Homepage Crypto Index Enigma Hagelin Fialka Siemens Philips Nema Transvertex Gretag Telsy Tadiran Racal USA USSR UK Voice Hand Mixers Phones Spy sets Burst encoders Intercept Covert Radio PC Donate Kits Shop News Events Wanted Contact Links KSD-64 A Key Storage Device The KSD-64 is a so-called Key Storage Device (KSD) developed by the American NSA for use with electronic cryptographic equipment. It is manufactured by Datakey Electronics in Savage (Minnesota, USA). It is typically used as a Crypto Ignition Key (CIK) in key-splitting applications, but it can also be used for other purposes, such as a FILL key.   The image on the right shows a typical KSD-64 key, which looks like a plastic toy key. Hidden inside, is a custom-made parallel EEPROM with 64 Kbits of storage capacity. The 28 contacts of the EEPROM are situated in between the plastic teeth of the key. Devices supporting the KSD, have a so-called keyceptacle in which the key can be inserted. Once inserted, the key is activated by rotating it 90° clockwise, until it clicks. In that position, the 28 contacts of the key are connected to 28 contacts inside the keyceptacle.    The KSD-64 is no longer in production and is replaced by the compatible PK-64KC (see below) which is also available from Datakey Electronics. The images below show a typical KSD-64A key used with a Motorola SECTEL 2500 secure telephone.   Possible uses CIK - Crypto Ignition Key FK - Fill Key TAK - Terminal Activation Key SAK - Security Activation Key PK-64KC The KSD-64 has been superceeded by the compatible PK-64KC that is shown here. It has the same storage capacity as the earlier KSD-64 and fits the same keyceptacle. The only visible difference is the smaller grip. It is also manufactured by Datakey Electronics [1] .  Datasheet      Other Key Storage Devices The manufacturer of the KSD-64, Datakey Electronics, produces a wide range of different key storage devices, ranging from simple unique identifiers, to CryptoMemory storage devices. Most keys are available in a variety of different enclosures [2] .  Product overview      Examples KSD-64 Motorola SECTEL 2500 KSD-64 Motorola SECTEL 9600 DK-Series KIV-7 Glossary Below, some expressions and acronyms related to the SECTEL 2500 are explained. For additional explanations, please refer to the Crypto Glossary.   CIK   Crypto Ignition Key FK   Fill Key SAK   Security Activation Key TAK   Terminal Activation Key References Datakey Electronics, PK Series Datasheet Datakey Electronics, Memory available and standard form factors Further information KSD-64 on Wikipedia Datakey (manufacturer) website Motorola SECTEL phones KIV-7 encryption device Other US cipher machines Main crypto page Any links shown in red are currently unavailable. If you like this website, why not make a donation? © Copyright 2009-2012, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Mon,14 May 2012.09:44:15