Maker creates thumb-sized Raspberry Pi USB-C Ethernet module using the RP2040
Originally published on tomshardware.com by Ash Hill on 28 November 2024
The Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 chip has enabled a range of innovative custom boards, and maker Alan has leveraged its potential to create a compact Ethernet module with USB Type-C support. This small yet versatile creation exemplifies the RP2040’s capabilities for practical, space-saving designs.
Alan’s module integrates a USB Type-C port on one side and a dual-function jack for Ethernet and USB 2.0 on the other. The main goal of the project was to ensure the module could simultaneously utilize both Ethernet and USB 2.0. This dual capability significantly expands its usability for applications requiring reliable connectivity in compact form factors.
Size Comparison between the 2
The heart of the module lies in a custom PCB designed by Alan, featuring the WIZnet W55RP20 chip. This innovative chip combines the functionality of the WIZnet W5500 Ethernet controller with Raspberry Pi’s RP2040 microprocessor. The design is reminiscent of the compact formats seen in Adafruit’s QTPy and Seeed’s Xiao boards.
Creating a board like this presents challenges, especially when working with small, surface-mounted components. Alan confirmed the module’s success in maintaining stable connections across both USB and Ethernet. Using the Hercules application, he demonstrated its functionality in a YouTube video, showing seamless data transfer between modules connected via Ethernet and USB-C.
This project highlights the RP2040’s flexibility and Alan’s ingenuity in hardware design. For those interested in exploring the build in detail, the project page is available on Hackster, alongside the demo video showcasing the module’s performance in action.
Read more: Maker creates thumb-sized Raspberry Pi USB-C Ethernet module using the RP2040
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