How to Interface W5500 Ethernet Module with STM32 via SPI
In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to connect and configure the W5500 Ethernet module with STM32 using SPI.
WIZnet - W5500
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⚙️ STM32 + W5500 Ethernet Interface — Setup and Ping Test
This project demonstrates how to connect an STM32 microcontroller to the WIZnet W5500 Ethernet module, configure the hardware and firmware, and perform a successful ping test to verify network connectivity. It’s a practical and beginner-friendly example for those exploring Ethernet communication on STM32 boards.
🧰 What the Project Covers
Step-by-step setup of the W5500 module over SPI with the STM32 development board.
Configuration of Ethernet parameters such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
Initialization of the W5500 driver library and socket communication functions within STM32CubeIDE.
Demonstration of how to send and receive data packets and confirm successful connection through a ping test from a PC.
💡 Why It’s Useful for Makers
The guide clearly explains how to establish a wired Ethernet connection using STM32 and W5500, helping embedded developers understand the fundamentals of SPI-based Ethernet control. For those who usually rely on WiFi or UART communication, this project highlights how a hardware TCP/IP stack like W5500 can greatly simplify and stabilize networking.
It’s particularly valuable for anyone designing industrial, IoT, or automation projects where reliable, low-latency communication is required — showing that even entry-level STM32 boards can handle Ethernet with minimal software overhead.
⚙️ Hardware Overview
STM32 microcontroller (tested on STM32F103 and other variants).
WIZnet W5500 Ethernet module connected via SPI.
External RJ-45 connector for network interface.
Standard 3.3 V logic with shared ground between devices.
🧩 Key Steps Summarized
Wire the SPI lines (MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS) between STM32 and W5500.
Configure SPI and GPIO pins in STM32CubeMX.
Include W5500 driver files and initialize network parameters in main.c.
Build and flash the firmware, then use a PC to ping the assigned IP address.
Observe packet replies to confirm successful Ethernet operation.
✅ Strengths and Considerations
Strengths:
Simple, reproducible workflow for adding Ethernet to STM32 boards.
Uses the hardware TCP/IP engine of the W5500, reducing CPU load.
Provides a good foundation for extending into TCP/UDP communication or lightweight web servers.
Considerations:
Limited to basic connectivity — further coding is required for higher-level protocols.
Requires accurate SPI wiring and proper grounding to ensure stable communication.
Created by: ControllersTech
⚠️ Disclaimer: This tutorial was originally created and published by ControllersTech. We are featuring it here to share knowledge and inspire the maker community. All credit belongs to the original author, and we do not claim ownership or rights over this content.