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.