Keyboard matrix
Provided by the ASK Keyboard Dictionary
Aka/also known as: keymatrix, key-matrix, switch matrix, matrix
A keyboard matrix is a form of circuitry arrangement useful for negating the need for having separate circuits for each key on a keyboard. Keymatrices exist as a two-axis grid-like formation of traces where contact points of a keyswitch are given at various intersections between the two axes known as columns and rows. For typical ohmic keyboards, keys can be registered on a keymatrix when its controller sequentially energises traces on one axis to see if electricity returns on the other. A keymatrix could be made of traces on a hard PCB or a membrane assembly. The keymatrix grid is also typically not the same as the physical keys locations, so (for example) a problem with a trace could affect keys in what might appear to be a random fashion.
