Module Puts Its Finger On The Pulse Of Security

Sept. 13, 2007

Biometrics continue to be an important security solution, with fingerprint recognition among the most common implementations (see "Biometrics Wields A Double-Edged Sword" at www.electronicdesign. com, ED Online 10605). Atmel and ODI Security

William G. Wong

Biometrics continue to be an important security solution, with fingerprint recognition among the most common implementations (see "Biometrics Wields A Double-Edged Sword" at www.electronicdesign. com, ED Online 10605). Atmel and ODI Security have combined forces to design a module that simplifies system integration.

The Fingerprint Matching Module uses Atmel's FingerChip sensor and a specialized ARM7 microcontroller (see the figure). It has a serial and infrared interface, and it can store fingerprint information for up to 20 users. The IR support can be used in a multilock application to maintain the user template database of locks using a secure PDA or laptop. All modules contain LED feedback plus low-battery indication and can drive up to five different lock actuators.

Atmel's software development kit costs $995. It includes a module and software that supports external databases.
www.atmel.com
www.odisecurity.com

About the Author

William G. Wong | Senior Content Director - Electronic Design and Microwaves & RF

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I earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Masters in Computer Science from Rutgers University. I still do a bit of programming using everything from C and C++ to Rust and Ada/SPARK. I do a bit of PHP programming for Drupal websites. I have posted a few Drupal modules.

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