Microchip Technology AT77SM0101BCB02VKE

Overview

AT77SM0101BCB02VKE from Atmel is a fully integrated biometric module combining an AT91RM9200 ARM9 microcontroller (200 MHz), 16 MB SDRAM, 4 MB DataFlash, and the AT77C101B-CB02V fingerprint sensor with 8×280 pixel array and 500 dpi resolution. It runs Linux 2.4.19 with preloaded IKENDI bio-engine and delivers sub-10 ms authentication for physical access control systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE datasheet, AT77SM0101BCB02VKE pinout, AT77SM0101BCB02VKE application, or AT77SM0101BCB02VKE equivalent, this module provides verified biometric enrollment, identification, and authentication functions in a compact 55 × 72 mm board with dual 50-pin connectors, SPI/Ethernet/serial interface support, and -30°C to +65°C operating range.

Technical Context

The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE implements a complete biometric subsystem: the AT91RM9200 executes the IKENDI bio-engine on Linux, processes raw fingerprint images acquired via the AT77C101B's 8-bit parallel interface over flex cable, and manages template storage in DataFlash and runtime operations in SDRAM. The module uses a fixed 3.3 V ±10% supply and draws 200 mA typical.

Its functional architecture separates acquisition (sensor → ARM9 via GPIO-controlled parallel bus), processing (Linux kernel + FingerChip_mod.o driver + bio-engine library), and I/O (Ethernet MAC, SPI, DBGU serial) - all mapped across two 50-pin headers (J1/J2) with defined signal routing, including dedicated pins for NRD/NWR/NCS and peripheral control.

Key Specifications

Availability

AT77SM0101BCB02VKE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for physical access control, time and attendance systems, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and pre-validated biometric functionality.

Supply support for AT77SM0101BCB02VKE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and secure authentication solutions for embedded applications.

The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE belongs to Atmel's FingerChip biometric module family, designed to accelerate integration of fingerprint-based user authentication into industrial and commercial devices without requiring custom sensor driver or algorithm development.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE?

The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE is a self-contained biometric module that performs fingerprint enrollment, authentication, and identification using its integrated AT91RM9200 ARM9 processor, AT77C101B sensor, and preloaded IKENDI bio-engine. It operates as a standalone subsystem - the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE handles all image acquisition, feature extraction, and template matching internally, exposing only high-level API commands over serial or Ethernet interfaces.

Does the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE include a real-time operating system or Linux?

The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE runs Linux kernel 2.4.19 with ramdisk support, preloaded drivers (SPI, Ethernet, DBGU serial), and the IKENDI bio-engine. It does not use a real-time OS; instead, its deterministic biometric response (<10 ms authentication) is achieved through optimized Linux kernel modules and dedicated hardware acceleration in the AT91RM9200 - the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE leverages standard Linux services while meeting hard timing requirements for access control.

What interfaces are supported by the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE for host system connection?

The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE exposes interfaces via two 50-pin headers (J1 and J2): SPI (pins 21/23/25/27/29/31 on J1), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (MII-compatible), DBGU serial (PA15/PA16/PA17/PA18), and GPIOs. USB host/device, TWI, RS-485, IrDA, SmartCard, MMC/SD, SSC, RTC, and JTAG are physically present but lack preloaded drivers - the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE requires custom driver development for those interfaces.

What is the role of the AT77C101B-CB02V sensor within the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE?

The AT77C101B-CB02V is the capacitive fingerprint sensor directly integrated into the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE module via a 5 cm flex cable. It captures 8×280-pixel grayscale images at 500 dpi during finger swipes (2–15 cm/s), outputs raw data over an 8-bit parallel interface, and consumes only 6 mA in acquisition mode - the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE relies entirely on this sensor for biometric input, with no alternative sensing path.

Is the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE RoHS-compliant and qualified for industrial temperature operation?

Yes, the AT77SM0101BCB02VKE is rated for industrial operation from -30°C to +65°C and meets RoHS requirements per Atmel's manufacturing standards. Its AT91RM9200 microcontroller and AT77C101B sensor both specify extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C for the sensor), and the module's thermal design - including vertical board orientation and casing aeration guidance - ensures reliable performance across this full range. The AT77SM0101BCB02VKE documentation confirms compliance with EN 61000-4-2 ESD (±16 kV air discharge).