Bioscrypt Inc.

Application Note
Cleaning and Care of Silicon-based Fingerprint Sensors
September 1, 2004

Introduction

The Veri-Series and OEM embedded products offered by Bioscrypt are state-of-the-
art fingerprint authentication readers for use in physical security, access control, and
other areas. These readers utilize AuthenTec sensors made of a coated silicon
material. These sensors are rugged solid-state devices designed to provide years of
trouble-free service. In fact, they have been laboratory-tested with over 2 million
touches and no measurable wear. Although maintenance and handling
requirements are few in number, observance of a few basics in caring for the sensors
will help to ensure a high level of performance over the life of the product.

Cleaning the Fingerprint Sensor Surface Area

Excerpt taken from “How to the Clean AuthenTec Sensor: User’s Guide” by AuthenTec, Inc.
Copyright  2002 by AuthenTec, Inc.

In a real-world environment, the sensors can become soiled due to repeated

contact with users’ fingers or other sources of contamination. Unless this
contamination on the surface of the sensor is extremely thick, it will not have any
effect on the ability of the sensor to capture fingerprints. However, users may want to
clean the surface of the sensor occasionally for aesthetic reasons. It is important to
clean the sensor in a way that does not damage the surface or result in discoloration
of the finger ring. This specification describes how the sensor surface may be cleaned
without causing damage to the sensor. In normal use, monthly cleaning of the sensor
is recommended.

To clean the sensor surface, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the electrical power from the fingerprint sensor by disconnecting it from
its power source.

2. Use any type of household kitchen or window cleaner, such as Formula 409,
Fantastic, Windex, or any generic versions of these cleaners.
Document# 430-00125-04 © Copyright 2001-2004, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.
 Page 2

Do NOT use chlorine-based cleaners, such as Clorox bleach, non-chlorine

bleach, or chlorine-based bathroom or mildew cleaners. Chlorine based
cleaners will not necessarily affect the functionality of the fingerprint sensor, but
they will discolor the finger drive ring and could damage the surrounding
enclosure and peripheral components to the sensor.
Do NOT use any solvents, such as acetone, MEK, TCE, paint thinner, turpentine,
etc. Solvents will not adversely affect the sensor, but they might damage the
surrounding enclosure and peripheral components to the sensor.

3. Wet one end of a cotton swab (not soaking or dripping wet) with one of the
above-mentioned cleaners. Gently rub the sensor surface and finger drive ring
with the wet cotton swab, slowly rotating the swab so a new, clean surface of the
swab is constantly exposed to the sensor surface. Do not allow cleaner to drip or
run down into the electronics around the sensor.

Do NOT use nylon brushes, scouring pads, or steel wool. These items can cause
damage to the sensor.

4. After cleaning with the wet swab, gently rub the surfaces again with a dry cotton
swab. Use a clean swab each time the sensor is cleaned. (If a dirty swab is used, it
may make the sensor dirty again).

Cleaning the Drive Ring

The drive ring bordering the sensor is constructed of high-conductivity, silver-filled

epoxy. The main culprit for the darkening effect is the silver in the drive ring. Silver is
tarnished by sulfur-containing materials, particularly Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). Tarnish is
accelerated in a humid environment.

To clean the drive ring surrounding the sensor, perform the following steps:

1. Remove electrical power from the fingerprint sensor by disconnecting it from its
power source.

2. Using a red-rubber lead-pencil eraser, “erase” the drive ring (i.e., rub the ring with
the eraser). The ring should clean quite well.

Do NOT rub the sensor surface with the eraser. This should not affect the sensor;
however, if the metal band that holds the eraser touches the sensor surface, it
will scratch and damage the sensor permanently.
Do NOT use an old or used eraser. An eraser worn down to the metal band
can damage the sensor surface area and also the drive ring. Additionally, a
reasonably new eraser should be used for best results.
Document# 430-00125-04 © Copyright 2001-2004, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.
 Page 3

3. Brush off the eraser dust with a clean, dry cotton swab or tissue.

Do NOT clean the eraser dust with a wet or damp material. The sensor surface
will withstand it, but the associated electronics can be damaged.
Do NOT scratch the sensor surface with a metallic object. When brushing away
the eraser dust, make sure not to scratch the sensor with jewelry, metal, hand
watch, ring, etc.

Caring for the Fingerprint Sensor

The sensors are designed to perform well even under harsh conditions; nevertheless,
some precautions should be taken to avoid damaging the sensor:

ƒ The sensor can be damaged by a discharge of static electricity from your body.
However, a plastic conductive fingerprint mask that is connected to a ground
plane surrounds the fingerprint sensor. You should always touch the conductive
plastic mask before touching the sensor in order to safely discharge any static
electricity that may be present on your skin or clothing. The Ridge-Lock is
provided as part of this conductive mask to serve both as a finger placement
guide and as the first point of contact with the reader. To properly use this Ridge-
Lock, slide your finger across the ridge, parallel to the sensor. When the ridge locks
into place under your first joint, lower your finger evenly onto the sensor and apply
moderate pressure. Using such fingerprint placement will guarantee that static
electricity is discharged from your body before touching the sensor directly. This
requires that the reader have a proper connection to earth ground (please refer
to the Veri-Series Installation Manual for further information on this connection).

ƒ Do not place the fingerprint sensor close to a heat source, such as a radiator or
hot plate. With the exception of the above-mentioned cleaners, do not spill any
liquids on the sensor.

ƒ The sensor should not be exposed to direct contact with the elements, such as
excessive heat to prevent discomfort, rain, snow or excessive moisture. If placed
outdoors, it is important that the readers be located within a complete enclosure.
Please contact Bioscrypt Technical Support for further information on such
enclosures.

ƒ Do not subject the fingerprint sensor to heavy shocks or vibrations.

ƒ Do not allow the sensor to come in contact with metallic objects.

Document# 430-00125-04 © Copyright 2001-2004, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.

 Page 4

Technical Support Contact Information:

Bioscrypt
5805 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 750
Van Nuys, CA 91411
USA
Hours: 530A – 500P
Direct: 818-304-7180
Toll-Free: 866-304-7180
Fax: 818-304-7187
E-mail: support@bioscrypt.com
Web: http://www.bioscrypt.com

Disclaimer

The information in this document has been carefully checked for accuracy and is
presumed to be reliable. Bioscrypt, Inc. and its writers assume no responsibility for
inaccuracies and reserve the right to modify and revise this document without
notice.

It is always our goal at Bioscrypt, Inc. to supply accurate and reliable documentation.
If you discover a discrepancy in this document, please e-mail your comments to
support@bioscrypt.com or contact Bioscrypt Technical Support at the telephone
numbers listed above.

Bioscrypt accepts no liability for the misuse of third-party materials mentioned in this
document. In no case shall Bioscrypt be liable for damage to a reader resulting from
the misuse of such materials.

Version Number: 4
Date: September 1, 2004

Corporate & Canadian Office U.S. Office U.K. Office

5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 500
Mississauga, ON, Canada L4W 5M1
T 905 624 7700
F 905 624 7742
www.bioscrypt.com
5805 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 750 35 Jackson Court, Hazlemere
Van Nuys, CA 91411 High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
T 818 304 7150 England HP15 7TZ
F 818 461-0843 T +44 (0) 1494 814 404
F +44 (0) 1494 815 513

Document# 430-00125-04 © Copyright 2001-2004, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.