Choosing your Keyboard Encoder

Keyboard Encoder Modules

Single Chip Encoders

Rotary Switch Interface

Relay Module

Trackball & Spinner Interfaces

Potentiometer Interface

Accessories

Custom Applications

How many individual inputs are needed? (What is this?)
0     1 to 18     19 to 24     25 to 36     37 to 72     73 to 108    

Does the unit need to scan a matrix? (What is this?)
Yes     No    

Does the unit need to be programmable? (What is this?)
Yes     No    

What macro capabilities does the unit need? (What is this?)
None     Macro capable     Extended macro capable    

What connection protocol is needed? (What is this?)
PS/2     USB    

Is trackball/spinner connectivity needed? (What is this?)
Yes     No    

Does the unit need to be able to connect to a serial port? (What is this?)
Yes     No    

 >>
KE24KE72KE72-TLP24KE-USB24KE18KE-USB36KE-USB108
Individual Inputs Available247272001836108
Header Size2x262x20 (x2)2x20 (x2)2x252x252x202x202x20 (x3)
Matrix Capabilityx  xxx  
Maximum Matrix Size12x12  12x1212x129x9  
Programmablexxxxx xx
Macro Capabilityxxxxx xx
Extended Macro Capabilityxxx    x
PS/2 Protocolxxxx x  
USB Protocol    x xx
Trackball/Spinner Connectivity  x   xx
Serial Portxxx     
Compatible with IOX36 xx  xxx
MTA Cable Set Availablex  xxx  


Individual Inputs Available
Individual inputs are inputs that consist of a single dedicated input pin, activated by a contact closure which shorts the input to Ground. The activation of one of these inputs causes the unit to send an assigned keystroke. Individual inputs would typically be used when interfacing to discrete switches or non-matrix keypads.

Matrix Capability
Several of our units have the ability to scan a matrix. A matrix scanning arrangement generally consists of a number of rows and a number of columns scanned by the encoder. Activation of a matrix input is done by a contact closure between a column and a row. The matrix scan feature would typically be used when interfacing to keypads, but can be applied to various switches as well.

Programmable
Many of our keyboard encoder models are user programmable. By using the configuration software included with the product, a unit's input scanning and emulated keystrokes can be customized to fit your application. The keyboard encoder stores the configuration in non-volatile memory so that the information is retained in the unit even after power is turned off. Programmable units are ideal for interfacing with off-the-shelf keypads, since a direct connection to the unit can be made without any modified or complicated cabling.

Macro Capability
Units with macro capability are able to emulate keystrokes in conjunction with Ctrl, Alt, and Shift modifiers. For example, an input could be configured to emulate Ctrl+Shift+F1. Units with extended macro capability have the ability to send a series of keystrokes per input. For example, an input could be configured to emulate D, I, R, then ENTER.

Connection Protocol
Our keyboard encoder devices typically connect to your PC either by PS/2 or USB protocol. All USB models can be connected to the PC in conjunction with any other keyboards already connected to the PC. All PS/2 models have an additional PS/2 port to provide the option of using a standard keyboard in addition to the unit.

Trackball/Spinner Connectivity
Models with the Trackball/Spinner option convert Trackball or Spinner signals into PS/2 or USB mouse protocol. These units also provide the ability to simulate Left, Middle, and Right Mouse Buttons.

Serial Port Connectivity
Several models can connect to the PC's serial com port. Data received into this serial port can be sent to the PC keyboard port to simulate keystrokes from a keyboard. Switches and keypads connected to the unit's I/O header may be programmed to send their responses to the RS-232 serial port instead of the PC keyboard port.


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