• Product Name: Panasonic Insertable Smart Card xPAK (FZ-VSC551W)
• Compatibility: Designed for the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-55, compatible with all models and generations:
  • FZ-55 MK1 (e.g., your FZ-55CA-13VM with i7-8665U)
  • FZ-55 MK2 (e.g., the model you described with i5-1145G7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
  • FZ-55 MK3 (e.g., models with i5-1345U or i7-1370P vPro processors)
  • Supports all display variants: HD, Full HD, and Full HD Touchscreen models.
• Expansion Slot: Fits into the front expansion area of the FZ-55, one of the three user-replaceable xPAK slots (the others being the universal bay on the left and the rear expansion area).
• Purpose: Adds smart card reading capabilities to the FZ-55, enabling secure authentication for applications like Common Access Card (CAC) usage, often required in government, military, or enterprise environments for secure logins and data access.

Physical Design

• Form Factor: Compact module designed to fit seamlessly into the FZ-55’s front expansion slot, matching the laptop’s rugged aesthetic.
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches (114 x 64 x 13 mm), tailored to the FZ-55’s front expansion bay dimensions.
• Weight: Around 0.1 lbs (45 grams), lightweight to maintain the FZ-55’s portability (the FZ-55 itself weighs about 4.6 lbs with a single battery).
• Material: Constructed from durable plastic with a magnesium alloy frame, matching the FZ-55’s rugged build (MIL-STD-810G certified for shock, vibration, and temperature extremes).
• Color: Black, consistent with the FZ-55’s design (though your FZ-55 is silver, the black xPAK integrates aesthetically).

Smart Card Reader Specifications

• Card Type: Supports contact-based smart cards, specifically Common Access Cards (CAC) and other ISO/IEC 7816-compliant smart cards (e.g., PIV cards, ID cards).
  • Does not support contactless smart cards (for that, you’d need the FZ-VNF551W Contactless Smart Card xPAK, which supports ISO 14443/18092 standards at 13.56 MHz).
• Card Orientation: Insert the smart card with the chip facing down, as specified by Panasonic, to ensure proper contact with the reader’s pins.
• Interface: Connects to the FZ-55 via a proprietary internal connector in the front expansion slot, providing a direct link to the laptop’s motherboard for data transfer.
• Data Transfer Speed: Compliant with USB 2.0 standards for smart card readers, offering transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps (theoretical maximum), though actual speeds depend on the card and software (typically 1-2 Mbps for smart card operations like authentication).
• Driver Support: Requires drivers provided by Panasonic, available through the FZ-55’s support page (accessible via Panasonic’s website or the 1-800-LAPTOP5 support line). Windows 10 Pro (on your FZ-55 MK1 and the MK2 you described) automatically recognizes most CAC readers with built-in drivers, but Panasonic’s drivers ensure full compatibility.

Installation and Security Features

• User-Replaceable Design: The FZ-VSC551W is part of the FZ-55’s modular xPAK system, allowing easy installation and removal without tools:
  • Quick-Release Lever: A built-in lever enables rapid insertion or removal of the xPAK, ideal for swapping modules in the field (e.g., replacing it with a second SSD xPAK or a barcode reader).
  • Secure Lock-Down Option: Can be securely fastened using optional locking screws (part number FZ-VSW551U, a set of 14 screws, sold separately). This prevents accidental removal or theft, crucial for high-security environments.
• Installation Process:
  1. Power off the FZ-55 (recommended for safety, though the xPAK system supports hot-swapping for some modules).
  2. Open the front expansion bay cover on the FZ-55 (a small latch on the front edge).
  3. Insert the FZ-VSC551W into the slot, ensuring proper alignment with the internal connector.
  4. Secure with the quick-release lever or optional screws (using a small Phillips screwdriver).
  5. Power on the FZ-55 and install any necessary drivers if prompted.

Environmental and Durability

• Ruggedness: Matches the FZ-55’s MIL-STD-810G certification:
  • Shock and Vibration: Can withstand drops from 3 feet (0.9 meters) and vibrations typical in vehicle environments (e.g., when used with the Gamber-Johnson 7160-0578-00 docking station you asked about).
  • Temperature: Operates in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), aligning with the FZ-55’s operating range.
  • Humidity: Functions in 5% to 95% non-condensing humidity, suitable for humid or dusty field conditions.
• Ingress Protection: While the FZ-55 itself is IP53-rated (splash and dust resistant), the xPAK is sealed within the expansion bay, providing similar protection when properly installed.

Power and Compatibility

• Power Consumption: Draws power directly from the FZ-55 via the internal connector, consuming minimal power (approximately 0.5W), negligible compared to the FZ-55’s 10.8V, 6300mAh battery.
• Operating System Compatibility: Fully compatible with Windows 10 Pro (on your FZ-55 MK1 and the MK2 you described) and Windows 11 Pro (on MK3 models). Also supports enterprise security software like CAC middleware (e.g., ActivClient, OpenSC) for smart card authentication.
• Software Integration: Works with security protocols requiring smart card authentication, such as:
  • Secure logins to Windows (via Active Directory or local accounts).
  • VPN authentication.
  • Digital signatures and encryption (e.g., for email or document signing).