Abstract: For each pixel in an array of pixels in a fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint capacitor is defined by the fingerprint-bearing skin of a user's finger proximate to the top exposed surface of a sensing plate of the pixel. First and second plates are embedded in dielectric material beneath the sensing plate, and define therewith first and second capacitors of a sensing element. The capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor is coupled by the sensing element to an amplifier. During a sensing operation, the amplifier generates a pixel output signal that is a function of the variable capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor, which varies according to the presence of a fingerprint ridge or valley appearing directly above the sensing plate when the user's finger is in contact with the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: For each pixel in an array of pixels in a fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint capacitor is defined by the fingerprint-bearing skin of a user's finger proximate to the top exposed surface of a sensing plate of the pixel. First and second plates are embedded in dielectric material beneath the sensing plate, and define therewith first and second capacitors of a sensing element. The capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor is coupled by the sensing element to an amplifier. During a sensing operation, the amplifier generates a pixel output signal that is a function of the variable capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor, which varies according to the presence of a fingerprint ridge or valley appearing directly above the sensing plate when the user's finger is in contact with the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: For each pixel in an array of pixels in a fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint capacitor is defined by the fingerprint-bearing skin of a user's finger proximate to the top exposed surface of a sensing plate of the pixel. First and second plates are embedded in dielectric material beneath the sensing plate, and define therewith first and second capacitors of a sensing element. The capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor is coupled by the sensing element to an amplifier. During a sensing operation, the amplifier generates a pixel output signal that is a function of the variable capacitance of the fingerprint capacitor, which varies according to the presence of a fingerprint ridge or valley appearing directly above the sensing plate when the user's finger is in contact with the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes an array comprising a plurality of capacitive pixel cells. Each of the capacitive pixel cells includes a pair of metal plates and a reset transistor. The reset transistor includes a gate, a source connected to one of the metal plates and a drain connected to the other of the metal plates. A reset buffer generates a reset signal. A regenerator is associated with each reset transistor of each capacitive pixel cell. The regenerator regenerates the reset signal received from the reset buffer to eliminate injection gradient over the array.

Abstract: A structure and method for dissipating charges comprising an underlying dielectric layer disposed over capacitor plates of sensor circuitry, and a conductive path and passivation layers disposed over the underlying dielectric layer wherein the conductive pad forms an electrically conductive path over at least a portion of the plates and diffuses electrostatic charges at the surface of the integrated circuit.