Program and Hardware Design:

 

First, a little background about the ps/2 protocol:  The ps/2 protocol is a bi-directional protocol that uses a Clock line and a Data line.  The clock is always generated by the keyboard and each clock cycle has to be between 60 and 100uSec long.  When no data is being sent by either the keyboard or the computer, both the Clock line and the Data line are pulled up to 5V through pull up resistors on the keyboard side and the computer side.  When the keyboard sends data, it generates clock pulses that go from 0V to 5V on the Clock line and it sends its data on the Data line.  If the computer wants to send a command to the keyboard, the computer pulls the Clock line low to 0V for at least 100uSec.  After the 100uSec elapse, the computer releases the Clock line, places a start bit of 0V on the Data line and waits for the keyboard to start generating clock pulses.  At each clock pulse, another bit of data is placed on the Data line by the computer. Although the clock is generated by the keyboard, the computer has control over the communication.  If the computer wants to stop the keyboard from sending data, it just pulls the Clock line low.  The keyboard then has to wait for the Clock line to be released before it can start generating a clock and sending data.  When the keyboard sends data to the computer, it sends a total of 10 bits: A start bit (0V), 8 data bits, a parity bit and a stop bit (1V).  When the computer sends commands to the keyboard, it also sends a total of 10 bits:  A start bit(0V), 8 data bits, a parity bit and a stop bit (1V).  However, on the next clock cycle after the stop bit of the command is sent, the keyboard has to respond with an acknowledge bit (0V) on the data line.  For more details on the ps/2 protocol, please see Adam Chapweske’s webpage.