The Datakey Electronics RUGGEDrive portable memory line will give OEMs USB flash drive or SD card functionality in a more robust, secure package, according to Datakey (see the figure). The company claims that the introduction of the RUGGEDrive line gives embedded system designers the functionality of SD cards and USB flash drives, but also delivers ultra-rugged construction, increased security, IP-rated receptacles, high cycle-life, and controlled availability.

The RUGGEDrive line consists of two different memory token series: the DFX memory token, which delivers SD card functionality and has a memory capacity up to 32 Gbytes and a secure digital (SD) interface, including SPI mode, and the UFX Memory Token, which delivers USB flash drive functionality, and has a memory capacity of up to 32 Gbytes and a USB 2.0 high speed interface.

Both RUGGEDrive tokens come in Datakey Electronics’ Extended SlimLine form factor, which has a full family of high cycle-life making receptacle options, including a PCB-mount (THT and SMT) and panel-mount (including IP-rated) versions. Datakey claims that the design of the RUGGEDrive memory tokens and receptacles provides OEMs with a portable memory system that has superior mechanical, environmental, and ergonomic performance when compared to consumer memory products.

The memory tokens are constructed using Datakey’s over-molding process, which allows for use in environments where consumer memory products would not survive, and eliminates the downsides of SD and USB connectors, which are easily damaged.

Datakey also claims that the RUGGEDrive memory tokens form-factor increases data security, because it assures that only approved devices are used and substantially reduces the risk of malicious files being uploaded to the OEM system from the portable data carrier.

RUGGEDrive tokens do not fit in "just any PC" without the tokens' specific adapter. Similarly, unauthorized devices (e.g. consumer memory products) do not fit in the RUGGEDrive receptacles, protecting the OEM system from exposure to possible viruses, trojans or other malware.

The RUGGEDrive memory tokens mate with Datakey Electronics’ high-performance SlimLine receptacles:

• Multiple (6) PCB-mount (both THT and SMT) options
• Multiple (7) panel-mount (both front- and behind-mount) options.
• IP65 and IP67 (immersion-rated) options
• EMI reduction options also available

All RUGGEDrive receptacles are rated for 50,000 cycles--over 30-times more than USB Type A connectors, which are typically rated for only 1500 cycles.

The RUGGEDrive family includes two low-cost development kits--one for DFX systems and one for UFX systems. Development kits include two 4-Gbyte tokens, a PCB-mount receptacle, a panel-mount receptacle, a PC adapter for easy connection to a PC, and mating interface cables (as needed).

Datakey Electronics
http://www.datakeyelectronics.com/

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