IDEX launches next-generation ASIC platform enabling contactless biometric cards
Oslo, Norway – 16 February 2017 – IDEX, a leading developer of advanced fingerprint solutions for mass markets, has completed development of its next generation ASIC for off-chip touch sensors. This proprietary semiconductor device is the foundation for a range of new flagship products and solutions that IDEX will launch during 2017 and beyond.
“Our new ASIC has the smallest footprint of any chip we have ever introduced, while simultaneously delivering an impressive combination of enhanced performance and reduced power consumption at an extremely attractive price point direct from foundry. Designed to be flexible across multiple product applications and market segments, the chip’s low power consumption make it ideally suited for contactless card applications which is a strong focus area for IDEX”, says Dr Hemant Mardia, CEO of IDEX. “The successful first time right completion of the ASIC is a significant strategic milestone for IDEX and is the result of an intensive investment program. The fingerprint images from our first touch sensors incorporating this ASIC are achieving excellent metrics”.
IDEX has partnered with TSMC as the foundry for volume manufacturing of the ASIC. TSMC is the leading company in its field with customers such as Apple, Qualcomm and Mediatek. This relationship provides IDEX customers with significant capacity from the leading semiconductor producer in the world, at the highest quality levels and with advanced features. This ASIC has been inserted into new fingerprint sensor products, which will be ready for product sampling in the second quarter of 2017 and for mass production during the second half of 2017.
By leveraging an advanced process to implement its newest solution, IDEX is able to achieve system integration advantages that differentiate the company’s off chip fingerprint sensors from traditional silicon sensors while also dramatically reducing system cost. The ASIC is a System on Chip and features a fast on-board microcontroller with large memory size and a companion encryption engine, all with a die size 1/3 to 1/5 the size of comparable silicon sensors. Software programmability enables IDEX to leverage this versatile chip as a common platform for multiple sensor solutions across IDEX’s end markets.
Contact:
Charlotte Knudsen, Director of IR and Communications, +47 9756 1959, ck@idexbiometrics.com
Henrik Knudtzon, CFO, +47 9302 2827, hk@idexbiometrics.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/idexasa
About IDEX
IDEX develops and sells advanced fingerprint sensor technology and products. The company’s technology is used in a range of biometrically enabled applications within three core markets: Mobile, Smart Cards and Internet of Things (IoT). IDEX’s addressable market represents a fast-growing multi-billion unit opportunity.
IDEX’s technology includes both the conventional silicon sensor and a unique off-chip technology, which means that the company can offer its partners solutions which are flexible and cost efficient.
IDEX ASA (ticker IDEX) is a Norwegian company, founded in 1996 and listed on the Oslo stock exchange in 2010.
For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com
