Subject: What is the best place to start in designing a electronicly controlled swic

I am trying to build a switch what is controlled by logic circuits. I want 
a push of a button to open and close another switch numerous times per sec.

I also want to be able to select the number of times per second using dip 
switches or some other manner.  

Could you please direct me to good literature and some of the needed 
components, especially the I.C. . I happy to do the research but I am so 
new to this that I need a starting point to begin.

Thank you for helping.

Re: What is the best place to start in designing a electronicly controlled swic