Keyboard Controller Frees Up Processing Power

Debuting as the first QWERTY-capable, I²C keypad/keyboard controller, the TCA8418 generates an interrupt output signal using a three-key combination such as CTRL-ALT-DEL, which frees up the processor from scanning the keys for presses and releases. The device supports applications such as smartphones, multimedia handsets, PDAs, and mobile Internet devices. Features include an oscillator that debounces at 50 ms and maintains a 10-byte FIFO of key-press and key-release events, an interrupt output configurable to alert key presses and releases either as they occur or at maximum rate, a supply-voltage operating range of 1.65 V to 3.6 V, eighteen GPIOs, and an idle-current consumption of 3 mA. Available in a 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package, price is $1.20 each/1,000. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., Dallas, TX. (800) 477-8924.