleFS) for live universe mapping.

Chainable “backplane” for power + data daisy-linking multiple nodes.

### Challenges & Solutions

| Challenge | Solution |
| --- | --- |
| 3 V logic unreliable above 3 m cable | 74AHCT125 level-shift to 5 V |
| Enclosure space vs. MagJack height | Cut-out in PCB & inverted EVB-Pico orientation |
| UDP frame loss at >100 FPS | Larger Ethernet buffers + `MAX_SOCK_NUM 2` |

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## DOCUMENTS

**Main Application Code** – `Artnet_node_v1.ino` (Instructables attachment)

**Circuit Diagram / Gerbers** – downloadable PCB set for small & big versions.

**3-D Models** – STL files for both enclosures (small & big).

---

**Ready to publish!** This draft follows WIZnet UCC style and spotlights how the W5500-EVB-Pico simplifies a pro-grade Art-Net pixel driver.

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/Lihan__/projects/4-universe-art-net-led-controller-with-wiznet-w5500-evb-pico/