Cypress and UPEK Team to Offer Biometric Security Reference Design With Market's Strongest Protection for External Hard Disk Drives

Business Wire, Oct 11, 2006

Design Leverages Cypress's USB Technology and UPEK's Fingerprint Authentication Solution to Keep Data Secure With a Simple Touch of a Finger

SAN JOSE, Calif. & EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE:CY) and UPEK[R], Inc. today introduced a reference design to protect data on external hard disk drives (HDDs) by adding biometric security via fingerprint recognition technology. The reference design delivers the industry's strongest security by authenticating fingerprint matches on-board the external HDD system instead of on the PC, ensuring no data is passed between the HDD and PC until a match has occurred. The new CY4661 reference design uses UPEK's TouchStrip[TM] Fingerprint High Security Authentication Solution along with Cypress's EZ-USB FX2LP[TM] USB controller to address the growing need for secure personal information and enterprise data on portable drives.

The reference design enables manufacturers of HDDs to add biometric security that only allows those with a registered fingerprint to access data on the drives. It features match-on-chip, hardware-based authentication for the strongest data and privacy protection available. All fingerprint matching functions (template extraction, storage and matching) are conducted in the secure UPEK fingerprint hardware-based architecture on the external drive, providing true portability and security from PC security risks. UPEK's hardware-based security architecture, capable of encrypting communications, can also enable future online authentication services. The CY4661 is bundled with UPEK's industry leading Protector Suite[TM] Token application software, which simplifies access to data, applications and websites. The software includes a password bank to securely register and access password-protected websites and applications. The end-to-end solution ensures plug-and-play ease of use and eliminates the need to download software on a host PC.

"The Cypress/UPEK reference design delivers maximum protection for the sensitive data that consumers increasingly store on their portable drives, and it does so with the ease and convenience of the swipe of a finger," said Rajiv Nema, product marketing manager for Cypress's High Speed Peripherals Business Unit. "The flexibility and performance of the EZ-USB FX2LP controller is a perfect fit for the needs of the rapidly growing biometric security market."

"UPEK's complete hardware-based fingerprint solution offers the highest level of biometric security and convenience in the market today," said Vito Fabbrizio, Director of Portable Storage Solutions for UPEK, Inc. "This unparalleled protection is enhanced by the performance of Cypress's industry-leading USB technology and is an essential product for individuals on the go."

The UPEK/Cypress CY4661 biometric reference design enables fast time-to-market and reduced integration costs with its hardware and software solution for secure portable hard disk drives. The reference design includes a field-proven integrated UPEK enrollment tutorial that offers consumers an "easy to start" video training and practice session with performance feedback to ensure an excellent user experience. This results in a satisfying end user experience and greater security due to high-quality matches, leading to fewer support calls, product returns, and improved customer satisfaction.

Price and Availability

The new CY4661 reference design can be downloaded free of charge from Cypress in the "Reference Designs" section at www.cypress.com. Interested parties can also request a live demo from their local Cypress or UPEK sales representative.

About UPEK's TouchStrip[TM] Fingerprint Authentication Solution

The TouchStrip Fingerprint Authentication Solution is an end-to-end solution combining a high image quality silicon sensor, a secure companion processor for biometric processes, and easy-to-use software for protection and convenient access to digital assets. Integrated in the world's largest brand PCs and portable storage devices, the TouchStrip Fingerprint Authentication Solution leverages hardware-based security to protect sensitive data, access to websites and applications, and future online services.

About EZ-USB FX2LP

The EZ-USB FX2LP is the world's lowest power fully integrated programmable peripheral controller, including an 8051 microprocessor, a serial interface engine, a high-speed USB 2.0 transceiver, on-chip RAM and FIFO and a General Programmable Interface (GPIF). It handles all basic USB functions, enabling the host system's microprocessor to focus on application-specific functions and ensuring sustained high-speed data transfer rates. Featuring a data rate of 480 Mbps, 16 Kbytes of on-chip memory, and up to 40 programmable I/Os, the EZ-USB FX2LP solution provides complete design flexibility. There are several package options, including a 5mm x 5mm VFBGA package, ideal for use in small form-factor mobile applications. The CY3684 EZ-USB FX2LP Development Kit is available to facilitate the design process and speed time-to-market.