Nexus GB, the exclusive UK distributor of Datakey Electronics' range of rugged portable memory products, has launched a new range of high-capacity serial flash memory keys, tokens and a compatible SlimLine extended token, featuring a capacity of up to 64 Mbit (8MByte).
Called the SFX range, the keys and token’s large memory size and fast bus speed give designers of microprocessor-controlled systems the capability to easily and reliably move large amounts of data in and out of their device, without the need for a network connection. Because of the requirements of industrial use and the short lifespan of consumer products, using a USB key or HD card for this kind of project is impractical. In contrast, these new products carry the Datakey guarantee of longevity.
This gives original equipment manufacturers the capability to perform firmware updates in the field and easily log even large amounts of data. Applications include the initial flash load of firmware on a production line, allowing further firmware revisions to be easily loaded, recipe uploads and data capture to help fulfil traceability and validation requirements. The new tokens eliminate the need to have a separate firmware loading connector, and remove the logistics problems caused by procuring pre-programmed microprocessors or PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory) in advance.
The 32Mbit memory in the keys and tokens is accessed by a high speed Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) compatible bus with up to 25MHz clock rate.
Because the new keys and tokens are backward compatible with Nexus’ existing range of receptacles, designers have the option of building more than one function into a new device. This could mean multi tiered access control, using the older low capacity keys or tokens, and firmware updates, data logging and recipe uploads with the new high capacity versions, for instance.
These 32Mbit data carriers feature solid moulded construction, rugged wear resistant exteriors and long-lasting contacts. As a result, unlike cards, consumer portable memory (compact flash, USB FOBs, MMC, etc.) and other data carriers that can easily fail, the key’s body protects the embedded memory chip from physical damage and harsh environmental influences. In fact, Datakey Electronics’ products can be sterilised, dropped in the mud, washed, exposed to electromagnetic fields or chemicals and even run over with a small truck and they will still work!
The SFK32Mbit and SFX32Mbit have a complete line of support peripherals including mating receptacles, reader/writers and development kits for design engineers.