|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto USA FILL NSA DS-102 CYZ-10 → ← KYK-13
Net Control Device · NCD
- this page is a stub
AN/KYX-15 is a portable battery-operated key storage and transfer
device, also known as a Net Control Device (NCD), developed around 1976
by the US National Security Agency
(NSA).
It can store up to 16 keys with a length of 128 bits each,
and can be filled by a KOI-18, KYK-13 or by
another KYX-15.
When connected to compatible COMSEC (radio) equipment,
it can be used for Advanced Remote Keying.
Also known by its National Stock Number (NSN) 5895-01-026-9619.
|
The device measures 280 × 115 × 45 mm and weights 1.5 kg.
The controls are at the right 1/3 of the case and are protected
by a hinged lid. At the top right is a U-283/U connector (the 6-pin
variant of the U-229) by which it can be connected to a compatible
radio or another fill device.
The KYK-13 fill device
(or equivalent) is the only device that can be fitted directly to this
connector. In all other cases, a fill cable is required.
The device has 16 compartments for 128-bit keys, each of which can
be activated by a toggle switch marked with the corresponding
number.
|
|
|
|
The KYX-15 can be used to transfer a single key, but can also update
multiple keys in a single transfer. Furthermore, multiple 128-bit keys
can be concatenated to form a single longer key.
One of the unique properties of the KYX-15 is that it can be used to
generated new 128-bit keys that are compatible with a wide variety of
equipment. This features was intended for small closed groups, and
circumvents the laborious task of key generation and distribution by
the cipher authority.
When used with a KY-57 voice/data encryptor, the KYX-15 can
be used for Over-The-Air-Rekeying (OTAR).
In case of an emergency,
all keys can be destroyed from the control panel.
|
|
The desired mode of operation is selected with the 9-position rotary
switch shown below. It is shown here in the OFF position. The outer two
settings (Z SEL and Z ALL) can only be selected after depressing the
metal spring marked DEPRESS.
|
Z SEL Zeroize selected compartments OFF CK Power off / check key compartment LD Load VG Variable Generate AK Automatic Keying MK Manual Keying RV Receive Variable VU Variable Update Z ALL Zeroize All compartments
|
|
In case of an emergency, all keys should be destroyed. This is known as
zeroizing. By convention, zeroizing is always a two-step procedure.
In the case of the KYX-15, it requires the spring – marked DEPRESS – to be
depressed and selecting one of the two zeroize settings: Z SEL or Z ALL.
When selecting Z SEL, only the selected key compartments are purged. These
are the compartments of which the address selector (i.e. the toggle switch)
is in the ON position. When selecting Z ALL (as shown here),
all key compartments are purged, regardless of the setting of the switches.
|
|
|
|
|
Compatible devices on this website
|
|
|
The KYX-15 is housed in a die-cast aluminium enclosure that consists of
two pieces: a bottom panel and a case shell with the controls. The interior
can be accessed by removing 6 screws from the bottom panel, after which
the two case halfs can be separated, as shown in the image above.
The interior can be divided into three areas: (1) the wiring of the controls
at the far left, (2) the electronic circuits at the centre, and (3) the
battery compartment at the far right. The electronic circuits consist of
three stacked printed circuit boards (PCBs), held together by a metal
frame. The PCBs are inserted into a backplane that also connects it
to the wiring of the control panel.
|
|
When we obtained our KYX-15, it was in unknown condition. The exterior
had been repainted professionally and the mode selector knob had been
replaced by an incorrect type. From a closer inspection we learned that
the interior was complete, but that the mode selector — a 9 position
rotary switch — was broken and beyond repair.
|
|
Below the hinged lid of the KYX-15 is a 6-pin U-229 connector
(actually a U-283/U). By means of a fill cable, this receptacle can be
connected to a crypto device, to a key transfer device like the
KYK-13, or to another KYX-15.
Below is the pinout when looking into the receptacle.
Note that this device does not support the REQ/ACK signal on pin C.
|
GND Ground MUX Multiplex REQ Request INFO Data IA Clock ORF Override
|
|
Device Net Control Device (fill deice) Purpose Key storage and distribution Model KYX-15, KYX-15A Manufacturer NSA Year 1976 Country USA Developer National Security Agency (NSA) Manufacturer ? NSN 5895-01-026-9619 Designator ON190303 Classification Unclassified CCI Protocol DS-102 Key length 128 bits (including checksum) Checksum 8-bit CRC Power Battery 6V, BA-1372/U, BA-5372/U Dimensions 280 × 115 × 45 mm Weight 1.5 kg
|
Model KYX-15A NSN 5810-01-095-1312 Designator ON274276 Difference Battery compartment at bottom
|
- Local key generation
- Over The Air Rekeying (OTAR) (with KY-57, KG-84)
|
|
|
|
Any links shown in red are currently unavailable.
If you like the information on this website, why not make a donation?
© Crypto Museum. Created: Friday 26 April 2024. Last changed: Thursday, 03 July 2025 - 06:57 CET.
|
 |
|
|
|
