FRDM-K64 hardware module for 2nd Ethernet interface circuit

[mignacio]

Hello,

Those who have used the FRDM-K64 know that even though the K64 can interface to 2 ethernet lines, there's only 1 Ethernet PHY & magnetics circuitry HW onthe FRDM-K64 eval board.

I have looked online for a Ethernet PHY/MAG/RJ45 hardware module but only found that is complete MAC-PHY-MAG-RJ45 ensemble mini-ethernet board from Wiznet and Adafruit that are interfaceable (still to be determined by me if viable) to the FRDM-K64 via SPI on the header.  I'm afraid, adding the SPI protocol in the scenario will greatly slow down the communication with MCU aspect & not meet the 100T requirements I need.

Other than building a custom board that copies the ENET0 PHY circuitry on board the FRDM, does anyone know of non-MAC but only PHY/MAG/RJ45 ensemble on a miniboard that can interface to the MCU via all the PHY / MAC interface line on the Arduino-compatible header of the FRDM-K64 that will serve as and complete the 2nd (ENET1) communication line?

Please advise.

Thanks for the help.

MI

[mignacio]

Hi Gustavo,

I found this example by famous Erich where he used an Arduino Ethernet shield R3 but instead of with FRDM-K64, he used with FRDM-KL25Z at

 https://mcuoneclipse.com/2014/01/25/frdm-with-arduino-ethernet-shield-r3-part-3-embedded-web-server/

I've seen shield versions R1, R2 out there.  QUESTION:  Is R3 the right thing to buy and use with FRDM-K64, as it is the only one that came up if I include the keyword search "ethernet" in Arduino shield?   Please confirm.

Thanks for the help.

MI

[gusarambula]

Hello MI,

I'm not very familiar with these shields but it appears that the Ethernet port functionality is similar in all the Ethernet Shields. The R3 is used on the blog you shared so that should make using it easier. However, the R3 seems to be discontinued and replaced by the W5500 Ethernet Shield, but the functionality should be the same.

Regards,
Gustavo

[mignacio]

Hi Gustavo,

Last time I did my research on many different ethernet shields,  I came across this big-size "ethernet sheild" on NXP webiste that's also big-priced, more expensive than the FRDM-K64 in $$$.  It is piggy-backed right over the Arduino compatible header connectors.  (if you don't mind, can you point me to that NXP link where that pricey ethernet shield is?)  I ignored it because of the price.  I forgot if it was called "Arduino ethernet shield" or not.   All I know is it was an ethernet shield exactly for FRDM-K64.

Now I researched the name "Arduino ethernet shield" and this looks better priced at just $24.95.   Is this the right product?  If so, then this is affordable to become my 2nd ethernet port.   https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-ethernet-shield-2

Thanks for the help.

MI

[gusarambula]

Hello MI,

Chances are you are referring to this product, which is no longer manufactured. It was pricey as it had some other features other than the Ethernet port.

https://www.nxp.com/products/processors-and-microcontrollers/arm-microcontrollers/general-purpose-mc...

You may use the Arduino Shield, and just add the necessary drivers to your application. I would recommend looking at the shield's documentation for more information to make sure it will provide the functionality you require (especially in terms of speed).

Do not forget to check Mark's suggestion, as it will give you an idea of how the Ethernet trough SPI would work.

Regards,
Gustavo

[mignacio]

Hello,

Pardom my terminology.  I meant the FRDM-K64 has 1 Kinetis K64 which is an MCU that support 2 Ethernet ports ENET0 and ENET1.

Only 1 Ethernet port is completely implemented in the FRDM eval board.   I need 2 ethernet ports to program.

Thus, there's my posted question.

Thanks for the help.

MI

[gusarambula]

Hello MI,

The K64 has one Ethernet module that allows for MII and RMII interfaces. Adding a second one would require as you mention an additional module that communicates with the FRM-K64 board. There are a couple of Arduino Shields as you mentioned, but given the available interfaces they wouldn’t allow for the full 100T speed.

An alternative could be using the USB interface to add an additional Ethernet controller, albeit it wouldn’t be as straightforward as using an Arduino Shield.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

Regards,
Gustavo

[mjbcswitzerland]

Hi

The 64F has only one Ethernet controller (you may be mixing it it up with the iMX RT 106x ?)

Whether the SPI interface introduces a bottle-neck depends on the data and not just the bit rate: The external Ethernet controllers have their own buffers and so can handle 100Mb/s bursts and buffer the data until it is collected and so not impact overall performance in "some situations".

I have also used the K64F with ENC424J600 to add a second Ethernet interface: https://www.utasker.com/kinetis/TEENSY_3.5.html#LAN

Regards

Mark