Bioscrypt Inc.

Application Note
Cleaning and Care of Silicon-based Fingerprint Sensors
April 25, 2003

Introduction

The Veri-Series 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 sensors made of a coated silicon material. These sensors are
rugged solid-state devices designed to provide years of trouble-free service.
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

Oily deposits from your finger accumulate on the surface of the fingerprint sensor
after repeated use. These deposits can inhibit the functionality of the sensor.
Generally the sensor performs well without the need for cleaning. However if an oily
residue or other debris is visible on the sensor surface it should be cleaned in the
following manner.

Use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and a clean cotton cloth or tissue paper to
remove oily deposits. Do not use a soiled cloth or tissue paper to clean the sensor. A
clean cotton cloth or tissue paper will absorb the deposits, but a soiled cloth will
smear the deposits over the sensor surface. Rubbing alcohol is the preferred cleaning
solution because it dissolves the oily residue and evaporates quickly.

The use of nylon brushes or scouring pads, abrasive cleaning fluids or powders, or
steel wool is not recommended and can cause damage to the sensor.

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
Document# 430-00125-02 © Copyright 2001-2003, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.
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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 isopropyl alcohol, do not spill any liquids on the
sensor.

ƒ The sensor should not be exposed to direct contact with the elements, such as
sun, 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.

Technical Support Contact Information:

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

Corporate & Canadian Office U.S. Office Date: April 25, 2003
5450 Explorer Drive, Suite 500 5805 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 750 Version#: 2
Mississauga, ON, Canada L4W 5M1 Van Nuys, CA 91411
T 905 624 7700 T 818 304 7150
F 905 624 7742 F 818 461-0843
www.bioscrypt.com

Document# 430-00125-02 © Copyright 2001-2003, Bioscrypt Inc. All rights reserved.