XPort ETH Click – XE

How does it work?

XPort ETH Click – XE is based on the XP1001000-05R XPort module from Lantronix, made for embedded systems requiring encrypted data transfer. Compact and powerful, this module provides a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet interface, embedded web server, a robust operating system stored in flash, and a full TCP/IP protocol stack – all packed into an RJ45 Ethernet connector ideal for adding reliable Ethernet communication to a wide range of embedded applications.

The XPort module is powered by the DSTni EX controller, which includes 256KB of SRAM, 16KB of boot ROM, and a built-in MAC with an integrated 10/100BASE-TX PHY. The processing core operates on 1.8V supplied by an internal regulator, while the entire solution runs on a 3.3V power supply. A built-in voltage supervisory circuit ensures reliable operation by resetting the module if the supply voltage drops below 2.7V. Communication with the host device is achieved via UART interface and three configurable general-purpose I/O pins (CP1, CP2, and CP3), which can function as flow/modem control lines or general-purpose signals. In addition, the XPort includes 512KB of flash memory for storing firmware and web content, enabling full customization and remote management of connected devices.

As mentioned, the module connects directly to an Ethernet network through the RJ45 port. Two bi-color LEDs integrated into the front of the connector provide real-time status indication. When both LEDs are off, there is no link or activity. The left LED (Link LED) glows amber for a 10Mbps connection and green for 100Mbps. The right LED (Activity LED) indicates half-duplex mode with an amber light and full-duplex mode with green.

XPort ETH Click – XE also benefits from simple electromechanical integration thanks to its compliance with Class B emissions standards. For configuration and control, it comes with Windows-based Device Installer software and a Com Port Redirector, supporting both x86 and x64 Windows platforms, including XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, 2003 Server, and 2008 Server.

This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. It also comes equipped with a library containing functions and example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Specifications

Pinout diagram

This table shows how the pinout on XPort ETH Click – XE corresponds to the pinout on the mikroBUS™ socket (the latter shown in the two middle columns).

Notes	Pin					Pin	Notes
	NC	1	AN	PWM	16	CP2	General-Purpose I/O
ID SEL	RST	2	RST	INT	15	CP1	General-Purpose I/O
General-Purpose I/O / ID COMM	CP3	3	CS	RX	14	TX	UART TX
	NC	4	SCK	TX	13	RX	UART RX
	NC	5	MISO	SCL	12	NC
	NC	6	MOSI	SDA	11	NC
Power Supply	3.3V	7	3.3V	5V	10	NC
Ground	GND	8	GND	GND	9	GND	Ground

Onboard settings and indicators

XPort ETH Click – XE electrical specifications

Software Support

XPort ETH Click – XE demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK‘s open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description

This example demonstrates the use of the XPort ETH Click – XE board for Ethernet communication. The application initializes the XPort ETH XE module, retrieves essential information such as firmware version, MAC address, and network status, and demonstrates sending a ping command. It also allows for bidirectional UART communication between the USB UART and the XPort ETH XE UART.

Key Functions

• xportethxe_cfg_setup This function initializes Click configuration structure to initial values.
• xportethxe_init This function initializes all necessary pins and peripherals used for this Click board.
• xportethxe_reset_device This function resets device by toggling the RST pin state.
• xportethxe_send_cmd This function sends a command string by using UART serial interface.
• xportethxe_send_enter This function sends enter (new line) by using UART serial interface.

Application Init

Initializes the UART communication, logs essential information, configures the XPort ETH XE module, and retrieves the firmware version, MAC address, and network status. It also demonstrates basic command operations such as pinging the specific IP address (8.8.8.8).

Application Task

Continuously reads data from the USB UART and forwards it to the XPort ETH XE module, while also capturing responses from the module and forwarding them back to the USB UART. This allows real-time interaction with the device through the UART Terminal for configuration and diagnostics.

Application Output

This Click board can be interfaced and monitored in two ways:

• Application Output – Use the “Application Output” window in Debug mode for real-time data monitoring. Set it up properly by following this tutorial.
• UART Terminal – Monitor data via the UART Terminal using a USB to UART converter. For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial.

Additional Notes and Information

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.