SparkFun
Fingerprint Scanner - TTL (GT-521F52)
Fingerprint scanners are awesome! Why use a key when you have one right at the tip of your finger? Unfortunately, they’re often unreliable or difficu...
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Fingerprint scanners are awesome! Why use a key when you have one right at the tip of your finger? Unfortunately, they’re often unreliable or difficult to implement. Well not anymore! This great GT-521F52 fingerprint module from ADH-Tech communicates over TTL Serial so you can easily embed it into your next project. The module itself does all of the heavy lifting behind reading and identifying the fingerprints with an onboard optical sensor and 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 processor.
To get started, just register each fingerprint that you want to store by sending the corresponding command and pressing your finger against the reader three times. The fingerprint scanner can store different fingerprints, and the database of prints can even be downloaded from the unit and distributed to other modules. In addition to the fingerprint “template,” the analyzed version of the print, you can retrieve the image of a fingerprint and even pull raw images from the optical sensor!
This module is the upgraded version of the GT-521F32 and can store up to an astounding 3,000 different fingerprints! It is capable of 360° fingerprint recognition and download/upload templates using serial interface. Additionally, the GT-521Fxx series features a resolution of 450dpi, with a false acceptance rate of <0.001% and a false rejection rate of <0.1% while only needing <1.5 seconds to identify a unique fingerprint!
The module is small and easy to mount using four mounting holes surrounding the sensor. The onboard JST-SH connector has four signals: Vcc, GND, Tx and Rx. A compatible JST-SH pigtail can be found in the Hookup Accessories section below.
Note: Please be aware that even though this fingerprint scanner is equipped with the same connector we use on all of our Qwiic boards, it is NOT Qwiic or I2C compatible. That being said, all of our Qwiic cables, like our 100mm version, will work for this board.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- GND
- GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
- RX
- RX means receive, usually showing data being received by the board. An RX indicator LED can help with troubleshooting USB or serial communication.
- TTL serial
- A simple serial data connection that uses microcontroller logic-level voltages (typically 3.3 V or 5 V) rather than the higher, inverted voltages of computer RS-232. When a device lists TTL serial, it can usually wire straight to a microcontroller's UART pins or to a USB-to-TTL serial adapter, but it needs a level converter before connecting to a true RS-232 port.
- TX
- TX means transmit, usually showing data being sent from the board. A TX indicator LED can help you see when the board is communicating or uploading code.
- VCC
- VCC is the positive power-supply connection on a chip or module. Connecting it to the correct supply voltage is needed for the part to power on and helps avoid damaging the electronics.
Find this product in
Sensors & Input
GT-511C3 Fingerprint Scanner Datasheet
Datasheet · 4.4 MB · Click any page to view full size
GT-521FX2 Datasheet
Datasheet · 720.0 KB · Click any page to view full size
GT-521F52 Programming Guide
User Guide · 5.7 MB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 621.3 KB · Click any page to view full size
GT-521N/F Series Datasheet
Datasheet · 521.6 KB · Click any page to view full size
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