SparkFun launches MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet kit for easier 10BASE-T1L experimentation

The SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Kit utilizes the ADIN1110 transceiver for 10BASE-T1L communication, enabling long-distance connectivity over a single twisted pair cable. Things get easier as SparkFun has designed the module to be compatible with the MicroMod ecosystem, which allows for testing connections between industrial devices over long distances, up to 1,700 meters.

The standout feature of this board is its ADIN1110 transceiver, which supports 10BASE-T1L Ethernet. This technology uses a single twisted pair for lightweight, long-distance data transmission, achieving speeds up to 10Mbps by the 802.3cg IEEE standard, all without delivering power over the cable.

SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Kit Specification:

• 2x SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Function boards
  • 10BASE-T1L IEEE Standard 802.3cg-2019 Compliant Transceiver
    • Single-pair Ethernet transmission at speeds up to 10Mbps
    • 1km transmission distance (1.7km max cable reach)
  • Supply Voltage of 1.8V or 3.3V
  • 2.4V transmission amplitude
  • Integrated MAC connects via SPI – Supports 16 MAC addresses
  • Supports both Generic and OPEN Alliance SPI protocols
• 2x SparkFun MicroMod Main boards
  • Power Supply Options – 5V via USB-C or 3.7V~4.2V via LiPo Battery.
  • Protection – Built-in resettable PTC fuse (5V/2A).
  • Voltage Regulators – AP7361C (3.3V/1A) and AP7347DQ (3.3V/500mA for Qwiic devices).
  • Charging Circuit – Integrated MCP73831 for single-cell LiPo, 500mA charging.
  • Connectivity
    • 1x USB-C
    • 1x 2-Pin JST for LiPo Battery
    • 2x MicroMod (Processor and Function boards)
    • 2x Qwiic I2C
    • 1x MicroSD card slot
    • 1x SWD 2×5 header
    • Built-in MUX for UART1
  • User Interface
    • Buttons: 1x Reset, 1x Boot
    • LEDs: VIN, 3.3V, Qwiic 3.3V, CHG
  • Dimensions – 3.40″ x 2.90″.

 

The SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Kit is open-sourced so Sparkfun provides all the necessary hardware-related documentation on their GitHub Hardware Repo.

The ADIN1110 transceiver used in SparkFun’s Kit isn’t new; we discussed it back in 2021. Meanwhile, Microchip released their new LAN8650 and LAN8651 10BASE-T1S MAC-PHY Ethernet controllers in 2023. But with the release of this new SparkFun Kit, it’s good to see that now it can be bought easily in a shop.

The board is all well and good but there are some limitations, as the kit requires separate power for each MicroMod Main Board as it supports data-only transmission, and uses a T1 Industrial AH IP20 Jack for the network cable, which SparkFun notes is outdated for 10BASE-T1L Ethernet.

The MicroMod Main Board has an M.2 connector in which the Single Pair Ethernet boards plugin. It features a USB-C for power and programming, a jumper to isolate the USB-C’s shield, reset and boot buttons, 2x 5-pin SWD pin breakouts, a 2A resettable fuse, and dual voltage regulators (3.3V/1A for general use and 3.3V/500mA for Qwiic devices). Additionally, it includes PTH jumpers for current measurement, a 2-pin JST for LiPo batteries with a charging IC, four status LEDs, a microSD card socket for data logging, and two Qwiic connectors for I2C expansion. more information about this board is available on MicroMod Main Board products page.

The kit includes two SparkFun MicroMod Single Pair Ethernet Function boards with ADIN1110, two single MicroMod Main boards, and one 0.5m shielded single-pair Ethernet cable. Available on the SparkFun store, the kit is priced at $89.95, with additional discounts for bulk purchases. More information about the product can also be found in the SparkFun Getting Started Guide.

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress