Alex:
Yes it is possible to make a chip like you described. In order to make the chip you will have to be proficient at hardware design and parts selection. Then you would need to make a schematic (a schematic capture program is very useful for this step). Once a schematic is complete it is typical to build a prototype of the circuits in order to make some quich thing upon which the chip itself can be developed. Once the chip development is in process you can proceed to get a PC board layout done. This is a process that uses a PC layout tool on a PC computer that you use to design the copper artwork pattern for the board. Some people elect to go to a service bureau for this part of the task. Once artwork is complete a small quantity of boards are procured and a corresponding number of sets if the electronic components are purchased. Then of course these are soldered onto the PC board to make the first electronics assemblies.

The chip itself will require software development to make it "smart" in order for the processor to run code sequences to make the device perform the functions that you desire. This will require some proficiency at writing software. This code can be developed using the prototype hardware that was built after the schematic was completed. There are a number of choices to be made regarding software development which include, whether to use C or Assembly language, which tool set to purchase and use, which actual processor chip to select that provides the best home for the code to run that meets your requirements of price, performance, and power consumption, what method you chose to use to debug, test, and produce the code for the processor chip. All these choices will require a good understanding of your goals and how much you want to learn in order to achieve the result you desire. Some people feel that making software for a chip like this is not their forte and will elect to find a consultant that can produce it for them in a turnkey manner. This has advantages for some becasue it eliminates the need to learn about the software process or the need to procure the necessary development tools.

------------

I wanted to comment in that it seems that the "2 digit" send and receive you want the device to perform sounds like it is relatively low bandwidth communication. I.E. that it is possible that it would be OK if it took 1/2 second or so to send or receive the codes over the communications medium. (You did not state specifically what the medium was but I am guessing you are anticipating using an RF radio module). There is a nice way to send and receive number codes for this type of application that you may wish to consider. That is it encode the transmit codes as DTMF audio tones. The receiver decoder can be DTMF detector. Audio tones lend themselves to modulating an RF link very nicely. Particularly an FM type unit.

I built a hand held battery operated control unit about 10 years ago that had a keypad and LEDs for displays that sent three digit codes via RF using DTMF. The device was a remote controller to activate and deactivate water sprinkler valves on a golf course for use by the grounds keeper.

Hope this helps. I can answer additional questions if you wish, once you get into more details for your project. Good Luck!!

Michel Karas
mkaras@CarouselDesign.com