The keypads used in industrial settings feature sturdy construction, which ensures that their functioning is unchanged in unfavorable or challenging circumstances. Most standard keypads feature only 12 function keys (F1 to F12). Industrial miniature USB keypads are made available by manufacturers to provide four extra functions, viz. F13, F14, F15, and F16.
Importance of Miniature USB Keypads in Industrial Applications
Industrial miniature USB keypads are extremely useful to design engineers because it helps them easily implement new features of software applications.
For Developers & Design Engineers: Ease of Coding
The manufacturers of these keypads have made the process of using these keypads extremely simple. The standard specifications for the USBs are made available through Application Programming Interface (API) libraries. These libraries can be accessed on a Windows Operating Software platform with the help of a device driver for the USB keypad. Standard codes used for development and implementation of various functions are available in the API libraries.
Physical Characteristics: Use in Industrial Set-ups
Industrial miniature USB keypads are manufactured for applications where there is scope for shock, constant vibrations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to moisture, water, and abrasive chemicals. For these reasons, most industrial miniature USB keypads are manufactured keeping in mind the following considerations:
- Use of protective outer layers for protection against humidity, fungus, salt water, cleaning chemicals, etc.
- Component protection from shock and continuous vibrations
- Adherence to relevant national and international quality and safety standards
- Should not increase the overall weight of the application hence, should be lightweight
- Should be able to withstand high EMI/RFI levels
- Must have ability to function for long periods
Most importantly, the industrial miniature USB keypad should be reliable and long-lasting.
Industrial miniature USB keypads are extremely useful to easily implement new features of a software. They streamline the process. The standard codes made available by manufacturers ensure that the entire coding process is extremely simple. Both these factors help in saving the engineer’s time, both while coding and implementing the software.