USB Dongle with FRAM Technology Offers 200 Years of Data Storage

Machdyne, a pioneering tech company based in Germany, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking USB dongle equipped with FRAM technology, promising unparalleled long-term data storage capabilities exceeding 200 years. This innovative device, known as the Blaustahl dongle, represents a significant leap forward in the realm of data security and preservation.

The Blaustahl dongle is a marvel of engineering, featuring an 8Kbyte Fujitsu FRAM paired with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and 4Mbytes of traditional NOR flash for firmware support. The FRAM component, in particular, stands out for its ability to store four pages of text, equivalent to approximately 8000 characters, making it ideal for safeguarding sensitive information like passwords or cryptocurrency wallets. Remarkably, this cutting-edge technology boasts a lifespan of up to 95 years at +55 °C and an astonishing 200 years at +35 °C, with an endurance of 10^12 read/write cycles at +85 °C.

One of the key advantages of the Blaustahl dongle is its seamless integration with various systems, thanks to the Raspberry Pi microcontroller. By leveraging the USB-CDC protocol, users can access the FRAM storage without the need for complex drivers or operating system dependencies. This user-friendly approach allows the dongle to be effortlessly plugged into any computer, enabling access through popular serial communication programs like PuTTY, Tera Term, Minicom, or screen, which support VT100 emulation and feature a built-in text editor for added convenience.

Despite its impressive features, it is worth noting that the current version of the Blaustahl dongle does not come equipped with encryption capabilities. However, Machdyne has announced plans to introduce encryption support through a future open-source firmware update, further enhancing the security features of this innovative storage device. This commitment to ongoing improvement underscores Machdyne's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its users and ensuring the utmost protection of their data.

In the unlikely event that the USB interface becomes obsolete or the RP2040 microcontroller malfunctions, users can rest assured that their data remains accessible. Machdyne has designed the Blaustahl dongle with a failsafe mechanism, allowing for data recovery using a SOP-8 test clip, even in challenging circumstances. The FRAM IC, identified by the marking RS64, ensures that data integrity is maintained, providing peace of mind to users in any scenario.