ENC28J60 LAN Ethernet Network Board Module
The ENC28J60 LAN Ethernet Network Board Module is a cost-effective and reliable hardware interface solution for adding full Ethernet connectivity to microcontrollers lacking native network support, such as the Arduino Uno, Mega, or 8051-based systems. Based on Microchip’s standalone ENC28J60 10BASE-T Ethernet controller chip, this module manages most network protocol requirements internally, freeing up precious microcontroller resources.
By interfacing via the ubiquitous SPI protocol, the board provides all necessary logic for physical and data link layers of network communication (PHY and MAC). It is a highly popular choice for developers looking to build networked sensors, basic web servers, remote monitoring systems, or home automation projects using resource-constrained hardware.
Key Features
- Integrated Ethernet Controller: Uses the high-performance Microchip ENC28J60 standalone Ethernet controller, featuring a built-in MAC and PHY.
- SPI Interface: Communicates with host microcontrollers via a simple, high-speed SPI connection, requiring just four data pins (CS, SCK, MOSI, MISO).
- 10BASE-T Connectivity: Provides reliable 10 Mbps (megabits per second) Ethernet connectivity.
- Network Status Indicators: Onboard LEDs (Link, Activity) provide visual feedback on network connection status and data transmission activity.
- Integrated RJ45 Jack: Includes a standard RJ45 socket with integrated magnetic transformers for easy physical network connection.
- 5V/3.3V Compatibility: Designed with standard pin headers that can be integrated into both 5V and 3.3V systems (check the specific module version, as most operate safely at 3.3V logic but may accept 5V power).
- Robust Libraries: Supported by extensive, well-documented open-source libraries for platforms like Arduino (e.g., the UIPEthernet library).
Technical Parameters (Specifications)
| Parameter |
Value/Description |
| Controller Chip |
Microchip ENC28J60 |
| Operating Voltage (Power) |
3.3V DC (Some boards may accept 5V VIN with on-board regulator) |
| Logic Voltage |
3.3V Logic Level (Use level shifters if interfacing with 5V MCUs) |
| Data Rate |
10 Mbps (10BASE-T) |
| Interface |
SPI (CS, SCK, MOSI, MISO, INT) |
| Integrated Components |
RJ45 connector, HR911105A magnetic isolation transformer, 25MHz Crystal oscillator |
| LED Indicators |
Power (PWR), Link, Activity (ACT) |
| Dimensions |
Typically approx. 50mm x 25mm |
Usage Instructions
The ENC28J60 module allows your microcontroller to interact with a local area network (LAN) and the internet.
Standard Wiring (Example for Arduino Uno/Mega):
⚠️ Important: Most ENC28J60 modules require 3.3V logic levels. If using a 5V Arduino Uno/Mega, you must typically use a logic level converter or ensure the specific module you purchased explicitly supports 5V logic tolerance. Power should always be clean 3.3V for the chip.
| Module Pin |
Arduino Pin (via Level Shifter) |
Description |
| VCC |
3.3V Power Rail |
Module Power Input |
| GND |
GND |
Ground |
| CLK (SCK) |
D13 (Uno) |
Serial Clock |
| SO (MISO) |
D12 (Uno) |
Slave Output (Master Input) |
| SI (MOSI) |
D11 (Uno) |
Slave Input (Master Output) |
| CS |
D10 (Uno) |
Chip Select (programmable pin) |
| INT |
N/A (Optional Interrupt pin) |
Optional Interrupt Request Pin |
Programming:
The standard Arduino Ethernet library does not support the ENC28J60 chip. You must use a compatible alternative library:
- Install Library: Use a library designed specifically for this chip, such as the
UIPEthernet library available in the Arduino Library Manager.
- Assign MAC Address: In your code, you must define a unique MAC address for the device.
- Initialize & Configure: Use the library functions to initialize the module, request a DHCP IP address or assign a static IP, and start sending/receiving data (e.g., setting up a basic web server sketch).
Q: Is this module compatible with the official Arduino Ethernet Shield libraries?
No. The official Arduino Ethernet library (Ethernet.h) is for the Wiznet W5100 chip. The ENC28J60 requires a specific library like UIPEthernet.h.
Q: What is the maximum speed of the network connection?
The ENC28J60 chip is a 10 Mbps (10BASE-T) controller. It is not compatible with modern 100 Mbps or Gigabit speeds. It is sufficient for basic data transfer, web page serving, and IoT communication.
Q: The module is not working with my 5V Arduino Uno. Why?
This is almost always a voltage issue. The ENC28J60 chip is strictly a 3.3V logic device. You must use a logic level converter on all data lines (CS, SCK, MOSI, MISO) when interfacing with a 5V microcontroller, and provide a stable 3.3V power source to the module’s VCC pin.
Q: Can I connect this to WiFi?
No, this is strictly a wired Ethernet (LAN) module. It provides a physical RJ45 connection point. To add wireless connectivity, you would need a separate WiFi module (like an ESP8266 or ESP32).
Q: I am a business buyer. Is this chip reliable for commercial use?
The ENC28J60 is a widely used, very cost-effective chip found in many commercial embedded networking solutions. Its simplicity and low cost make it a solid choice for resource-constrained industrial or IoT applications, provided the 10Mbps speed limitation is acceptable for your use case.
