National Semiconductor, Validity to Make Fingerprint Sensors

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 4 -- National Semiconductor and Validity Inc. are teaming up to develop a fingerprint imaging security solution for smart cards, remote controls, notebook computers, cell phones, PDAs, key fobs and other devices. National will provide analog technologies, chip design expertise, investment capital and high-volume manufacturing capabilities. Validity will provide its patented off-chip fingerprint image acquisition technology called Validator. Financial terms of the agreement were not released.

National Semiconductor will manufacture chips for the Validator at its facility in South Portland, Maine. The chips will be built using National’s 0.25-micron complementary metal oxide silicon process. The companies expect to ship samples to customers late in 2003 or early 2004.

For more information, visit: www.national.com