Serial Keyboard SerialKey   by Versalent

A single-chip interface to any standard PC keyboard which converts it to a serial keyboard. SerialKey removes the real-time response requirement imposed by the keyboard and translates the complex keycode sequences into the simple ASCII (serial) characters printed on the keyboard keys. Embedded systems no longer require expensive hand-held terminals with reduced-size keyboards. This device can be embedded in your own design to provide direct PC keyboard interface through your asynchronous serial port, or purchase a companion product module the PS2ADPT which is an in-line module (for off-board use) that performs the serial conversion function and sends you RS-232 characters. The SerialKey (single-chip) as pictured can be used with an optional 4 line X 20 character LCD display to convert the keyboard to a full or half-duplex terminal. SerialKey displays the serial characters your host sends back to it providing a full terminal function at a fraction of the cost of a hand-held terminal.
Typical application Full Manual Key Mappings Recommended Schematic

Serial Terminal
SerialKey .. converts standard PC keyboard to a standard RS-232 device
PCKey Datasheet by Versalent
FEATURES
  • Converts PC-Keyboard Codes to Simple ASCII
  • Non-ASCII Keys Return 8-bit Characters
  • Keyboard LEDs Fully Operational With No Host Intervention
  • ALT/CTRL Keys Easily Detected By Host
  • Drives Optional LCD Display
  • RS-232 Connection To Host W/Selectable Baud Rate
  • Standard 28-pin DIP (Narrow)* or SOIC Packages
  • 5 Volt Operation
  • Keyboard Can Be 'Hot-Pluggable'
  • Low cost

    • * DIP Special Order Only
APPLICATIONS
  • Embedded systems requiring full or part time keyboard attachment
  • Full size override of miniature or limited-key keypads
www.versalent.biz
sales@versalent.biz
Phone: (805) 239-2652
Address: 1611 Via Rosa
Paso Robles, CA 93446
DESCRIPTION

       SerialKey is a 28-pin SOIC which provides the complete interface to a standard IBM PC keyboard handling the 2-wire keyboard protocol, and converting all keycodes to simple ASCII characters. This allows non-PC systems using low-end microcontrollers, or powerhouse microcomputers to use inexpensive PC keyboards without dealing with the complexities of multiple keycodes in real-time. SerialKey handles all the real-time response requirements of the keyboard protocol for two way communication over the keyboard link and even transparently manages the keyboard LEDs (CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, SCROLL LOCK) independent of the host computer. The host receives just the ASCII characters as printed on the keyboard's keys with any modifiers such as the SHIFT keys already applied.
       SerialKey auto-detects the presence or absence of the keyboard on power up and reports the condition to the host. An optional 4 line X 20 character LCD display may be connected to SerialKey to allow it to operate as a full-duplex, or half-duplex ASCII data terminal displaying only incoming characters, or splitting the display to show both imcoming and outgoing characters. Full manual is available here.

Home