Amphenol Aerospace and Datakey Electronics Collaborate

Amphenol Aerospace, in interconnect technologies, has collaborated with Datakey Electronics, manufacturer of rugged, portable memory systems, to provide a rugged, removable storage solution.

The result of this collaboration provides designers with a ruggedized USB flash drive and panel-mount receptacle solution.

The Ruggedized Memory Terminal (RMT) integrates components from both corporations. Instead of using a standard USB type A connector, the RMT leverages Datakey Electronics SR4220PCB receptacle, which is integrated into Amphenol’s MIL-DTL-38999 connector. The receptacle mates with Datakey Electronics’ UFX RUGGEDrive memory tokens, which provide USB flash drive functionality, but have a more rugged construction and employ additional security features than consumer flash drives.

Amphenol’s high speed Oval Contact System (OCS), on the alternate side of the RMT, provides a reliable interconnect system for ruggedized computers and devices.

The SR4220PCB receptacle in the RMT has a cycle life of 50,000 insertion and removal operations minimum. Amphenol’s OCS is a high density, high speed, rugged interconnect that withstands a minimum of 500 mating cycles. The MIL-DTL-38999 connector offers the highest performance capabilities for both general duty and severe environment applications. A screw-on cover is used to provide an IP68 seal when the cover is fully mated. The cover can be used both when a UFX token is present or not.

Paul Plitzuweit, senior product manager for Datakey Electronics says: "We are very excited about this partnership, as it gives designers an ultra-rugged flash drive solution without the pitfalls of using a consumer USB receptacle."

Jared Sibrava, director of Amphenol Aerospace’s high speed solutions division says: "Coupling the Oval Contact System, MIL-DTL-38999 connector, and Datakey Electronics’ rugged USB drives and receptacles is a good fit for systems integrators as they solve complex system requirements regarding removable storage. The solution has been proven rugged and reliable for many different environments customers may face."

Designed for harsh environment applications, the RMT is for use in the defense and commercial markets. Optional configurations are available.