Decades ago, Ken Olsen, the chairman and co-founder of DEC said, "When I was a teenager in the late 30s and early 40s, electronics wasn't a word. You were interested in radio if you were interested in electronics". I’m reminded of his quote every time I open a search engine to look for a new component or device.
The trouble with applying other people's new and innovative ideas is first finding out that those ideas exist. In many cases, we don't yet have words describing the concepts, we don't know where to look for them and we may not even know we should look for them. Search engines can’t tell us what to look for yet, they can only answer the questions we type in the box.
This problem is as applicable in design engineering and electronics in 2012 as it was when Olsen made his comment about radio. In my own sector – industrial portable memory, this is particularly true. As engineers, our response is often to simply re-invent the wheel - but unfortunately not every wheel we invent is as efficient as the first.
In memory, as in so many sub sectors of design engineering, developing your own device rather than opting for a specialist solution might be more costly than it seems at first glance. Similarly, choosing to adapt a commercially available memory solution, like a USB or SDHC card, can prove expensive in the long term. The answer isn’t as complicated as it seems – it’s a case of finding out what other people call the product you are looking for. If in the 30s Electronics wasn’t a word – I wonder what industrial memory will be called in a few decades’ time?
Showing posts with label design engineering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design engineering. Show all posts
Monday, 28 May 2012
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Managed memory gives OEMs control of data

Nexus GB has added the NFX managed memory token to its product range, which provides portable data transport for use in OEM systems controlled by embedded microprocessors. Manufactured in the United States by Datakey Electronics Inc, the tokens are used to transport data to and from non-networked electronic devices, deployed in any environment. The NFX features an SPI (Service Provider Interface) for simple direct connection to microprocessors and a storage capacity from 128MB to 1GB.
Nexus GB believes that the functionality provided by the NFX series results in a data token more suited to the needs of OEMs than that offered by consumer solutions, such as camera cards and USB sticks. The NFX’s guaranteed long-term availability, total system ownership, rugged build and reliability uniquely combine to meet the needs of embedded systems. In addition, the tokens provide an efficient command set and on-board file management system, which eases the host microprocessor’s load, decreasing both hardware requirements and firmware complexity.
Long-term availability of the tokens is ensured by configuration controlling the token’s electrical, mechanical and software interfaces for each OEM program. This virtually eliminates the costly re-qualifications OEMs suffer due to the ever accelerating obsolescence of mass-market memory devices. Additionally, this configuration-control effectively eliminates the need for in field updating of deployed OEM equipment due to data carrier obsolescence.
“In comparison with the NFX, consumer products seem unmanageable,” commented Nexus GB marketing director Victoria Barrett. “Our ‘managed memory’ concept means that the device provides OEMs with control over all of its critical aspects. They can manage the file system, be assured of long term availability, source the entire data carrier and receptacle structure from a single point and easily manage implementation. Ultimately, we hope this helps OEMS choose between consumer and industrial memory more effectively.”
The NFX token’s electronics are extremely rugged because they are solid over-moulded. The token can be soaked in water or fuels, covered in mud, autoclaved, washed, and even driven over by a truck and it will still work. Its redundant contact system and 50,000 cycle mating receptacle design have been used successfully, in other Datakey products, for more than 15 years in the most extreme conditions; including military, medical, and industrial applications.
The token also features several customisable write-once registers that can be used for encryption seeds, one-time use flags or write protect flags. This enables protection of onboard data and the distribution or sale of software, firmware upgrades or recipes.
Nexus GB supports the NFX with a complete line of peripherals including mating receptacles and development kits designed to help embedded designers reduce R&D costs, bring products to market more quickly and reduce technical risk.
Ends: 460 words
Editor’s note: This press release is available from Nexus's Virtual Press Office: http://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: http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/
e-mail: victoria@nexusgb.co.uk
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
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: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
Stone Junction Ltd, No. 2 the Garthlands,
Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ZP
Telephone: +44 (0) 1785 225416
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
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: NEX005/07/10
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Development kits set to make design work easier

Nexus (GB), the UK partner of portable data token manufacturer Datakey Electronics, has released a family of serial development kits that provide all the necessary tools to build a simulated portable data system and test its features and benefits. The basic development kit covers the majority of Nexus’ range, whilst a specialist kit covers its NFX managed memory tokens, which act as USB style portable data carrier devices without the drawbacks of a consumer style memory product.
The kit allows Visual C++ or Visual Basic programmers to easily learn to integrate memory keys or tokens, greatly reducing research and development time and costs.
The NFX version of the development kit supports the latest release of the NFX family of tokens and includes a sample application, which illustrates how to use each of the example commands. Also new is a command line utility that allows for simplified testing and configuration of the NFX token’s unique OEM and security features.
Both kits operate with any Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP PC and guide the user through a simple programming process for a variety of basic commands. Each development kit includes a panel mount and a board mount or receptacle, a key or token memory device, an RS-232 or USB connecting cable, PC demo software, sample source code, and a programmer’s reference manual. The NFX version of the development kit contains two tokens and two receptacles.
"The NFX Managed-Memory line of portable memory tokens was designed with OEMs in mind," says Michael Barrett, Nexus’ operations director. "Long-term availability, stable command set, USB or SPI interfaces, ultra-rugged and reliable operation, special OEM and security features, custom logo options —these are all qualities that OEMs require in a portable data carrier."
Both development kits provide documentation on how to develop applications for embedded and PC platforms. Because the NFX has both SPI and USB options, it can interface with an embedded microprocessor through its SPI bus and/or with a PC or embedded computer through its USB bus. This provides an effective form of data transport in applications or environments where networking is impractical or impossible.
Ends: 379 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: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.stone-junction.blogspot.com/
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: NEX034/06/09
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: NEX034/06/09
Monday, 20 July 2009
White paper set to elucidate portable data
~ Nexus GB announces guide to using data in non-networked applications ~
Nexus (GB), the UK partner of portable data token manufacturer Datakey Electronics, has released a white paper entitled ‘Transferring Data in Non-Networked Applications’. The new release covers considerations such as data transport, choosing portable memory, functionality, environmental considerations and product life cycle.
Common applications for non networked data transfer using portable memory include manufacturing, processing, medical device design, secure communications, recipe uploads in food processing and service, unattended fuelling and cashless vending.
The white paper argues that, even though an increasing number of embedded applications are networked via wired or wireless methods, many system designers are deciding that in their new applications, data transport will be done through non-networked means. In applications where networking is not possible or practical, engineers are faced with the challenge of transferring data to and from their products through a portable data carrier – a physical device containing non-volatile memory used for data storage and transfer. The type of data that can be transferred includes firmware updates, feature enhancements, calibration data, configuration/recipe uploads, data logs, usage monitoring/limiting, and more.
“We hope this white paper will help more designers working on non-networked applications avoid expensive mistakes,” explained John Barrett, managing director of Nexus. “There are a number of options for portable data carriers available, and engineers need to be sure that what they choose is well suited for their application. Commonly used consumer-based options such as smart cards, USB flash drives and memory cards are not rugged enough for OEM applications and come with many hidden costs and risks.”
Free copies of the white paper can be obtained by e-mailing Nexus’ operations director, Michael Barrett, (michael@nexusgb.co.uk) or visiting the Nexus web site http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/downloads.html.
Ends: 291 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. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.
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: www.nexusgb.co.uk
e-mail: michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
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: NEX034/06/09
Nexus (GB), the UK partner of portable data token manufacturer Datakey Electronics, has released a white paper entitled ‘Transferring Data in Non-Networked Applications’. The new release covers considerations such as data transport, choosing portable memory, functionality, environmental considerations and product life cycle.
Common applications for non networked data transfer using portable memory include manufacturing, processing, medical device design, secure communications, recipe uploads in food processing and service, unattended fuelling and cashless vending.
The white paper argues that, even though an increasing number of embedded applications are networked via wired or wireless methods, many system designers are deciding that in their new applications, data transport will be done through non-networked means. In applications where networking is not possible or practical, engineers are faced with the challenge of transferring data to and from their products through a portable data carrier – a physical device containing non-volatile memory used for data storage and transfer. The type of data that can be transferred includes firmware updates, feature enhancements, calibration data, configuration/recipe uploads, data logs, usage monitoring/limiting, and more.
“We hope this white paper will help more designers working on non-networked applications avoid expensive mistakes,” explained John Barrett, managing director of Nexus. “There are a number of options for portable data carriers available, and engineers need to be sure that what they choose is well suited for their application. Commonly used consumer-based options such as smart cards, USB flash drives and memory cards are not rugged enough for OEM applications and come with many hidden costs and risks.”
Free copies of the white paper can be obtained by e-mailing Nexus’ operations director, Michael Barrett, (michael@nexusgb.co.uk) or visiting the Nexus web site http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/downloads.html.
Ends: 291 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. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.
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: www.nexusgb.co.uk
e-mail: michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
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: NEX034/06/09
Thursday, 11 September 2008
New memory tokens for medical device and pharmaceutical OEMs are Autoclave and EtO sterilisation resistant

~ Applications include limit use, firmware, data and authentication ~
Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics’ range of portable memory products, has launched a range of SlimLine data tokens built to withstand Autoclave and EtO (Ethylene Oxide) sterilisation. The products use enhanced materials that also simplify the manufacturing process resulting in a less expensive product for medical and pharmaceutical OEMs. The tokens retain the multiple-cycle sterilisation capability that has made custom versions of these products popular within the medical device community for years.
Typical applications for the new portable memory products include limit-use, calibration, data upload, firmware updates, data transfer, data logging, user authentication and access control. The enhanced SlimLine tokens have already been tested to survive multiple cycles of autoclave sterilization (265° at 20 psi for 30 minutes) as well as the EtO sterilization process. No failures due to these sterilisation methods have ever been found.
Calibration allows the user to automatically upload parameters from a token to another device to eliminate manual errors. One existing application applies this to a heart monitor with a single use balloon catheter. Each catheter is precisely calibrated before use, using a token, which saves time, reduces implementation cost and eliminates errors.
Limit use allows the tokens to monitor how many times the device has been used and for how long. For instance, a DNA analysis system that uses disposable gel cartridges features a token which activates the equipment, monitors the usage and notifies the system once the cartridge has reached the limit of its lifetime and needs to be replaced.
In addition, Nexus GB has recently made Datakey Electronics’ SR4000 SlimLine receptacle family, required to mate with the tokens, available in the UK. The new receptacles are miniaturised and available in surface mount designs, which are especially suitable for portable medical applications. Furthermore, the company has recently launched the SR4300 receptacle family, which is splash-proof and available in a full IP67 immersion version, to address the full range of medical device design requirements.
The Datakey Electronics tokens and receptacles that Nexus GB offer are already used across the globe by customers including St. Jude Medical, General Dynamics, Cisco Systems, Raytheon, Siemens, Tyco Healthcare, Gilbarco, several governments and many other multi-national corporations.
A copy of this press release is available to download at http://www.nexus-pr.blogspot.com/.
Ends: 380 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. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.
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: http://www.blogger.com/Campaign%20planning/michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
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: NEX004/07/08
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Full range of data tokens on show at ESS

Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics’ range of portable memory products, will be exhibiting at the Embedded Systems Show at the NEC on October 1st and 2nd. Nexus will be on stand 222 in hall eight, where it will show its entire range of tokens and receptacles, including autoclave and EtO capable models as well as the recently launched immersion rated products.
Nexus’ range of portable memory solutions are designed to work in environments where heat, dust, moisture or accidental damage would cause conventional memory cards and USB devices to fail. They are used in applications ranging from data logging, cashless vending, security, access control and use limiting in industries including medical, food and pharmaceuticals.
The SlimLine data tokens on show, which are built to withstand Autoclave and EtO (Ethylene Oxide) sterilisation, use enhanced materials that simplify the manufacturing process, resulting in a less expensive product for medical and pharmaceutical OEMs. The tokens retain the multiple-cycle sterilisation capability that has made custom versions of these products popular within the medical device community for years.
The IP67 immersion rated, EMI reduction receptacles, called SR4310, work with the company’s proven memory tokens, providing OEMs with a one stop shop for harsh-environment data needs. The recently introduced receptacles are ideal for wash-down or outdoor applications where the devices are exposed to dust, water, rain, chemicals, and more. The new series is now available in IP-65 (splash-proof), IP-67 (immersion-rated) and IP-67-EMI (immersion-rated with Electromagnetic Frequency reduction) versions.
The Datakey Electronics tokens and receptacles that Nexus GB offer are already used across the globe by customers including St. Jude Medical, General Dynamics, Cisco Systems, Raytheon, Siemens, Tyco Healthcare, Gilbarco, several governments and many other multi-national corporations.
Ends: 299 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. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.
For further information contact:
Michael Barrett, Operations director, Nexus GB, Rushdene House,
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: http://www.blogger.com/Campaign%20planning/michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
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: NEX004/07/08
Telephone: +44 (0)1730 816502
Fax: +44 (0)1730 817393
www: http://www.nexusgb.co.uk/
e-mail: http://www.blogger.com/Campaign%20planning/michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
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: NEX004/07/08
Labels:
design engineering,
electronics,
ESS,
nexus,
show previews
Monday, 28 April 2008
Off the shelf portable memory now IP67 immersion rated with EMI reduction

Nexus GB, the portable memory specialist, has released a new range of IP67 immersion rated and EMI reduction receptacles. The new product works with the company’s proven memory tokens, providing OEMs with a one stop shop for harsh-environment data needs. The range can be used in military, medical, process, rail and fleet management applications for data logging as well as a range of other functions. The recently introduced receptacles are ideal for wash-down or outdoor applications where the devices are exposed to dust, water, rain, chemicals, and more.
The new series, designated SR4310, is now available in IP-65 (splash-proof), IP-67 (immersion-rated) and IP-67-EMI (immersion-rated with Electromagnetic Frequency reduction) versions. “I think the key for OEMs is that this product is a long term memory solution,” explained Michael Barrett, Nexus’ operations director. “Unlike most models of USB memory or camera cards it won’t be obsolete by the time an OEM has brought a design to market. This can be the crux of the issue for harsh environment applications which are often very long lead time designs.”
Immersion rating is achieved using a tough outer shell that prevents dust and water from entering the OEM’s electronics enclosure through the receptacle opening. EMI reduction can be added as an option by ordering the outer shell in a highly-conductive plastic.
Manufactured in the United States by Datakey Electronics, the new receptacles are compatible with the company’s entire range of SlimLine memory, extended SlimLine memory and Managed-Memory tokens. The range offers four industry standard interface options and memory capacities from 1Kbit to 1GByte.
The SR4310 receptacles are panel mount devices that combine over-tighten protection and a gasket for sealing. They feature moulded-in threaded inserts to provide easy and tamper-evident installation. The receptacles gold contact points are corrosion-resistant with a contact life of 50,000 insertions or removals as a minimum. Also included as standard is a detent mechanism that both increases token retention and gives users tactile confirmation when an inserted token is physically engaged. Finally, there is a self wiping action that cleans the contacts when a token is inserted into or removed from the receptacle.
Ends: 394 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. If you don’t have an RSS reader, I can recommend the following free package Sharp Reader.
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: file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Local%20Settings/Campaign%20planning/michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: http://www.stonejunction.co.uk/
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: NEX003/04/08
Labels:
cashless fueling,
design engineering,
electronics,
facilities managment,
FM,
food,
military,
nexus,
pharma,
rail
Friday, 29 February 2008
New director plans to increase revenue at Nexus

Nexus GB, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Datakey Electronics, has added Michael Barrett to its senior management team. Michael joins as operations director and his responsibilities will include increasing revenue by implementing improved marketing strategies as well as streamlining the company’s administrative structure.
Michael’s CV features time at B&Q and AstraZeneca as well as Syngenta, the company that resulted from Novartis and AstraZeneca merging their agribusinesses. After leaving Syngenta, Michael worked at B&Q corporate for four and a half years, running the Surplus Store project, which was piloted in Rochdale. He was also a key member of the management team running the major warehouse revamp programme which has seen over 25 stores already rejuvenated with the rest of the estate to follow.
“While at AstraZeneca and later Syngenta, I was heavily involved in the merger processes,” explained Michael. “Later I took on some more traditional financial roles centred on management reporting, which is no small task when the organisation in question has a company in almost every country in the world! This emphasis on analysis and efficiency was later continued at B&Q and is something I propose to apply in my new role.”
Nexus GB’s focus is on growing its already strong customer base by adding business in a range of new markets, which Michael believes hold a great deal of potential. “My feeling is that Datakey Electronics provides a very strong product base, is extremely well led and invests heavily in research and development. As a result, Nexus is in a good position to take advantage of that strength in the UK.”
In late 2007, Michael spent two weeks at Datakey Electronics, visiting customers, training and attending the Embedded System conference in Boston. “My US trip really drove home that this is a long standing technology that is likely to still be current and relevant to customers in twenty years time.”
Michael is a keen runner, having completed the London Marathon in 2004 and 2005. He also enjoys spending time in the countryside, near his house in Broughton, Hampshire.
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For further information contact:
Michael Barrett, Operations director,
Nexus GB, Rushdene House,
Dodsley Grove, Midhurst, GU29 9BE
Telephone: +44 (0)1730 816502
Fax: +44 (0)1730 817393
www: www.nexusgb.co.uk
e-mail: michael@nexusgb.co.uk
Press enquiries: Richard Stone
Stone Junction, 33 Kirkdale,
Sydenham, London, SE26 4BT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8699 7743
e-mail: richards@stonejunction.co.uk
www: www.stonejunction.co.uk
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.
About Datakey Electronics: Datakey Electronics is a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of rugged, re-programmable, portable memory products. It manufactured our first memory Key in 1976. Since then its product line has expanded to include multiple form factors, all industry-standard protocols and a wide range of memory capacities. It operates in a range of rugged environments, including military, fuelling, medical, agricultural, industrial, and commercial applications. Today the company is a fully vertically-integrated manufacturer with a global base of customers including St. Jude Medical, General Dynamics, Cisco Systems, Raytheon, Siemens, Tyco Healthcare, Gilbarco, Governments, and many other multi-national corporations.
Ref: NEX001/02/08
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