What is a Keyboard in an Embedded System?

What Is Keyboard in Embedded Systems?

A keyboard is an essential input device for embedded systems, as it is a convenient source of user input. A keyboard is used to interact with the system, providing instructions and data for the processor. Keyboards come in various forms depending on the needs of the embedded system.

The most common type of keyboard for embedded systems is the matrix keyboard, where a grid of keys are organized into a “Matrix” format. These keyboards are also known as “keypad keyboards.” The keys on the keyboard represent a row and column connection, while pressing a key will cause the specific row and column to connect together. When a valid combination is detected, the processor is notified of the combination, which it can interpret as if it were a regular keyboard.

Some embedded systems may also use a capacitive or mechanical keyboard. A capacitive keyboard uses capacitive sensing technology to detect the presence of a finger on the key. This type of keyboard is often used in portable electronic devices, as it requires no physical contact and provides good accuracy. A mechanical keyboard, on the other hand, uses individual switches and triggers. These switches are mechanical in nature and will provide tactile feedback to the user.

Keyboard is an important component in any embedded system. It allows an user to easily interact with the system, providing instructions and data that the processor can interpret. There are various types of keyboards for embedded systems, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

Use of keyword in embedded system?

A keyboard is an input device that is commonly used in embedded systems to provide a user interface for inputting data or commands. The keyboard can be connected to the microcontroller using various interfaces such as UART, I2C, SPI, USB, or parallel port, depending on the specific keyboard and microcontroller used.

The use of a keyboard in an embedded system can be beneficial for various applications, such as data entry, password entry, menu navigation, and configuration settings. The keyboard can provide a simple and intuitive user interface for the user to interact with the embedded system, without requiring any special programming skills or knowledge.

To interface a keyboard with an embedded system, the microcontroller needs to be programmed to read the keyboard inputs and respond accordingly. This can be achieved using various programming techniques such as interrupt-driven programming or polling-based programming.

In interrupt-driven programming, the microcontroller is configured to trigger an interrupt whenever a key is pressed on the keyboard. The interrupt service routine (ISR) then reads the key code from the keyboard and processes it accordingly.

In polling-based programming, the microcontroller continuously checks the keyboard input using a polling loop. The program reads the status of each key on the keyboard and processes the corresponding key code if a key is pressed.

Overall, the use of a keyboard in an embedded system can provide a simple and intuitive user interface for the user to interact with the system, and can be implemented using various programming techniques depending on the specific requirements of the application.