DIGISTOR Citadel K 1 TB Solid State Drive - M.2 2280 Internal - PCI Express NVMe - TAA Compliant

The DIGISTOR Citadel K 1TB NVMe SSD is purpose-built for secure, autonomous operation in demanding environments. Designed for headless deployments, this M.2 2280 drive combines blistering NVMe performance with hardware-based encryption to protect data at rest. In field applications like UAVs, tactical edge devices, and other remote systems, the Citadel K series unlocks only when an authorized USB security key is present, ensuring that boot and data access remain shielded from unauthorized users. With TAA compliance and a focus on reliability, this drive is engineered to endure the rigors of real-world deployments while delivering fast storage performance when you need it most. Whether you’re upgrading an unmanned vehicle, an industrial controller, or a rugged remote device, the Citadel K 1TB delivers both speed and security in a compact, easily integrated package.

• Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with AES-256 encryption: Hardware-based, on-device encryption protects all data at rest. Access is controlled by the drive’s protected keying material, ensuring that sensitive information remains encrypted even if the device is physically removed or stolen. This capability adds an essential layer of security for remote and headless systems where physical security cannot be guaranteed.
• USB security key unlock for boot and access: The Citadel K requires an authorized USB security key to unlock and boot, providing a highly secure, two-factor-style protection mechanism. This feature helps prevent unauthorized booting and data exposure, making it ideal for applications where devices may be left unattended in the field.
• 1 TB capacity in a compact M.2 2280 form factor: A generous capacity for operating systems, flight control software, telemetry, and mission data. The slim M.2 2280 design makes it easy to integrate into laptops, embedded boards, UAVs, and other compact systems without sacrificing space or performance.
• PCIe NVMe interface for fast read/write performance: Delivers high-speed data transfer with low latency, enabling rapid OS boot, fast application loading, and efficient handling of large data streams common in surveillance, sensor fusion, and real-time analytics workflows.
• TAA compliant and built for rugged, headless environments: The Citadel K line is designed to meet government procurement standards and operate reliably in demanding outdoor or remote settings, where access to hardware and maintenance can be limited and security is paramount.

Technical Details of DIGISTOR Citadel K 1TB NVMe SSD

• Capacity: 1 TB
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: PCIe NVMe
• NVMe Protocol Compliance: NVMe (access optimized for high throughput and low latency)
• Security: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with AES-256 XTS encryption; USB security key unlock for boot
• Security Compliance: TAA compliant
• Typical Applications: Headless systems, UAVs, tactical edge devices, remote sensors, industrial controllers
• Operating Conditions (general): Designed for reliability in challenging environments (specifics provided by vendor guidelines)

How to install DIGISTOR Citadel K 1TB NVMe SSD

• Prepare your system: Power down completely, unplug any power sources, and discharge static electricity before handling the motherboard or embedded board.
• Insert the drive: Align the Citadel K with the M.2 slot on the host board. Insert at the correct angle and press down to seat the connector firmly. Secure with the mounting screw if required by your board.
• Connect the USB security key: Ensure you have your authorized USB security key ready. The system will require this key to unlock and boot, so keep it accessible but secure during the initial setup.
• Power up and unlock: Power on the device. The firmware will wait for the USB security key to authenticate before unlocking the drive and proceeding with boot or OS installation. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.
• Install or configure your OS/data: Once unlocked, proceed with OS installation, data migration, or application setup as you would with any NVMe drive. Ensure encryption keys are managed securely and documented according to your security policy.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Citadel K 1TB NVMe SSD best used for? It’s designed for headless, secure deployments where physical access is limited and data-at-rest protection is critical, such as UAVs, remote sensors, tactical edge devices, and rugged industrial systems.
• How do I unlock the drive? The drive unlocks only when an authorized USB security key is inserted. This provides a hardware-backed protection model that prevents boot or data access without the key.
• Is this drive compatible with standard PCs, laptops, and embedded boards? Yes. The M.2 2280 form factor and PCIe NVMe interface are widely supported by modern systems. Some headless or security-focused configurations may require BIOS/firmware settings aligned with NVMe devices and USB authentication.
• What security features does it include? The drive is a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with AES-256 XTS encryption and requires an authorized USB security key to unlock, providing robust protection for data at rest and during boot.
• Is the drive compliant with government or regulatory standards? The Citadel K line is TAA compliant, making it suitable for certain government, defense, and regulated environments where procurement and audit requirements apply.