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Key transfer device
- Wanted item
The UP-2101 was a small electronic transfer device
for the
distribution of cryptographic material (key-filler),
commonly referred to as Transmission Encryption Keys (TEK).
It was developed by Philips Crypto in Eindhoven (Netherlands)
in 1992, as the successor to the UP-2001,
which in turn was an alternative to the rather
limited KYK-13 filler.
Despite its potential, only a small quantity was ever produced.
It was used for example with the Philips
Spendex 40 crypto phone.
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The image on the right shows a prototype of the UP-2101. It is similar
in appearance and size to the American KYK-13
and uses the same U-283 socket for connection to the equipment.
It has a rotary switch that is used to select the mode of operation.
At the center is a red ACTIVATE button that is used in combination with
a particular setting of the mode selector.
The mode selector is also used for reading keys via the DB9 connector at
the bottom and writing them to the U-283 connector at the top.
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It has some important improvements over the KYK-13 however. First of all
is has room for 40 sets of key variables (compartments),
whereas the KYK-13 has only 6.
The required key compartment is selected by setting the 2-digit selector
at the top to the corresponding number.
This greatly increases the number of keys
that can be carried around at any time.
Another advantage is the presence of a standard serial RS-232 interface that
allowed the connection of a data-entry device, such as a barcode reader.
It was suggested that the crypto-keys could be printed on a sheet of
paper each day as a set of barcodes. The sheet could then be faxed to a
destination, using a PFDX fax encryptor. This way, the keys could be
distributed securely.
The UP-2101 supported a standard HP barcode reader.
Loading the keys into the right compartment of the UP-2101 was a matter of
seconds.
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The UP-2101 used the DS-102 protocol,
developed by the NSA,
and was suitable for all Usfa/Crypto-developed military encryption devices,
such as the Spendex 40,
Spendex-50 (DBT)
and the Trunk Encryption Device BVO.
The rightmost image above show the UP-2101 being used with
a Philips Spendex 50.
It is fitted directly to the FILL connector of the Spendex 50.
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© Copyright 2009-2012, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Mon,14 May 2012.09:42:15
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