Best embedded development boards for HMI, analog input, touchscreen, AC motor control

The discussion focuses on transitioning from off-the-shelf PLCs and programmable touchscreens to embedded development boards for a medical device HMI with analog inputs, touchscreen capability, and AC motor control. Recommended platforms include mainstream microcontrollers such as AVR and PIC for their extensive community support. Alternatives suggested are embedded Linux or Android-based solutions, notably the Freescale iMX53 with Android OS, which simplifies UI development via Java and XML. For easier microcontroller entry, boards like FEZ Cobra and Netduino Plus, both supporting analog inputs and .NET Microframework, were proposed, though with some latency considerations. The OLIMEXINO-STM32 MAPLE board, Arduino-compatible with an ARM processor, was also recommended for users familiar with Arduino. Analog input solutions for load cells and serial inclinometers were discussed, with suggestions to convert 4-20mA signals to 0-3.3V for compatibility. Development time estimates vary, with programming potentially requiring hundreds of hours depending on the chosen platform and developer expertise. Additional ideas include leveraging mobile phone platforms (e.g., BlackBerry) with touchscreen and Java-based development, and using wireless networking (WiFi, XBee) to interface embedded devices. Overall, the choice depends on real-time processing needs, programming skills, and budget constraints.
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