In the current connectivity environment, it is still a burning issue to bridge the traditional serial interfaces such as RS-422 and RS-485 to the contemporary Ethernet networks. Since industrial automation and old-fashioned equipments, consistent serial to Ethernet communication guarantees a smooth transfer of data between the environments.
The PLATYPUS PP-Ethernet-RS422/485 hosts this requirement with a small high-performance platform. Using the W5500 Ethernet controller and the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU in one chip (WIZnet’s W55RP20 chip), the module can provide a low-cost and low-volume solution to stable and robust serial-to-Ethernet solutions.
PP-Ethernet-RS422/485 Specifications:
The PP-Ethernet-RS422/485 is based on WIZnet W55RP20, a single-board solution comprising of the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and W5500 Ethernet controller. It supports both RS-422 and RS-485 serial communications via terminal-block connectors, rendering it appropriate to the circumstances of the industrial and automation application. The module offers 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection and serial up to 921 kbps.
On the protocol side, it supports Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU/ASCII conversion, as well as MQTT and SSL/TLS for secure and flexible data transfer. Configuration is also versatile, with options including WIZnet’s PC tool, AT-commands over serial, and a built-in web interface for remote setup.
For firmware management, users can choose between multiple update methods: .bin files via the configuration tool, drag-and-drop UF2 files over USB, or SWD debugging for development. The device accepts a wide power input range from 5 V to 40 V and includes optional PoE-PD support for Ethernet-based power delivery. Designed for harsh conditions, the unit operates from −40 °C to +85 °C and features ESD protection and LED indicators for status monitoring.
PP-Ethernet-RS422/485 Specifications and Pinout Diagram
The module also offers flexible software and configuration options. Users can set it up through WIZnet’s PC-based configuration tool, issue AT-commands over a serial interface, or manage settings via the built-in web interface, which includes optional password protection for secure deployment. Firmware updates are straightforward as well, with support for .bin files through the configuration tool, drag-and-drop UF2 files over USB, or SWD debugging for advanced development needs. This combination of easy setup and multiple update methods makes the device well-suited for developers who want to deploy quickly or refine their embedded designs.
Configuration Tool
The PP-Ethernet-RS422/485 module is available from the PLATYPUS store for $29.50. At this price point, it offers a practical balance of cost and functionality, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking for a robust serial-to-Ethernet solution.
Images used courtesy of PLATYPUS.
Niladri Chowdhury