Keyboard

The keyboard is a peripheral device which is directly connected on to the motherboard (system board). The keyboard is basically a set of switches (much like a typewriter) Switches are connected in the form of a matrix, surrounded by electronic circuits This Circuits monitor the key matrix that continuously scans the keys to recognize key action and generate a scan code.

Key Boards Types

Serial keyboard Parallel keyboard Serial Keyboard - It is a keyboard which outputs the data in serial form, i.e. bit by bit. - The computer converts serial data into parallel 8-bit data. - They use only single line to transmit the data.

Parallel Keyboard
It is a keyboard which outputs all the 8-bits at a time in a parallel form. All the bits are sent simultaneously on different lines. In this the transmission is faster, needs a thicker cable with more number of wires. In PCs we always use serial keyboards.

Board Switches

Different types of key switches. Mechanical key switches Membrane key switches Capacitive key switches Hall effect key switches Reed Relay key switches

Functioning of the Keyboard

The processor in the original PC keyboard was an Intel 8048 micro-controller chip Newer keyboards often use an 8049 version that has own RAM, built in ROM or other microcontroller chips compatible with the 8048 and 8049. In an AT-type keyboard design, the keyboard serial interface is connected to a special keyboard controller on the motherboard Intel 8042).

Functioning of the Keyboard (Contd.)

When a switch is pressed, a processor in the keyboard itself identifies which key is pressed by identifying which grid location in the matrix shows continuity. The keyboard processor also interprets how long the key is pressed and can even handle multiple keystrokes at the same time

Functioning of the Keyboard (Contd.)

When you press a key, in most cases the contact actually bounces slightly . The processor in the keyboard is designed to filter this or debounce the keystroke. The keyboard processor must distinguish bounce from a double key strike actually intended by the keyboard operator.

Functioning of the Keyboard (Contd.)

Universal Peripheral Interface (UPI) slave micro controller chip is also available in the original AT design It has its own 2K of ROM and 128 bytes of RAM. Some systems may use the 8041 or 8741 chips, which differ only in the amount of built-in ROM or RAM Other systems now have the keyboard controller built into the main system chipset.

Membrane switches
Very similar in operation to rubber dome keyboards. A membrane keyboard does not have separate keys . In this keyboard, two rubber or plastic sheet are used as row conductor sheet and column conductor sheet. When the key top is pressed, it forces the row conductor sheet through the hole to touch the column conductor sheet.

Membrane switches

(Contd.)

These row and column lines are made on the plastic or single rubber sheet It uses silver or some other conductor ink for each row and column of keys with bulges for each key on the keyboard. This keyboard can be made very thin, as a completely sealed unit.

Typematic Functions
If a key on the keyboards is held down, it becomes typematic, which means that the keyboard repeatedly sends the keypress code to the motherboard. In AT-style keyboards, typematic rate is adjustable by sending the keyboard processor the appropriate commands.

Keyboard Interface
Interface between the keyboard cable and the system unit is the keyboard interface which is a DIN (or mini-DIN if it's a PS/2) plug that has five (or six, for mini-DIN) pins as shown. All together there are four lines (wires) used for interfacing the keyboard with the system motherboard. They are - Keyboard data (KBDATA) - Keyboard clock (KBCLK) - DC source (+5V VCC) - DC ground (0V GND)

Keyboard Interface

(Contd.)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is becoming more popular for keyboards, and some models may, in fact, require you to use a USB port unless you have a USB-to-PS/2 adapter to make the USB keyboard compatible with the PS/2 keyboard port. A USB connection is faster than the other, older I/O ports on your computer, such as COM and parallel ports.

Common Keyboards Types

The most common keyboards are: 101-key Enhanced keyboard 104-key Windows keyboard 83-key PC and XT keyboard (Obsolete) 84-key AT keyboard (Obsolete)

Enhanced 101-Key (or 102-Key) Keyboard

In 1986, IBM introduced the "corporate" Enhanced 101key keyboard for the newer XT and AT models. IBM 101-key units originally came in versions with and without the status-indicator LEDs, depending on whether the unit was sold with an XT or AT system. With the replacement of the Baby-AT motherboard and its five-pin DIN (an acronym for Deutsche Industries Norm) keyboard connector by ATX motherboards, which use the six-pin mini-DIN keyboard connector, virtually all keyboards on the market today come with cables for the six-pin mini-DIN connector introduced on the IBM PS/2s.

Enhanced 101-Key (or 102-Key) Keyboard (Contd.) 101-key keyboard layout can be divided into the following four sections: - Typing area - Numeric keypad - Cursor and screen controls - Function keys

104-Key (Windows 9x/Me/2000) Keyboard

When Microsoft released Windows 95, it also introduced the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, which implemented a revised keyboard specification that added three new Windowsspecific keys to the keyboard. 104-key layout includes left and right Windows keys and an Application key which are used for operating system and application-level keyboard combinations, similar to the existing Ctrl and Alt combinations.

104-Key (Windows 9x/Me/2000) Keyboard (Contd.) Windows keyboard layout calls for the Left and Right Windows keys (called WIN keys) to flank the Alt keys on each side of the spacebar, as well as an Application key on the right of the Right Windows key. WIN keys open the Windows Start menu, which you can then navigate with the cursor keys. Application key simulates the right mouse button which in most applications, it brings up a context sensitive pop-up menu.

Windows 9x/Me/2000 key combinations used

Cordless Keyboards
These are like regular keyboards, except instead of having a keyboard cable that runs from the keyboard to the PC, they have no cord. Wired interface between the keyboard and the motherboard is replaced with a wireless one. They also typically cost more than the corded models.

Multimedia and Web-Enabled Keyboards

Many keyboards feature fixed-purpose or programmable hotkeys that can launch Web browsers, run the Microsoft Media Player, adjust the volume on the speakers, change tracks on the CD player, and so forth. Operating Systems such as Windows 98, Windows Me and Windows2000 support these keyboards to use their hot keys.