KYK-13

KYK-13 on display at the National Cryptologic Museum.

The KYK-13 Electronic Transfer Device is a common fill device designed by the United States National Security Agency for the transfer and loading of cryptographic keys with their corresponding check word. The KYK-13 is battery powered and uses the DS-102 protocol for key transfer. Its National Stock Number is 5810-01-026-9618.p

Even though the KYK-13 is several decades old and was supposed to have been obsoleted by the AN/CYZ-10 Data Transfer Device, it is still widely used because of its simplicity and reliability.^[1] A simpler device than the CYZ-10, the KIK-30 "Really Simple Key loader" (RASKL) is now planned to replace the KYK-13s, with up to $200 million budgeted to procure them in quantity.^[2][3]

Components

KYK-13

• P1 and J1 Connectors - Electrically the same connection. Used to connect to a fill cable, COMSEC device, KOI-18, KYX-15, another KYK-13, or AN/CYZ-10.
• Battery Compartment - Holds battery which powers KYK-13.
• Mode Switch - Three position rotary switch used to select operation modes.
  • "Z" - Used to zeroize selected keys.
  • ON - Used to fill and transfer keys.
  • OFF CHECK - Used to conduct parity checks.
• Parity Lamp - Blinks when parity is checked or fill is transferred.
• Initiate Push button - Push this button when loading or zeroizing the KYK-13.
• Address Select Switch - Seven position rotary switch.
  • "Z" ALL - Zeroizes all 6 storage registers when mode switch is set to "Z".
  • 1 THROUGH 6 - Six storage registers for storing keys in KYK-13.

References