After introducing the fingerprint recognition mechanism, different types of fingerprint sensors will be presented, with silicon-based sensors being shown as a less expensive solution. The fact that lower area means lower cost for silicon chips will be demonstrated by looking at ‘sweeping’ solutions such as the FingerChipTM. Then, the fingerprint system will be detailed from a silicon point-of-view: how the integration of the sensor and processor may enhance the cost and the security, associated (or not) with a smart card. ©2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.