This is a small project to write a driver to enable backlit support on Asus N71JQ using Windows7.
Originally this model did not included a backlit keyboard. However some very similar laptops (asus G73JH and G60) have exactly the same keyboard but with backlit.
I would like to be able to use Fn+F3/Fn+F4 combinaisons to increase decrease the brightness as you would on G73JH.
So I started to look for N71JQ and G73JH schematics, which unfortunatelly cannot be found anywhere on the web. However I could find N61J schematic. On this schematic I found out that the keyboard backlit is controller with a PWM from the IT8570E embedded controller (EC):
This PWM goes to a mosfet the mosfet enable/disable the connection of the FPC to ground (5V pin is always connected). By changing the PWM the CPU can vary the brightness of LED.
Then I checked my motherboard (N71JA rev2.1) of which I don't have the schematic. However I found that it has same EC IT8570E. Also to my surprise I found that there is a FPC connector available for the LED backlight. I checked and there is same mosfet as on the schematic I saw. I also checked and the mosfet is connected to the pin 32 for IT8570E which is PWM6 (same as on N61J schematic).
I also checked that the 5V is correctly applied to the FPC.
So all the hardware is already ready to support the backlit keyboard. It only needs to implement a driver.
So I connected my new keyboard, the keyboard works, previous shortcuts I had also work (Fn+F5/Fn+F6 increase/decrease luminosity of LCD for example) but Fn-F3/F4 does nothing still.
I tried to install g73jh ATK driver, now when pressing Fn+F3/F4 I have the OSD appearing, but the keyboard still don't lit.
I think the function to drive the PWM is on the bios (on the EC code) as it's probably managed directly by the EC (even without the atk driver installed Fn+F5/F6 works to dim brightness of LCD, but logo do no show on OSD.)
I have thought about 2 possibilities :
- Analyze the two bios (G73JH and N71JQ available on asus website) and try to find the difference. But I have virtually no idea how to proceed... Also it sounds bit risky to modify the bios.
- Write a separate driver which will modify directly IT8570E register in order to turn on/off and vary the cycle% of the PWM. Datasheet of IT8570E here : [login to view URL]
This is a bounty project, milestone will be released if driver works as expected without side effects or intense cpu use:
pressing Fn+F3 should decrease the keyboard brightness
pressing Fn+F3 should increase the keyboard brightness
With 4 brightness steps : 0% 33% 66% 100%
Note 1 : according to N61J schematic the max intensity is 200mA. PWM cycles should be set accordingly.
Notre 2 : this is a small project, it can't be more expensive than a new laptop..
Hi, software and embedded electronics engineer with experience in driver writing and reverse engineering of hardware and software.
I can help you out with your project.
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I am a Senior Software with more than 10 years of experience in .Net-stack development. I have developed dozens on Desktop Apps, Utilities, Automation Tools, Machine Learning Tools, Web Apps using Python, C# and .Net. I am reliable and extremely respondent I make sure and ensure code quality and believe in continuous integration and deployment
thanks