Adapter Safeguards Logged Data

Datakey Read-Only DFX PC Adapter is the latest addition to the DFX RUGGEDrive Series of Secure Digital (SD) memory devices. It works to prevent accidental deletion or modification of recorded data without the need for a read/write switch.

The adapter functions much like an SD card reader, except that it works with Datakey DFX RUGGEDrive memory tokens, which are SD cards molded into Datakey’s proprietary RUGGEDrive token form-factor. 

When plugged into a computer’s USB port, the adapter prevents modifications or deletions to the data stored on the inserted memory token.  The combination of the memory token and read-only adapter gives embedded designers a removable memory solution that safeguards logged data once the token has been removed from the embedded host.

The non-standard form-factor of the RUGGEDrive memory tokens limit the opportunities for the memory devices to be used in inappropriate ways. If a memory device doesn’t plug in directly to a computer, tablet, smartphone or camera, it is much less likely that the data on that device will be accidentally deleted or modified. Of course, sometimes it is necessary to transfer data from the proprietary memory device to a computer.  For these occasions, Datakey offers adapters that plug in to a USB port. The standard adapters allow read/write access, where the new adapter only allows read access.

How it works:

1. The embedded host utilizes a Datakey DFX RUGGEDrive memory token for data storage/transfer. The DFX token plugs into a Datakey receptacle. The embedded processor then records data to the inserted DFX memory token, communicating to the Secure Digital device using SD or SPI mode.
2. When a transfer of the recorded data is desired, the token may be removed from the receptacle. Although the DFX memory token is essentially an SD card, the proprietary shape and contact system prevents it from being used in standard devices, as it physically won’t plug-in to SD, USB or other standard ports.
3. To transfer the data to a computer, the Read-Only DFX PC Adapter is used. The adapter plugs-in to a USB port and functions as an SD card reader, but only works with Datakey DFX RUGGEDrive memory tokens. The adapter prevents the PC from modifying or deleting the data on the token.  The data can only be read or transferred to the PC.

The protection afforded by the proprietary form factor of these devices is only effective if access to the adapters is limited, so ATEK controls the availability of its Datakey products by only selling direct to qualified OEM customers domestically and through special authorized distributors internationally. This allows OEMs to control which memory tokens and adapters their end users have access to.