Project Introduction

 

The W55RP20 provides the easiest and most powerful solution for customers looking to implement Serial to Ethernet. Additionally, it is the optimal solution for the smallest and most cost-effective implementation.

Marineinnotec sought to adopt Ethernet-to-Serial conversion technology for its marine unmanned exploration vehicle. The company aimed for a compact design while maintaining industrial standards. Therefore, it chose the W55RP20, which integrates an MCU and an Ethernet chip.

 

The Challenge

Marineinnotec  Unmanned underwater vehicle

 

The solution

Marineinnotec was able to resolve the above issues by using WIZnet’s W55RP20.
The W55RP20 is a chip that combines the RP2040, which has long been well-received in the market through Raspberry Pi, with WIZnet’s W5500. It operates reliably in industrial environments.
In addition, the Serial-to-Ethernet firmware used is also provided by WIZnet as open source.
If requested by customers, firmware modifications can also be carried out, and this service is provided free of charge.

Additionally, when developing a Serial to Ethernet product using the W55RP20, a configuration tool is provided. This tool allows for complete device setup. Furthermore, the same control can also be performed via Serial and Web interfaces.

 

Marineinnotec is a company that primarily develops marine robots.
Because their operations are based in the ocean, the systems inherently support both wired and wireless communication. For wired control, data communication is carried out via Ethernet, while for wireless control, the devices are operated through the LTE network.
However, when transmitting data wirelessly, the internal router receives the wireless data and eventually passes it on through Ethernet. Therefore, if Ethernet communication does not function properly, problems can occur in every situation.
Since the robots also operate as submersibles and dive underwater, the chip must function reliably even in harsh environments. In the past, there were frequent experiences of data interruptions under these conditions.

 

Why W55RP20?

The W55RP20 is a chip that combines Raspberry Pi’s RP2040 and WIZnet’s W5500.
The stability of this combination is already at the highest level, as both chips have been widely and reliably used in embedded systems for years.

Moreover, for projects like Serial to Ethernet, where high MCU performance is not required, choosing the W55RP20 offers the best cost-effectiveness.

As mentioned in "The solution", a specialized support system for Serial to Ethernet development is available. From hardware and firmware to the setting tool and EMC certification support, everything can be provided quickly.

Most importantly, the W55RP20 meets industrial-level standards and is already being used in many industrial applications.

 

The results

Marineinnotec is now using the product reliably and stably.
It has been applied not only to exploration vehicles but also to many other products, with all projects successfully completed.
While the W55RP20 is convenient and stable, it is also cost-effective, greatly contributing to reducing overall production costs.