anyone,

i need help on my project/idea for a mcu-based module...here are my desired specs....

1. multiple output port
2. reprogrammable
3. can be used for scheduling, such as switching on/off of multiple appliances at desired (programmed ) time
4. if possible , low-cost...as much as possible.

thanks in advance...for any idea or contribution of any sort....

what kind of help are you looking for?

well, i'm currently flushed-out of ideas...especially on what type of micro should i use......all i have now is the idea of making a module.... >:)

hi
selection of your microcontroller will depend on what all features u need, how many i/o pins u need and all those things..

I suggest you have a look around and see what is available near you, and within your price range.

If you are building the "module" yourself, you'll need either a wire-proto-board (which I discourage the use of), or a prototype PCB with space for soldering components. You'll also need a soldering iron, some solder, a clamp to hold your board, etc...

The processor / microcontroller will be determined on all of the following criteria:
1. Software tools for developing code
2. Availability
3. Price
4. Functionality / Performance

Have a look at software tools, try them out, and find out what you are most comfortable with.

thanks guys....

to Dave and jithinra:
>i'll be using assembly language for the program coz i'm more familiar with that one.....:D
>availability is truly a matter of topic, i'm not quiet sure of what kind of microcon is available within the
country
>price.as low as possible...;)
>Functionaliy/performance:
1. it must have at least 8 outputs
2. it should be re-usable, especially the IC's and softwares....
3.it must be done or could be done in at least 6-months
:D

Have you selected an assembler yet?

What do you mean by "re-usable"?

>i'll be using assembly language for the program coz i'm more familiar with that one.....:D
1.which one? means you are familiar with which architecture 8051, AVR, PIC or Freescale ?
2. Programmer and other developing tools already available to you or ...?
3. Then comes the question of availability
>it must have at least 8 outputs
3. Done! but what kind of appliance you want to control ? Small DC or normal AC home appliance or Heavy duty appliances ?
4. By reusable i understand that, this module should able to plug into any appliance and should able to control it , right?

--Afilash

What you have asked for could be done simply and cheaply. (under $20 US).

A starter setup is a simple micro from one the standard families
PIC, AVR, ATMEL, 8051
Software is free from various sources.

Choose one that can be programmed with a home made programmer.
Build the project on Veroboard or similar.
Add a couple of relays to switch appliances.

>4. if possible , low-cost...as much as possible.
Should be "as little as possible."

>i'll be using assembly language for the program coz i'm more familiar with that one.....:D
1.which one? means you are familiar with which architecture 8051, AVR, PIC or Freescale ?
=i meant that i'm familiar with assembly language and microprocessor programming in general...
2. Programmer and other developing tools already available to you or ...?
=i got MASM, C++, VB
3. Then comes the question of availability
=i've heard that 8051-2 are available within the country...
>it must have at least 8 outputs
3. Done! but what kind of appliance you want to control ? Small DC or normal AC home appliance or Heavy duty appliances ?
=small appliances, both DC and AC if possible...
4. By reusable i understand that, this module should able to plug into any appliance and should able to control it , right?
=yup, plug-and-play or hot pluggable....
--Afilash

1) From your reply i infer that you know basics of 8085,8086 .then its easy to learn 8051 architecture.......
Try to get any book on that 'THE 8051 MICRO CONTROLLER AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS' by Muhammad Ali Mazidi, is a great place to start or
try to search for pdf documents available in internet(like Atmel 8051 Microcontrollers Hardware Manual)
Learn basic architecture, learn assembly instructions

2 ) Search in your place to find out which flavor of 8051(preferably having ISP-In System Programming capability) available locally, do some research (search in atmel site for at89s51,at89s52 etc or maximdellas for DS89 or DS5000 series microcontroller or philips derivatives)

3 ) try to get any development tools like keil or MIDE-51 or look inside
http://www.8051projects.net/download12.html

4 ) If you got one chip, you have to make hardware to program the chip
or have to buy one professional programmer

5) then start designing your project

Believe me it wont take more than 2 months, if you can dedicate at least one hour every day for this :-)
don't be hurry in learning something, take your own time, because it will be a real asset in your future,
at any of the above steps we can help you.....
let us know your thoughts
-- afilash