Scheme connected via USB to a PC with N analog inputs and outputs

Question

Microcontrollers

You need to build the following circuit: there are N analog inputs with some kind of varying voltage. It is necessary to digitize data from them in real time and send it to a computer via USB, where it will be processed. After that, a response will be sent from the computer via the same USB, based on which the voltage will be set at N analog outputs. The number N is from 7 to several hundred, the desired frequency of signal removal from inputs and outputs is from kilohertz and higher, minimum delays, I would also like to be able to increase the number N without any problems. What is the best way to build such a circuit?

The main problem is N outputs, I would not want there to be N DACs in the circuit, if it was possible to manage with one ADC with the input (alternately, through the valves, the voltage from the inputs is supplied to the ADC and read there), then nothing like this came up with the output.

Is it possible to do this on something like Arduino, given only the basic knowledge of working with microcontrollers and the initial ability to work with a soldering iron?

Answer 1

Doubtful. It’s not a fact that you will bring it to a working state, but it will be completely impossible to show it to someone;) You could at least specify at what frequencies you plan to perform the indicated operations. The final solution will be very different for 0.1 Hz, 1 kHz and 10 MHz.

Answer 2

It is not necessary to install a DAC, use PWM with an appropriate filter.
I don’t know a ready-made solution, but I would buy something from atmel with USB, I would raise a virtual com-port on it (there is a ready-made example on the site), the kilohertz will definitely crawl through. For PWM, ADC, there are also a bunch of examples. Working with the virtual serial port is quite simple on both sides.