SparkFun Fingerprint Sensor - FPC2534 (Qwiic)

The SparkFun FPC2534 board is a secure, Qwiic-enabled fingerprint sensor that stores 45 encrypted templates and doubles as a navigation touchpad.


Description

The SparkFun FPC2534 Qwiic Fingerprint Sensor is a dual-purpose breakout that combines professional-grade biometric security with touch navigation. Built around the advanced FPC2534 sensor from Fingerprint Cards AB (FPC), this board handles the complex processing of fingerprint enrollment, encryption, and internal storage, ensuring your data remains secure without bogging down your host microcontroller.

This sensor is a complete authentication scanner designed for our Qwiic ecosystem. Whether you are creating a secure access terminal, a hardware password manager, or a smart lock, the FPC2534 Fingerprint Sensor will provide you with reliable security in a low-profile package.

Smart Security, On-Board

All of the heavy lifting is done by the FPC2534, which automatically enrolls fingerprint templates (taking 12 samples for accuracy) and then encrypts and stores them directly in the device's internal Flash memory. It can store up to 45 unique templates and, because the authentication happens on the sensor itself, your microcontroller doesn't need to handle sensitive biometric data. Additionally, the sensor includes anti-spoofing functionality for added peace of mind!

More Than Just a Scanner

Beyond biometrics, the sensor supports four-direction navigation control with tap detection. This allows it to function as a mini trackpad or directional button, perfect for scrolling through menus on a display before authenticating a selection.

Versatile Connectivity

We designed this Fingerprint Sensor to be as easy to use while remaining flexible for whatever project you may need it for. It features a USB-C connector for direct connection to a PC as well as two Qwiic connectors for solderless integration with microcontrollers and other sensors that can be daisy-chained to it.

While the board defaults to I2C communication, it is user-selectable (via jumpers) to support four different communication protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, and Serial. We've also broken out the peripheral pins to 0.1-inch-spaced headers for breadboarding.

With its combination of robust security, easy navigation, and multiple interface options, the SparkFun FPC2534 Qwiic Fingerprint Sensor is the ideal solution for adding biometric authentication to any embedded system. Stop worrying about passwords and keys, and start using the security you always have with you.


Specifications

FPC2534 Features:

  • Automatically created fingerprint templates
    • Up to 45 unique templates
    • Encrypted and stored in Flash memory
  • Onboard authentication software
  • Advanced security features
    • Secure communication
    • Anti-spoof functionality
  • Four-direction navigation with tap detection
  • Multiple communication interfaces*
    • I2C (Default), SPI, UART, and USB
    • Selectable by adjusting the config (CFG1/2) jumpers on the board
  • Low-profile design with durable matte coating
  • 3.3V operating voltage

General Features:

  • 2x Qwiic connectors
  • 1x USB-C connector
  • 2x 0.1"-spaced PTH headers
  • 4x grounded mounting holes (connected to FPC2534 bezel ground)
  • Green scan LED
  • Red power LED

*Note: Communicating with the FPC2534 over I2C requires connecting the interrupt request (IRQ) and reset (RST) pins to compatible I/O pins on a microcontroller.


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