What is it?

Introducing our Numerical Flexible Membrane Keypad Matrix with UART Serial Out, a breakthrough in user input technology designed to simplify integration and expand possibilities for various electronic projects. This keypad offers seamless input capabilities while minimizing the complexity of hardware requirements, thanks to its innovative design and dedicated microcontroller.

Simply press a button and its ASCII code will be output to the Serial UART TX pin at 9600 baud rate. See demo video below. In this demo video, the keypad is connected to a Miniature 0.32" OLED Screen + Rotary Encoder Combo. Pressing a key on the keypad will output the corresponding character on the miniature OLED screen.

The dedicated MCU handles all the button debounce and ensures single ASCII character output per press, eliminating multiple outputs even if button held down.

The breakout board is very easy to use and only has 3 pins:

• VIN: 3.3V
• TX: Serial UART output. Connect this pin to an MCU RX pin to receive (0-9,#,*) ASCII characters at 9600 baud rate.
• GND

Key Features:

• 12-Key Layout: Featuring 12 responsive buttons including digits 0-9, '#' and '*', this keypad provides comprehensive input functionality for a wide range of projects, from security systems to industrial automation.

• Flexible Membrane Construction: Crafted with high-quality flexible membrane material, this keypad ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for long-term use in diverse environments.

• Self-Adhesive Tape: The inclusion of self-adhesive tape on the back of the keypad facilitates easy mounting on surfaces, allowing for hassle-free installation in various applications.

• UART Serial Out: Equipped with UART Serial Out capability, this keypad communicates effortlessly with external devices or microcontrollers, enabling efficient data transmission and integration into larger systems.

• Minimal Pin Requirement: Unlike traditional keypads that demand multiple GPIO pins for operation, this breakout board only requires three pins – VIN, TX, and GND – simplifying the hardware setup and conserving valuable resources on the host system.

• Dedicated Onboard MCU: The dedicated onboard MCU efficiently handles keypad input processing, alleviating the burden on the main microcontroller and ensuring smooth operation without compromising performance. Simply press a button and its ASCII code will be output to the Serial UART RX pin at 9600 baud rate.

Potential Use Cases:

• Access Control Systems: Implement this keypad in access control systems for secure entry to buildings, rooms, or restricted areas. Users can input access codes or PINs conveniently, with the UART Serial Out facilitating seamless integration with access control panels.

• Security Alarms: Integrate the keypad into security alarm systems for arming, disarming, or inputting security codes. Its compact design and simplified pin requirement make it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial security applications.

• Industrial Automation: Incorporate the keypad into industrial automation projects for controlling machinery, inputting parameters, or configuring settings. Its flexible membrane construction ensures resistance to harsh industrial environments, while the UART Serial Out streamlines communication with PLCs or other control systems.

• Embedded Systems: Utilize the keypad in embedded systems or electronic devices requiring user input, such as electronic locks, vending machines, or interactive kiosks. Its compact size, easy installation, and UART Serial Out compatibility make it suitable for a wide range of embedded applications.

• Educational Projects: Integrate the keypad into educational projects and prototypes to teach concepts of input interfacing, serial communication, and microcontroller programming. Its simplified operation and minimal pin requirement make it an excellent learning tool for students and hobbyists alike.

Want to pair this keypad with a nice RGB OLED Display, check out our 0.95 RGB 65K Color SSD1331 96x64 OLED SPI Breakout.