Texas Instruments announces first QWERTY-capable I²C keypad/keyboard controller

Frees up processors by eliminating the need to scan the keys for presses and releases

Bangalore (October 21, 2009) — Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today introduced the TCA8418, a key scan device that can generate 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, saving power and bandwidth. The TCA8418 supports applications such as smartphones, multimedia handsets, personal digital assistants (PDA) and mobile Internet devices (MID). For more information or to request samples, please see www.ti.com/tca8418-pr.

Key features and benefits of the TCA8418

• The key controller includes an oscillator that debounces at 50 us and maintains a 10-byte FIFO of key-press and key-release events, which can store up to 10 keys with overflow wrap capability.
• An interrupt (/INT) output can be configured to alert key presses and releases, either as they occur or at maximum rate.
• Power supply voltage operating range of 1.65 V to 3.6 V allows for glueless interface to today’s most advanced processors.
• Eighteen general purpose inputs/outputs (GPIO) can be configured into eight inputs and ten outputs, which supports an 8 x 10 key array (80 buttons) through the I²CTM interface.
• Low standby (idle) current consumption of 3 uA extends battery life in portable devices.
• Can be used with a processor that has limited GPIOs, and is compatible with a variety of advanced processors including many of TI’s OMAP™ 3 applications processors.

Find out more about the TCA8418 by visiting these links:

• Download the datasheet and order samples: www.ti.com/tca8418-pr.  
• Download the I²C Guide: www.ti.com/i2cguide-pr.  
• See TI’s complete Interface portfolio: www.ti.com/interface-pr.
• Ask questions and share knowledge in TI’s E2E Community: http://www.ti.com/e2e-pr.

About Texas Instruments:

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries.  For more information, go to www.ti.com.

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