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Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
The Parallax Propeller microcontroller teamed with the WIZnet W5100 Ethernet controller provide an ideal
chipset for low-cost, low-power embedded Ethernet applications. The Propeller microcontroller's multicore
architecture and the W5100's hardware Ethernet stack allow a new level of parallelism and data
throughput for robust and reliable embedded network applications.
The Spinneret Web Server may be small—at less than 1½ by 4
inches—but it is a feature packed development platform. The
built-in MicroSD card socket and real-time clock allow ample room
for time-stamped file and data storage, and the oversized
EEPROM can store non-volatile data for use when there is no
MicroSD card present.
As an open-source hardware design, all design files—including
layout, schematics, and firmware—are available under licenses
that allow free distribution and reuse. This means that the
Spinneret Web Server's design can be incorporated into new
applications royalty free and without a non-disclosure agreement.
Features
Propeller microcontroller
WIZnet W5100 Ethernet controller
MicroSD card socket
Real-time clock controller with backup capacitor
Key Specifications
Power Requirements:
typical when idle
3.0 to 3.6 or 4 to 9 VDC, 175 mA
Communication Interface: 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet
and 3.3 to 5 volt asynchronous serial
Operating temperature: -40 to +185 °F (-40 to +85 °C)
Dimensions: 3.8 x 1.35 x 0.67 in (9.7 x 3.4 x 1.7 cm)
mounting hole centers separated by 3.5 x 1.0 in (88.9 x
25.4 mm)
Application Ideas
Embedded web server or network appliance
Network to serial bridge
Sensor network
Embedded networked control system
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
v1.0 12/17/2010 Page 1 of 7
Synopsis
The Spinneret Web Server is an Ethernet-based development board for the Propeller microcontroller. Web
page content, files, and logs can be stored on a MicroSD card. The serial EEPROM has 32 KB for storing a
Propeller program and 32 KB for non-volatile data storage, independent of the MicroSD card. There is a
real-time clock controller for timestamping files and events and a backup capacitor that will keep the
clock running through extended power outages. There is a serial programming header and there are two
auxiliary I/O connections: one is a header for level-shifted open-collector communications over a three-
pin data/power/ground cable, and the second is a 12-pin socket for direct 3.3 volt I/O connections. There
are eight status LEDs on the PCB, two of which are repeated on the Ethernet jack. One of the status
LEDs is user controllable and shares an I/O pin with a button that can be read under user control. A
second button resets the Propeller to reload any firmware from the EEPROM.
Open-source hardware
The Spinneret Web Server is an open-source hardware design that is well suited for use as a reference
design, built into a custom product, or used as a stand-alone board containing a custom firmware
application. All design files are available under various open-source licenses, as included with each file.
Parallax provides a Spinneret Web Server forum, available from http://forums.parallax.com/, that can be
used to collaborate on projects, request input and assistance from others, or help others with their
projects. If assistance is needed beyond what is available from the forums, see
http://www.parallax.com/support for more information about authorized consultants and our free
technical support.
Getting started
The Spinneret Web Server is a development platform, so its functionality varies depending in the program
loaded into it. A Prop Plug (part number 32201) or similar device is needed to load firmware programs
onto the Spinneret Web Server. See http://www.parallax.com/go/spinneret for more information.
There are three methods for powering the Spinneret Web Server, depending on the power source. To
provide power from a 3.0 to 3.6 VDC source, use J1 and connect pin 2 to ground, and either pin 1 to
power. For a 4.0 to 9.0 VDC supply, either use J1 and connect pin 2 to ground and pin 12 to power, or
use J6 and connect pin 3, labeled 'B', to ground and pin 2, labeled 'R', to power. When providing power
from a 4.0 to 9.0 VDC supply on either J1 or J6, the same voltage will be output on the corresponding pin
of the other connector. Pin 12 of J1 will also output a regulated 3.3 VDC supply. Make sure that any
connected devices are tolerant of these voltages. Do not simultaneously supply power to multiple pins.
Caution:
If the Spinneret Web Server is powered from a 4.0 to 9.0 VDC source, the same
voltage will be present on J1 and J6. Ensure that all connected devices are tolerant of the input
voltage.
Warning:
Power should only be provided through a single pin at any given time.
Simultaneously powering the Spinneret Web Server from multiple sources may damage the
Spinneret Web Server or any connected devices.
Component functionality
The Spinneret Web Server allows for easy expansion while containing a minimal set of components
required by most Ethernet applications. The included features are listed below.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
v1.0 12/17/2010 Page 2 of 7
Parallax P8X32A-Q44 Propeller Microcontroller
The Propeller microcontroller is an 8-core low power microcontroller with 32 KB SRAM and up to 20 MIPS
per core. By partitioning separate tasks into separate cores, the Propeller can load programs and features
and reallocate resources on the fly, without the overhead of an operating system. Features that often
require dedicated hardware can be defined in software and run in parallel. When running at a total of 160
MIPS, the power consumption is usually less than 80 mA. For more information, refer to the Parallax
P8X32A Propeller datasheet.
WIZnet W5100
The W5100 provides an Ethernet connection to the Propeller microcontroller through both SPI and
parallel connections. The SPI pins, P0 through P3, are shared with the parallel data pins. The parallel bus
is connected in indirect mode, using P0 through P7 for data, P8 and P9 for address, and P10 through P12
for signal lines. P13 receives interrupts from the W5100, and P14 will reset the W5100 when driven low.
For more information, refer to the WIZnet W5100 Propeller datasheet.
Micro SD card socket
The MicroSD card socket is connected to pins Propeller pins P16 through
P21. All pins except the clock pin are pulled to 3.3 volts through 100 kΩ
resistors. For more information regarding communications with an SD
card, refer to the “SD Specifications Part 1 Physical Layer Simplified
Specification” published by the SD Association. The MicroSD card socket
is a locking hinged socket. To insert a card, slide the top of the socket
toward the lower edge of the board, lift it up, insert the card into the lid,
then reverse the process to close the socket.
To open slide, then lift
Auxiliary Serial I/O header
The Auxiliary Serial I/O header, J6, contains a signal pin, a power in pin, and a
ground pin. The signal pin is connected to the P22 through a bidirectional open-
collector level converter with 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistors, suitable for communications up
to one megabaud. The unregulated power pin accepts up to 9 volts DC and requires
at least 4 volts to power the Spinneret Web Server. The unregulated power is used to
power the level converter and the unregulated power for the daughterboards.
Caution:
When the Spinneret Web Server is powered from a 4.0 to 9.0 VDC source, the same
voltage will be present on J1 and J6. Ensure that all connected devices are tolerant of the input
voltage.
Auxiliary Daughterboard Header
The Auxiliary Daughterboard Header has four general purpose I/O pins, connected to P24
through P27, two I2C I/O pins that are pulled high through 4.7 kΩ resistors, P28 and P29, and
two I/O pins that are shared with the programming header, P30 and P31, which can be used
as general purpose I/O pins after the boot process has completed. There are also connections
to the 3.3 volt power and the unregulated power pin shared with J6.
User Button and LEDs
The user button and LEDs share an I/O pin. When the P23 is an input, it is pulled
low but will read high on button press. When P23 is driven high the user LEDs will
turn on. When the button is pressed while P23 is an input, the user LEDs may glow
dimly, so it is recommended to drive the pin low unless actively reading it.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
v1.0 12/17/2010 Page 3 of 7
Serial EEPROM
The 64 KB EEPROM is connected to the I2C bus on P27 and P28. The lower 32 KB contain the program
that the Propeller loads on reset. The upper 32 KB should be used for non-volatile data storage, such as
network settings. For more information, refer to the AT24C512 datasheet.
Real-time Clock Controller
The real time clock controller (RTCC) is also connected to the I2C bus on P27 and P28. Two interrupt pins
are available through the J4. The interrupt pins do not provide over-voltage protection and should be
handled appropriately. A 0.33 farad capacitor provides backup power to keep the clock running through
extended power outages.
Voltage Regulator
The unregulated power pins on J1 and J6 are connected to the input of a 3.3 volt 1 amp regulator. The
regulator powers the Spinneret Web Server circuitry, as well as the 3.3 volt line on J1. The unregulated
input is directly connected between J1 and J6 and it also supplies the voltage for the data pin on J6.
When providing power through J1 or J6, ensure that the voltage is within specifications for any device
connected to the other header.
Status LEDs
There are eight unique status LEDs, plus the LNK and USR status lines are
mirrored on J7. See the following chart for the LED color and indications.
Label
PWR
SPD
FDX
COL
RX
TX
LNK
USR
Color
Green
Green
Green
Orange
Blue
Red
Green
Yellow
On state
Power present
100 Mbps Ethernet speed
Full-duplex Ethernet connection
Collision occurring
Data receive line active
Data transmit line active
Link present, blinking when active
P23 high
Off state
No power
10 Mbps Ethernet speed
Half-duplex Ethernet connection
No collisions
Data receive line inactive
Data transmit line inactive
No activity
P23 low
Reset Button
The reset button, when pressed, will force the Propeller to reset which will cause it to reload
any code present in the EEPROM.
Programming Header and Jumper
The Programming header, J2, is designed for connecting a Prop Plug to
P29, P30, and the reset line. When there is a shunt present on J3, the Prop
Plug will be able to reset the Propeller to begin the programming process.
When the shunt is not present, the Prop Plug will be able to communicate
with the Propeller, but it will not be able to reset or program it.
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
v1.0 12/17/2010 Page 4 of 7
Propeller I/O Connections
I/O pin Connection
P0
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
P7
P8
P9
P10
P11
P12
P13
P14
P15
P16
P17
P18
P19
W5100 parallel data bit 0
W5100 SPI data out
W5100 parallel data bit 1
W5100 SPI data in
W5100 parallel data bit 2
W5100 SPI inverted slave select
W5100 parallel data bit 3
W5100 SPI clock
W5100 parallel data bit 4
W5100 parallel data bit 5
W5100 parallel data bit 6
W5100 parallel data bit 7
W5100 parallel address bit 0
W5100 parallel address bit 1
W5100 parallel inverted write enable
W5100 parallel inverted read enable
W5100 parallel inverted chip select
W5100 inverted interrupt
W5100 inverted reset
W5100 SPI inverted enable input
MicroSD parallel data bit 0
MicroSD SPI data out
MicroSD parallel data bit 1
MicroSD parallel data bit 2
MicroSD parallel data bit 3
MicroSD SPI chip select
MicroSD card detect pin
P20
P21
P22
P23
P24
P25
P26
MicroSD parallel command line
MicroSD SPI data in
MicroSD clock line
Auxiliary serial I/O line
User controlled LEDs
User push button
Auxiliary I/O bit 0
Auxiliary I/O bit 1
Auxiliary I/O bit 2
Function
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 output
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 input
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 input
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 input
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 bidirectional I/O
W5100 input
W5100 input
W5100 input
W5100 input
W5100 input
W5100 output
Pulled high
Drive low for 2 µs to reset the W5100
Pulled high
Drive low and reset the W5100 for SPI mode
MicroSD bidirectional I/O
MicroSD output
MicroSD bidirectional I/O
MicroSD bidirectional I/O
MicroSD bidirectional I/O
MicroSD input
Pulled high, driven low on card insertion
MicroSD input
MicroSD input
MicroSD input
Pulled high
Open collector level-shifted signal on J1
Drive high to light the LED
Pulled low, driven high on button press
Bidirectional I/O
Bidirectional I/O
Bidirectional I/O
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
Spinneret Web Server (#32203)
v1.0 12/17/2010 Page 5 of 7
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