Abstract: An automatic gain amplifier is disclosed that dynamically improves the quality of scanned biometric information. According to one embodiment, an image distribution of the scanned biometric is generated. Next, areas of higher image distribution are identified. An iterative process of adjusting the gain of, for instance, a capacitive sensing, is employed until an optimum separation of the areas of higher image distribution is achieved. Once the optimum separation is achieved, the gain is applied to the biometric sensing device so that biometric information can be scanned with improved image clarity. Electronic circuitry and software for implementing the methods are disclosed.