3D ultrasound fingerprint sensor under Qualcomm's first screen in the world

Recently, Qualcomm introduced the first 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for smartphones at its annual Snapdragon Tech Summit conference. This 3D ultrasonic sensor is able to read fingerprints through layers of interfering substances such as water or oil. This technology by Qualcomm is a breakthrough in accuracy and convenience compared to the fingerprint sensor in the display (optical sensor) currently in use.

To read the user's fingerprint on the screen, the optical sensor must illuminate the screen. When light is disturbed by many layers of obstacles such as water, the accuracy of this solution is greatly reduced. Meanwhile, 3D ultrasound technology relies on sound waves to read fingerprints, mapping lines and grooves on fingerprints to help identify user identity more accurately.

With the optical sensor, for the device to read the fingerprint, the user must place a finger on a specific position on the screen. But with 3D optical technology, the screen area that users have to place their fingers to conduct much wider authentication.

In addition, the new technology allows the manufacturer to embed it in the phone more skillfully, saving space and reducing the thickness of the device.

Qualcomm will soon bring the new 3D sensor technology into new Snapdragon 855 chip devices. Of course, new device manufacturers are the ones who decide whether to use this technology or not.

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