Synaptics confirms fingerprint sensor in Samsung Galaxy S6, reports quarterly results

In an investors earnings call held last week, Synaptics CEO Richard Bergman confirmed that the company’s small area touch fingerprint sensor is embedded in the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Edge smartphones.

In March, Synaptics Inc. expanded its Natural ID line of solutions with mass production of its small area touch sensor for secure fingerprint authentication in smartphones, tablets, and notebook PCs.

“This solution provides the end-user with the ability to unlock the device or authenticate with an elegant touch of the finger, streamlining access to online banking and social media portals,” Bergman said on the call. “We expect additional phones to launch with our small area touch solution later this calendar year.”

The FIDO compliant fingerprint sensor’s minimum touch area measures at 4 mm by 10 mm, which allows it to be used in small form factor buttons.

Using LiveFlex Technology, the sensors can separate the fingerprint sensing component from the fingerprint controller IC.

“Our pivotal growth market is clearly there with fingerprint and TDDI solution showing momentum along with the upside from our display driver business,” Bergman said on the call, adding that the “biometric background for Windows PC will increase the demand in attach rate for both Windows 10 notebook and desktop PCs.”

Additionally, Synaptics CFO Kathleen Bayless provided a full report of the company’s quarterly earnings on the call.

The company achieved a non-GAAP net income of $63.5 million ($1.65 earnings per share) and revenue of $477.60 million for the quarter.

Compared to the same quarter last year, Synaptics’ net income was up 261.9% and its revenue was up 133.8%.

Synaptics attributes its strong year-over-year mobile revenue growth to strong sales in fingerprint and DDIC solutions, with large contributions from China-based mobile customers.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  financial report  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Synaptics