ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006

Identification cards — Test methods — Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes

ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006 defines test methods for the magnetic recording characteristics of identification cards according to the definitions given in base standards ISO/IEC 7811-2, ISO/IEC 7811-6 and ISO/IEC 7811-7.

Cartes d'identification — Méthodes d'essai — Partie 2: Cartes à bandeaux magnétiques

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 06-Apr-2006
• Withdrawal Date: 06-Apr-2006
• ICS: 35.240.15 - Identification cards. Chip cards. Biometrics
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 - Cards and security devices for personal identification
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17/WG 1 - Physical characteristics and test methods for ID-cards
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 05-Jan-2015

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC 10373-2:2015 - Identification cards — Test methods — Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
• Effective Date: 10-May-2012
• Revises: ISO/IEC 10373-2:1998 - Identification cards — Test methods — Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 10373-2
Second edition
2006-04-15


Identification cards — Test methods —
Part 2:
Cards with magnetic stripes
Cartes d'identification — Méthodes d'essai —
Partie 2: Cartes à bandeaux magnétiques




Reference number
ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2006

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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions.2
4 Default items applicable to the test methods .4
4.1 Test environment.4
4.2 Pre-conditioning .4
4.3 Selection of test methods .4
4.4 Default tolerance.5
4.5 Total measurement uncertainty.5
5 Test methods.5
5.1 Magnetic stripe area warpage .5
5.2 Height and surface profile of the magnetic stripe.7
5.3 Surface roughness of the magnetic stripe.11
5.4 Wear test for magnetic stripe .12
5.5 Amplitude measurements.14
5.6 Flux transition spacing variation .22
5.7 Magnetic stripe adhesion.23
5.8 Static magnetic characteristics.24
5.9 Waveform U .26
i6
5.10 High coercivity, high density over-write.27
Annex A (informative) Effects of wear on test heads and the use of wear resistant test heads.28

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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees established
by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC technical
committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental and non-
governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information technology, ISO
and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 10373-2 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 17, Cards and personal identification.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/IEC 10373-2:1998), which has been technically
revised.
ISO/IEC 10373 consists of the following parts, under the general title Identification cards — Test methods:
⎯ Part 1: General characteristics
⎯ Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
⎯ Part 3: Integrated circuit(s) cards with contacts and related interface devices
⎯ Part 5: Optical memory cards
⎯ Part 6: Proximity cards
⎯ Part 7: Vicinity cards

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)

Identification cards — Test methods —
Part 2:
Cards with magnetic stripes
1 Scope
ISO/IEC 10373 defines test methods for characteristics of identification cards according to the definition given
in ISO/IEC 7810. Each test method is cross-referenced to one or more base standards, which may be
ISO/IEC 7810 or one or more of the supplementary standards that define the information storage technologies
employed in identification card applications.
This part of ISO/IEC 10373 defines test methods which are specific to magnetic stripe technology.
NOTE 1 - Criteria for acceptability do not form part of this part of ISO/IEC 10373 but will be found in the International
Standards mentioned above.
NOTE 2 - Test methods described in this part of ISO/IEC 10373 are intended to be performed separately. A given card is
not required to pass through all the tests sequentially.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 1302, Geometrical Product Specficiations (GPS) — Indication of surface texture in technical product
documentation
ISO 2409:1992, Paints and varnishes — Cross-cut test
ISO 3274, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Profile method — Nominal
characteristics of contact (stylus) instruments
ISO 4288, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Profile method — Rules and
procedures for the assessment of surface texture
ISO/IEC 7811-2, Identification cards — Recording technique — Part 2: Magnetic stripe — Low coercivity
ISO/IEC 7811-6, Identification cards — Recording technique — Part 6: Magnetic stripe — High coercivity
ISO/IEC 7811-7, Identification cards — Recording technique — Part 7: Magnetic stripe — High coercivity, high
density
IEC 454-2, Specification for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for electrical purposes — Part 2: Methods of
test
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
test method
method for testing characteristics of identification cards for the purpose of confirming their compliance with
International Standards
3.2
testably functional
has survived the action of some potentially destructive influence to the extent that:
a) any magnetic stripe present on the card shows a relationship between signal amplitudes before and after
exposure that is in accordance with the base standard;
1
b) any integrated circuit(s) present in the card continue to show an Answer to Reset response which
conforms to the base standard;
c) any contacts associated with any integrated circuit(s) present in the card continue to show electrical
resistance and impedance which conform to the base standard;
d) any optical memory present in the card continues to show optical characteristics which conform to the
base standard;
e) any contactless integrated circuit(s) in the card continue to operate as intended.
3.3
warpage
deviation from flatness
3.4
3.4
flux transitions per millimetre
ft/mm
linear recording density applied to a track on a magnetic stripe
3.5
recording
creating a track of flux reversals according to a test method given in this part of ISO/IEC 10373, with the
values of all applicable test parameters specified
3.6
encoding
creating a track of flux reversals whose spacing is modified, according to a coding scheme, to represent data
3.7
surface roughness
surface topology of an area of surface, qualified in the international standards by reference to various
resolution determinants and methods of calculation

1
This part of ISO/IEC 10373 does not define any test to establish the complete functioning of integrated circuit(s) cards.
The test methods require only that the minimum functionality (testably functional) be verified. This may, in appropriate
circumstances, be supplemented by further, application specific functionality criteria which are not available in the general
case.
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
3.8
amplitude measurements
〈magnetic stripe〉 measurement of readback signal amplitude according to a test method given in this part of
ISO/IEC 10373, with the values of all applicable test parameters specified
3.9
flux transition spacing variation
deviation from nominal of measured values of the distance between adjacent flux transitions along a line
parallel to the centre-line of the encoded track
3.10
magnetic stripe adhesion
strength of the bond between the magnetic stripe and the card
3.11
normal use
use as an identification card (see clause 4 of ISO/IEC 7810:2003), involving equipment processes appropriate
to the card technology and storage as a personal document between equipment processes
3.12
static saturation M(H) loop
normal hysteresis loop for which the magnetic field strength is cycled between the extremes -H to +H at
max max
such a low rate of change that the loop is not influenced by the rate of change (see IEC 50(221))
3.13
coercivity
H' = H'
cM cJ
continuously applied magnetic field which reduces the magnetisation to zero from a previously saturated state
in the opposite direction (see IEC 50(221)), measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stripe
3.14
remanent coercivity
H
r
applied magnetic field which when removed returns the material to a zero magnetisation state from a
previously saturated state in the opposite direction, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stripe
3.15
oersted
Oe
Gaussian CGS unit of magnetic field strength which is commonly used in the magnetic recording industry,
equal to approximately 79,578 A/m (relationship is informative, see annex A (informative) of ISO 31-5:1992)
3.16
static demagnetisation
S
160
reduction in magnetisation under the influence of an opposing magnetic field; characterised by (M -
r
+
M (-160)) ÷ M; the average slope of the "demagnetisation" quadrant of the static saturation M(H) loop
r
between magnetic field strength values of H = 0 and H = -160 kA/m
3.17
squareness
SQ
ratio of the value of magnetisation (M) at zero magnetic field strength (H = 0) to that at H obtained from the
max
static saturation M(H) loop
NOTE SQ = M /M(H ).
r max
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
3.18
longitudinal squareness
SQ
⏐⏐
squareness of the medium measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic stripe
3.19
perpendicular squareness
SQ
⊥
squareness of the medium measured perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic stripe
3.20
switching field by derivative
SF
D
width at half height of the differentiated static magnetisation curve M(H) divided by the coercivity from the
same curve
3.21
switching field by slope
SF
S
difference between the field values at the intercept of the static magnetisation M(H) loop with M(H) = 0,5M
r

and M(H) = -0,5M , divided by the coercivity
r
NOTE SF ( /H /-/H /)/ H' , where M(-/H /) = 0,5M and M(-/H /) = -0,5M .
S = 2 1 cM 1 r 2 r
3.22
angle of maximum squareness
Θ(SQ )
max
angle between the direction at which the maximum value of squareness is found and the longitudinal axis of
the magnetic stripe
3.23
resolution
average signal amplitude at some specified higher recording density divided by the average signal amplitude at
some specified lower recording density, multiplied by 100, expressed as a percentage
3.24
U
Fi
magnitude of the individual element at specified frequency of the Fourier spectrum of the entire waveform of
the stripe
4 Default items applicable to the test methods
4.1 Test environment
Unless otherwise specified, testing shall take place in an environment of temperature 23°C ± 3°C (73°F ± 5°F)
and of relative humidity 40% to 60%.
4.2 Pre-conditioning
Where pre-conditioning is required by the test method, the identification cards to be tested shall be conditioned
to the test environment for a period of 24 h before testing.
4.3 Selection of test methods
Tests shall be applied as required to test the attributes of the card defined by the relevant base standard.
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
4.4 Default tolerance
Unless otherwise specified, a default tolerence of ± 5% shall be applied to the quantity values given to specify
the characteristics of the test equipment (e.g. linear dimensions) and the test method procedures (e.g. test
equipment adjustments).
4.5 Total measurement uncertainty
The total measurement uncertainty for each quantity determined by these test methods shall be stated in the
test report.
5 Test methods
5.1 Magnetic stripe area warpage
The purpose of this test is to measure the degree of warpage of a card test sample in the area of the magnetic
stripe (see ISO/IEC 7811-2, ISO/IEC 7811-6 and ISO/IEC 7811-7).
The method is applicable to both embossed and unembossed cards.
5.1.1 Apparatus
The apparatus is shown in Figure 1. It comprises:
a) a level rigid plate whose surface roughness is not greater than 3,2 µm (130 µin) in accordance with
ISO 1302. The plate shall contain an aperture to allow access for a micrometer probe;
b) a dial indicator accurate to within 2,5 µm (98 µin)with a probe whose contact area is a hemisphere with a
diameter in the range of 3 mm to 8 mm (0.1 in to 0.3 in). The force exerted by the probe shall be
f = 0,6 N ± 0,3 N (0.13 lbf ± 0.07 lbf);
c) a means of applying a force F = 2,2 N (0.49 lbf) evenly distributed on the front face of the card opposite
the magnetic stripe area.
not to scale
F + f
Reference base
N8
f
Micrometer
(precision 2,5 µm)
Magnetic stripe area

Figure 1 — Measuring arrangement
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
5.1.2 Procedure
Place the sample card, front side up, on the level rigid plate. Position the magnetic stripe area to be measured
over the aperture.
The load of 2,2 N (0.49 lbf) should be increased by an amount f to compensate for the micrometer force which
is acting in the opposite direction to that force.
Apply the force F (+ f ) directly over the magnetic stripe area on the front side of the card. Wait 1 minute before
making any measurements.
Measure the card stripe area warpage at the nine positions along the stripe as shown in Figure 2. Additional
locations shall be measured if the magnetic stripe area warpage appears greater in those areas than in the
nine designated areas.
dimensions in mm
not to scale
10,00
X
+ ++++ +++ +

NOTE - the value of X is given in Table 1.
Figure 2 — Measuring points on the card

Table 1 — Position of the line of measuring points
Magnetic stripe area Dimension X (mm)
Tracks 1 and 2 8,00
Tracks 1, 2 and 3 10,70

5.1.3 Test report
The test report shall give the maximum value obtained from the set of nine measurements.
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
5.2 Height and surface profile of the magnetic stripe
The purpose of this test is to determine the height and flatness of the magnetic stripe of a card test sample
(see ISO/IEC 7811-2, ISO/IEC 7811-6 and ISO/IEC 7811-7).
The height of the magnetic stripe is determined by reference to the card and the stripe surface profile.
5.2.1 Apparatus
The following items are required:
a) a profilometer (see Figure 3);
b) a notched rigid metal plate as shown in Figure 4. Any rigid metal can be used to construct the plate, but its
thickness shall be adjusted, according to the density of the material, to achieve a weight of 2,2 N ± 0,1 N
(0.49 lbf ± 0.02 lbf). All dimensions of the plate shall be ± 0,5 mm (0.02 in) or better.
not to scale


Figure 3 — Measuring device for the height and the profile of the magnetic stripe
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
15,00
10,00 to 15,00
15,00
10,00 to 15,00
10,00 to 15,00
42,00
84,00

Figure 4 — Card holder plate (contact area)
5.2.2 Procedure
Hold the card to be tested under the notched rigid metal plate shown in Figure 4.
Measure the height and the surface profile of the magnetic stripe and the surrounding card surface using a
measuring recording instrument.
Measure the profile at a maximum speed of 1 mm/s (0.04 in/s) using a probe having a radius of 0,38 mm to
2,54 mm (0.015 in to 0.1 in) applied with a force of 0,5 mN to 6 mN (0.0001 lbf to 0.0013 lbf).
Take three measurements on each specimen across the width of the stripe. The three locations V, X and Y
are defined as the distance of 15 mm ± 2 mm (0.59 in ± 0.08 in) from each end of the card and location X the
centreline of the card (see Figure 5).
Additional areas shall be measured if the height or surface profile deviations appear to be greater in those
areas than in the three designated areas.
The starting point for measurement along each line V,X,Y begins 1 mm min (0.04 in min) above the top edge
of the magnetic media and ends 1 mm min (0.04 in min) below the bottom edge of the magnetic media.
NOTE – In preparing the test card for the surface profile measurement, it is helpful to lightly scribe a line, using a sharp
knife, parallel to the top reference edge of the card for locating the minimum stripe width W on the profile recording.

8 © ISO/IEC 2006 – All rights reserved

22,00
22,00
22,00
27,00

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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
not to scale
dimensions in millimetres
YX V
15,00 ± 2,00 15,00 ± 2,00

Figure 5 — Magnetic stripe profile measurement location
5.2.3 Expression of results
5.2.3.1 Surface profile of the magnetic stripe
For the measurements along V, X and Y line (see Figure 5), form a first basic measurement line (see Figure 6
and Figure 7) by connecting the top and bottom points that define the edges of the minimum stripe width. The
basic measurement line shall lie within 10° of the chart recording direction.
The maximum vertical deviation (a) is the distance between the basic measuring line and the point on the
magnetic media furthest away from the basic measurement line. The measurement shall be made
perpendicular to the chart recording direction.
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b = 1,00 (min) W b = 1,00 (min)

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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)

a = maximum vertical deviation
b = 1 mm (min)
W =
Minimum stripe width as specified in the relevant base standard
Figure 6 — Concave stripe profile

a = maximum vertical deviation
b = 1 mm (min)
W = Minimum stripe width as specified in the relevant base standard
Figure 7 — Convex stripe profile
5.2.3.2 Height of the magnetic stripe
For the three measurements along V, X and Y, form a basic measurement line by connecting the starting and
ending points (see Figure 8 and Figure 9). The basic measurement line shall lie within 10º of the chart
recording direction.
The maximal vertical deviation (h) is the distance between the basic measurement line and the point on the
magnetic media furthest away from the basic measurement line. The measurement shall be made
perpendicular to the chart recording direction.
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)

b = 1 mm (min)
h = maximum vertical deviation as specified in the relevant base standard
Figure 8 — Concave stripe profile

b = 1 mm (min)
h = maximum vertical deviation as specified in the relevant base standard
Figure 9 — Convex stripe profile
5.2.4 Test report
5.2.4.1 Surface profile of the magnetic stripe
The test report shall give the values of the three measurements of maximum vertical deviation (a) obtained
along lines V, X and Y.
5.2.4.2 Height of the magnetic stripe
The test report shall give the values of the three measurements of maximum vertical deviation (h) obtained
along lines V, X and Y.
5.3 Surface roughness of the magnetic stripe
The purpose of this test is to determine the degree of roughness of the magnetic stripe of a card test sample
(see ISO/IEC 7811-2 and ISO/IEC 7811-6).
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R 10,00
ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
5.3.1 Procedure
The surface roughness of the magnetic stripe shall be measured with a measuring recording instrument as
shown in Figure 3. Perform at least three measurements in each direction, traversing those areas where the
surface roughness appears worst.
All test conditions specified in 5.2 apply except:
⎯ probe stylus has a radius of 2 µm (79 µin) or 5 µm (197 µin);
⎯ cutoff wavelength and roughness evaluation length shall be chosen in accordance with ISO 3274 and
ISO 4288;
⎯ longitudinal and transverse measurements are taken on the stripe.
5.3.2 Test report
The test report shall give the centreline average R values of the magnetic stripe roughness obtained by
a
measuring in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
5.4 Wear test for magnetic stripe
The purpose of this test is to determine the signal amplitude of the magnetic stripe of a card test sample after
controlled abrasion (see ISO/IEC 7811-2 and ISO/IEC 7811-6).
5.4.1 Apparatus
A metal dummy head whose hardness is between 110 HV - 130 HV (Vickers scale) or its equivalent in
Rockwell scale. The required dimensions are as shown in Figure 10.
A rigid flat plate capable of holding the card still.
not to scale
dimensions in mm
5,00
N4
chamfer

Figure 10 — Dimensions of the contact area of the dummy head
5.4.2 Procedure
Record the sample card at 20 ft/mm (500 ftpi) using a test recording current of I , read and note the signal
min
amplitude, measured as specified in the base standard.
Fasten the card, magnetic stripe uppermost, to the flat plate so that the dummy head can traverse the length
of the stripe or alternatively, the card can move under the head (see Figure 11). Take care when mounting the
card on the rigid flat plate to ensure that the card is held flat and fixed while the tests are performed.
Apply a force of 1,5 N ± 0,2 N (0.34 lbf ± 0.05 lbf)to the head and allow the head to move back and forth at a
speed of between 200 mm/sec (7.9 in/s) and 500 mm/sec (19.7 in/s) for 2 000 cycles, (1 cycle is equivalent to
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
one forward and one backward movement). Read the signal amplitude on the same apparatus and compare
the result with the amplitude obtained at the beginning of the test.
The position of the read and write heads shall be completely contained within the area of the zone of wear
from the dummy head.
not to scale
dummy head
magnetic stripe
rigid flat plate
width of card
distance of m ovem ent

Figure 11 — Dummy head and magnetic stripe
5.4.3 Test report
The test report shall give the values of the signal amplitudes defined in the base standard, measured before
and after wear.
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1,50 N ± 0,20 N

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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
5.5 Amplitude measurements
The purpose of this test is to measure the signal amplitude, resolution, erasure, demagnetisation and
waveform characteristics of the magnetic stripe of a card test sample to check conformity with the appropriate
base standard, i.e.
⎯ for checking magnetic stripes with coercivities up to about 48 kA/m (600 oersteds) for conformance to
ISO/IEC 7811-2;
⎯ for checking magnetic stripes with coercivities above 80 kA/m (1000 oersteds) for conformance to
ISO/IEC 7811-6;
⎯ for checking magnetic stripes with coercivities above 80 kA/m (1000 oersteds) and recording density of
40 bpmm (1016 bpi) for conformance to ISO/IEC 7811-7.
NOTE - Demagnetisation and waveform characteristics are requirements only of ISO/IEC 7811-6.
5.5.1 Calibration reference
Calibration reference cards shall be selected according to the base standard against which conformance is to
be checked:
When the base standard is ISO/IEC 7811-2, use reference card type RM 7811-2.
When the base standard is ISO/IEC 7811-6, use reference card type RM 7811-6.
When the base standard is ISO/IEC 7811-7, use reference card type RM 7811-7.
NOTE 1 - Reference cards can be ordered from Physikalisch−Technische Bundesanstalt, Flab. 2.24 Bundesallee 100,
D−38116 Braunschweig, Germany, whilst stocks last. This information is given for the convenience of users of this
International Standard and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO/IEC of the product named.
NOTE 2 - Cleaning agents may cause deterioration of the certified properties. Any reference cards so treated can no
longer be considered certified and should be destroyed.
5.5.2 Apparatus
A record/read-back system is required which comprises the items and characteristics given in 5.5.2.1, 5.5.2.2,
5.5.2.3 and 5.5.2.4.
5.5.2.1 Mechanical drive
The card shall be held flat during the measurements.
The drive system shall have an average transport speed variation of no more than ± 0,5% and stable head
pressure.
NOTE - Variations in speed and head pressure will reduce the accuracy of measurement. In particular, it should be
recognised that instantaneous (transient) speed variations will affect the accuracy of individual signal amplitude
measurements.
If the drive used has a speed variation greater than ± 0,5%, then the actual speed variation shall be recorded
with the test results.
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ISO/IEC 10373-2:2006(E)
5.5.2.2 Test heads
Test heads shall comprise separate write and read heads constructed in bodies of non-magnetic material,
such as brass or aluminium.
To ensure adequate frequency response, the read head shall be constr
...