ATEK Introduces Datakey Mini-Bar, the World’s Smallest Crypto Ignition Key
New CIK memory system is 60% smaller than previous designs while maintaining MIL-STD-810 durability.
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A Mini-Bar memory token inserts into a Mini-Bar receptacle, sliding over its spring-probe contacts.
ATEK Access Technologies has announced the availability of the Datakey Mini-Bar, the world’s smallest Crypto Ignition Key (CIK) portable memory system. Samples are now available, and production orders are being accepted.
Crypto Ignition Keys are portable memory devices used as credentials to enable or disable cryptographic equipment. Since introducing its first CIK in 1986, Datakey products have continually evolved to meet changing security and deployment requirements. A key trend in this evolution has been the reduction of size, weight, and power (SWaP). The new Mini-Bar advances this trend further, delivering a 60% size reduction compared to the existing Datakey Bar series while maintaining the same MIL-STD-810 environmental specifications.
Measuring just 21 mm × 15 mm, the Mini-Bar memory token is only slightly larger than a microSD card but remains easy to handle in tactical and embedded environments. Mini-Bar tokens are available with serial EEPROM capacities of 16 Kbit and 256 Kbit, supporting SPI or I²C interfaces. Versions incorporating Microchip CryptoAuthentication™ secure memory ICs are planned, along with customized variants using customer-specified integrated circuits.
Shown next to a ruler for scale, Mini-Bar products (left) and Bar products (right) are placed side-by-side for comparison. The 60% reduction in size makes the Mini-Bar an ideal choice for mobile and hand-held embedded applications.
The Mini-Bar system includes newly designed receptacles that can be mounted in the corner of an enclosure, minimizing both internal volume and front-panel space requirements. Two receptacle options are available:
- MBRHN Mini-Bar receptacle with an 8-pin header connector, measuring 16.3 mm × 15.8 mm × 13.7 mm
- MBRFN Mini-Bar receptacle with seven flat targets, measuring 16.3 mm × 15.8 mm × 9.1 mm, designed for use with FFC/FPC interface boards
Both receptacles are offered with or without an adhesive gasket and can achieve an IP67 seal when properly installed.
“The Mini-Bar employs the same proven slide-in/slide-out design, corner mounting, and MIL-STD-810 environmental performance as the Bar series, but in a form factor that is more than 60% smaller,” said Paul Plitzuweit, Senior Product Manager for the Datakey product line. “This makes it ideal for next-generation cryptographic devices with portable or embedded use cases. Beyond CIK applications, any embedded system requiring robust removable memory for access control or secure data transfer can benefit from this design.”
The Datakey Mini-Bar is aimed at tactical, mobile, and handheld systems where secure removable memory, durability, and minimal footprint are critical.
The Mini-Bar receptacle can be mounted in a corner of a device, minimizing the required front panel space and internal volume required. An RJ45 Ethernet jack is shown for size comparison.
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