Key Contacts Matrix - Brother P-touch PT-1180 Service Manual

3.2.3

Key Contacts Matrix

[ 1 ] Key contacts matrix
On the main PCB is a key contacts matrix that is a set of carbon-printed 41 key (PT-1250/1160: 40
key + tact switch) contact patterns. Each contact pattern has a pair of electrodes.
The rubber 42 key (PT-1250/1160: 41 key) is made of high-impedance silicon rubber. As shown in
Fig. 3.2-3, each key on the rubber 42 key (PT-1250/1160: 41 key) consists of a key top, rubber
spring, and conductive paint which functions as a switching element.
If a particular key is pressed, the conductive paint of the key short-circuits the paired electrodes
carbon-printed on the main PCB.
Fig. 3.2-4 shows a timing chart and waveforms of key scanning by the CPU. Ports P71 through
P76 on the CPU produce a series of key scanning pulses. Every scanning pulse is in low
impedance for 1 ms while active and in high impedance while inactive. Ports P60 through P67 act
as input ports which receive key status.
The CPU scans the key contacts matrix every 10 ms. If the CPU reads the same data on an input
port two successive times, it interprets the state as the key being pressed; if the CPU reads the
same data six successive times, it interprets the state as the key being released. The input mode
of this keying system is 2-key roll-over and 3-key lock-out.
Fig. 3.2-4 Timing Chart and Waveforms of Key Scanning by the CPU
Rubber spring
Main PCB
Fig. 3.2-3 Detailed Mechanism of a Key
Key top
Conductive paint
Electrodes
III-4