New Synaptics Fingerprint Sensor Scans through 1 mm of Full-Cover Glass
Earlier this week, Synaptics announced a fingerprint sensor that can be positioned below the glass surface of smartphones, eliminating the need for dedicated space to house the component on the bezel. For smartphone makers intent on keeping the fingerprint reader on the front of the device, this means more usable screen space.
Currently, most fingerprint sensors have to sit above the glass. For example, for flagship models such as the Apple iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7, the fingerprint reader consumes valuable front-facing device real estate. Although this isn’t the first sensor capable of working under glass, with other solutions the glass needs to be thinner than 1 mm. To implement the reader, the glass has to be shaved in the area of the sensor affecting the device’s industrial design and production process.
Synaptics’ new sensor, the FS9100, could help eliminate problems associated with applying biometrics in devices. In addition to providing more screen space, the fingerprint sensor would be protected by a water- and scratch-resistant glass. The sensor could also detect a user’s fingerprint even when hands are wet.
Although several device makers such as Google and LG are choosing to locate the fingerprint reader on the back of the device for usability and design reasons, the FS9100 will offer the choice of placement on the front. Given the lookalike nature of devices currently on the market, the component will provide manufacturers with an opportunity to differentiate their smartphones.
Synaptics said it will begin supplying samples to device makers during the first quarter of 2017, with production set to begin in the second quarter.
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