National, Validity partner on fingerprint security solution

National Semiconductor Corp. and Validity Inc., a privately funded start-up company, have partnered to develop a unique fingerprint imaging security solution for smart cards, remote controls, notebook computers, cellphones, PDAs, key fobs, and other devices.

According to the terms of the agreement, National will provide its analog technologies, chip design expertise, investment capital and high-volume manufacturing capabilities. Validity for its part, will provide its patented off-chip fingerprint image acquisition technology called Validator.

The Validator consists of an integrated hardware and software solution which measures finger pressure, speed, and position, and creates an image of a fingerprint. At the heart of the system is a National 16-bit microprocessor and analog processing unit that has 288 scanning channels. National Semiconductor will manufacture chips for the Validator solution.

The companies are scheduled to ship samples to customers by late in 2003 or early 2004.