Encrypting IntelliHead Magnetic Head for Card Reader - MagTek

MagTek introduced the Encrypting IntelliHead, a secured magnetic head for magnetic stripe card reader. The new magnetic read head includes the decoding and encrypting function. The Encrypting IntelliHead use MagTek's Delta ASIC technology, used widely to read three tracks of magnetic stripe data for retail  and financial applications.

Encrypting IntelliHead Magnetic Head for Card Reader

Encrypting IntelliHead Magnetic Head Card Reader use the 3DES encryption standard, same level of encryption security found in payment and financial applications.

Lou Struett, MagTek, said:

The card data is encrypted before it leaves the head…. This revolutionary concept protects the data at the earliest point of entry, an ideal solution to simplify the stringent security requirements of the new PCI regulations

Integrating the Encrypting IntelliHead into card reading solutions will substantially reduce the cost to protect the card data inside a POS terminal…

Encrypting IntelliHead Magnetic Head Card Reader will offer standard features available in other MagTek card readers: 3-track reader, bi-directional read, ISO and AAMVA support, plus multiple head mounting configurations for varied rail and insert reader configurations.

Magtek IntelliHead Magnetic Read Head

The IntelliHead Magnetic Read Head use a  tiny Delta ASIC along with small microprocessor directly into the three-track magnetic head. All IntelliHead read head models are able to read 3-track cards with swipe speeds from 7.6 to 152.4 cm/s. Each has an integrated 125mm cable and 5-pin Molex connector.

The IntelliHead Magnetic Read Head family supports for USB, RS-232, SPI, and Shift-Out (Strobe/Data).  Each is available in a variety of reader packages.

Key features IntelliHead read head:

• IntelliHead features the MagTek Delta ASIC
• IntelliHead provides the smallest footprint available in the industry today
• No external Components required
• Enhanced ESD protection
• High performance decoding – reads badly damaged cards; compensates for poor head mounting
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
• High noise immunity
• Interfaces available: Shift-Out, RS-232, USB and SPI
• Low cost solution for triple track readers
• Ultra-compact design
• Also available with various spring and rail combinations

MagTek Delta ASIC

The Triple Track Delta ASIC is a single-chip solution to read data from magnetic-stripe card. The 3-volt Delta ASIC with Shift-Out is a fully integrated magnetic stripe decoder offering data recovery capability. The Delta ASIC has it own buffers to record the entire track data.

Key features Magtek  Delta ASIC

• Low cost magnetic read head for single, dual, or triple track card readers
• Data buffer with Shift-Out – allows full card data to be locally stored on ASIC.
• Minimal external components – only a decoupling capacitor is required.
• Only 2 signals, DATA and STROBE to connect to your micro-controller
• High noise immunity
• AGC (Automatic Gain Control) – reads cards from 30% - 200% of ISO standards
• High performance decoding – reads badly damaged cards
• QFN package (4mm x 5mm), minimizes PCB space requirement

Source: MagTek Encrypting IntelliHead Magnetic Head Read