In literary theory it is sometimes argued that it’s the reader that adds the meaning to any given piece of text. Whether you believe that to be true or not, what is certain is that it is the user that adds the significance to a memory key or token. The potential applications are limited only by the user’s imagination.

Before you read on, get in touch to tell us about your latest application. We may be able to help – email, enquire or call +44 (0)1730 816502 now.

When we supply a token it arrives as a blank piece of memory, ready for the software to be added by the user. It is our customer’s design engineers who make our tokens work in applications ranging from cashless vending and secure communications to unattended fuelling and recipe uploads. What we do provide is the technical expertise and tools that allow a design engineer to incorporate a rugged and adaptable memory token into the plans. And, crucially, these tokens will be available for the lifetime of your device, unlike commercially available USB sticks and memory cards which, Moore’s law dictates, will be withdrawn from sale within a couple of years, leaving the designer with a machine that is almost impossible to adapt or maintain.

When this happens, the question we are asked most often is, “where do I start working with memory keys and tokens?” The simple answer is to start with a PC Based development tool kit, which allows the user to learn how to access and programme any of our memory keys or tokens. The kits have been proven to reduce research, development and production time and are supplied with the keys and tokens of your choice. They come with a sample application and sample source code, as well as a reader/writer to connect to your PC and appropriate receptacles. 

Once you understand the design process, the next step is to choose a key or token. Our keys and tokens are available with a wide range of memory, holding from 1Kbit to 1GByte of data with industry standard interface protocols including Microwire, I2C, SPI and USB. They’ve been built to withstand water, mud, dust, shock and vibration – and are often used in environments where they are exposed to chemicals, electrostatic discharge, autoclave sterilisation and extreme temperatures.

The first decision is whether you should opt for a key, token or plug. This is largely dependent on the ergonomic and aesthetic requirements of the application. Sometimes making a product look like a key can put the user in the correct frame of mind for using it. In other instances, the shape of a key would put the user off, so a token is more appropriate.

You should also consider the kind of memory needed to meet your objective. Serial EEPROM is ideally suited for low to medium data-logging, parameter/configuration upload and data storage and access control including CIK (Crypto Ignition Key).   Serial Flash or SPI keys and tokens complement our Microwire and SPI EEPROM devices. These keys or tokens are page writable and are ideally suited for high volume data logging and firmware updates.

Secure memory keys or tokens include a unique unchangeable embedded serial number which prevents duplication of data. These data carriers have 1.5Kbits of read / write EEPROM memory and are ideally suited for access control, personal identification, licensing/revision control and loyalty programmes. In contrast, managed memory tokens are specifically designed for use in OEM systems controlled by embedded microprocessors. The memory capacity ranges from 128MByte to 1GByte with both an SPI interface for direct connection to microprocessors and a USB interface to facilitate connection to PC’s.

As well as a token or key, every system we provide also requires a receptacle of some kind and choosing the correct receptacle is important. It may be that you require an Immersion rated (IP67) device including optional EMI shielding, for instance. Or you may simply require a mating unit that is easy to install and stays clean. Our standard receptacles employ a wiping action that removes dirt and residue from the contacts with every insertion and removal of the key or token.

Of course, as well as its physical requirements, the receptacle you use needs to be matched to the token. Our KC4210 range of Keyceptacles is fully compatible with all our serial and secure memory keys and is available in board mount and panel mount versions. In contrast the SR4000 range of receptacles is fully compatible with all our serial, secure memory and managed memory tokens. They are available in board mount, either through hole or surface mount and panel mount versions and different sizes.

So, in conclusion, while the process of choosing a key, token or plug and a receptacle is simple, it’s only the first step. The crux of the matter is adding the software and functionality, which is the job of the design engineer working on the application. However, we don’t abandon you once we’ve sold the product; Nexus has a history of working successfully with designers and, as well as offering full custom systems, we can modify standard products to incorporate a particular shape or embed your company logo into the device for instance. Our part is complete when we have provided you with the memory device, the expertise and the tools that allow your imagination to finish the job.

So, whether you are new to Nexus or you’ve worked with us before, get in touch to tell us about your latest application. We may be able to help – email, enquire or call +44 (0)1730 816502 now.