AuthenTec Introduces World's Smallest, Lowest Cost Biometric Fingerprint Sensor Featuring TruePrint Technology.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2002

Low Price Point Of The New EntrePad AES3400 Will Encourage

Consumer Adoption For Convenient "Touch-and-Go" Security Feature On

Electronic Devices

AuthenTec, the leader in advanced biometric semiconductor technology, today announced the availability of the new EntrePad(TM) AES3400, a fingerprint sensor specially designed to enhance personal security in the mobile PC, wireless and PDA markets.

With a sensor array only 6.5mm x 6.5mm square, the AES3400 is the smallest and lowest-priced fingerprint biometric device available today. Its size, low power operation and cost fulfill marketplace demands for small battery operated consumer devices. Now laptops, cell phones, PDAs, handheld devices and other mobile electronics can have the advantage of superior security and convenience at an affordable price.

"The technical sophistication and low overall solution cost of the new EntrePad sensor will drive faster marketplace adoption for fingerprint biometric security in everyday products," stated Steve Mansfield, executive vice president of AuthenTec. "The AES3400 combines the convenience of touch-and-go security, the reliability of TruePrint technology, and low integration cost in one very small package. AuthenTec's newest product addition will be the lowest cost authentication solution in the industry, even lower than existing swipe sensor solutions."

The EntrePad AES3400 is based on AuthenTec's patented subsurface TruePrint(TM) technology, which allows fingerprints to be read below the surface of the skin, thereby eliminating any acquisition or recognition failures relating to contamination such as dirt, grime, dry skin or excessive moisture - issues that are problematic with surface imaging fingerprint sensors. Uniquely, TruePrint is the only fingerprint sensor technology capable of acquiring virtually anyone's fingerprint.

The EntrePad AES3400 is compatible with most operating systems used on consumer devices, including Microsoft Windows 98(R), ME(R), NT(R) v4.0, 2000(R), XP(R), and Symbian(R) with future plans for Palm OS(R) and Windows CE.

The AES3400's Select-a-bus architecture allows for easy, glueless integration into new designs. The on-chip interfaces include USB, serial, and both synchronous and asynchronous serial.

"The low cost of sensors is a vital element in the adoption of silicon fingerprint biometrics in the wireless and laptop markets. By bringing the retail value of authentication down, consumers will benefit from the increased availability of more affordable electronic devices," said Prianka Chopra, Industry Analyst, AutoID & Security of Frost & Sullivan. "The lower cost to OEMs will create substantial cost savings to consumers."

Engineering Samples are available now and pre-production samples in December 2002. Volume production will commence January 2003. A full line of Technology Evaluation Kits (TEK), Reference Design Kits (RDK) and Software Design Kits (SDK) will be available December 2002. All inquiries should be directed to Jeff Lee at AuthenTec at [phone].

    Technical Features

Sensing Array
 -  TruePrint Subsurface Imaging Technology
 -  Unequaled "Ability to Acquire"
 -  128 X 128 pixels; 500ppi
 -  6.5mm x 6.5mm array

Operating Conditions
 -  2.7V - 3.6V
 -  0C - 70C
 -  IEC61000-4-2 Level 3 ESD (+/-8KV)

Power
 -  Averaged Power dissipation @ 3.3Vdc
 -  6.6 mW Imaging
 -  250uW Finger Detection
 -  66 uW Standby

Packaging
 -  100LQFP; 14mm X 14mm X 1.4mm
 -  Standard 0.35u 3 level metal mixed signal CMOS process
 -  Robust scratch and impact resistant greater than 40000 psi
 -  Rub-resistant to greater than 1M rubs
 -  Impervious to contamination

Select-a-Bus Architecture
 -  USB 2.0
 -  Asynchronous Serial

About AuthenTec

AuthenTec is a leading semiconductor company providing advanced biometric fingerprint sensors to the PC, wireless, PDA, access control and automotive markets. AuthenTec's products are the choice of leading industry hardware and software providers, ensuring compatibility across multiple platforms and applications. Based in Melbourne, Florida, AuthenTec has assembled a global network of partners, solution providers and customers including Texas Instruments, Acer, Synaptics, IBM, Delphi, Asus, Targus, Harris Corporation and SCM Microsystems. For more information, visit http://www.authentec.com or call [phone].

EntrePad, TruePrint, and FingerLoc are trademarks of AuthenTec, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks referenced herein are properties of their respective owners.