EtherCAT #4 Master – STM32 + W5500 with SOEM RAW Communication
Build an EtherCAT Master with STM32F407 and WIZnet W5500 using the SOEM library. Achieve real-time raw packet communication for industrial automation.
WIZnet - W5500
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📌 Project Overview
This project demonstrates how to build an EtherCAT Master using an STM32F407VET6 microcontroller and the WIZnet W5500 Ethernet controller. By integrating the SOEM (Simple Open EtherCAT Master) library, the system communicates directly with EtherCAT slaves using raw Ethernet packet transmission, enabling real-time industrial networking.
🔧 Key Components
- MCU: STM32F407VET6
- Ethernet Chip: WIZnet W5500
- Library: SOEM (Simple Open EtherCAT Master)
- Communication: Raw Ethernet frame transmission to EtherCAT slaves
⚙️ Implementation Details
1. Hardware Setup
- STM32F407VET6 MCU connected to W5500 via SPI
- W5500 module linked to EtherCAT slave devices through Ethernet
2. SOEM Library Integration
- The SOEM library provides EtherCAT Master functionality on STM32
- Handles discovery and communication with EtherCAT slaves
3. Raw Packet Transmission
- Instead of TCP/IP stack, raw Ethernet frames are sent directly
- Enables low-latency and deterministic EtherCAT communication
🌍 Applications & Benefits
- Industrial Automation: Real-time machine and PLC control with EtherCAT
- High Performance: Low-latency packet handling via W5500 hardware offload
- Open Source & Flexible: Based on SOEM, highly customizable for robotics and embedded control systems
- Cost-Effective: Combines affordable STM32 + WIZnet hardware with free open-source EtherCAT stack
📂 References & Resources
- SOEM (Simple Open EtherCAT Master Library): GitHub
- SOEM4Arduino: GitHub
- AB&T: Website
- Simple Robot: Website
📑 Project Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | EtherCAT #4 Master – SOEM RAW |
| MCU | STM32F407VET6 |
| Ethernet | WIZnet W5500 |
| Library | SOEM (Simple Open EtherCAT Master) |
| Feature | Raw packet-based EtherCAT Master |
| Use Cases | Industrial automation, robotics, real-time embedded networking |
This project shows how WIZnet W5500 can be integrated with STM32 to implement a raw EtherCAT Master using the SOEM library. By sharing such examples, more makers and engineers can explore how to bring real-time industrial Ethernet into their embedded projects.
🚀 Try building your own EtherCAT Master with WIZnet W5500 and join the growing maker community pushing the limits of IoT and automation!