In a project at my workplace i'm using a USB controller chip/module from USBMicro to basically turn on 8 relays at different times through a PC. The chips are about $50 each and I need several eventually. The chip probably does everything you would need a USB to do but, all I need is to turn on or off 8 pins so it's pretty much overkill.

Is there a way to program a PIC to do what I want? or do you know of any other usb chips that are cheap?

 

The PIC16C745 has USB built-in, however it's not easy to use, MicroChip datasheets give examples. The easiest way is to use a USB to RS232 chip, this connects between the USB and the PIC, all the PIC has to do is RS232 - which is simple.

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PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

Checkout the FT232BM and FT232BM devices from FTDI:

http://www.ftdichip.com/FTProduct.htm




Really simple to use -- not full speed USB, but adiquite.

 

Hi,

You may also have a look at the I/O-warriors by Code Mercenaries:
www.codemercs.com

regards
joachim

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Choose two:
- good
- fast
- cheap