ISO IEC 15457-2-2007 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 15457-2:2007 — Identification cards — Thin flexible cards — Part 2: Magnetic recording technique. This International Standard specifies the magnetic stripe and encoding characteristics for thin flexible cards (TFC) used in automated access and value systems (for example mass transit, highway toll systems, car parks, vouchers and stored value), addressing requirements at the point of loading into card‑issuing equipment and at the point of issue to the public.

Abstract

Thin flexible cards are used to automate control and payment for goods and services. ISO/IEC 15457-2:2007 defines the magnetic recording technique for TFCs, including magnetic stripe characteristics and encoding methods to ensure machine readability and interoperability throughout card issuance and first use. The standard focuses on the magnetic stripe and encoding characteristics at two life‑cycle points: loading into issuing equipment and issuance to the public.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed on systematic review).
• Publication date: June 2007 (Edition 2, 2007-06).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (published under the joint technical committee ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 — Cards and personal identification).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.15 — Identification cards and related devices.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2007).
• Number of pages: 19.

Scope

Specifies magnetic stripe and encoding characteristics for thin flexible identification cards so that data written or read by machines is consistent and interoperable. The standard covers magnetic recording formats, track locations and physical / encoding parameters relevant at the point of loading into card‑issuing equipment and at the point of issue to the public. It is intended for applications such as transit fare media, toll cards, parking and stored‑value/voucher cards.

Key topics and requirements

• Magnetic stripe characteristics (track placement, physical width and position, coercivity classes and material considerations).
• Encoding formats and data density (bit/character density and allowable encoding schemes for interoperability).
• Track numbering and logical organization (track 1/2/3 conventions as applied to thin flexible cards).
• Requirements at two life‑cycle points: loading into issuing equipment and issuance to the public.
• Interoperability and machine‑readable data considerations to support automated systems (transit, tolling, vending, etc.).
• References to test and physical‑characteristics parts of the ISO/IEC 15457 series for complementary requirements and test methods.

Typical use and users

Used by card manufacturers, card‑issuance equipment suppliers, system integrators, transport and toll operators, parking and voucher system providers, procurement specialists, and conformity/test laboratories. Typical applications include mass transit fare media, highway toll cards, parking access cards, stored‑value and voucher cards where magnetic recording is required.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 15457 series for thin flexible cards; related parts include ISO/IEC 15457-1 (Physical characteristics) and ISO/IEC 15457-3 (Test methods). Implementers commonly use the three parts together: part 1 for card physical dimensions and environmental considerations, part 2 for magnetic recording and encoding, and part 3 for test procedures.

Keywords

Thin flexible cards, TFC, identification cards, magnetic stripe, magnetic recording, encoding, track layout, coercivity, data density, card issuance, interoperability, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15457-2:2007 is the international standard that defines the magnetic recording technique and encoding characteristics for thin flexible identification cards (TFC).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers magnetic stripe specifications, encoding formats and requirements at two life‑cycle points (loading into issuance equipment and issuance to the public) to ensure machine readability and interoperability for applications such as transit, tolling, parking and stored‑value cards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Card manufacturers, card‑issuance equipment vendors, system integrators, operators of transit/toll/parking/voucher systems, procurement teams and conformity/test laboratories.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/IEC 15457-2:2007 is the second edition published in June 2007 and, according to ISO records, was last reviewed and confirmed (therefore remaining current) in the periodic systematic review process. Previous edition ISO/IEC 15457-2:2001 was withdrawn and superseded by the 2007 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/IEC 15457 series for thin flexible cards. Complementary parts include ISO/IEC 15457-1 (physical characteristics) and ISO/IEC 15457-3 (test methods), which are typically used together for complete specification and conformance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Magnetic stripe, thin flexible card (TFC), magnetic recording, encoding, track layout, coercivity, interoperability, card issuance, ISO/IEC 15457.