MEMS sensor targets fingerprints

MANHASSET, N.Y. — A biometric sensor that relies on ultrasound technology is claimed to be the thinnest, most durable and accurate fingerprint sensor for wireless and smartcard applications.

The SonicSlide STS3000, which is capable of more than 10 million swipes, uses patented technology comparable to that used in medical applications. "A host of applications capabilities are now available that were not previously addressed by currently available fingerprint sensors," Steve Mansfield, Sonavation president and COO, said in a statement. The sensor is based on composite, ceramic MEMS technology, which is not affected by electrostatic discharge. The Micro-Electro Machine Systems technology is combined with advanced polymers to deliver high-resolution fingerprint images at low cost, according to the company.

The fingerprint sensor module is an array of ceramic MEMS piezoelectric transducers and advanced polymers combined with a silicon-imaging ASIC. All components are integrated into a single 35- x 14.5- x 0.25-mm package. The sensing element measure 3 mm x 14 mm x 0.1 mm.

The key imaging component is a MEMS piezoelectric transducer array made from a ceramic material. The material is formed into micro-sized pillars that mechanically oscillate when an electric field is applied. The oscillations then register in 256 shades of gray to form the ridges and valleys of a fingerprint image.

The STS3000 is designed with a "zero insertion force" interconnect so it can be integrated in most mobile handsets. It also integrates software and device drivers compatible with major mobile hardware platforms and is compatible with Symbian, Microsoft Windows Mobile and Android mobile operating systems.

The company said limited production samples are now available.