Keypad, Keypad Matrix and Electronic Device

A portable electronic device, comprising:

• a keypad, said keypad comprising:
• a key arrangement comprising a plurality of keys;
• and
• a matrix arranged in proximity to said key arrangement and comprising a plurality of conductive traces;
• wherein said key arrangement is configured such that actuation of a key of said plurality of keys affects electrical characteristics of said matrix in an actuation area of said matrix associated with said key;
• wherein said matrix is configured such that at least three conductive traces of said plurality of conductive traces are coupled to said actuation area.

A keypad matrix, comprising:

• a plurality of first conductive traces;
• and
• a second conductive trace electrically insulated from said plurality of first conductive traces;
• wherein said keypad matrix comprises a plurality of actuation areas;
• wherein at least two first conductive traces of said plurality of first conductive traces and said second conductive trace are coupled to an actuation area of said plurality of actuation areas.

A method of determining a user input to a keypad, said method comprising:

• providing a keypad comprising a plurality of keys and a keypad matrix, wherein said keypad matrix comprises a plurality of conductive traces;
• monitoring electrical characteristics of said matrix;
• identifying at least three conductive traces of said plurality of conductive traces based on said monitoring;
• and
• determining a key of said plurality of keys based on said identified at least three conductive traces.