Samsung unveils all-in-one fingerprint security IC for biometric payment cards

Samsung's new IC for biometric cards
(Image credit: Samsung)

Korean tech major Samsung Electronics has released a fingerprint authentication integrated circuit (IC) made of a single chip for biometric authentication cards.

Samsung claimed that it has simplified the internal circuit design of the 'biometric authentication card' by integrating the hardware security chip (SE), fingerprint sensor and security processor installed on each card into a single IC chip for the first time in the industry.

The chip, S3B512C, has three key functions integrated and can help biometric card manufacturers reduce the number of chips required in their design.

How a biometric card works

Biometric authentication card with a built-in IC can read and authenticate the user's fingerprint information. When the user puts a finger on the sensor and inserts or touches the card into the terminal, payment is made. Biometric authentication cards do not require password input or personal information number (PIN) authentication when using overseas, so there is less risk of information exposure.

The encrypted fingerprint data is stored in a SE. And to safely and accurately verify the user’s identity, the new IC has an authentication algorithm. It has a secure processor that extracts and analyses the unique features of the fingerprint placed on the sensor. The chip also has an anti-spoofing technology to prevent unauthorized users from circumventing the security system.

How the new IC works in a biometric card

(Image credit: Samsung)

Kenny Han, Vice President of System LSI Marketing at Samsung Electronics said: “The S3B512C is primarily designed for payment cards but can also be used in cards that require highly secured authentications such as student or employee identification, membership or building access.”

Samsung said that the new IC has passed Mastercard's biometric evaluation (BEPS), and has been certified by the International Common Criteria for Security (CC) EAL6+ and the Global Online Card Payment Technology Standard (EMVCo).

Want to know about the latest happenings in tech? Follow TechRadar India on TwitterFacebook and Instagram!

Balakumar K
Senior Editor

Over three decades as a journalist covering current affairs, politics, sports and now technology. Former Editor of News Today, writer of humour columns across publications and a hardcore cricket and cinema enthusiast. He writes about technology trends and suggest movies and shows to watch on OTT platforms. 

Read more
Longsys Portable NFC SSD
This portable SSD has a unique feature that I hope goes mainstream
Hand holding smartphone and scan fingerprint biometric identity for unlock her mobile phone
Passwordless authentication continues to grow, with biometrics helping push adoption
eSIM
5G connectivity on your smart ring or Meta's future Ray-Bans? This eSIM solution smaller than a grain of rice makes it possible and could pave the way to an 'app store' of networks
Person using finger print authentication
Passwords out, passkeys in: The future of secure authentication
A person using a smartphone and laptop.
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
The Samsung Galaxy Ring in Titanium Silver Colorway
Your Samsung Galaxy Ring might be the key to a smarter home thanks to SmartThings' connected device roadmap
Latest in Computing Security
The X logo next to a silhouette of Elon Musk
Who was really behind the massive X cyberattack? Here’s what experts say about Elon Musk’s claims
A person holding a phone looking at a scam text with warning signs around
A massive SMS toll fee scam is sweeping the US – here’s how to stay safe, according to the FBI
View on National Assembly building in Paris, France, with French and European flags flying.
France rejects controversial encryption backdoor provision
ensure data security for your business
The complete data protection system for your business
ignal messaging application President Meredith Whittaker poses for a photograph before an interview at the Europe's largest tech conference, the Web Summit, in Lisbon on November 4, 2022.
"We will not walk back" – Signal would rather leave the UK and Sweden than remove encryption protections
Man uses a laptop in a hotel room
4 ways to avoid misinformation on social media and retain control of your newsfeed
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough