Ethernet is a modern and versatile choice of interface for your product. Ethernet allows you future-proof your product: you can provide basic functionality initially, rolling out advanced features later. Ethernet enables a wide selection of standard protocols for transporting control and data.

Ethernet makes it simple to network several of your devices to one user. Or network one of your devices to several users.

Ethernet provides a well trodden installation path; most installation engineers are comfortable running standard CAT5 cable and possess an RJ45 crimp tool.

Embedded Ethernet (as with all things embedded!) is a more complex design process than Ethernet on PC-based systems. This is not to say that it is difficult, but it is important to make the correct choices. For example, here are three possible solutions:

1. You could use an Ethernet module such as the Lantronix XPort - this would keep development costs low, but pushes up unit costs. It would also restrict the flexibility of Ethernet as you cannot customise your protocols to the same degree as implementing your own TCP/IP stack.


2. You could use a Ethernet SBC such as the RabbitCore modules - again, these keep development costs down, but Bill-of-Materials up. Although you do gain flexibility.


3. You could use an Ethernet PIC - this would be the solution we would probably recommend. Development costs are reasonable, parts costs are very low and you have ultimate flexibility.

• Ethernet data logging
• Ethernet audio streaming
• Ethernet webserving
• Ethernet configuration