Wibu-Systems has introduced CmStick/BMC, a miniature dongle with flash memory and the latest generation of the company’s hardware elements for the secure licensing of digital assets and Intellectual Property. The device incorporates new innovative components in its architectural design for an extremely compact and elegant layout that meets the needs of manufacturers of intelligent devices, particularly those in industrial environments subject to extreme conditions and rough handling.

The innovative SiP (System in Package) technology provides a new level of robustness. With recent advances in miniaturization, the USB connector no longer projects from the body of the unit, but has become an integral part of the case itself. This new engineering approach shrinks down the overall size of the dongle to become the smallest model with flash memory available on the market, and makes it resistant to pressure, vibrations, and humidity. The dongle measures only 12.1 mm x 22 mm x 4.5 mm (0.48 in. x 0.87 in. x 0.18 in) and weighs only 3.1 g (0.11 oz.).

Like all other secure hardware elements in the CodeMeter® product lineup, the CmStick/BMC embeds the most sophisticated smart card chip from Infineon, the SLM97, a security controller optimized for industrial M2M applications that offers exceptional endurance over an extended temperature range to suit ruggedized industrial environments and usage conditions.

This new breed of dongles is available with 16 GB 2-bit MLC (multi-level cell) flash memory. For faster data transfer, the unit is equipped with a USB 3.1 interface; for more reliable data retention, the dongle relies on Hyperstone’s U9 flash controller and their patented hymap© firmware; for even greater data security, an encrypted partition - Secure Disk - is enumerated and handled with CodeMeter API, while it remains invisible to regular users.

CmStick/BMC will be on display at SPS IPC Drives, November 28-30, 2017, in Nuremberg, Germany at Wibu-Systems Exhibit, hall 7, booth 660, as well as in hall 3, booth 260. The device is one of 5 nominees for the 2017 Automation Awards.

Oliver Winzenried, CEO and founder of Wibu-Systems, is thrilled by the plaudits the new technology has already won: “Pre-series production of CmStick/BMC has just started, and we already have customers on our waiting list for the additional batches that are being readied. When you pioneer a field, the design and manufacturing processes are quite challenging; it’s the result you envision that drives all the necessary efforts. With this new security device, we invite system integrators, machine builders, and plant operators to take control over their digital assets using existing and cutting-edge technologies that monetize their business by leveraging effective cybersecurity measures”.