USB Input module (HID)

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Downloads: Key Configurator 2.12.

The “USB Input module” is a 42×23.5 mm board that allows to capture input from a switch or a sensor on a PC or workstation. The workstation receives switch/sensor activity as a keystroke. That is to say, the module operates as a virtual keyboard. You can configure which keystroke that is, using the free “Key Configurator” software.

A standard low power LED can optionally be connected to the second terminal connector of the module. This LED can then be configured via the “Key Configurator” utility, or be directly controlled by your software (an SDK is available).

Since the USB Input module is recognized by the PC as a “keyboard”, it runs out of the box, no driver is needed (on tablets with a USB “On-The-Go” connection, an adapter-cable is needed). Microsoft Windows and other operating systems have intrinsic support for these devices.

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Features

The USB Input module can be mounted on a carrier (or base plate of an enclosure) by using the two 2 mm mounting holes, or using double-side foam tape.

The USB connection is designed for reliable operation on cables of up to 5 meters, and has an ESD protection filter (a 1 m USB cable is included with the module).

The switch is connected to a screw terminal. The swith input has a “debounce” circuit that avoids false triggering and an ESD protection filter. Switches or sensors connected to the Input module should have potential free connections. In practice, this means standard mechanical switches or sensors with relay contacts as outputs (for switching).

The second screw terminal is for an optional LED. The LED output can source up to 20 mA at 3.3V. There is an integrated 75 Ω resistor in the driver line. A LED must therefore have a forward voltage (V_F) of at least 1.8 V and below 3.3 V.

As mentioned above, the PC or workstation recognizes the USB Input module as a keyboard with one key. The key to transmit to the PC is configured via a free configuration utility, see the Downloads section. By default, the module transmits the key “1”.

Multiple Input modules may be attached to a PC at the same time, with each module (typically) configured to transmit a different key code.

Specifications

Accessories and variants

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Enclosure for the USB Input module

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USB Pushbutton (which contains the USB Input module)

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Key Configurator utility

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Button Lights utility, to control an optional LED

Application notes

KeyConfigurator Usage Guide

The guide to using the KeyConfigurator utility, to program the USB Dome Buttons, Wireless Dome Buttons and USB modules.

USB Buttons as Quiz Buzzers

This application note describes how to use the USB buttons as quiz buzzers, with specific focus on the illuminated buttons. This information is valid for the USB Input modules as well.

Downloads

Key Configurator utility

Key Configurator is the utility for programming all USB Buttons, Wireless Buttons and Input modules to a key or key sequence.
See also the Usage Guide.

Microsoft Windows		Version 2.12
Apple macOS		Version 2.9
Linux		Version 2.12

Button Lights utility

When a LED is connected to a module, you can use this utility to control and configure the illumination. This utility can be used stand-alone or be driven by your own software.

Microsoft Windows

Version 1.7

USBHID SDK

The Software Development Kit for the “USB HID class” devices (which includes these USB Input modules). This programmer's library allows you to switch the LED on and off under control of your own software. This SDK provides interfaces for C/C⁺⁺, C# and VB.Net, for 32-bit and 64-bit software (Linux is 64-bit only). Documentation is included.

Microsoft Windows   Linux

Version 1.6

USB Input module Specifications

All systems

PDF file