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Tiny SBC integrates biometrics, Linux

Jun 1, 2007 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 7 views

U.K.-based startup TriMetrix has announced a tiny single-board computer (SBC) designed for use in devices requiring biometric scanners, including time/attendence, access control, and POS (point-of-sales) equipment. The TMX1000 has a powerful ARM9 processor, and comes with an open-source software stack based on Linux 2.6.

(Click for larger view of the TMX1000)

Spokesperson Quentin Farrow said TriMetrix's goal was to create a tiny board capable of running both application software and biometric software. He said, “Most [biometric module customers] were using an older design SBC, and purchasing a separate OEM module for their biometric application. We [are] offering them an SBC that could [replace both].”

The TMX1000 measures 2.5 x 1.7 x 0.3mm (63 x 42 x 9mm). It is based on a 240MHz ARM9 processor, with a speed increase to 400MHz promised in a future release. The board can be configured with 16MB to 32MB of RAM, and 4MB to 16MB of flash memory onboard.

The TMX1000 appears to have an RJ-45 connector for its 10/100 Ethernet interface; other than that, all I/O is exposed via board-to-wire and board-to-board connectors:

  • Board-to-wire:
    • RS-232 serial
    • RS-485 serial (optional)
    • Weigand
    • 1 x USB host port
    • 1 x USB device port
    • smart card interface
    • audio
    • 4 general purpose I/O lines
  • Board-to-board connector:
    • monochrome and color STN, CSTN, and TFT LCD interface; up to VGA resolution with 16-bit color
    • camera Interface
    • 12 general purpose I/O lines
    • 16 addressable SPI slave ports
    • SD memory card interface

Additionally, according to the company, the TMX1000 interfaces with fingerprint sensors said to include:

  • UPEK T1/T2 (flat flexible cable)
  • Authentec 8600 (flat flexible cable)
  • Atmel Swipe (flat flexible cable)
  • Futronic optical (USB)
  • Algorithm — Innovatrics (available as standard)

Along with the board, a developer kit was announced, with contents that include a carrier board, embedded development tools, and technical documentation.

Pricing and availability were not disclosed. Further details may be available on TriMetrix's website.


 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.



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