Frequently Asked Questions

What is SecurePad?
What are the benefits of the SecurePad?
How does the SecurePad technology work?
What kind of customization options are available?
What is biometric authentication?
What is the difference between biometric and non-biometric authentication?
Is biometrics intrusive?
What is the difference between Validity's Live Flex technology and other fingerprint sensors?
What is the difference between Identification and Verification?
What are the uses of Fingerprint authentication?
What is the cost and delivery time for a SecurePad device?
Who can I contact for samples and more information?

Q.

What is SecurePad?

SecurePad™ is a complete hardware biometric solution that integrates Synaptics' TouchPad™ and Validity Inc's fingerprint sensor into a single module.

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Q.

What are the benefits of the SecurePad?

Synaptics SecurePad is a unique solution that offers an array of benefits:

1. The Fingerprint TouchPad is a total solution that integrates a TouchPad and fingerprint sensor into a seamless turnkey solution.
2. The modularity of the solution offers OEMs easy integration and design flexibility for BTO/CTO style notebooks.
3. SecurePad is based on Validity's breakthrough LiveFlex™ technology that solves durability & reliability problems associated with other touch silicon sensors such as ESD and mechanical damage. Combined with an advanced imaging and reconstruction technology, it provides unparalleled performance over existing technology.
4. SecurePad offers compatibility with a range of industry leading software and pre-boot authentication solutions in addition to integration with any OEM specific solution.

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Q.

How does the SecurePad technology work?

SecurePad uses a high frequency Pulsed RF technology that looks beyond the skin surface, past dirt and other contaminates and images the subsurface live layer to capture a fingerprint. By sending radio waves through the finger, and measuring how the signal is changed as it travels to the sensing array, SecurePad synthesizes an image of the fingerprint structure. SecurePad works in conjunction with leading software solutions, which provides a simple way for people to use their fingerprint to secure their hardware and software assets, as well as conveniently provide password replacement.

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Q.

What kind of customization options are available?

SecurePad offers a range of customization option that include:

1. Custom module sizes
2. Local template storage with on-board flash which is more secure then hard drive storage
3. On-board LEDs for visual feedback that prompts users for their fingerprint image for pass/fail verification
4. Pre-Boot Verification (PBV) to authenticate from BIOS before OS startup
5. Unique Industrial Design flexibility, such as colorization to match product requirements and graphics overlay to include instructional tokens and logos

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Q.

What is biometric authentication?

Biometric authentication is the science of measuring a fundamental human characteristic: fingerprint, voice print, or retina scan for example, for the purposes of verifying or determining identity.

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Q.

What is the difference between biometric and non-biometric authentication?

Non-biometric authentication uses something you know or have, such as a password or a smart card to determine identity, whereas biometric authentication uses something you are, such as a fingerprint. Non-biometric solutions are less secure than biometric solutions because they can be stolen or forgotten.

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Q.

Is biometrics intrusive?

Fingerprint scanning is non-obtrusive because it merely requires a user to touch a surface. Your personal information is always kept safe and secure because your passwords are encrypted and your fingerprint is stored as data points, not as an image.

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Q.

What is the difference between Validity's Live Flex technology and other fingerprint sensors?

Validity's LiveFlex™ technology is the foundation for generating the highest level of durability of any fingerprint sensor. The key difference between other silicon-contact based fingerprint products and LiveFlex is the decoupling of the sensing elements from the fragile silicon die by using standard Chip-on-Flex (COF) packaging. The fingerprint is captured using RF sensing technology to penetrate deep into the living tissue of a finger through a robust flexible plastic film.

The Kapton® surface on a Validity sensor provides industry leading resistance to impact, abrasion, and household liquids and chemicals. The separation of the sensor from the silicon also dramatically increases the sensor's resistance to Electro-Static Discharge (ESD).

Separating the active sensor from the silicon allows Validity to solve the industry durability problems associated with direct human contact to silicon.

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Q.

What is the difference between Identification and Verification?

Identification seeks to answer the question, "Who are you?" and involves a complex comparison of the biometric data to a large pool of candidates. Verification seeks to answer the question, "Are you who you claim to be?" and requires only a one-to-one comparison.

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Q.

What are the uses of Fingerprint authentication?

Typically, fingerprint authentication is useful for any application that requires proving someone is who he or she claims to be. It can be used for a variety of security applications; in addition to computer access and security, it can also be used at public access locations, such as ATMs, to verify identity or to only allow authorized people into restricted areas.

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Q.

What is the cost and delivery time for a SecurePad device?

Most Synaptics devices are custom made to fit the requirements of your device. For further information on delivery times and pricing on a SecurePad that meets your individual needs, contact your local Synaptics representative or email sales@synaptics.com.

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Q.

Who can I contact for samples and more information?

Samples are currently available. Please contact your local Synaptics representative or email sales@synaptics.com.

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