Chinese AIoT company Magic Information has launched a reference design based on fingerprint recognition technology running on an ST Microelectronics Bluetooth microcontroller that can be integrated into smart locks.

This reference design leverages the dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ and M4 of the STM32WB55, designed with interoperability between the hosting MCU, fingerprint recognition and Bluetooth LE 5.2.

The Magic Information fingerprint-recognition algorithm runs on the STM32WB55 MCU that also enables recognition and unlocks the device in as fast as 0.3s, while ensuring low power consumption.

“There is increasing demand for locks that offer completely keyless operation,” said Weiwen Yang, CTO of Magic Information. “Restrictions such as power consumption, size and user experience make these locks extremely challenging to deliver. The combination of Magic Information’s industry-leading technology in embedded fingerprint recognition running on an STM32WB MCU with BLE meets the challenge. Magic Information will offer a turnkey solution for the whole smart-lock industry. Meanwhile, a platform with APIs for various applications is also available to help our clients develop product and business innovations, with outstanding quality and performance assured.”

As a Chinese national high-tech enterprise focused in original and proprietary identification technologies for AIoT, Magic Information has set its goal to change the way to open doors with a one-stop AIoT identification service platform, to offer enterprises from all over the world fingerprint algorithms and fingerprint ICs.

“With the BLE 5.2 and outstanding processor performance and power efficiency of the STM32WB running Magic Information’s fingerprint recognition, the turnkey reference design integrates compactness in system robustness and performance efficiency,” said Arnaud Julienne, vice president of ST Microelectronics. “Building on the high-level security of the STM32WB, fingerprint recognition enhances the system-level security for markets where it really matters such as access control and medical devices.”

Various fingerprint sensors – sizes include 80×64, 112×88, 176×64 and 160×160 – and packaging methods are available.

Swiss firm ST Microelectronics employs 46,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies. An independent device manufacturer, it works with more than 100,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products and ecosystems.