Abstract: A finger sensing apparatus may include a finger sensor including an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, an array of finger sensing elements on the IC substrate, and match circuitry on the IC substrate for performing final finger matching. The finger sensing apparatus may also include a host platform cooperating with the array of finger sensing elements for performing at least one finger prematch function. In addition, the finger sensor and the host platform may implement at least one security function therebetween. The at least one security function may include a watermarking function, and/or an encryption/decryption function.

Abstract: A finger sensing apparatus may include an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, an array of finger sensing elements on the IC substrate, and encryption circuitry on the IC substrate cooperating with the array of finger sensing elements for encrypting a user template comprising finger template data and at least one user credential. The at least one user credential may enable another device, such as a host platform, to perform at least one protected operation.

Abstract: A finger sensing apparatus may include an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, an array of finger sensing elements on the IC substrate, and encryption circuitry on the IC substrate cooperating with the array of finger sensing elements for encrypting a user template comprising finger template data and at least one user credential. The at least one user credential may enable another device, such as a host platform, to perform at least one protected operation.

Abstract: A finger sensor apparatus may include a finger sensor having an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, an array of finger sensing elements on the IC substrate, and session key negotiation circuitry on the IC substrate. The finger sensing apparatus may also include a host platform external from the finger sensor and cooperating with the session key negotiation circuitry to negotiate a unique session key for secure communication with the finger sensor during a respective communication session therewith.

Abstract: A finger sensing apparatus may include a finger sensor including an integrated circuit (IC) substrate, an array of finger sensing elements on the IC substrate, and match circuitry on the IC substrate for performing final finger matching. The finger sensing apparatus may also include a host platform cooperating with the array of finger sensing elements for performing at least one finger prematch function. In addition, the finger sensor and the host platform may implement at least one security function therebetween. The at least one security function may include a watermarking function, and/or an encryption/decryption function.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor may include a plurality of electrostatic discharge (ESD) electrodes carried by a dielectric layer of a fingerprint sensing portion. The fingerprint sensing portion is for sensing a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint sensing portion may include the dielectric layer, and, in some embodiments, may also include an array of sensing electrodes also carried by the dielectric layer. Accordingly, each ESD electrode may be interposed between adjacent sensing electrodes. The ESD electrodes attract ESD events and dissipate the energy therein to avoid damaging adjacent sensing electrodes and/or portions of the dielectric layer. The fingerprint sensor may also include an electrically conductive layer connected to the ESD electrodes, which may provide a convenient ground plane, for example, for removing ESD energy from the fingerprint sensor. The electrically conductive layer may extend beneath the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor may include a plurality of electrostatic discharge (ESD) electrodes carried by a dielectric layer of a fingerprint sensing portion. The fingerprint sensing portion is for sensing a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint sensing portion may include the dielectric layer, and, in some embodiments, may also include an array of sensing electrodes also carried by the dielectric layer. Accordingly, each ESD electrode may be interposed between adjacent sensing electrodes. The ESD electrodes attract ESD events and dissipate the energy therein to avoid damaging adjacent sensing electrodes and/or portions of the dielectric layer. The fingerprint sensor may also include an electrically conductive layer connected to the ESD electrodes, which may provide a convenient ground plane, for example, for removing ESD energy from the fingerprint sensor. The electrically conductive layer may extend beneath the sensing electrodes.