LILYGO® T-ETH-ELite ESP32-S3 Ethernet Development Board

1. Introduction

The LILYGO® T-ETH-ELite is a powerful and flexible development board built around the ESP32-S3R8 dual-core LX7 microprocessor. It integrates a W5500 Ethernet module for robust wired network connectivity and offers extensive wireless capabilities including 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE). Designed for scalability, the T-ETH-ELite supports a variety of expansion shields, enabling applications such as LoRa gateways, GPS tracking, and LTE cellular communication. This manual will guide you through the features, setup, operation, and potential expansions of your T-ETH-ELite board.

2. Key Features

• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3R8 Dual-core LX7 microprocessor
• Wireless Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• Ethernet: W5500 Ethernet Module, supporting TCP, UDP, ICMP, IPv4, ARP, PPPoE protocols
• Memory: 16MB Flash, 8MB PSRAM
• Development Environments: Arduino, PlatformIO-IDE, ESP-IDF
• Power Input: IEEE 802.3AF Class 0 Power over Ethernet (PoE) 36-57V, or 5V USB charging
• Expansion: Compatible with various shields including Gateway-Shield, LoRa-Shield (LR1121/SX1262), LTE-Shield, and PCIE modules.
• Dimensions: 50 x 67mm

3. Technical Specifications

4. Setup Guide

4.1 Initial Board Setup

1. Power Connection: Connect the T-ETH-ELite board via the USB-C port to a 5V power source or use a PoE injector/switch (36-57V, IEEE 802.3AF Class 0) through the Ethernet port.
2. USB Connection: For programming and serial communication, connect the board to your computer using a USB-C cable.
3. Ethernet Connection: Plug an Ethernet cable into the RJ45 port for wired network access.
4. MicroSD Card: Insert a MicroSD card into the dedicated slot if your application requires external storage.

4.2 Attaching Expansion Shields

The T-ETH-ELite is designed to be modular, allowing various shields to be stacked. Ensure proper alignment of the pin headers before gently pressing the shield onto the base board. Use the provided standoffs for secure mounting.

Important Note:

The LoRa-Shield is exclusively compatible with the T-ETH-ELite base board and cannot be used with the Gateway-Shield or LTE-Shield simultaneously due to potential pin conflicts or physical interference.

5. Operation

5.1 Programming the Board

The T-ETH-ELite can be programmed using popular ESP32 development environments:

• Arduino IDE: Install the ESP32 board package and select the appropriate board.
• PlatformIO IDE: A powerful extension for VS Code, offering comprehensive development tools for ESP32.
• ESP-IDF: Espressif IoT Development Framework for advanced users requiring direct control over the ESP32-S3.

Refer to the official LILYGO GitHub repository for sample code and detailed programming guides:

LILYGO-T-ETH-Series GitHub Repository

5.2 Using Ethernet Connectivity

Once programmed, the W5500 Ethernet module allows your T-ETH-ELite to communicate over a wired network. Ensure your code initializes the Ethernet module correctly and handles network protocols such as TCP, UDP, or HTTP as required by your application.

5.3 Wireless Communication (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth)

Leverage the integrated ESP32-S3 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless data transmission, local network communication, or connecting to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. Standard ESP-IDF or Arduino libraries for ESP32 can be used for these functionalities.

6. Expansion Modules and Shields

The T-ETH-ELite is designed for versatility with several compatible expansion shields:

6.1 Gateway-Shield

This shield expands the T-ETH-ELite with LoRa Gateway functionality and GPS capabilities (L76K module). It is ideal for building LoRaWAN gateways or other long-range communication projects.

6.2 LoRa-Shield (SX1262 / LR1121)

This shield provides LoRa device functionality with an optional GPS L76K module. It is suitable for LoRa end-node applications. Available with SX1262 or LR1121 LoRa chips.

6.3 LTE-Shield

The LTE-Shield provides cellular connectivity (4G LTE) and GPS capabilities (L76K module) for the T-ETH-ELite. It also supports T-PCIE expansion for additional cellular modules.

6.4 Compatible PCIE Modules

The LTE-Shield can be further expanded with various PCIE modules:

• T-PCIE SIM7000X Series (2G NB-IoT)
• T-PCIE SIM7020X Series (NB-IoT)
• T-PCIE SIM7600X Series (4G LTE Cat 4)
• T-PCIE A7608X-H Series (4G LTE Cat 4)
• T-PCIE A7670X Series (4G LTE Cat 1)

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Power Issues

Q: Is the T-ETH-ELite board PoE powered?
A: Yes, the T-ETH-ELite supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) according to IEEE 802.3AF Class 0 standards, accepting an input voltage range of 36-57V. It can also be powered via the 5V USB-C port.

Q: Can PoE power all connected shields?
A: The T-ETH-ELite base board provides 3.3V and 5V power rails to the expansion shields via the 40-pin header. In most cases, if the PoE input is sufficient and stable, it should power the base board and standard shields. However, high-power consuming PCIE modules or multiple stacked shields might require careful power management or an external power source for optimal performance. Always check the power requirements of individual shields and modules.

7.2 Connectivity Problems

• Ethernet: Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected and the network infrastructure (router, switch) is functioning. Verify your code correctly initializes the W5500 module.
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Check antenna connections (if external). Ensure correct SSID/password for Wi-Fi. Verify Bluetooth device visibility and pairing procedures.
• LoRa/LTE/GPS: Ensure antennas are properly connected. Check module initialization and configuration in your code. For cellular modules, verify SIM card insertion and network registration status.

7.3 Programming Errors

• Board Selection: Double-check that the correct ESP32-S3 board is selected in your IDE.
• Port Selection: Ensure the correct serial port for the T-ETH-ELite is selected.
• Driver Issues: Install necessary USB-to-serial drivers for your operating system if the board is not detected.

8. User Tips

• Power Management for Shields: When using multiple or power-intensive shields (especially PCIE modules), monitor the power consumption. While PoE can power the base board and most shields, consider providing additional power if you experience instability or unexpected behavior.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the LILYGO GitHub repository for firmware updates and new examples to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
• Community Support: Engage with the LILYGO community or online forums for ESP32 development boards if you encounter complex issues or need project ideas.

9. Care and Maintenance

• Handling: Handle the board with care to avoid damaging components. Avoid touching exposed circuitry unnecessarily.
• Storage: Store the board in an anti-static bag in a dry environment when not in use.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air to remove dust. Avoid liquid cleaners.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate the board within its specified temperature and humidity ranges to ensure longevity.

10. Warranty and Support

LILYGO products are designed for reliability and performance. For technical assistance, documentation, and sample code, please refer to the official LILYGO GitHub repository. If you encounter any issues with the product, please contact LILYGO customer service for support. They are committed to providing satisfactory solutions for product-related concerns.

11. Additional Resources

• Official GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO/LilyGO-T-ETH-Series