Design Concept: Ethernet Controller For Embedded IoT Systems And Automotive Networking

The design concept plan is to create gateways for automotive networking, which includes serial protocols such as Automotive Ethernet, CAN (Controller Area Network), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The following focusses on the Ethernet part of the concept, where Ethernet also applies to Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) applications.The basic idea is to build a generic hardware module that receives and transmits Ethernet data and communicates with an embedded system either per UART or SPI port. The module will complement embedded solutions, for instance, for the development of a  CAN-to-Ethernet gateway.Furthermore, this approach allows us flexibility regarding the Ethernet hardware-layer, may it be standard PHY or BroadR-Reach.And yes, there are solutions already available in the marketplace, but they don't meet another one of our mandatory goals: Made in the USA. Such a requirement would allow us to expand our market reach to include sensitive markets, for instance, automotive and military applications.Currently, there are only a few options available in the marketplace that would meet our technical requirements, most importantly, an extended operating temperature range of -40C to + 80C (An extended temperature range is mandatory for automotive and military applications).The options are:

• WIZnet W6100

  The W6100 is a hardwired Internet controller chip supporting IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack. It supports TCP/IP protocols such as TCP, UDP, IPv6, IPv4, ICMPv6, ICMPv4, IGMP, ARP, and PPPoE. The W6100 also includes 10Base-T / 10Base-Te / 100Base-TX Ethernet PHY and Ethernet MAC Controller, which makes it suitable for embedded internet-enabled devices. https://www.wiznet.io/product-item/w6100/

• USR-TCP232-ED2

  The USR-TCP232-ED2 is a serial TTL to Ethernet module, used for transparent data transmission. It is a triple serial ethernet module, which supports 3 TTL ports working concurrently. It is based on the Cortex-M4 processor, and its primary frequency is up to 120MHz. The module integrates TCP/IP protocol stack. https://www.usriot.com/products/triple-ttl-uart-to-ethernet-module.html

Both WIZnet and USR offer a variety of their modules, but the devices, as mentioned above, represent their top of the line products. They also come closest to our technical requirements. for more information , please refer to this blog :https://copperhilltech.com/blog/design-concept-ethernet-controller-for-embedded-iot-systems-and-automotive-networking/

One of the options they use are:

• WIZnet W6100 The W6100 is a hardwired Internet controller chip supporting IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack. It supports TCP/IP protocols such as TCP, UDP, IPv6, IPv4, ICMPv6, ICMPv4, IGMP, ARP, and PPPoE. The W6100 also includes 10Base-T / 10Base-Te / 100Base-TX Ethernet PHY and Ethernet MAC Controller, which makes it suitable for embedded internet-enabled devices. https://www.wiznet.io/product-item/w6100/

A few side notes:

• Another Wiznet controller, the W5500, is now incorporated on the Arduino Ethernet Shield 2, guaranteeing product continuity. Nevertheless, the Arduino platform does not meet any industrial requirements.
• Another business, MikroElektronica - based in Belgrade, Serbia, but maintaining International distribution - offers its BroadR-Reach Click. This Ethernet module utilizes the Wiznet W3150+ controller, and it is designed directly for Automotive Ethernet.