Datakey portable memory system achieves 60% reduction in size

19th November 2024

Sheryl Miles

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ATEK Access Technologies announces the release of the Mini-Bar series, the latest addition to its Datakey brand of rugged portable memory products. Consisting of portable memory tokens and mating receptacles, the Mini-Bar series provides embedded systems designers with a robust memory key that can be used as a credential for access control or to store and transfer data.

Designed for small, hand-held applications, the Mini-Bar portable memory system minimises the receptacle footprint while maintaining a memory token size that is easily handled, all while providing robust environmental performance.

As the name suggests, Mini-Bar memory tokens and receptacles are miniaturised versions of the Datakey Bar series of products. Mini-Bar receptacle models are more than 60% smaller than the equivalent Bar receptacle models and are offered in two versions. The MBRHN model features an eight-pin header connector and measures 0.64” x 0.58” x 0.53” (16.3 x 14.7 x 13.6mm). The MBRFN model measures 0.64” x 0.58” x 0.36” (16.3 x 14.7 x 9.1mm) and uses a special interface board with an FFC/FPC connector. The receptacles are available with or without an adhesive gasket and achieve an IP67 seal when properly mounted.

Mini-Bar memory tokens are slightly larger than a microSD card but are thicker, stronger, and easier to handle. Currently, there are four memory token models available – all use serial EEPROM. Memory capacity options include 16Kbits or 256Kbits with either an SPI or I2C serial interface. In 2025, additional Mini-Bar memory tokens will be introduced featuring Microchip’s CryptoAuthentication secure memory ICs.

“Datakey Bar memory tokens and receptacles were released in 2009 and have become a popular choice for credentials in cryptographic products in the US and Europe,” said Paul Plitzuweit, Senior Product Manager for the Datakey line. “The trend for these cryptographic products, and for many embedded systems, has been toward decreasing sizes over time. The Mini-Bar system aims to strike the perfect balance by reducing the size of the receptacle as much as possible while ensuring that the ‘key’ (or credential) is still easy to handle.”

Customers in North America can purchase Datakey Mini-Bar memory tokens and receptacles and get more information by contacting ATEK Access Technologies. In Europe, the products are available through authorised distributors Nexus Industrial Memory and Milexia.