VOGONS

Keyboard bios

Topic actions

First post, by Robin4

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

I want to know how a keyboard bios works.. Is it a extension of the motherboard bios. Or is it just a separate bios?

Is it possible to use a award bios with a AMI keyboard bios? Or do they be from the same brand?

Is it possible to use a 386 keyboard bios on a 286 motherboard? Or must the keyboard bios be the same like the motherboard so 286 keyboard bios only usable on a 286 board. Is the chipset important for using a brand keyboard bios?

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 1 of 2, by Great Hierophant

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

The keyboard interface is a 8048 Intel Microcontroller or derivative. Its "BIOS" is really the firmware necessary to make the interface function. A keyboard has a similar chip inside it. The firmware is not accessible to software, unlike the BIOS.

You could try it, it may work.

http://nerdlypleasures.blogspot.com/ - Nerdly Pleasures - My Retro Gaming, Computing & Tech Blog

Reply 2 of 2, by Robin4

Posted on 
User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

Ok, so the keyboard bios is a seperate `device` / `firmware` to make the keyboard just working and has nothing to do with the motherboard bios?

~ At least it can do black and white~

Go to top of page Go to top of page
Back to General Old Hardware
Close window
Close window