Achieving FIDO Compliant Biometric Authentication Smart Cards with Ultra-Thin, Bendable Batteries

Adopted by: Smart Card Manufacturer

Photo: High-performance smart card image

Development Background

High-function smart cards are increasingly incorporating features such as fingerprint authentication for enhanced security, BLE communication authentication with smartphones, and display functions. For example, FIDO and FIDO2 authentication cards, which have been under development recently, allow users to log in to online services without passwords using fingerprint authentication, improving usability and security.

To operate these functions on a card, a card battery is necessary. However, primary batteries have insufficient capacity, and incorporating secondary batteries poses challenges in terms of battery thickness. The thickness of secondary batteries that can be embedded in standard cards is typically less than 0.5mm. Using conventional thin batteries results in insufficient capacity, leading to issues where the desired multiple functions cannot operate. Furthermore, when attempting to implement desired features such as fingerprint authentication sensors and BLE communication modules, the space for the battery is limited, requiring the secondary battery to be compact. With an eye on solving these issues, NGK began to develop a power supply that can be embedded in high-function smart cards.

Table of Contents

The EnerCera's advantages

EnerCera Pouch (EC382704P-Hr)
Use Cases

Advanced security functions can be implemented on the card,including fingerprint recognition and other biometric authentication functions, blockchain private key functions, etc.
Expected Technological Contribution

EneCera Pouch’s thin and bendable characteristics can support power supply for devices such as card-type devices and sensor tags that require bending.

The EnerCera's advantages

✔️ Ultra-thin 0.45mm bendable battery
✔️ High capacity to support fingerprint authentication and BLE communication
✔️ Compatible with hot laminate processing in IC card manufacturing

Ultra-thin 0.45mm bendable battery

EnerCera is a bendable lithium-ion secondary battery with a thickness of only 0.45mm. Tests have confirmed it to have a bending durability of 5,000 cycles, significantly exceeding the 1,000 cycles required by ISO/IEC10373-1. Among secondary batteries, there are few thin batteries with bending durability, making EnerCera ideal for smart card implementation.

High capacity and high energy density

EnerCera’s high capacity allows it to support both fingerprint authentication and BLE communication. It can function as a battery for incorporating fingerprint authentication for identity verification and BLE communication for pairing with smartphones into cards, enabling smart card authentication.

Compatible with hot laminate processing in IC card manufacturing

Many credit cards have a validity period of 5 years, and the battery is thus required to have durability for a similar period. EnerCera not only withstands the high temperatures of hot laminate processing during manufacturing but also has excellent cycle life, no swelling due to degradation, and high durability, comfortably maintaining a 5-year battery life.

Use Cases

EnerCera enables the realization of cards with advanced security features such as biometric authentication, including fingerprint authentication, and blockchain private key functionality. By utilizing a thin battery, sufficient space can be secured for modules, allowing for the implementation of large color displays on cards. Currently, NGK is working with card manufacturers to develop even more highly functional cards, supporting smart card recharge capabilities.

Expected Technological Contribution

In the future, card multifunctionality are expected to further advance through new technologies that balance enhanced security and usability. EnerCera will support the power supply for card-type devices and devices that require bending, such as sensor tags, by leveraging its thin and bendable characteristics. The ultra-thin battery technology will contribute to the advancement of smart card technology, enabling the integration of FIDO, FIDO2, FIDO U2F security keys, and FIDO2 security keys into smart cards for secure authentication.