Hi Gene, or anyone else (knowledgeable
)
Regarding matricing a board, while reading information on different solutions, I found this on the generichid website and was wondering if it applied to any board wired up in a matrix or just the ones supported by generichid (i.e. atmel or teensy++):
"
Because of the shared nature of the key matrix, there is a restriction on how many keys can be pressed simultaneously. If two keys on different rows and different columns are pressed, no key will be shown as pressed. The key matrix is best used when it makes sense that only one key is pressed at the same time. If a button is required to be on all the time (toggle switch), or just a button that needs to be used in combination with others, a regular button should be used."
I read the posts on the bu0836 and bu0836x matrix but never seen such warning about simultaneous button press for those board.
So does this "matrix limitation" applies to any boards using a matrix? In other words, it would mean a matrix is perfect to get lots of "momentary" inputs, but isn't a good solution for "always-on" switches, such has on/on or rotaries, am I right?
Or, is this why diodes are required, to overcome this "limitation" ?
(P.S. I know I could go the easy route and get that arduino button shield, but part of the fun for me with my humble project is to learn new stuff and understand the inner working of electronics)