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Keyboard Description

Devices that use keys to input data to a computer.

 

Keyboard Connectors

 

There are two types of keyboard connectors. A larger round 5 pin, and a smaller round 6-pin connector.

The Larger DIN 5-pin male Keyboard  Connector	The smaller 6-pin DIN Male Keyboard Connector	Large Female 5-pin to Small Male 6-pin adapter with cable	USB
The back of the Computer  is a Female plug

Most of the Older computers use the Larger connector but newer computers and keyboards use the smaller 6-pin (with a center tab) connectors.

Keyboard Adapters. -

You can also buy adapters to convert back and forth. Click Here to see a list of adapters to buy ( or see below).

1)  If your computer uses the smaller size plug you need to buy an adapter that is 5-pin Female (larger) on one end and 6-pin Male (smaller) on the other end.

AT to PS/2 - 5 Pin Din Female -to- 6 Pin Mini Din Male

2) If your computer has the larger plug (AT style), you need to buy an adapter that is 6-pin Female (smaller) on one end and 5-pin Male (larger) on the other end. These are also called "Reverse" adapters.

PS/2 to AT - 6 Pin Mini Din Female -to- 5 Pin Din Male

You can also use Keyboard Extension Cables to allow the keyboard to sit further from the computer.

 

PC/AT Keyboard Pin-out

Pin 1 - CLK/CTS
Pin 2 - RxD
Pin 3 - Reset
Pin 4 - GND
Pin 5 - +5V

PS/2 Keyboard Pin-out

Pin 1 - Data
Pin 2 - NC
Pin 3 - Ground
Pin 4 - +5 V
Pin 5 - Clock
Pin 6 - NC

Links

• nice explanation of keyboard operation @ cmu.edu Link 
• PS/2 Keyboard connector pin-out @ NTI Link, 

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