Thursday 25 November 2010

High capacity data token strikes the right key

~ New tokens help OEMs protect against unauthorised use of data, information loss and theft, viruses and malware ~
Nexus GB has launched Datakey Electronics’ new High Capacity Line (HCL) of portable memory tokens in the UK and Ireland. The HCL allows embedded system designers to incorporate high capacity memory devices into their designs, without the shortcomings that consumer-focused solutions bring.

The High Capacity Line tokens differ from SD cards and USB flash drives in three important ways. The first is that the memory token's unique form-factor means that it can't plug into an un-adapted PC or system, which helps to protect the data on the token. The unique form-factor of the receptacle can also prevent consumer devices from plugging into the OEM’s system, which helps protect that system from unauthorized access, and prevents malicious files, such as viruses and Trojans, from being uploaded.

The token's controlled availability virtually assures that only approved devices are used in the OEM system and provides the OEM with an additional revenue stream from the sale of memory tokens to their users. Furthermore, this means that should a data token be lost or stolen the data stored on it can’t be accessed by anyone without an appropriately adapted PC or system.

Secondly the tokens are manufactured using a solid over-moulding process and are constructed out of an ultra rugged composite plastic material. This makes them impervious to penetration by liquids and practically crush-proof.

The final major difference is that the HCL range uses a contact system with a high lifespan of 50,000 cycles, compared to just 1,500 cycles for most type A USB receptacles. At just ten cycles per day a USB Type A receptacle will exceed its rated lifespan in only five months. At the same ten cycle per day rate, it would take a Datakey Electronics receptacle 13 years to exceed its rated lifespan.

These advantages mean that new HCL range combines the large memory and high throughput of consumer products, like USB flash drives and SD cards, with the advantages of an industrial memory token. Other benefits include reliable operation and the harsh environment capability of Datakey Electronics tokens and receptacles. The HCL range comes with 4GB of non-volatile memory as standard, with larger capacities of up to 32GB available.

The High Capacity Line includes two families of memory tokens; the DFX series, which delivers a high-performance SD (secure digital) interface, including SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and the UFX series, which delivers a USB 2.0 high speed connection. As a result, these new memory tokens are easily integrated into embedded controllers, single board computers and industrial PC designs, as many of these devices are fitted with one or more of these serial interfaces. Integration is straightforward and is typically accomplished by adding one of Datakey Electronics' industrial mating receptacles.

Datakey Electronics’ range of receptacles features multiple mounting options including through-hole, surface mount, and panel mount versions. Panel mount options are available in IP65, IP67 and EMI-reduction versions to meet the needs of harsh environment applications. All of the receptacles are rated for 50,000 cycles and withstand shock and vibration, extreme temperatures, humidity, salt-fog environments and exposure to various chemicals.

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Editor’s note: This press release is available from Nexus's Virtual Press Office: www.nexus-pr.blogspot.com. If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from Nexus GB, paste the following link into your RSS reader http://nexus-pr.blogspot.com/atom.xml. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.

For further information contact:
Victoria Barrett, Marketing and PR director, Nexus GB,
Rushdene House, Dodsley Grove, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9BE
Telephone: +44 (0)1730 816502
Fax: +44 (0)1730 817393
www: www.nexusgb.co.uk
e-mail: victoria@nexusgb.co.uk
Twitter: @NexusGB

Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction Ltd, No. 2 the Garthlands,
Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ZP
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
Blog: www.stone-junction.blogspot.com
Twitter: @RichieStone

About Nexus GB: Established in 1986 Nexus GB is Datakey Electronics’ UK and Ireland exclusive distributor for portable, rugged keys and tokens containing non-volatile memory. These reliable and re-programmable items provide data transport, security, and access control solutions even in extreme environments where other methods, such as USB memory, would not survive. Furthermore, distinct from consumer-like memory solutions, they are a well established product that will not become obsolete as technology progresses. As a result, they are commonly used by industrial OEMs, with more than three million units currently in UK service.

Ref: NEX065/10/10