USB 3.0 keyboards, signal to pins for keys?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the functionality of USB 3.0 keyboards, specifically regarding power and signal transmission. The 5V pin in the USB cable powers the keyboard upon computer startup, enabling its internal circuits to scan for key presses. When a key, such as 'esc' or 'enter', is pressed, the keyboard sends signals back to the computer through the differential signal pair in the USB cable. Participants agree that the high-speed capabilities of USB 3.x are unnecessary for keyboard operation, as the existing data pins provide backward compatibility with earlier USB versions. The conversation emphasizes the basic USB pinout, which includes power, ground, and signal lines.
mesa
Gold Member
Messages
694
Reaction score
36
I have a couple quick questions on keyboards with a USB 3.0 cable.

When we first turn on our computers, is it the 5V pin that turns on the keyboard? When we press a key such as 'esc' or 'enter', through what pin(s) do these signals get sent to the computer?

Thanks!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I can't imagine why a keyboard would need to utilize the superspeed capabilities of USB 3.x
My guess is it uses the same data pins as the previous USB to be backward compatible.
But then who knows for sure except the manufacturer
 
Agreed, high-speed is not needed for a USB keyboard (even for a fast typist). :smile:
mesa said:
When we first turn on our computers, is it the 5V pin that turns on the keyboard? When we press a key such as 'esc' or 'enter', through what pin(s) do these signals get sent to the computer?
The 5V line in the USB cable is what powers the peripheral like a keyboard. That power is used by ICs in the keyboard to scan the keys and send the appropriate key codes back to the computer for whatever keys are pressed (over the USB cable via the differential pair in the USB cable). Just focus on the basic USB cable and its 4-pin pinout (5V, Ground, and the differential signal pair):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

upload_2019-2-16_16-2-1.png
 

Attachments

  • upload_2019-2-16_16-2-1.png
    upload_2019-2-16_16-2-1.png
    4.6 KB · Views: 581
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes jim mcnamara
I came across a video regarding the use of AI/ML to work through complex datasets to determine complicated protein structures. It is a promising and beneficial use of AI/ML. AlphaFold - The Most Useful Thing AI Has Ever Done https://www.ebi.ac.uk/training/online/courses/alphafold/an-introductory-guide-to-its-strengths-and-limitations/what-is-alphafold/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlphaFold https://deepmind.google/about/ Edit/update: The AlphaFold article in Nature John Jumper...
Thread 'Urgent: Physically repair - or bypass - power button on Asus laptop'
Asus Vivobook S14 flip. The power button is wrecked. Unable to turn it on AT ALL. We can get into how and why it got wrecked later, but suffice to say a kitchen knife was involved: These buttons do want to NOT come off, not like other lappies, where they can snap in and out. And they sure don't go back on. So, in the absence of a longer-term solution that might involve a replacement, is there any way I can activate the power button, like with a paperclip or wire or something? It looks...
Back
Top