Embedded versus off the shelf

I am developing a human machine interface and controls for a medical device. What is the most efficient way to move from off the shelf products, PLCs and purchased programmable touch screens, to embedded stuff. I need analog inputs and a touchscreen with the ability to control an AC motor. Any suggestions on specific development boards. Is this months of programming or weeks?

Peter,

Are you planning on doing this work yourself for the first time or hiring it out to a senior embedded developer?

If you're looking for a development platform, I'd go for one of the mainstream micros such as a AVR or PIC as there are large online communities that you can tap into for help.

Let us know if you have more specific question about doing an embedded project.

If this project could be done within a reasonable budget I would gladly find a programmer/designer. However I have not been able to find a company or person with these skills. I am a licensed mechanical engineer with many years of experience with machine control and a decent background with PLC and CNC and hobby controllers like arduino. I would be willing to personally devote about 200 hours to programming. Otherwise its a purchase.

How can I find skills. I have spoken with microchip corporation with only one referal which didn't pan out.

Hey Peter,

Have you thought of doing a paradigm shift and go to an Embedded Linux or Android solution. These are almost off the shelf and require programming apps in Java. I am looking at solutions for my company right now based on the Freescale iMX53 solution and using a version of Android as the underlying OS solution.

Hi Peter,
I don't know your requirements, but an easy step into micro controllers I found was through these 2 processors.
They both have active and helpful forums.

FEZ Cobra
http://www.ghielectronics.com/catalog/product/131

Netduino Plus
http://www.netduino.com/netduinoplus/specs.htm

Both are incredibly easy to develop, one of the draw backs depending on your requirements, may be that your solution requires real-time processing. There is about a 20ms delay on these boards, due to the .NET Microframework. However, the FEZ processor does allow you to run realtime routines via their RPL. ( Realtime Processing something ).

This board looks interesting. I need to get an idea of the amount of programming involved. I assume I'm looking at hundreds of hours of programming as well as costs to create a final electronics package ready for production.

It depends on how you want to deploy a solution through Android or Linux. Android takes care of much of the work of the OS and you only need to write the HID in believe or not...XML..and even that can be done in a graphical way.....The app and underlying code is Jave written in a windowing method. There are many tutorials for Android and good books for the development....I can't see how a good app could take 200 hours. The trick is learning the coding methods within the Android OS.

Since you are experienced with arduino why not try
OLIMEXINO-STM32 MAPLE / ARDUINO (http://olimex.com)! Its is a arduino compatible board but with a arm processor. And as userinterface I would consider writing an app for andoid or iphone, either bluetooth or usb.

What you recommend for analog inputs. I'm reading two load cells and a serial inclonometer.

What products would you recommend for reading an analog signal from a load cell? The analog signal is currently fed through a very expensive signal conditioner and phoenix contact analog module.

Thanks I looked up these boards. But I'm trying to define "incredibly easy to develop". Pay a pro X dollars or spend X hours using my rudimentary but expanding programming skills.Any thoughts.

Hi Peter,both boards and the Aurduino have Analog inputs... 0 - 3.3V, 0-1023 ( 0 = 0V and 1023 = 3.3V ), it is easy to convert 4-20mA to the required 0-3.3V. Serial data is no problem either, FYI, I have connected this 485 level to the Cobra.I'm happy to look over what you have and want to achieve. I will PM you my contact details.

Have you ever considered using possibly something along the lines of mobile phones such as may be blackberry which incorporates touch screens and for which the software and development tools are already free and available for download , Java based languages , There is of course ANSI C compilers , also available for download for use with devices such as Atmel

Using wifi networked technology such that you can develop user interfaces to send packet packet messages to embedded technology

It might be worth looking into other devices possibly the PIC RF range would could offer what you need Short of this you might be considering PC based servers linked to wifi networks and then onto embedded devices via RS 232 ports or Ethernet interfaces with PIC or Atmel devices

Development boards can be obtained from sources such as www.ladyada.net/make/xbee/

Sounds as though its quite project and would needs considerable research before deciding what path to take Certainly you would require a sound knowledge of networked techniques together with networking software languages Maybe even blue tooth stack as well not to mention a good knowledge of the type of embedded micro that you would be using with PWM techniques to control the motor Lots of self study and self learning combined with C , C++ , ARTOS 200 hours plus I would estimate 600 Plus myself

Great. Thanks for your info I figured 600 was possible. Apreciate the reality check.