answersLogoWhite

0

http://www.topbits.com/how-a-magnetic-card-reader-works.html

According to existing standards, a magnetic card stores information in three separate tracks. All three tracks possess different bit densities and encoded character sets. The average bit density of the first track is 210 bits per inch (bpi). A 64-bit character dataset is used to store information in track 1. The characters are made up of six data bits and an odd parity bit. The encoding format grants the least-significant bit to come first and the parity bit, last. So, track one can hold around 79 characters.

The information density of the second and third tracks is around 75 and 210 bpi respectively. Only numeric data can be stored on the second and third track. 4-bit binary encoding is used as a decimal subset with odd parity and it is encoded with the least significant bit first and the parity bit last. The second and third tracks hold 40 and 107 characters respectively. The actual usable data stored will be minimized as the Start Sentinel, End Sentinel, and LRC characters are added.

"Two-Frequency, Coherent Phase Recording" is used for encoding magnetic cards. It is also called as F/2F sampling-encoding. By using combined data and clock bits self-clocking is achieved.

For all 3 tracks, the data storage format is as follows: Leading zero bits are encoded to specify the presence of an encoded magnetic card and provide synchronization pulses to the read head electronics and, ultimately, to the controller. The Start Sentinel character then indicates the initiation of actual data. The coded data follows the Start Sentinel character which is followed by the End Sentinel character. The End Sentinel character terminates the data portion of the card and is followed by an LRC byte (used for error detection). The remaining card is filled by zero bits.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

The use of a magnetic stripe reader?

The data stored on a credit or debit card is stored not only in the metallic chip - but also on a magnetic strip on the rear of the card. Magnetic card readers read the data from the strip on the card, instead of the embedded chip.


What is used to read the information from the magnetic strip in a credit card?

A card reader, also known as a magnetic stripe reader, is used to read the information stored on the magnetic strip of a credit card. The reader uses a magnetic head to detect and decode the data on the strip, such as the card number and expiration date.


What is stored on the magnetic strip of a eftpos card?

The magnetic strip holds the information of your card.


What data is on a credit card magnetic strip?

Why do credit cards have a magnetic stripe on the back


What is used to read the magnetic strip on the back of a credit card?

A magnetic card reader/magnetic reader your credit card has lots of little squares on the black strip. Each one is magnetised or not. this represents 1/0 binary. 8 of these make a byte. the magnetic card reader detects these little 1/0 dots and turns them into numbers.


How do you erase magnetic information on a credit card?

Take a magnet, swipe it on the magnetic strip on the card.


Does photocopying credit card destroy magnetic strip?

No, photocopying a credit card does not destroy the magnetic strip, but unless you absolutely need a copy of your credit card, I would not suggest making copies of it. If you have a copy of the card (especially if you put front/back on the same page or stored together), it would make it very easy for someone to steal that information and use your card for online purchases.


How do magnets work in credit cards?

they by the power of the force between them.2. The black strip on the back of the card has tiny bits of iron in them. It works like a cassette player tape, but instead of motors running the strip, your hand does it as you swipe the card.


Magnet damage a credit card?

Yes, The black strip on the back of a credit card (or any other plastic card with a dark strip) stores information on it in magnetic form. Thus if you place a credit card near a strong magnet it will change/damage this magnetic information making the strip unreadable.


How does your credit card get erased?

A credit card is a piece of plastic with a strip of magnetic information on it. When this strip is exposed to a strong magnetic field, like in an MRI, PET scan, or CAT scan it can get erased because the magnetic field removes the magnetic information.


Different between smart card and stored value card?

The stored value credit card has the credit card information on the magnetic strip. The smart card credit card has the information in the smart card computer-chip.


How can you ruin the magnetic strip on a credit card?

You can ruin the magnetic strip on a credit card by exposing it to strong magnetic fields, scratching or bending the card, or coming into contact with liquids or oils that can damage the strip. Once the magnetic strip is damaged, it may not be readable by card readers and could prevent transactions from being processed.