Rugged USB Flash drives and SD cards

Computer/Embedded Technology

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28 August 2019 Computer/Embedded Technology

Datakey Electronics’ new RUGGEDrive line of portable memory solutions offers the data storage and transfer capabilities of consumer-grade USB Flash drives and SD cards in a more reliable and secure package.

The unique form factor and rugged design of the RUGGEDrive line provide embedded system designers with a base level of security and reliable harsh-environment operation that consumer memory products fail to deliver.

The memory tokens are constructed using a solid over-moulding process. A rugged, composite plastic protects internal components and allows use in harsh environments. Unlike consumer memory products, RUGGEDrive tokens can withstand conditions typical in demanding military, industrial, commercial and medical settings, such as extreme temperatures, rough use, sterilisation, chemical exposure, static electricity, dust, dirt, moisture, shock and vibration. The use of industry-standard protocols (USB 2.0, SDHC/SPI) allows the memory tokens to be easily integrated into embedded controllers, single-board computers and industrial PCs.

RUGGEDrive memory tokens only interface with Datakey Electronics’ mating receptacles, which provides a base level of security and helps overcome the drawbacks of USB Flash drive and SD card connectors. The unique, physical connection between the receptacle and token ensures that data on tokens cannot be readily transferred to unauthorised PCs that lack RUGGEDrive receptacles.

Likewise, RUGGEDrive receptacles help protect embedded devices from viruses and other malicious files, as consumer memory devices have nowhere to plug in. The receptacles are rated for 50 000 cycles and can withstand use in harsh environments, whereas most consumer-grade USB and SD connectors are only rated for 1500 and 10 000 cycles, respectively, and are not intended for harsh-environment operation.

The RUGGEDrive line features two families of memory devices. The UFX memory token provides USB Flash drive functionality, and the DFX memory token provides SD card functionality. Both tokens come standard with 4 GB of non-volatile memory, with larger capacities (up to 32 GB) available.

RUGGEDrive receptacles feature multiple mounting options, including through-hole, surface-mount and panel-mount versions. Panel-mount receptacles are available in IP65, IP67 and EMI reduction versions to meet the needs of harsh environment applications.

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Rugged USB Flash drives and SD cards

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