Mar 24 2010
AuthenTec (Nasdaq: AUTH), a leading provider of security, identity management and touch control solutions, announced that its ATW310 (initially developed by Atrua which was later acquired by AuthenTec) fingerprint sensor has been integrated into a new, low cost fingerprint development kit unveiled today by Texas Instruments.
The kit simplifies biometric feature adoption and reduces time to market for designers of fingerprint-enabled physical access control products such as electronic door locks and time and attendance monitoring systems, as well as data storage, USB smart keys, and other portable devices.
TI's TMDXBDKFP5515 Fingerprint Development Kit (FDK) combines AuthenTec's ATW310 with its new low power C5515 digital signal processor (DSP) to provide fast and accurate fingerprint matching by leveraging the strength of the DSP to perform critical functions in the fingerprint algorithm such as filtering, sorting and transforming. Systems based on the C5515 FDK will allow users to unlock a door, a memory key, PC or other devices with the simple swipe of a finger.
"We wanted to create a development kit that can perform fast, accurate fingerprint matching and is cost-effective, which is why we chose to include a fingerprint sensor from AuthenTec, a proven, high-volume leader in the fingerprint sensor market," said Fei Gao, product marketing manager for the C5000 DSP Group at Texas Instruments. "System designers will appreciate the performance and robustness of our C5515 FDK, driven in part by our C55x DSP architecture, which offers code execution efficiency and reduced power consumption -- important considerations in today's portable, battery-powered fingerprint applications."
"We're very pleased to collaborate with leading DSP provider Texas Instruments on this innovative new integration platform that accelerates time to market for system designers, particularly those who are new to fingerprint sensor applications," said Dave Coons, AuthenTec's Director of Mobile Systems Marketing. "The ATW310 provides an easy to integrate, simple solution for fingerprint authentication on TI's C5515 processor."
AuthenTec's ATW310 is a small form factor fingerprint sensor offering the low power and memory efficiency needed for fast fingerprint recognition in today's mobile and access control devices. AuthenTec acquired the ATW310 product and associated inventories through its purchase of the assets of Atrua Technologies, Inc. in July 2009, including its technologies and IP. In addition, a number of former Atrua employees in China joined the AuthenTec team following the acquisition and have been instrumental in several new opportunities.
The TMDXBDKFP5515 Fingerprint Development Kit is a complete signal chain solution available now for only $79 USD from TI and TI authorized dealers. With a core board measuring only 30mm by 30mm and an extension board at 70mm by 30mm, the C5515 kit meets portable application requirements and the two board architecture provides great design flexibility, allowing customers to reuse their designs to develop scalable product lines.