Compaq 380 Motorized Card Transport, Lead-in Roller System, Front Opto-Sensor, Encode Opto-Sensor

Section 1. Features and Specifications

Motorized Card Transport

The Card Transport is based on an existing MagTek magstripe/encode module. This module incorporates the following features:

Lead-in Roller System

The primary purpose of the Lead-in Roller System is to grab the card from the user during card insertion and to make sure the card is mechanically under motor control before reaching the read/write head and its associated drive rollers.

As a secondary function, the Lead-in Drive Roller will also assist in allowing for a more reliable exit positioning of the card during an eject sequence. The Lead-in Roller allows for the possibility of pulling the card back into the reader if required.

Front Opto-Sensor

The Front Opto-Sensor is located near the entrance of the card path. The primary function of this sensor is to provide information that a card has been inserted into the Reader and to inform the microcontroller to initiate motor and card-handling activities.

As a secondary function, this sensor also provides feedback regarding card location during a card eject and/or jam-clear sequence.

Encode Opto-Sensor

This sensor is located approximately 0.300” before the crown of the magnetic read/write head. The primary purpose of this sensor is to provide the microcontroller with the position of the leading edge of the card just before encoding. This information, in conjunction with the Rotary Pulse Generator (RPG), allows for a higher degree of positional accuracy just before initiation of the magnetic encode process.

As a secondary function, this sensor also provides feedback regarding card location during a card-eject and/or jam-clear sequence.

Card-Landed Mechanical Switch Sensor

This switch is integrated as part of the ISO-8 smartcard contact block, and the sensor provides an indication when the leading edge of a card has reached physical travel limit for rearward travel and has successfully engaged with the smartcard contacts which allows for a successful smartcard interface session.

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