Off the shelf controller chipset or PCB?

Hi,

I'm working on a control panel-like device that has a bunch of on/off buttons (100-200), a control knob (that drives an optical encoder) and an LCD display. The controller will interface with and control some software running on a PC via USB or CAT-5 or something similar.

Does anyone know of some standard or off the shelf PCB/chipset solution for such a controller? It seems like a relatively simple design in terms of signal complexity and routing; just a bunch of digital IO's plus a counter or two, in addition to a chip to drive the LCD, all interfacing with a programmable CPU.

What kind of processor will I need? Memory? The LCD chips? I've never done this sort of design before, and perhaps have a superficial understanding of what's involved. Once I have the PCB built, I feel this will be mainly a programming project.

Is there a firm that specializes in this kind of glorified 'remote control' PCB/chipset design? Do turnkey solution exist for this application?

Thank you for any advice you can provide. It is much appreciated.

R.G.

Reply to
R.G.
Loading thread data ...

Almost Anything 8 to 32 bits. If you are only building 1 and do not want to make boards go big with a PC104 set up or an industrial PLC. If you want to build a PCB smaller CPUs are OK. You can Poll Shift Registers or latches. If you want to use a matrix you will need diodes so you can read all possibilities. TCP/IP or USB find something that inclues it, or it is a lot of work. You can use a n RS232 to USB chip (FDTI or SiLabs) to avoid and work on it.

Good Luck

Reply to
Neil Kurzman

ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.