National Semiconductor and Validity sign joint investment and manufacturing agreement for new generation of biometric security devices

Citation

(2003), "National Semiconductor and Validity sign joint investment and manufacturing agreement for new generation of biometric security devices", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723dab.001

National Semiconductor and Validity sign joint investment and manufacturing agreement for new generation of biometric security devices

National Semiconductor and Validity sign joint investment and manufacturing agreement for new generation of biometric security devices

Companies partner to design and build revolutionary flexible form-factor fingerprint sensors

Keywords: Biometrics, Fingerprints

National Semiconductor and Validity Inc., a privately funded start-up company, are partnering to develop a unique fingerprint imaging security solution for smart cards, remote controls, notebook computers, cell phones, PDAs, key fobs and other devices. National will provide analogue technologies, chip design expertise, investment capital and high-volume manufacturing capabilities. Validity will provide its patented off-chip fingerprint image acquisition technology called Validator^™. Financial terms of the agreement were not released.

"With today's heightened security concerns there is a huge, unmet need for a reliable, low-cost, error-proof biometric sensor for many kinds of electronic information devices," said Joe Montalbo, Vice-President, Custom Solutions Group, National Semiconductor. "National and Validity will build and deliver a world-class security product that is so robust and adaptable that it can be built into a wide variety of devices."

The Validator consists of an integrated hardware and software solution. It measures finger pressure, speed and position, and creates an image of a fingerprint. The user's finger never touches silicon so there are no wear or static discharge issues. Security is dramatically enhanced due to a unique swipe-sensor design that leaves no latent fingerprints on the device. The Validator is also OEM-friendly and highly customisable due to its bendable construction and built-in reprogrammable FLASH memory.

The heart of the system is a National 16 bit microprocessor and analogue-processing unit that has 288 scanning channels. It generates a high-quality 12.5 mm wide image at resolutions up to 500 dots per inch (dpi). Users swipe their finger across the sensor, which accepts only good-quality scans.

About the Biometric security market

Biometric security devices are built around the fact that each individual has unique features. Biometric security solutions currently on the market include face, voice, eye, signature, hand and finger scan products. According to the International Biometrics Group (IBG), a leading industry analyst firm, the worldwide market for biometric security products will reach more than $1 billion in 2003, with fingerprint scan technologies accounting for nearly 49 per cent of this total. The market is expected to grow by more than 40 per cent in 2004.

For further information, please contact: Brett Minifie, Validity Inc. Tel: (413) 493-7711; E-mail: bminifie@validityinc.com