Wiznet makers

[Introduction] Tinkerforge Modular Platform and the W5500 Ethernet Solution

1) Industrial Implementation of a Modular System

Tinkerforge is a modular hardware platform designed to break complex embedded system design into standardized building blocks—so developers can build industrial-grade systems without the burden of low-level circuit design.

Brick platform in real mass-produced products: In Tinkerforge’s finished product lineup—such as WARP (EV charger) and Energy Manager (smart grid solution)—the internal controller architecture commonly centers around Brick boards and Bricklets. In other words, the platform goes beyond prototyping and acts as a “proven engine” that drives real commercial products.

System architecture: A Brick (main compute, typically ESP32-based) connects to Bricklets (sensors, industrial I/O, etc.) via a straightforward 7-pin cable structure, enabling fast and intuitive system assembly.

Reference: https://shop.tinkerforge.com/en/bricks.html

2) Technical Core: W5500-Based Wired Backbone

In Tinkerforge systems, Ethernet is more than just “a communication option.” In high-reliability environments—such as EV chargers and energy management infrastructure—the WIZnet W5500 functions as a robust wired backbone.

Benefits of Hardwired TCP/IP: Network processing is handled at the hardware level without relying on a software TCP/IP stack. This allows the main MCU (e.g., ESP32) to concentrate resources on mission-critical workloads like charging control logic and power monitoring data processing.

Stability in industrial environments: In infrastructure settings where high voltage and electromagnetic interference (EMI) are common, a hardware-based network approach (W5500) can be advantageous for maintaining communication integrity and overall system availability compared to software-stack-heavy designs.

3) Ethernet Master Extension: PoE vs. Non-PoE

Tinkerforge provides two Ethernet interface options based on the W5500, enabling selection based on installation constraints and deployment environment.

Why PoE matters: By combining data and power into a single cable, the PoE version dramatically reduces design and installation complexity—especially for outdoor EV charger deployments or for sensor networks mounted in hard-to-power locations (e.g., factory ceilings).

4) Scalability: Reference Architecture for User Applications

Each Tinkerforge expansion module (Bricklet) is designed as a “functional unit” to solve real problems in specific industrial domains.

Examples of key Bricklets and application references

Industrial lineup (PLC integration): Modules such as 4–20 mA sensor interfaces and RS485/Modbus Bricklets enable bridging legacy process equipment onto an Ethernet network (via W5500), supporting factory retrofit and digital transformation.

Environmental & energy monitoring (condition monitoring): Precision power measurement (Energy Monitor), air quality (IAQ), vibration sensors, etc., provide immediately deployable references for smart grid or data center environment control.

Value for custom solution packaging: These diverse module references can serve as a strong foundation for WIZnet solution planning—enabling integrated proposals like:
“W5500 PoE + industrial sensor module + custom firmware” as a complete, deployable package.

Company Overview: Tinkerforge (Germany)

1) Dual-Track Strategy: Horizontal + Vertical

https://shop.tinkerforge.com/en/

Tinkerforge’s business strategy effectively runs on two tracks—universality and vertical integration—at the same time.

Component sales (Horizontal): Bricks and Bricklets are sold individually, enabling labs, universities, and corporate R&D teams to build tailored equipment—typical of a platform business model.

Finished solutions (Vertical): Tinkerforge also ships finished products like WARP and Energy Manager built from its own modular components—serving as a strong proof point that “our modules can power real mass-produced products.”

Open-source ecosystem: By publicly releasing both hardware design files (e.g., KiCad schematics) and firmware, Tinkerforge provides transparency and trust for industrial customers concerned about vendor lock-in.

2) Core Product Groups

Tinkerforge hardware follows a thoroughly distributed control architecture.

3) Vision

Tinkerforge ultimately aims for “hardware design abstraction and standardization.”

Industrial LEGO: A world where complex embedded systems can be completed by assembly—without soldering, circuit debugging, or deep hardware redesign.

Sustainable hardware: Instead of discarding an entire board when something fails, you replace only the functional module (Bricklet), enabling more sustainable infrastructure.

Practical IIoT (Industrial IoT): Not a cloud-only, software-centric IoT narrative—but an execution-driven approach focused on connecting real physical sensors and equipment to a robust network (e.g., W5500) as quickly and reliably as possible.

Q1. What’s the difference between a Brick and a Bricklet?

A Brick is the main compute/controller board (often ESP32-based), while a Bricklet is a plug-in module that provides a specific function such as sensing, industrial I/O, or interface expansion.

Q2. Why does the 7-pin cable architecture matter?

The 7-pin cable approach makes systems easy to assemble, expand, and maintain, enabling fast module additions and replacements—useful for industrial deployments where serviceability matters.

Q3. What role does the WIZnet W5500 play in Tinkerforge systems?

The WIZnet W5500 serves as a reliable wired Ethernet backbone for Tinkerforge systems—especially important in high-availability applications like EV charging and energy management.

Q4. What are the key advantages of Hardwired TCP/IP (W5500)?

Hardwired TCP/IP offloads network processing to hardware, which reduces software stack overhead and allows the main MCU (e.g., ESP32) to focus on mission-critical control and data processing.

Q5. Why is hardware-based TCP/IP beneficial in industrial environments?

In environments with high voltage and EMI, hardware offload solutions like W5500 can be advantageous for communication integrity and system availability compared to software-heavy networking approaches.