The Unifinger SFM3000 and SFM3500 fingerprint-recognition modules from Suprema use Blackfin processors, made by Analog Devices, to store thousands of fingerprints in internal memory and provide a range of biometric functions. These include enrolment, one-to-one verification and one-to-many identification. The Blackfin processor’s low power consumption also makes the Unifinger module suitable for battery-operated biometrics devices.
Suprema offers OEMs a choice of fingerprint sensors: optical, thermal, capacitive and electric field for applications such as computer, door, and safe and security box access control.
The use of Blackfin processors also means the modules can exploit a number of peripherals connected to the core via high-bandwidth buses and a choice of interfaces, such as UART and SPI. This providers greater flexibility in configuration and overall system design.
Suprema also made use of Analog Devices’ simulation tools—VisualDSP++ software, an integrated software development and debugging environment (IDDE) which enabled Suprema to manage its design projects from start to finish within a single interface—plus its VisualDSP++ Kernel (VDK) library for task scheduling and inter-processor communication to overcome the memory and timing constraints of programming.