Summary of Non-breakable“ interface converter combined with MCU? Wiznet is a solution
Summary (under 100 words): Wiznet released the W7500 in May 2015, a single-chip solution combining an ARM Cortex-M0 MCU (128 kB Flash) with hardware TCP/IP offload (W5x00). It supports TCP, UDP, IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IGMP and PPPoE. Hardware TCP/IP reduces CPU frequency needs (about 50 MHz), lowers power consumption and memory requirements versus software TCP/IP, improving reliability and cost. Wiznet provides datasheets, schematics and user guides on its site; W7500 will become a standard stock item.
Parts used in theW7500 Project:
- Wiznet W7500 chip (ARM Cortex-M0 + HW TCP/IP)
- 128 kB on-chip Flash memory
- Ethernet interface (W5x00 hardware TCP/IP core)
- Power supply capable of supporting ~50 MHz MCU operation
- Supporting PCB and connectors for network and power
- Optional external peripherals per application (sensors, actuators, I/O)
In the last period we can see, that producers go on the way of processors combined with interface converters grouped into a single chip. Company Wiznet also goes this way.
At the end of May 2015, Wiznet launched on the market the new W7500, combining the HW TCP/IP interface converter W5x00 with an MCU. W7500 is a solution combining ARM Cortex-M0, 128kB Flash and the HW TCP/IP. It´s suitable for applications where you use TCP, UDP, IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IGMP and PPPoE. In these devices it´s usually undesired to upgrade SW resulting in resetting a device.
MCU W7500 uses HW TCP/IP thus selecting data which arrived from allowed source. W7500 processes only desired data, so “only” 50 MHz is enough. That´s approximately half the power necessary for SW TCP/IP solutions and it also doesn´t require so big Flash and RAM – as illustrated on the picture.
When comparing all data with other MCU, you can notice that with a small power you can make the same things as with the Wiznet solution. This fact is associated with not only reliability and comfort but also with approximately half the price of the chip.
Please note, that parameters mentioned in the table below are substantially lower at SW TCP/IP, while HW TCP/IP is clearly winning.
To make your development easier, Wiznet has its „wikipedia“, where datasheets, schematics, news and user guides can be found.
Further useful links: https://embeddist.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/firewall-soc-with-tcpip-offload-engine-for-internet-of-things/
https://wizneteu.wordpress.com/tag/unattackable/
W7500 will be soon our standard stock item.
For more detail: Non-breakable“ interface converter combined with MCU? Wiznet is a solution
- What is the W7500?
The W7500 is a single-chip solution combining an ARM Cortex-M0 MCU with Wiznet hardware TCP/IP (W5x00) and 128 kB Flash. - Which protocols does W7500 support?
It supports TCP, UDP, IPv4, ICMP, ARP, IGMP and PPPoE. - Does W7500 use hardware or software TCP/IP?
W7500 uses hardware TCP/IP (HW TCP/IP) offload, the W5x00 core. - What are the benefits of HW TCP/IP in W7500?
HW TCP/IP lowers required MCU frequency (around 50 MHz), reduces power consumption and flash/RAM needs, and improves reliability and cost. - Is W7500 suitable for applications that should not be reset for SW upgrades?
Yes, it is suitable for applications where software upgrades and resulting resets are usually undesired. - Where can I find documentation for W7500?
Wiznet provides datasheets, schematics, news and user guides on its website and related Wiznet wiki resources. - How does W7500 compare in price to other MCU solutions?
The article states W7500 is approximately half the price of comparable solutions due to HW TCP/IP advantages. - Will W7500 be stocked by the authoring organization?
Yes, the article states W7500 will soon be their standard stock item.
