Magnetic Stripe Key Terms

Get acquainted with magnetic stripe terminology

A magnetic stripe (also known as a magstripe) refers to a small length of a tape containing magnetic material that is applied to a surface, such as a credit or ID card. The stripe can store a large amount of confidential data in an encoded format that can be read by swiping the card against a magnetic reader.

Read on to learn more about magnetic stripe key terms, such as magnetic stripe reader, coercivity, modified frequency modulation and magnetic encoding.

 

Magnetic stripe reader

A magnetic stripe reader is a device that can read and process the data on a magnetic stripe using a computer program. These devices can be of two types: insertion readers and swipe readers. A typical application of magnetic stripe reader is the stripe reader in an ATM (automatic teller machine).
Try: You can get useful information on magnetic stripe readers at Tech Target, an online resource on technical subjects.

Coercivity

Coercivity is a measure of the strength of a magnetic field. Use of high intensity coercivity makes it harder to write data, but it also ensures that the data does not erase quickly from the stripe. Therefore, high coercivity is more useful for writing very important financial data.
Try: Read through the magstripe encoder questions at ABCO Office Solutions, a manufacturer of office supplies and equipment.

ISO/IEC 7811

ISO/IEC 7811 is a series of ISO standards that describes the characteristics of international identification cards. ISO/IEC 7811-7 specifically describes the encoding technique and requirements for a high coercivity magnetic stripe on a card.
Try: To learn more about ISO standards for magnetic stripes, read through the abstract for ISO/IEC 7811 standards at ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Modified frequency modulation (MFM)

Modified frequency modulation is useful in encoding data on magnetic stripes. It uses a line-coding scheme and plastic card makers use it to write confidential data on the cards using magnetic materials.
Try: To get a better understanding of modified frequency modulation, read through the information at AIM Global, an association for automatic identification and mobility solutions providers.

Magnetic stripe card tracks

On a magnetic stripe card, you can store data in three different tracks. Especially in credit cards, Track 2 stores personal data such as account number and pin number. Airline companies make use of Track 1 while booking tickets against a credit card.
Try: At Acme Technologies, you can learn more about magnetic stripe card tracks.

Magnetic encoding

A magnetic stripe contains encoded data in a particular track depending on the industry it aims to serve. Different methods for encoding data have come up to serve specific purposes.
Try: If you want to learn more on magnetic encoding, read through basic information at InteractCard, a provider of identification systems.

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