Chips and Technologies, Llc.

Behnam H Ahmadian

A switch array decoding circuit, suitable for use in a keyboard, and method according to the present invention comprises a matrix of row lines and column lines. Switches from the array are connected between intersections of the row lines and column lines. The row lines and column lines are connected to I/O pins leading to one or more components containing the decoder circuitry. The decoder circuitry first simultaneously drives the row lines while sensing the column lines. When a switch closure is detected, the states of all column lines are simultaneously sensed. This operation determines the column position(s) of the one or more switches being closed. The column lines are then simultaneously driven while simultaneously sensing the row lines. This operation determines the row position(s) of the one or more switches being closed. The row and column drive and sense order may be reversed.

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Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Behnam H Ahmadian