Method and circuit for capturing keypad data serializing/deserializing and regenerating the keypad interface

A serializer/deserializer interfacing a keypad or keyboard to a processing system is illustrated. However, to minimize wires on intervening cables, a serializer and deserializer is inserted between the processor system and the keypad forming a virtual keypad. The processor scans the deserializer as if it were the keypad and the keypad is scanned by the serializer as if it were the processor. The serializer converts the scanning of the keypad into a serial bit stream and clock that is sent to the deserializer. The deserializer accepts the serial bit stream and reconfigures the data into a response that mimics the response of the physical keypad. In one embodiment an actual second keypad is formed in the deserializer and activated as the first keypad is activated.