Southern Manufacturing sees data expert introduce specialised memory for single board computers

~ Nexus GB targets SBCs with UFX memory system ~

Nexus GB will be showcasing its new UFX memory system, designed specifically for single board computers (SBCs), at Southern Manufacturing 2012, between February 16 and 17 at FIVE in Farnborough. The Sussex-based distributor of specialist memory storage devices, keys, tokens and receptacles will be showing its rugged, secure alternative to USBs that can interface with micro-processor computers. Nexus GB is the exclusive distributor of US manufacturer Datakey Electronics in the UK & Ireland.

Specialised memory for single board computers

Historically, Nexus’ memory tokens couldn’t be used with SBCs, because the microprocessor based systems lacked the required I2C or SPI serial interfaces, which are found in micro-controller devices. SBCs have PC style ports and, as such, are designed to accept conventional USB connections. The new UFX token is likely to find uses in applications ranging from ruggedised and fanless computers to embedded computers such as the PC/104 form factor.

The UFX token, which is part of Nexus’ RUGGEDrive™ range, connects with an SBC by using specially designed electrical modules, compatible with USB ports. These come in the form of a series of receptacles, suited for different SBCs. In order to interface with the UFX drive, the receptacle has a header connector at one end and a USB connecter at the other.

The UFX memory token is a logical choice for applications that can only accept USB flash drives and use higher-level operating systems like Linux or Windows XP. The token also caters for application software and updates, which are often much larger than micro-controller firmware can handle.

“This ability to interface with SBCs expands the RUGGEDrive™ line’s potential enormously,” remarked Victoria James, Nexus GB’s marketing and PR director. “However, I think it is helpful to understand the difference between a microprocessor and a microcontroller, as even in the electronics industry these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. A microcontroller can be defined as a micro computer on an integrated circuit containing a processing core, memory and programmable I/O. It's normally incorporated into a PCB design that will be used for a specific embedded application.

“In Contrast, a microprocessor is a micro computer on an integrated circuit containing a processing core, where memory and peripherals are typically external to the IC. Microprocessor-based computers are often general purpose in nature, able to run various applications by simply adding different software.” concluded James.

Icarus and the memory stick

The number of high profile data losses as the result of misplaced portable memory is increasing at an alarming rate. This was demonstrated last month when a memory stick containing sensitive information about police operations was stolen from a Police Officer's home in Oldham. Although faced with public outrage Oldham police have handled the situation admirably, by honestly admitting guilt and promising to look at procedures within the department.

Even more recently a medical student who copied the private data of 87 patients onto a memory stick and then lost it, has landed the University Hospital of South Manchester in trouble with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Cyber threats like these are on the increase and, in particular, the loss of information stored on portable memory devices is rife. The disappointment for me is that the specialist technology already exists to stop this happening. However, organisations handling crucial data persist in trying to get by with password protected versions of consumer memory devices.

It reminds me of the legend of Icarus flying too close to the sun. Icarus’ father used wax and feathers to create wings - the wrong tools for the job. In the same way, data owners persist in using devices intended for storing photos and Word documents to handle confidential data. Icarus’ Father, aware of the limitations of his chosen materials, told Icarus to stay away from the sun. Similarly, when equipping their staff with the wrong memory devices, organisations give them advice they know will not be followed, “always password protect and keep the device safe”.

Specialist memory devices, that don’t require further password protection, should become the norm for any Government officials handling sensitive data or individuals’ personal information. Cyber threats, as well as people’s safety should be at the core of police concerns and in order to protect businesses and the public, the issue needs to be addressed at regulatory level.

USB alternative set to help bungling data owners

~ New technology acts as deterrent for data theft and loss ~

Since portable memory became so common there have been several heavily publicised incidents in which Government departments or private businesses lost confidential information stored on CDs and USB sticks. Now, a new product from Sussex based technology specialist Nexus GB could put an end to the problem. The innovative new data carrier system means no one other than the intended user can read the content.  

Earlier this year a memory stick holding the passwords for a Government computer system was lost by a member of staff and found in the car park of a pub in Staffordshire. In May 2009 the personal medical records of tens of thousands of people were lost by the NHS in a series of serious data security leaks.

These kinds of problems can now be avoided by using Nexus’ new portable memory system; the RUGGEDrive™. The unique physical connection between the memory receptacle and portable memory token ensures that the information stored cannot be readily transferred to unauthorised PCs because they would lack RUGGEDrive™ receptacles.

The receptacles can be added to computers when they are being manufactured or they can be retrofitted at a later date. Nexus GB believes that this system could be the answer in multiple business sectors where data loss is a risk. Furthermore, because the system is only available as a B2B sale directly from Nexus GB, it isn’t possible to obtain compatible tokens or receptacles without the permission of the original customer.

“RUGGEDrive™ is a real step forward in data security,” explained Victoria Barrett, Nexus GB’s marketing and PR director. “Any data lost in a pub or left on a bus would be impossible to access and totally protected! This is even more important in today’s social media and citizen journalism landscape, in which lost data will definitely make its way into the media or onto the black market.”

Furthermore, RUGGEDrive™ receptacles help protect the user from viruses and other malicious files such as malware and Trojans. For instance, if a member of staff takes a document home using a USB or CD, the file can become infected on their private PC. When they return to work and plug the USB back into their work laptop, the virus is transferred into the company’s network. This situation is impossible to replicate with RUGGEDrive™.

A further benefit of these rugged, portable memory devices is their reliability; the receptacles are rated for 50,000 usage cycles. This is a distinct advantage over most consumer-grade USB and SD connectors which are only rated for 1,500 and 10,000 cycles respectively.

Don’t make your bricks out of ice

The recent high profile data security problems we have witnessed in the UK have highlighted the issues involved in using high street consumer memory products in engineering applications. When building a house, we don’t use ice as the construction material; we go for bricks and mortar which will stand the test of time. Similarly, when selecting components for a new device we should choose those with a healthy lifespan, which will not ‘melt away’ before the product comes to market.

Each time I hear that a CD, USB memory stick or camera card full of customer data goes missing, I think about how easy it is to avoid the loss by choosing fit for purpose product. Equally, every time I encounter an application in which an industrial device is brought to market containing a consumer memory product, it makes me think of the inevitable re-design when the memory product ceases to be manufactured. 

Moore’s Law makes it inevitable that this re-design will happen every time. While, the use of USB sticks shows an admirably intuitive approach to design, using products out of context will not produce an adequate outcome. The only way to get the right result is to choose a memory product that is specifically produced to meet the needs of the engineering designer. There are available on the market. It isn’t their availability that is the problem, but rather a lack of awareness of their existence in the engineering design community. Perhaps it’s time for steps to be taken to spread this awareness amongst design students, so that the next generation of engineers makes fewer mistakes?

Top ten considerations when choosing memory

~ Nexus GB has produced a list of considerations for OEMs integrating portable memory into a product ~

Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics’ range of rugged portable memory products, has produced a checklist of issues that OEMs should consider before integrating portable memory into a new design. The list is intended to help design engineers avoid the, often costly, mistakes that can go hand in hand with integrating consumer style memory products, such as USBs and SD, SDHC or XD camera cards. 

When an OEM product requires the use of a portable memory device, design engineers and product marketing staff often consider consumer memory solutions like USB flash drives and SD (Secure Digital) memory cards.  This is not surprising, as these devices have become an integral part of daily life.  However, before integrating a consumer memory device into an embedded system, engineers must be aware of the potential pitfalls that these consumer focused products can have.  Below are the top ten factors that OEMs must consider:

1.    Look for memory that is guaranteed to work in the OEM device – While consumer memory may fit physically, it may not work in the device – for any one of countless technical reasons. As a result, the design engineer using consumer memory should pre-qualify those products on the market that do work. This eliminates perhaps the most compelling reason to use consumer memory - widespread availability.
2.    Look for longevity in the product life cycle – Consumer memory becomes obsolete when the manufacturer ceases production. The right industrial memory product is guaranteed to offer substantially better longevity because industrial manufacturers understand that your product may need continual maintenance over a long period. 
3.    Always choose a controlled connector so that only approved products fit – If you design in USBs or camera cards, users can plug in untested, unqualified consumer memory. This isn’t the case with a specialist memory key or token.
4.    Choose the right amount of memory – If your application only requires 4MB of memory, there is no need to buy a device that provides 32GB. As with all design engineering projects, over specification can be expensive.
5.    Do your products operate in a harsh environment? Both the memory device and the mating receptacle may need to be immersion rated, produced for a specific temperature, shock rating or ESD (Electro Static Discharge) rating.
6.    Triple check the mated cycle life – If your product is used ten times a day, a typical USB connector will only last five months. This may be great for the spare parts business but it will leave your end users pretty unhappy! Always ensure that the usable life cycle of the product matches its predicted usage.
7.    Check the product support for industrial OEMS - Consumer memory manufacturers focus on consumer OEMs and industrial memory manufacturers on industrial work, so it’s vital that you match your own organisation to the manufacturer correctly.
8.    Use form factor to discourage theft - USB drives and SD cards are targets for misuse and theft but a stock design from a specialist portable memory supplier isn’t. If there is the possibility of product or data theft in your application, this should be a key consideration.
9.    Use form factor to improve data security - By design, most industrial products do not plug into standard PC ports, whilst USBs and memory cards are made for this purpose. It may well be beneficial to your security strategy if lost products can’t be accessed without specialist equipment.
10.    Watch out for changing standards - USB and SD ‘standards’ can and do change. Indeed, history shows that these standards are driven by the consumer market and changes can adversely affect embedded OEMs who adopt the products.  For instance SDHC cards use a different addressing method to SD cards, meaning embedded devices using SD can’t also use its successor, even though they fit in the receptacle.

Michael Barrett, operations director of Nexus GB, explains, “Many of the Datakey products we supply have been available, unchanged for over 15 years, some for over 20 years, and they are still available today. As a result, OEMs don't need to waste valuable engineering time re-qualifying new memory devices or re-designing their system due to obsolescence.  Also, because of our products' unique physical interface, unqualified consumer memory devices cannot be used because they don't physically fit.

 “We are constantly approached by designers who have fallen foul of the temptation to use consumer memory in their devices. Hopefully, our ten point guide will help some of these people before they make their mistakes. After all, while we are delighted to help those that do come to us in retrospect, we would rather they be able to save capital by choosing the right product in the first instance,” concludes Barrett. 

Ends: 803 words

Editor’s note: 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.

For further information contact:Michael Barrett, Operations director, Nexus GB,
Rushdene House, Dodsley Grove, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9BE
Telephone: +44 (0)1730 816502
Fax: +44 (0)1730 817393
www: http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/
e-mail: michael@nexusgb.co.uk

Press enquiries: Oana Baetica
Stone Junction, Business Innovation Centre, Staffordshire Technology Park
Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0AR
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: oana@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RichieStone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/technicalPR

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 design engineers working on long term projects, with more than three million units currently in UK service.

Ref: NEX043/09/09

New GammaSafe™ portable memory range for medical OEMs on show at MedTec

~ Nexus GB set to show its range of memory products for medical device manufacturers ~

Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics’ range of portable memory products, will be exhibiting at the MedTec exhibition and conference at the NEC on April 6 and 7. Nexus will be on stand 1604 in hall nine where it will show its array of tokens and receptacles for the UK manufacturing sector. Central to Nexus’ MedTec exhibition stand will be the company’s new non-volatile, reprogrammable, portable memory device that survives gamma sterilisation with no loss of data called the GammaSafe™.

 The GammaSafe™ memory token contains four kilobits of non-volatile, re-writable memory. This is accessed using an SPI bus and is functionally similar to an SPI EEPROM. But unlike actual EEPROM devices, which experience data loss and even device failure when exposed to significant doses of gamma radiation, GammaSafe™ memory tokens have been proven to withstand up to 45kGy (4.5Mrad) of gamma radiation with no data loss.

Medical device manufacturers who produce single-use or limited-use disposable attachments, such as catheters, filters, tubing and medical lasers that plug in to a base controller, can now add a non-volatile memory device to the attachment, even if their attachments contain no active electronics.

In addition to the memory token, the GammaSafe™ product line includes a line of mating receptacles. The GammaSafe™ receptacles are based on Datakey Electronics' proven SlimLine™ receptacle design and are available in through-hole (GR4220PCB), surface-mount (GR4220SMT), and panel mount (GR4310 and GR4410) models. The panel-mount receptacles are available in splash-proof (IP65-rated), immersion (IP67-rated), and EMI-reduction versions, supporting a variety of medical device applications, especially those with wash-down requirements. GammaSafe™ receptacles accept both GammaSafe™ and SlimLine™ memory tokens.

“In the context of an increasingly competitive medical device market one must find creative solutions to manufacturers’ needs. Our new GammaSafe™ product range delivers on that by offering an intelligent memory token robust enough to endure gamma radiation with no data loss,” explained Victoria Barrett, Nexus’ director of PR and marketing.

The stand will also feature IP67 immersion range and EMI reduction receptacles. These products work with the company’s proven memory tokens, providing OEMs with a one stop shop for harsh-environment data needs. They have several uses in medical applications where they are ideal for devices that will be autoclaved, sterilised or washed down when in use.

Ends: 403 words

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.

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: http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/
e-mail: victoria@nexusgb.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NexusGB

Press enquiries: Oana Baetica
Stone Junction Ltd, Business Innovation Centre, Staffordshire Technoogy Park
Beaconside, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0AR
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: oana@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/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 design engineers working on long term projects, with more than three million units currently in UK service.

Ref: NEX091/03/11

New portable memory range is gamma safe for medical OEMs

~ New system also provides anti-counterfeit and limit-use functionality ~

Nexus GB has launched Datakey Electronics’ new GammaSafe memory token for the UK medical device manufacturing sector. The token is a non-volatile, reprogrammable, portable memory device that survives gamma sterilization with no loss of data. The GammaSafe system also allows medical device manufacturers to easily add anti-counterfeit and limit-use capabilities to disposable attachments that are sterilized using gamma radiation.

The GammaSafe memory token contains four kilobits of non-volatile, re-writable memory. This is accessed using an SPI bus and is functionally similar to an SPI EEPROM. But unlike actual EEPROM devices, which experience data loss and even device failure when exposed to significant doses of gamma radiation, GammaSafe memory tokens have been proven to withstand up to 45kGy (4.5Mrad) of gamma radiation with no data loss.

Medical device manufacturers who produce single-use or limited-use disposable attachments, such as catheters, filters, tubing and medical lasers that plug in to a base controller, can now add a non-volatile memory device to the attachment, even if their attachments contain no active electronics.

The GammaSafe memory token can store an encrypted product authentication code to protect against counterfeit disposables. The disposable's model number and associated parameters, along with calibration information can be written to the GammaSafe token during production; then, in the field, this data can be automatically transferred to the base controller unit, eliminating the chance for human error from incorrect data entry.

"Our rugged SlimLine memory tokens have been used with disposable medical devices for more than fifteen years," explained Victoria Barrett, PR and marketing director for Nexus GB. "Our traditional SlimLine tokens survive both EtO and autoclave sterilization methods. With the addition of the GammaSafe line, we have a portable memory solution for OEMs of medical disposables no matter which sterilization method they use; EtO, autoclave or gamma."

In addition to the memory token, the GammaSafe product line includes a line of mating receptacles. The GammaSafe receptacles are based on Datakey Electronics' proven SlimLine receptacle design and are available in through-hole (GR4220PCB), surface-mount (GR4220SMT), and panel mount (GR4310 and GR4410) models. The panel-mount receptacles are available in splash-proof (IP65-rated), immersion (IP67-rated), and EMI-reduction versions, supporting a variety of medical device applications, especially those with wash-down requirements. GammaSafe receptacles accept both GammaSafe and SlimLine memory tokens.

Unlike RFID solutions that require OEMs to integrate complicated RF transceiver circuitry and an antenna into their embedded designs, integrating the GammaSafe memory system requires only the addition of a simple receptacle. No complex circuitry is needed; he contacts of the GammaSafe receptacle simply connect directly to the microcontroller's SPI port. When the GammaSafe memory token is inserted into the receptacle, the microcontroller can read and write to it just as if it was an SPI EEPROM IC soldered to the board. Furthermore, because the GammaSafe system is contact-based, as opposed to wireless, there is no ambiguity as to which memory device is being read, a frequent concern with RFID and other wireless systems.

The GammaSafe memory token is offered with an optional integrated tether. The optional tether consists of a 5-inch (12.7 cm) cable-tie that has been pre-looped and integrated into the head of the memory token. This allows OEMs an easy way to attach the GammaSafe token to their disposable devices.

The GammaSafe memory token also features an optional sterilization indicator, which is housed within a recessed window on the front side of the token. Before sterilization, the indicator is orange in colour. After gamma sterilization (10kGy dosage or more) the indicator changes to a vivid red colour. This optional feature enables medical personnel to confirm at a glance that the sealed medical device they are about to open has undergone gamma sterilization.

Ends: 631 words

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, Business Innovation Centre, Staffordshire Technology Park,
Beaconside, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0AR
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 design engineers working on long term projects, with more than three million units currently in UK service.

Ref: NEX066/12/10