HP 46084A and 46082 HP-HIL modules - Whatsit?

[rprosperi]

It's a security ID dongle for workstations. I found this description in the June 1987 HP Journal:

HP-HIL Security ID Module, HP 46084A. The ID Module allows users to run secured application software. It returns an identification number for identifying the computer user and is used in application programs to control access to program functions, data bases, and networks.

One of the most frustrating naming conventions HP chose is HP-HIL, for Human Interface Link while simultaneously also using HP-IL for Interface Loop, which have literally nothing to do with each other.