ANNOUNCING: RUGGEDrive™ PORTABLE MEMORY
Are you considering using a consumer memory device in your embedded application? If so, it is important to realize the pros and cons of that approach, as well as your other options.
SD Cards and USB flash drives may have wide-spread
availability, 
but that availability is often a detriment to OEMs that use these memory devices in their embedded systems. Because an OEM's customer can purchase these devices from both local and online sources, there is no way for the OEM to control which devices are used with their system. Non-qualified, incompatible, and non-rugged devices may not operate properly, making customers unhappy and creating expensive support nightmares for OEMs. Securing the data on these consumer memory devices is another challenge.
On the other hand, the new RUGGEDrive™ family of memory tokens from Datakey Electronics provides a more OEM-friendly solution, giving OEMs high memory capacity and high throughput without the downsides of consumer memory devices. The RUGGEDrive line delivers SD card or USB flash drive functionality with:
The RUGGEDrive line consists of two different memory token series:
 The DFX Memory Token delivers SD card functionality.
Memory Capacity: 4GB Standard (8GB, 16GB, 32GB
available)
Interface: Secure Digital (SD), including SPI Mode.
 The UFX Memory Token delivers USB flash drive functionality.
Memory Capacity: 4GB Standard (8GB, 16GB, 32GB
available)
Interface:
USB 2.0 High Speed
Both RUGGEDrive tokens come in Datakey Electronics’ field-proven Extended SlimLine™ form factor, which has a full family of proven, high cycle-life mating receptacle options, including PCB-mount (THT & SMT) and panel-mount (including IP-Rated) versions. The robust design of both 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.
ULTRA-RUGGED CONSTRUCTION
The RUGGEDrive memory tokens are constructed using Datakey Electronics’ industry leading over-molding process. All electronics are completely encapsulated with a proprietary, high-durability, composite plastic material that has been used in harsh industrial and military environments for decades.
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Rugged construction allows for use in environments where consumer memory products would not survive.
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Use of the field-proven SlimLine™ token contact system eliminates the downsides of SD and USB connectors, which are easily damaged and don't perform well in tough industrial environments.
INCREASED SECURITY: UNIQUE FORM-FACTOR & CONTROLLED AVAILABILITY
 The RUGGEDrive memory tokens' unique form-factor inherently increases data security. It virtually assures that only approved devices are used and it substantially reduces the risk of malicious files being uploaded to the OEM system from the portable data carrier.
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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.
- Because Datakey Electronics only sells to OEMs, this controlled availability further assures that only approved devices are used. This process also provides OEMS with an additional source of revenue through the sale of memory tokens. With consumer memory products, this revenue typically goes to retailers.
The UFX RUGGEDrive memory token contains additional features that can enhance security. Because the UFX functions as a USB flash drive, it has a USB Product ID and Vendor ID that are unique to the RUGGEDrive line. This, along with unique form factor, can help ensure that only authorized products are used.
Each UFX memory token also contains a unique, non-changeable serial number. This can be used to "marry" a token to a particular embedded device or can be used as part of an encyrption seed to protect the data on the token and make sure it cannot be copied.
HIGH CYCLE LIFE, IP-RATED RECEPTACLES
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 1,500 cycles.
Important: It has been said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For consumer memory products, the connector system is often the weakest link. Even so-called “industrial” versions of SD cards, USB flash drives and Compact Flash cards use standard, (non-industrial) consumer connectors. These connectors are often easily damaged and are characterized by low cycle-life ratings, poor vibration performance, no moisture protection and physical compatibility with non-compatible versions. With Datakey Electronics’ RUGGEDrive system, environmental ratings apply to both the data carrier and the mating receptacle. Datakey Electronics manufactures both parts of this system and therefore controls the entire system’s specifications. The RUGGEDrive memory tokens and IP-rated receptacles are designed to withstand: high temperatures, shock & vibration, high-humidity/wash-down, immersion, salt-fog, chemicals, ESD, etc.
An SD card receptacle footprint (black outline) is
>60%
larger than the SR4220PCB footprint (blue outline).
Click here to learn how RUGGEDrive products compare to consumer memory products like SD cards and USB flash drives, as well as Datakey Electronics' other portable memory systems.
Both the DFX and UFX RUGGEDrive memory tokens are available in six standard colors. The RUGGEDrive tokens can be customized to include the OEM's company or product logo molded into the token. Each RUGGEDrive memory token has a PC adapter available that provides easy connection to PCs through a standard USB port.
DEVELOPMENT KITS
 The RUGGEDrive family includes two low-cost development kits--one for DFX systems and one for UFX systems. Development kits include two 4GByte tokens, a PCB-mount receptacle, a panel-mount receptacle, a PC adapter for easy connection to a PC, and mating interface cables (as needed). Please contact the factory for additional information.
To learn more about the DFX and UFX RUGGEDrive memory tokens, their mating receptacles or development kits, please check out the links on the right column or contact the factory to speak with one of our engineers.
Call 1-800-328-8828 (1-952-746-4066) or email us for more information.
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