[General] Hardware controlled via USB.

Hello everybody,

My job is control, code and tune CNC machines. Making mechanical components to measuring devices. And I was wondering If can I make something on that principals at home but much simpler. I have some experiences with making websites ( PHP , MySQL , HTML) , some ele. circuit too. However I am starting in this kind of science from scratch. So I want to start with something small and I welcome any advice.

GOAL : 2 LED controled by microcontroller who wait for command from PC via USB

wanted funktions : first LED = turn on/off , second LED = turn on for 5 seconds then turn off

Questions :
What microcontrollers I shall use?
How code microcontroller via USB?
What ele circuit schema is good for this?
How make comunication with microcontroller via USB?
What program is good for this or I shall just use command line?

You could start with any of the basic controllers. I would recommend 8051 since you will get all the information on it easily.
Start learning it and then post your other questions one by one.

probably the simplest way is to get a development board with USB device facilities, i.e. the board can act as a USB device to a USB host such as a PC. e.g. Microchip have a range of USB starter kits typically with LEDs etc for display of interaction etc
https://www.microchip.com/DevelopmentTools/Listing.aspx?CatID=25&CatText=Starter Kit

examples of more sophisticated boards with IO devices such as LCD display, temperature sensors, switches, motors, CANbus, USB host and device, etc
https://www.microchip.com/Developmenttools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=DM240001
**broken link removed**

Hi,

...I would recommend 8051 since you ...

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The 8051 is a very old and common controller, it is often used and it is true, you will find much information on it.


I recommend to use a modern ucontroller. For me it´s the AVR from ATMEL. Others are also good.
These are modern controllers with much processing power but low current consumtion. This is a big family with a lot of built in periferals. Don´t be afraid of using 3V3 instead of 5V.
It depends on what you need. Is the design for mass production and price matters, then switch to a smaller/cheaper one. Carefully select the periferals you need.
If its possible then try a bigger to start with, it is not more difficult but it gives you more flexibility.

For USB communication: have a look on FTDI www.ftdichip.com.
Interface to controller can be UART style or memory mapped parallel bus.
The FTDI devices a very easy to use as well as from ucontroller side as from PC side.
PC drivers available. On ucontroler side it is as easy as can be.

Yes, with a starter kit you are on the safe side...

Hope this helps
Klaus

So how about this one?

https://www.tme.eu/en/details/a000066/arduino-development-kits/arduino/arduino-uno-rev3/#

Hi,

So how about this one?

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ARDUINO is always a good choice.

Maybe here is someone who can give some imformation about the ATMEL internal USB. (Interesting for me also)
Is it easy to use? - especially for a beginner.
What data transfer rate?
How much processing power?


Klaus

your choice will also depend on what you are interested in doing, e.g. programming the microcontroller board or implementing programs on a PC to control the board or both.

For example, a program using the Bytronic mechatronics PIC24 trainer as a target board
**broken link removed**

implemented in C++ (or C#, VB.Net, etc) using visual studio can display and control much of the board functionality and communicate with remote devices via the CANbus