Biometric Sensor Has The Touch For PC Security

A tiny fingerprint sensor provides a comprehensive answer for protecting PC users against security threats like identity theft, forgotten passwords, and fake finger spoofing. The EntrePad 1610 is built to take advantage of the Trusted Computing Group's (TCG) version 1.2 Trusted Platform Module (TPM) specifications and Microsoft Vista Secure Startup.

The sensor offers secure matcher and local fingerprint template storage in sensor flash instead of on the hard-disk drive. This creates strong security with upgradeability to protect against future spoofs or other PC threats. Its "always authentication" feature requires users to authenticate virtually every action on the PC, from opening applications or files to sending e-mails.

The 12- by 5-mm sensor quickly captures fingerprints from a swipe across its surface. EntrePad 1610 is founded on the company's accurate and reliable TruePrint technology. Unlike surfacebased solutions that read the fingerprint's top layer, TruePrint technology reads below the surface, enabling it to read virtually anyone's fingerprint. An ultra-hard surface coating lends the device resistance to scratching and impacts.

Total sensor and bill-of-materials costs are under $5.

AuthenTec
www.authentec.com

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NEWS IN BRIEF: SENSORS Freescale Semiconductor has expanded its accelerometer line with three highly sensitive sensors built with microelectronic (MEMS) technology. The additions are the company's first MEMS-based sensors aimed at the low-cost consumer electronics market. The MMA6270Q (XY-axis), MMA6280Q (XZ-axis), and MMA7261Q (XYZ-axis) accelerometers have a 1.5- to 10-g range. These three low-gravity sensors are well suited for systems that require the detection of small changes in force resulting from fall, tilt, motion, positioning, shock, or vibration. All three operate at 2.2 to 3.6 V. Currently available in production quantities, they come in a 6- by 6- by 1.45-mm quad flat no-lead package. Pricing in 25,000-piece quantities starts between $3.58 and $4.43. Go to www.freescale.com/files/pr/xyz.html for more details.

The ATS642LSH sensor from Allegro MicroSystems addresses critical requirements specific to anti-lock braking (ABS) speed-sensing applications. In particular, the digital speed sensor meets far airgap requirements and incorporates algorithms that eliminate the chance for false learning due to calibration on micro-vibrations at startup. The ATS642, which includes running-mode calibration, is a two-wire, dual-element, Hall-effect sensor that switches in response to differential magnetic signals from a ferrous target. Supplied in an SH package, the ATS642LSH typically has a 16-week lead time. It costs $2.06 in quantities of 10,000.
Visit www.allegromicro.com to learn more.

In response to industry demand for smaller, lower-power components, Heraeus Sensor Technology has developed an 0603 surface-mount-device (SMD) package platinum resistance-temperature-detector (RTD) sensor element. The 0603 package footprint is 75% smaller than a 1206 package. The temperature sensor operates from ?50°C to 130°C. It's a good option for systems requiring a low-cost precision sensor for temperature compensation or measurement. Versions in 0805 and 1206 SMD packages also are available.
Get more information at www.dwmai.com.

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