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LAN8720 Ethernet Module RMII Interface 10/100M PHY Transceiver Development Board Network Expansion Module
LAN8720 Ethernet Module Product Overview
The LAN8720 Ethernet Module is a high-performance 10/100M Ethernet Physical Layer Transceiver module based on the LAN8720A chip, featuring an RMII interface that significantly reduces MCU pin count. The LAN8720 Ethernet Module integrates an RJ45 connector (with magnetics) and a 25MHz crystal to form a complete Ethernet PHY solution. The LAN8720 Ethernet Module supports single 3.3V power supply with a built-in 1.2V LDO regulator. The chip comes in a 24-pin QFN package (4×4mm) with ultra-low power consumption, dropping to microwatt levels in standby mode. Compliant with IEEE 802.3-2005 standards, the LAN8720 Ethernet Module supports 10Mbps (10BASE-T) and 100Mbps (100BASE-TX) with auto-negotiation for full/half-duplex operation. Widely used for Ethernet expansion on STM32, ESP32 and other embedded development boards, the LAN8720 Ethernet Module is also found in industrial control, smart home, and IoT applications.
LAN8720 Ethernet Module Key Features
High-Performance 10/100M Ethernet PHY Transceiver: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module is based on LAN8720A, compliant with IEEE 802.3-2005, supporting 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX full/half-duplex.
RMII Reduced Pin Interface: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module only needs 7 data lines (vs. 16 for MII), significantly reducing MCU pin usage and simplifying PCB layout.
Ultra-Low Power Design: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module uses flexPWR technology with ~40-50mW typical operating power, dropping to microwatts in power-down mode – 40% lower than comparable products.
Single 3.3V Supply: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module integrates a 1.2V LDO regulator, eliminating the need for external core power.
HP Auto-MDIX Support: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module automatically detects and adapts to straight-through or crossover cables.
Auto-Negotiation: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module automatically determines optimal speed (10/100M) and duplex mode.
Flexible I/O Voltage: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module supports +1.6V to +3.6V I/O voltage, compatible with 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V logic levels.
Complete Module Design: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module integrates RJ45 connector (with magnetics), 25MHz crystal, and all necessary components for plug-and-play operation.
Industrial Temperature Range: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module operates from -40℃ to +85℃ for harsh industrial environments.
LED Status Indicators: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module has two LED outputs for link status and activity indication.
LAN8720 Ethernet Module Applications
The LAN8720 Ethernet Module is widely used in embedded development board network expansion: adding Ethernet connectivity to STM32F4/F7/H7, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, FPGA, and other development boards; industrial automation and process control: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module provides wired network communication for PLCs, sensor networks, and industrial data acquisition equipment; IoT devices and smart home: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module connects smart locks, lighting systems, environmental monitors, smart meters, and other Ethernet-connected IoT devices; embedded web servers: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module helps build web-based configuration and management interfaces for embedded devices; routers and network expansion: router expansion ports, network switches, and other communication equipment benefit from the LAN8720 Ethernet Module; as well as edge computing gateways, POS terminals, and digital signage devices using the LAN8720 Ethernet Module.
LAN8720 Ethernet Module Key Advantages
The LAN8720 Ethernet Module offers an RMII interface that significantly reduces pin count: only 7 data lines vs. 16 for traditional MII, significantly reducing MCU pin consumption, especially for pin-constrained MCU applications. Ultra-Low Power extends device battery life: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module uses flexPWR technology with only 40-50mW typical operating power, dropping to microwatts in power-down mode – 40% lower than comparable products. Single Power Supply simplifies design: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module integrates a 1.2V LDO regulator, allowing operation from a single 3.3V supply without external core power. HP Auto-MDIX eliminates cable worries: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module automatically detects and adapts to straight-through or crossover cables, simplifying installation. Complete modular design for plug-and-play: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module integrates an RJ45 connector (with magnetics), 25MHz crystal, and all necessary components – just connect the RMII interface for instant Ethernet functionality. Industrial wide temperature range: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module operates from -40℃ to +85℃ for industrial and outdoor applications. Flexible I/O Voltage supports multiple platforms: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module features a 1.6V to 3.6V wide I/O voltage range compatible with 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V MCU platforms. Compact size saves PCB space: the LAN8720 Ethernet Module comes in a 24-pin QFN package (4×4mm) with small overall module footprint for space-constrained designs.
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FAQ
1. What is the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
The LAN8720 Ethernet Module is an Ethernet PHY (Physical Layer) transceiver module. Its role is to perform physical layer signal conversion, translating digital signals from the MCU into analog signals for the Ethernet cable and vice versa.
2. What are the key specifications of the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
Chip: LAN8720A
Interface: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module uses RMII (Reduced Media Independent Interface)
Standard: IEEE 802.3/802.3u (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX)
Speed: 10/100 Mbps
Power: 3.3V single supply
I/O Voltage: 1.6V ~ 3.6V
Package: 24-pin QFN (4x4mm)
3. What signals are on the RMII interface of the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
RMII reduces the 16 lines of MII to just 7 core signals, plus 2 management interface lines.
4. How is the 50MHz reference clock generated for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
A stable 50MHz clock source is required. Common methods:
External Crystal: Connect a 25MHz crystal between pins; the internal PLL doubles it to 50MHz.
From MCU: The host MCU provides a 50MHz clock directly.
5. How is the LAN8720 Ethernet Module connected to an MCU?
It connects via the RMII interface. Connect the module's RMII signals (TXD[1:0], RXD[1:0], TX_EN, CRS_DV, REF_CLK, etc.) to the MCU's RMII-compatible Ethernet MAC pins.
6. What are common applications for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
Embedded systems requiring wired network connectivity benefit from the LAN8720 Ethernet Module, such as:
Industrial IoT RTU devices
Embedded web servers
Ethernet expansion for development boards (e.g., STM32, ESP32) using the LAN8720 Ethernet Module
7. What are the MCU requirements for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
The host MCU must have a built-in Ethernet MAC controller that supports the RMII interface. Common choices include STM32F4/F7/H7, ESP32, etc..
8. What development tools are needed for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
Typically requires a TCP/IP stack like LWIP or RL-TCPnet, along with the MCU's HAL library or SDK. Some vendors (e.g., Waveshare) provide example code and resources for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module.
9. What is the power consumption of the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
The LAN8720 Ethernet Module features an ultra-low-power design. Typical current for the core analog circuits is 45mA.
10. What are the hardware design considerations for the LAN8720 Ethernet Module?
Power: The LAN8720 Ethernet Module has an internal 1.2V LDO regulator. It's recommended to use it and place a 1μF capacitor on the pin for decoupling.
Power-up Sequence: Voltages should stabilize within 50ms. Wait at least 25ms after power is stable before de-asserting reset on the LAN8720 Ethernet Module.
- Model:
- LAN8720 Ethernet Module
- Core Chip:
- LAN8720A
- Interface:
- RMII
- Supported Speeds:
- 10Mbps(10BASE-T)/ 100Mbps(100BASE-TX)
- Operating Voltage:
- 3.3V
- I/O Voltage Range:
- +1.6V to +3.6V
- Network Interface:
- RJ45
- Clock Source:
- 25MHz
- Operating Temperature:
- -40℃ ~ +85℃