[General] Hardware controlled via USB.

[Matthias1]

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?

 

[techgreed]

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.

 

[horace1]

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**

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

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

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

 

[Matthias1]

So how about this one?

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

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

So how about this one?

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

 

[horace1]

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