Vacus ESP32-LAN8720 PoE-R1 Module w/ IEEE 802.3af

Description

The Vacus ESP32-LAN8720 PoE-R1 Module is a compact, production-ready board designed for industrial IoT deployments requiring reliable wired and wireless connectivity. It pairs the powerful Espressif ESP32-WROOM-32E microcontroller, featuring dual-core processing and integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, with a LAN8720A 10/100Base-T Ethernet PHY. This provides a dual-network fallback capability, essential for critical monitoring and control applications.

Its core innovation is the integrated IEEE 802.3af-compatible Power-over-Ethernet system. The onboard AG9905M PD controller harvests power directly from the Ethernet cable, outputting a regulated 5V supply up to 9W. This is subsequently stepped down to 3.3V by a high-quality LM1117 LDO, creating a clean, dual-rail power architecture that eliminates the need for a separate AC-DC adapter. This single-cable solution for data and power drastically simplifies field installation in enclosures or remote locations.

The module is designed for seamless integration. A CP2102 USB-to-serial bridge with auto-reset circuitry enables plug-and-play firmware development via the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF. A side-mounted JST connector provides easy access to system power and UART lines, while expansion headers break out additional ESP32 GPIOs for connecting sensors, actuators, or displays, making it an ideal foundation for Ethernet-connected gateways, environmental monitors, and industrial automation controllers.