Dependency between Trackpad/Touchpad and Keyboard input modules

Creators & Developers Input Module
1

Hi,

I have a quick question, I noticed the trackpad would stop working if I removed the keyboard input module.

Is there any traces in the keyboard input module or anything there that is needed to support the trackpad function?

Thanks,

2

If any modules are missing, then power is disconnected from the input midplate, to prevent accidental short circuits and damage. There is a BIOS option to bypass the safety function. But you should not run the laptop with any input module pins uncovered / exposed. It’s asking for trouble. The touchpad has it’s own seperate connection that should not depend on other modules. Also the touchpad is i2c connected to the EC, vs the other modules which are just USB.

1 Like
3

Detecting the presence of the keyboard or touchpad is just a single resistor. It’s pretty easy to make a dummy connector if you need to keep things going (eg if you want to make something else to fit where the keyboard or touchpad would go). See Thinkpad keyboard mod (super early stages)! - #102 by C_Scott_Ananian