
Computer interfacing
Encoder circuits
As already stated the function of the encoder is to con-
vert the single pole key press into the equivalent ASCII
code for that key. There are various types of encoder
but one of particular interest is the scanning encoder. In
this type the keys are arranged in a matrix. For example,
a 64-key keyboard could be arranged on an 8 x 8 matrix.
This is not the physical arrangement of keys, of course;
they are laid out on the QWERTY system as already dis-
cussed. The matrix refers to the way in which the below
board wiring is connected to the switches. The wiring is
laid out as 8 columns x 8 rows with one switc