I am very new to the entire process of building electronics for hobby purposes.
I have started by using the Sparkfun redboard starter kit to lay out LEDs on a breadboard and writing the code to get the results I want.
I have downloaded the PCB software Eagle to start laying out my circuit but this is where I have a roadblock.
My project is simple. I want to create a final board, with a microprocessor that can handle 8 analog outputs that use PWM to control LED brightness.
I do not know how to select the correct processor or how to load the program onto it. I need that information to help me select the correct components for the PCB layout.
As you are new… keep it simple… why re-invent what has been done already …use the SparkFun RedBoard ( 6 * PWM / 6 * analog) or a MEGA256. (15 * PWM / 16 analog)
Both have loads of good example software… and software makes the difference between a bad, good or great solution
Thank you. That was very helpful. I was looking for the simplest way from start to finish, at least until I can learn enough to start more advanced projects. I am probably using my terminology incorrectly. I have analog outputs that vary the brightness of leds. I thought that was done by PWM.
PWM is a way to OUTPUT a signal that can be used for controlling brightness. Analog is an INPUT to read the voltage between 0 and( normally) VCC. There are a lot of example projects that read the analog input ( varied with a potentiometer) and adjust the PWm/led brightness accordingly. Happy learning!!