---
title: "Streamer audio Ethernet multicast/multiroom 48 KHz/24 bits sans compression"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/projects/streamer-audio-ethernet-multicast-multiroom-48-khz-24-bits-sans-compression/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/projects/streamer-audio-ethernet-multicast-multiroom-48-khz-24-bits-sans-compression/md"
type: "UCC: User Created Content"
author: "lawrence"
author_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/"
original_url: "https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/streamer-audio-ethernet-multicast-48-khz24-bits-sans-compression"
published: "2025-11-19"
language: "en"
likes: 0
views: 1501
comments: 0
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# Streamer audio Ethernet multicast/multiroom 48 KHz/24 bits sans compression

> Streamer audio Ethernet multicast/multiroom 48 KHz/24 bits sans compression

Original source: https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/streamer-audio-ethernet-multicast-48-khz24-bits-sans-compression

## Article

## 🚀 WIZnet W5500-based DIY HIFI Audio over Ethernet Streaming System: Low-Latency, High-Quality Multicast Solution

### 1. Project Overview: Key Features and Technology Summary

This project aims to implement a professional-grade, losslessly compressed audio streaming solution in a wired Ethernet environment using low-cost hardware.

**Lossless Audio Streaming**: Transmits **48 kHz / 24-bit stereo** lossless audio via UDP multicast.

**Ultra-Low Latency Performance**: Achieves an **end-to-end latency of only 57 ms** due to the W5500's hardware UDP stack.

**Diverse I/O Support**: Supports both **Analog** (WM8783 ADC) and **SPDIF/TOSLINK** (WM8804 digital transceiver) inputs, with the receiver featuring a **WM8521 DAC** for analog output.

**Real-time Remote Control**: An **Android App** (Kotlin) sends JSON commands to enable real-time adjustment of **Volume, Balance, and a 3-band Parametric EQ (TDA7418)**.

**Open Source Commitment**: The VHDL, Assembler, and Kotlin source codes are released under the **GPL license**, making customization and learning straightforward.

![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/825282282%5F1763719667%2Epng)

---

### 2. The Role of W5500: The Core Engine for Low-Latency Multicast ✨

The W5500 Wiznet module is the **critical component** that allows this system to achieve professional network audio performance using only a low-cost MCU and CPLD. The W5500's hardware stack provides decisive advantages in performance, efficiency, and simplicity.

![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/825282282%5F1763719784%2Epng)

#### 2.1. Key Advantages of Choosing W5500

| **Requirement** | **Advantage Provided by W5500** |
| --- | --- |
| **Low Latency & Reliability** | **Hardware UDP Stack** minimizes the load on the PIC MCU, achieving a total latency of **57 ms**. |
| **Multicast/IGMP Implementation** | Features **Multicast filtering per socket and IGMP auto-management**. This easily enables a **"Multi-Room" configuration** that is compatible with network switches. |
| **Bandwidth Overhead** | The system requires only approx 2.304Mbps for uncompressed audio, leaving ample headroom on the **100 Mbps Full-Duplex link** for scaling up to dozens of receivers. |
| **Simplified Interface** | **High-speed 4-wire SPI** interface, **single 3.3 V power supply**, and **integrated PHY** reduce board space and simplify the design. |

#### 2.2. Ultra-High-Speed SPI Communication via W5500

The W5500 enables high-speed data transfer by communicating with an **SPI Master implemented within the CPLD**, bypassing the limitations of the PIC MCU.

- **SPI Speed**: The SPI communication between the CPLD and the W5500 operates at the system clock speed of **49.152 MHz**, or **49.152 Mbps**.

- **Data Throughput**:
  - **Transmitter**: Transferring the 48-bit audio data (2 x 24-bit) to the W5500's FIFO takes only **970 ns**.
  - **Receiver**: Retrieving the 48-bit audio data from the W5500's receive FIFO and preparing it for the DAC takes just **966 ns**.

### 3. Hardware and Firmware Technology Stack Breakdown 🛠️

![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/825282282%5F1763719891%2Epng)

| **Block** | **Key Components/Technology** | **Role** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Audio Input** | WM8783 ADC, WM8804 Digital Transceiver | Converts multi-format inputs to **24-bit I²S** output. |
| **Clock/I/O** | CPLD MAX II (VHDL) | Uses a **single 49.152 MHz clock** to **minimize jitter**. Aligns I²S frames and arbitrates high-speed SPI communication with the W55005555. |
| **Network** | WIZnet W5500 + PIC18F26K22 (Assembler) | Handles hardware UDP/IGMP processing, and **100 Mbps low-jitter stream transmission**. The PIC manages the packet buffer using an interrupt routine triggered every $20.83 \mu s$. |
| **Output/Control** | TDA7418 Audio Processor | Provides digital mixing for **3-band Parametric EQ**, Volume, and Balance (controlled via I²C). |
| **App Layer** | Android (Kotlin) | Uses **JSON/UDP** to control multiple receiver groups. |

### 4. Industrial Value and Broad Applications 🌐

This W5500-based solution delivers high industrial value by utilizing the chip's hardware AoIP capabilities to fill the **"price-technology gap"** between expensive commercial solutions and traditional analog PA systems.

![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/825282282%5F1763719986%2Epng)

#### 4.1. The Significance of the Project (Value Proposition) ✨

| **Value Point** | **Impact of the W5500-based System** |
| --- | --- |
| **Studio-Grade Lossless, Low-Latency AoIP** | End-to-end latency is only **57 ms** for $48\text{ kHz}/24\text{-bit}$ uncompressed streaming, eliminating the need for expensive DSPs or quality-degrading compression. |
| **W5500 Hardware UDP/IGMP Offload** | The W5500 offloads IGMP group joining/leaving and UDP checksums. This allows the **8-bit MCU + CPLD combination** to reliably service dozens of receivers, significantly reducing the high SoC and licensing costs associated with commercial **Dante/AES67** equipment. |
| **100% Utilization of Existing Ethernet Infrastructure** | It relies solely on **standard Ethernet equipment** (Cat5e, Fiber-media converters, PoE switches), eliminating the cost of 'snake cables' and analog wiring in large-scale installations. |
| **Remote and Group Control** | The Android app uses JSON packets for real-time remote adjustment of **Volume, Balance, and 3-band Parametric EQ**, allowing zone-specific sound tuning without on-site visits. |
| **GPL Open Source for Scalability** | The open source nature enables OEMs/SIs to easily add custom features like **AES67/RTP compatibility**, **encryption**, or **PoE-Plus power management**. |

#### 4.2. Industry-Specific Application Scenarios 🏢

The low-latency multicast AoIP technology is immediately applicable across various industrial sectors.

| **Industry/Sector** | **Application Method** | **Achieved Benefits** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Public/Enterprise PA / Emergency Broadcast** | Implemented as a multi-zone announcement/alert system in schools, hospitals, and factories. Integrates with existing **IP IoT devices** like CCTV and access control. | **Reduces emergency response time** by integrating network audio with existing sensor systems, enabling automated voice alerts upon video analytics events. |
| **Smart Manufacturing & Logistics Warehouses** | Multicasts production line alerts, work instructions, and AGV path guidance audio. | **Reduces CAPEX on wiring** in smart factories where equipment is frequently rearranged and facilitates noise regulation compliance via zone-specific volume control. |
| **Live Events & A/V Rental** | Replaces analog multicore cables between the stage and console with a **'Virtual LAN' (1 GbE)** to configure 8x8 stageboxes. | Achieves studio-grade audio quality without noise or loss over **long-distance ($>100\text{ m}$) cables**, while reducing setup and teardown time. |
| **Campus/Complex Facilities** | Links classrooms, libraries, and gyms into a unified AoIP network for broadcasting, real-time interpretation, and audio sharing for online conferences. | **Scales up to hundreds of terminals** without traffic congestion, provided IGMP Snooping is enabled on the switches. |

#### 4.3. Market Impact and Value Summary 📈

The W5500-based solution drives innovation by reducing costs and expanding service capabilities.

**CAPEX Reduction**: Replaces dedicated audio wiring, multicore cables, and analog distribution amps with **generic Ethernet switches**.

**Service Innovation**: Enables high-value add-ons like **software-defined audio zones**, automation (Video analytics $\rightarrow$ voice alert), and real-time translation/AI voice synthesis.

> **"Affordable yet Studio-Grade, Simple yet Massively Scalable."** The W5500's hardware UDP/IGMP capability allows the same circuit and firmware to address everything from public PA to live stageboxes. This fills the market gap between high-cost commercial solutions and traditional analog PA, proving its high potential for product commercialization in the global SI market.

## 이더넷 멀티캐스트/멀티룸 오디오 스트리머 (48 KHz/24 bits, 비압축)

### 1. 프로젝트 개요: WIZnet W5500 기반 DIY Hi-Fi 오디오 스트리밍 시스템

이 프로젝트는 저렴한 하드웨어를 사용하여 유선 이더넷 환경에서 **전문가 수준의 무손실 오디오 스트리밍 솔루션**을 구현하는 것을 목표로 합니다.

**주요 기술:** UDP 멀티캐스트를 사용한 **48 kHz / 24-bit 스테레오 무손실 오디오** 전송

**핵심 성능:** W5500의 하드웨어 UDP 스택을 통해 **57 ms**의 초저지연(Ultra-Low Latency) 성능 달성

**입/출력 지원:** 아날로그 입력(WM8783 ADC) 및 디지털 입력(SPDIF/TOSLINK - WM8804), 수신기에는 아날로그 출력(WM8521 DAC) 기능 탑재

**원격 제어:** 안드로이드 앱(Kotlin)을 통해 **볼륨, 밸런스, 3밴드 파라메트릭 EQ(TDA7418)**를 실시간으로 조정하는 기능 제공

**오픈 소스:** VHDL, 어셈블러, Kotlin 소스 코드가 GPL 라이선스로 공개됨

### 2. W5500의 역할: 저지연 멀티캐스트의 핵심 엔진

WIZnet W5500 모듈은 저렴한 MCU와 CPLD만으로 전문 네트워크 오디오 성능을 달성하게 해주는 **핵심 부품**입니다.

| **요구 사항** | **W5500이 제공하는 이점** |
| --- | --- |
| **저지연 및 신뢰성** | **하드웨어 UDP 스택**을 통해 PIC MCU의 부하를 최소화하여 총 지연 시간 **57 ms** 달성 |
| **멀티캐스트/IGMP 구현** | **소켓별 멀티캐스트 필터링 및 IGMP 자동 관리** 기능으로 네트워크 스위치와 호환되는 **"멀티룸" 환경**을 쉽게 구현 |
| **대역폭 효율성** | 비압축 오디오에 약 2.304 Mbps만 요구되어 **100 Mbps 전이중(Full-Duplex) 링크**에서 수십 대의 수신기까지 확장 가능 |
| **인터페이스 단순화** | 고속 4선 SPI 인터페이스, 단일 3.3V 전원, 통합 PHY로 보드 공간 축소 및 설계 간소화 |

### 3. 하드웨어 및 펌웨어 기술 스택 분석

| **블록** | **주요 컴포넌트/기술** | **역할** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **오디오 입력** | WM8783 ADC, WM8804 디지털 트랜시버 | 다중 포맷 입력을 **24-bit I²S** 출력으로 변환 |
| **클럭/I/O** | CPLD MAX II (VHDL) | **49.152 MHz 단일 클럭**을 사용하여 지터(Jitter) 최소화 및 W5500과의 고속 SPI 통신 중재 |
| **네트워크** | WIZnet W5500 + PIC18F26K22 (어셈블러) | 하드웨어 UDP/IGMP 처리 및 **저지연 스트림 전송** 담당. PIC는 인터럽트 루틴을 사용하여 패킷 버퍼 관리 |
| **출력/제어** | TDA7418 오디오 프로세서 | I²C를 통해 **3밴드 파라메트릭 EQ, 볼륨, 밸런스**를 제어하는 디지털 믹싱 제공 |
| **앱 계층** | 안드로이드 (Kotlin) | **JSON/UDP**를 사용하여 다중 수신기 그룹 제어 |

### 4. 산업적 가치 및 광범위한 응용 분야

이 W5500 기반 솔루션은 고가의 상용 AoIP 솔루션과 기존 아날로그 PA 시스템 간의 "가격-기술 격차"를 해소하여 높은 산업적 가치를 제공합니다.

**스튜디오급 무손실, 저지연 AoIP:** 48kHz/24bit 비압축 스트리밍에 대해 **57 ms**의 지연 시간만을 제공하여 고가 DSP나 품질 저하 압축이 필요 없음.

**W5500 하드웨어 오프로드:** W5500이 IGMP/UDP 체크섬을 처리하여 저렴한 8-bit MCU와 CPLD 조합으로도 상용 Dante/AES67 장비 대비 비용을 크게 절감하며 안정적인 서비스 제공.

**주요 응용 시나리오:공공/기업 PA / 비상 방송:** 기존 IP IoT 장치와 통합되어 학교, 병원, 공장 등에서 다중 구역 안내 및 경보 시스템으로 사용.

**스마트 제조 및 물류 창고:** 생산 라인 경보, 작업 지침 등을 멀티캐스트하여 배선 비용 절감 및 구역별 볼륨 제어를 통한 소음 규제 준수.

**라이브 이벤트 A/V:** 무대와 콘솔 간의 아날로그 멀티코어 케이블을 대체하여 장거리에서도 노이즈 없는 스튜디오급 오디오 품질 달성.

> **"저렴하면서도 스튜디오급 품질, 단순하면서도 대규모 확장 가능."** W5500의 하드웨어 UDP/IGMP 기능은 이 솔루션을 공공 PA부터 라이브 무대 박스까지 광범위하게 적용할 수 있게 합니다.

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Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/lawrence/projects/streamer-audio-ethernet-multicast-multiroom-48-khz-24-bits-sans-compression/