ENC28J60-I/SO

The ENC28J60-I/SO is an interface controller usually used together with a microcontroller or network processor. It is capable of providing an interface between common microcontrollers and most popular networking protocols. The key features of this controller are low power consumption, an integrated MAC/PHY controller, on-chip Cryptographic Coprocessor, efficient packet distribution, multiple interrupts, and flashless operation. It can be used in various applications.

Applications

ENC28J60-I/SO used for a variety of applications including:

• Home automation systems
• IP-based communication networks
• Industrial protocol gateways
• Printer, scanner, and other device networks
• Connected automobile technologies and services
• Wireless sensor networks
• Automated metering and billing systems

Working Principle

ENC28J60-I/SO is designed with a 32-bit microcontroller which makes it powerful enough to run many applications. The controller consists of both the MAC and PHY in one chip, which eliminates the need for external tools, adapters, or other components.

The controller uses a special protocol, the IEEE 802.3 standard, which consists of Ethernet frames with a 48-bit address, a 16-byte header, and a 64–6456 byte packet body. This protocol is used to connect to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet networks. The controller is capable of handling 10/100 Mbps Ethernet data rate and is capable of both full duplex communication (sending and receiving data at the same time). The controller has a flexible packet buffer to store packet data.

The controller uses a hardware-based Network Packet Processor (NPP), which helps to speed up the handling of incoming and outgoing packets. This processor divides the packets into different classes based on the applications and helps to process them faster. The controller also has a hardware-based security coprocessor which encrypts data and helps to provide secure communication.

The controller is designed with MII (Media Independent Interface) and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) interfaces. The MII is used to connect the controller to the Ethernet networks, while the SPI is used to communicate with the microcontrollers. The controller is capable of handling up to 8 packets simultaneously.

In addition, the controller has multiple interrupt lines which can be used to, for example, inform the host microcontroller about packet reception, packet transmission status, and buffer overflow. The controller also includes a low-power sleep mode, which is used to reduce the power consumption when the controller is idle.

Conclusion

ENC28J60-I/SO is an interface controller capable of providing an interface between common microcontrollers and most popular networking protocols. The controller has a 32-bit microcontroller which makes it powerful enough to run many applications. It is designed with a MII and SPI interfaces, multiple interrupts, and flashless operation. The controller is capable of handling up to 8 packets simultaneously, and has a low-power sleep mode which helps to reduce the power consumption when the controller is idle.