Canadian Keyboard Standard for English and French Languages

1. Scope

1.1 This Standard specifies requirements for keyboards to be used throughout Canada for word, information, and data-processing applications.

1.2 This Standard defines the national keyboard layout (the primary keyboard layout) providing access to characters most commonly used in Canada (group 1 characters) and a secondary keyboard layout which, when combined with the group 1 characters, suppor ts the Latin alphabet No. 1 Graphic Set as defined in CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z243.4 and ISO Standard 8859-1 (group 2a characters) or the Latin alphabet as defined in ISO Standard 6937 (group 2a/2b characters).

1.3 Support of additional groups is beyond the scope of this Standard. Additional groups may be examined for future inclusion.

The group 2a/2b characters provide a proper subset of the Videotex/Teletext Presentation Level Protocol Syntax North American PLPS character set as defined in CSA Standard T500. The keyboard layouts defined in this Standard may be used in these applications if full support is not required.

1.4 This Standard requires a 48-key alphanumeric area laid out according to ISO Standard 9995-2 (see Figure 1) or a 47-key alphanumeric area laid out as specified in this Standard (see Figure 2), shift keys to provide access to group 1 characters, and optional group shift keys to provide access to characters from additional groups.

1.5 Alignment with CAN3-Z243.19 has been maintained where appropriate.

1.6 The secondary keyboard layout conforms to ISO Standard 9995-3.

1.7 The selection or use of any particular communications protocol or coded character set is beyond the scope of this Standard.

1.8 This Standard does not address the following: (a) transfer method or mechanism whereby a graphic symbol is displayed or printed; (b) technological or operational aspects of any particular implementation; (c) fonts; (d) placement of representation of a graphic symbol on any given keytop or keyface; (e) shape, size, or colour of the keys; and (f) mechanism to enter the control characters.

1.9 The placement and function of the shift keys shall be in accordance with ISO Standard 9995-2