Magnetic card reader and electronic payment terminal equipped with such a magnetic card reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a magnetic card reader comprising: - a circuit board (5) intended to receive and process data from a magnetic card, the circuit board (5) comprising at least one microprocessor (11), - a magnetic reading head (6) configured to read data contained in at least one magnetic track of a magnetic card and to transmit these data to the circuit board (5), the circuit board (5) comprising at least one soldering pad to which the magnetic reading head (6) is soldered, one of said at least one soldering pad(s) being a security pad electrically connected to the microprocessor (11), the security pad being arranged entirely between the circuit board (5) and the magnetic reading head (6). The invention also relates to an electronic payment terminal comprising such a magnetic card reader.

Description

Magnetic card reader and electronic payment terminal equipped with such a magnetic card reader

[0001] The invention relates to the field of magnetic card readers as well as to electronic payment terminals comprising such magnetic card readers.

[0002] A magnetic card is an electronic card equipped with at least one magnetic stripe on which data is stored by magnetic recording. The magnetic stripe of this magnetic card can thus be read by a magnetic reading head in order to obtain the information stored in this magnetic card and possibly transmit it to an electronic card which can then process this data. Magnetic cards are used, for example, as bank cards, access cards for parking, identification cards, or even access cards for secure rooms.

[0003] In order to obtain a reading of a magnetic stripe of a magnetic card by a magnetic card reader, when the magnetic card passes through the reader, a magnetic reading head is in contact with the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card and the read data is received and processed by an electronic card. The magnetic reading head is for example connected to the electronic card via a flexible circuit.

[0004] In order to secure the reading of the magnetic stripe, it is known to protect or shield the tracks of the electronic card, or even the flexible circuit, through which the data read by the magnetic reading head passes. However, data recovery is still possible upstream of the electronic card, for example by creating a bypass circuit between the magnetic reading head and the electronic card.

[0005] Thus, there is a need to strengthen the security of the magnetic stripe reading function in a magnetic card reader, in order to avoid any recovery of data read by the magnetic reading head.

[0006] The invention aims in particular to provide a magnetic card reader in which the security of the reading function is improved while being of simple structure.

[0007] To this end, the subject of the invention is a magnetic card reader comprising:- an electronic card intended to receive and process data originating from a magnetic card, the electronic card comprising at least one microprocessor,- a magnetic reading head configured to read data contained in at least one magnetic stripe of a magnetic card and to transmit this data to the electronic card, the electronic card comprising at least one solder pad on which the magnetic reading head is soldered, one of said at least one solder pad being a security pad electrically connected to the microprocessor, the security pad being arranged entirely between the electronic card and the magnetic reading head.

[0008] Thus, because the magnetic reading head is soldered to the electronic board, it is not possible to make a bypass between the magnetic reading head and the electronic board without unsoldering the magnetic reading head from the electronic board. In addition, the safety area electrically connected to the microprocessor makes it possible to detect a removal of the magnetic reading head from the electronic board when unsoldering the safety area. Finally, because the safety area is arranged entirely between the electronic board and the magnetic reading head, it is not possible to act from the outside on this safety area without unsoldering the magnetic reading head from the electronic board. Therefore, the safety of the reading function is improved while being of simple structure.

[0009] Depending on other optional features of the magnetic card reader, taken alone or in combination:

[0010] - The magnetic reading head is metallic. Thus, the magnetic reading head is made simply and economically.

[0011] - The magnetic reading head is grounded to the electronic card. This reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge.

[0012] - The safety area is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 mm from an outer circumference of the magnetic reading head, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably equal to 0.15 mm. Thus, even taking into account a relative positioning tolerance of the magnetic reading head and the electronic card before fixing the magnetic reading head to the electronic card by welding, the safety area is invisible from the outside after welding.

[0013] - The magnetic card reader has a connection to a battery configured to supply the microprocessor with electricity. This ensures that the detection of a removal of the magnetic reading head from the electronic card during desoldering of the security zone is detected by the microprocessor, since the latter is powered by at least one element internal to the reader, namely the battery. Consequently, the security of the reading function is further improved.

[0014] - The magnetic card reader has a connection to an external power source configured to supply the microprocessor with power. This avoids consuming battery power when it is not needed, namely when the reader is connected to an external power source.

[0015] - The magnetic reading head is fixed only by welding on the electronic board, preferably is fixed only by surface soldering on the electronic board. Thus, the manufacturing is simplified, because the method of fixing the magnetic reading head on the electronic board corresponds to the method of realizing the security range.

[0016] - The electronic board has a plurality of solder pads on which the magnetic reading head is soldered. This makes the magnetic reading head secure and easy to attach.

[0017] - The distance between the safety area and the other soldering area(s) is greater than 0.17 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, more preferably equal to 0.35 mm. This eliminates the risk of an electrical connection or an electrical discharge between the safety area and the other soldering area(s).

[0018] - The magnetic card reader comprises positioning means, which are configured to position the magnetic reading head and the electronic card relative to each other. Thus, manufacturing is simplified, since during welding of the security area, the magnetic reading head and the electronic card are positioned relative to each other.

[0019] - The positioning means include positioning tabs carried by the magnetic reading head, and positioning holes in the circuit board, which receive the positioning tabs. This makes it easy to position the magnetic reading head on the circuit board before the soldering operation. This makes manufacturing easier.

[0020] The invention also relates to an electronic payment terminal comprising a magnetic card reader as previously described.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the electronic payment terminal:

[0022] - The electronic payment terminal includes a chip card reader.

[0023] The invention finally relates to a method for decommissioning a magnetic card reader as previously described, during which: - cyclically, the microprocessor measures the electrical potential of the electrical connection to the magnetic reading head via the security range, - when the measured potential is different from that of the ground of the electronic card, the microprocessor executes a decommissioning of the magnetic card reader.

[0024] This allows the microprocessor to easily detect the removal of the magnetic reading head from the electronic card. This improves the security of the reading function.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the decommissioning process:

[0026] - When the power supply to the microprocessor is interrupted and then reactivated, the microprocessor performs a decommissioning of the magnetic card reader. Thus, a cut in the power supply to the microprocessor so that it does not detect the removal of the magnetic reading head does not allow the magnetic reading head to be desoldered, for example to provide a bypass between the magnetic reading head and the electronic card, then to resolder the magnetic reading head on the magnetic card, and finally to re-power the microprocessor in order to simulate or restore normal operation of the magnetic card reader. In fact, the security of the reading function is further improved. Brief description of the figures

[0027] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] is a perspective view of an electronic payment terminal comprising a magnetic card reader according to one embodiment;

[0029] is a schematic perspective view of an electronic card and part of the components of the magnetic card reader of the electronic payment terminal shown in the;

[0030] is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the electronic card without the other components of the magnetic card reader of the electronic payment terminal shown in the;

[0031] is a schematic top view of a detail of the.

[0032] An embodiment of a magnetic card 2 reader 1 according to the invention, integrated in an electronic payment terminal 3 according to the invention, is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In these Figures 1 to 4, elements similar to those of the preceding figures are designated by identical references.

[0033] The electronic payment terminal 3 shown in the therefore comprises the magnetic card reader 1 2 as well as a chip card reader 4, which is conventional. The electronic payment terminal 3 comprises two lateral edges, an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper and lower edges are understood to be the usual orientations of use of an electronic payment terminal 3. Thus, the upper edge corresponds to the distal edge, that is to say the edge furthest from the user when he uses the electronic payment terminal 3 and the lower edge corresponds to the proximal edge, that is to say the edge closest to the user when he uses the electronic payment terminal 3. In the present case, in addition to the conventional location of the chip card reader 4 at the lower edge, the magnetic card reader 1 2 is also located at the lower edge of the electronic payment terminal 3.According to other embodiments, the terminal is of a type other than an electronic payment terminal 3, for example a terminal for controlling access to a parking lot, an identification terminal, or a terminal for controlling access to a secure room.

[0034] The magnetic card 2 reader 1 comprises in particular an electronic card 5, a magnetic reading head 6 and a passage zone 7 for a magnetic card 2. In the present case, the terminal being an electronic payment terminal 3, the magnetic card 2 is a payment card. It comprises three magnetic stripes 9 intended for the magnetic storage of data. According to other embodiments, the magnetic card 2 comprises a different number of magnetic stripes 9, for example one, two or four.

[0035] The magnetic reading head 6, illustrated in particular in the, is configured to read data contained in at least one magnetic track 9 of the magnetic card 2 and to transmit this data to the electronic card 5, so that it can be processed there. In the present case, the electronic card 2 comprising three magnetic tracks 9, the magnetic reading head 6 is a housing carrying three air gaps 10 each configured for reading one of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2. In this example, the magnetic reading head 6 is metallic. In particular, the magnetic reading head 6 comprises a metallic casing 6'.

[0036] The passage zone 7 of the magnetic card 2 is formed by a slot provided in the lower edge of the electronic payment terminal 3. This passage zone 7 is the one in which the magnetic card 2 is intended to slide, for example in the reading direction A shown in the figure, when a user wishes to use it on the electronic payment terminal 3. Conventionally, the magnetic reading head 6 opens into the passage zone 7 in order to allow the reading, by means of the air gaps 10, of the data contained in at least one of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2. In order to allow reading, the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 are pressed against the air gaps 10 carried by the magnetic reading head 6, for example by guiding means in the passage zone.

[0037] The electronic card 5 is configured to receive and process data from the magnetic card 2, this data being read and transmitted by the magnetic reading head 6. The electronic card 5 comprises at least one microprocessor 11, shown in the. As shown in the, the electronic card 5 comprises at least one solder pad 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 on which the metal casing 6' of the magnetic reading head 6 is soldered, which is intentionally not shown in the in order to allow the at least one solder pad 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 to be viewed. In this example, the electronic card 5 comprises a plurality of solder pads 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 on which the metal casing 6' of the magnetic reading head 6 is soldered. For example, the metal casing 6' of the magnetic reading head 6 is fixed solely by soldering to the electronic card 5.More specifically in this example, the metal frame 6' of the magnetic reading head 6 is fixed only by surface soldering on the electronic card 5. Such an assembly is also known as CMS for "surface mounted component".

[0038] One of said at least one solder pad 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 is a security pad 12 electrically connected to the microprocessor 11. Conventionally, such an electrical connection is made by a track in the thickness of the electronic card 5. Furthermore, in this example, the magnetic reading head 6 is at the ground of the electronic card 5. In other words, the security pad 12 is at a potential of 0 Volts relative to the ground of the electronic card 5. The security pad 12 is also arranged entirely between the electronic card 5 and the magnetic reading head 6. Thus, as shown in the and in the, the security pad 12 is not visible from the outside. Thus, the security solder pad 12 does not protrude from the outside of the magnetic reading head 6 so that it cannot be accessed without removing the magnetic reading head 6, thus preventing any attempt to hack the magnetic reading head 6.Indeed, if the circuit is open, that is to say if the safety soldering pad 12 is unsoldered from the casing 6' of the magnetic reading head 6, the microprocessor 11 detects the removal of the magnetic reading head 6 and engages a secure mode, for example by deleting all the information contained in the memory of the terminal 3. Thus, the magnetic reading head 6 protects itself.

[0039] Furthermore, the distance between the safety area 12 and the other solder area(s) 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 is greater than 0.17 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, more preferably equal to 0.35 mm. Furthermore, the safety area 12 is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 mm from an outer periphery 18 of the magnetic reading head 6, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably equal to 0.15 mm.

[0040] The magnetic card 2 reader 1 also comprises positioning means, which are configured to position the magnetic reading head 6 and the electronic card 5 relative to each other. In this example, the positioning means comprise positioning tabs 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d carried by the magnetic reading head 6, and positioning holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d in the electronic card 5, which receive the positioning tabs 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d. For example, as shown in the, the positioning means comprise four oblong positioning holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, which receive four positioning tabs 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d.

[0041] The electronic payment terminal 3, in this example the magnetic card 2 reader 1, comprises a connection 21 to an external source of electricity configured to supply the microprocessor 11 with electricity. The electronic payment terminal 3 also comprises a battery 22. Thus, the magnetic card 2 reader 1 comprises a connection 23 to the battery 22 configured to supply the microprocessor 11 with electricity, in this example when the external source of electricity does not supply the microprocessor 11 with electricity by means of the connection 21 to the external source of electricity. For example, the battery 22 is a battery, in this example a CR2032 type battery. In this example, the battery 22 is arranged in a housing remote from the electronic card 5 and is electrically connected to the electronic card 5. According to a variant, the battery 22 is arranged on the electronic card 5.

[0042] The transfer of data to the electronic card 5 is carried out by means of coils wound on the base of the air gaps 10, in this example three coils. The electronic card 5 thus comprises specific solder pads 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, in this example six specific solder pads 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, on which the coils wound on the base of the air gaps 10 are soldered. It should be noted that the solder pads 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 are distinct from the specific solder pads 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.

[0043] A method for decommissioning such a magnetic card 2 reader 1 comprises, for example, the following steps: - cyclically, the microprocessor 11 measures the electrical potential of the electrical connection to the reading head 6 via the security range 12, - when the measured potential is different from that of the ground of the electronic card 5, the microprocessor 11 executes a decommissioning of the magnetic card 2 reader 1.

[0044] Furthermore, in this example, the method for decommissioning such a magnetic card 2 reader 1 comprises the following step: - when the electrical supply to the microprocessor 11 is interrupted and then reactivated, the microprocessor 11 executes a decommissioning of the magnetic card 2 reader 1.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. List of references

[0046] 1: magnetic card reader

[0047] 2: magnetic card

[0048] 3: electronic payment terminal

[0049] 4: smart card reader

[0050] 5: electronic card

[0051] 6: magnetic reading head

[0052] 6': metal frame of the reading head

[0053] 7: magnetic card passage area

[0054] 9: magnetic track

[0055] 10: air gap11: microprocessor12: solder pad, safety pad13, 14, 15, 16, 17: solder pads18: outer perimeter of the magnetic reading head 619a, 19b, 19c, 19d: positioning tabs20a, 20b, 20c, 20d: positioning holes21: connection22: battery23: connection24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29: specific solder pads

Claims

Magnetic card (2) reader (1) comprising:- an electronic card (5) intended to receive and process data originating from a magnetic card (2), the electronic card (5) comprising at least one microprocessor (11),- a magnetic reading head (6) configured to read data contained in at least one magnetic stripe (9) of a magnetic card (2) and to transmit this data to the electronic card (5), the electronic card (5) comprising at least one solder pad (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) on which the magnetic reading head (6) is soldered,characterized in that one of said at least one solder pad (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) is a security pad (12) electrically connected to the microprocessor (11), the security pad (12) being arranged entirely between the electronic card (5) and the magnetic reading head (6). Reader (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the magnetic reading head (6) is grounded to the electronic card (5). Reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the security range (12) is arranged at a distance of at least 0.1 mm from an outer periphery (18) of the magnetic reading head (6), preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably equal to 0.15 mm. Reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a connection (23) to a battery (22) configured to supply the microprocessor (11) with electricity. Reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic reading head (6) is fixed solely by welding on the electronic card (5), preferably is fixed solely by surface soldering on the electronic card (5). Reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic card (5) comprises a plurality of solder pads (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) on which the magnetic reading head (6) is soldered. Reader (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the distance between the safety area (12) and the other solder area(s) (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) is greater than 0.17 mm, preferably greater than 0.3 mm, more preferably equal to 0.35 mm. Reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises positioning means, which are configured to position the magnetic reading head (6) and the electronic card (5) relative to each other. Reader (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the positioning means comprise:- positioning tabs (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d) carried by the magnetic reading head (6), and- positioning holes (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) in the electronic card (5), which receive the positioning tabs (19a, 19b, 19c, 19d). Electronic payment terminal (3) comprising a magnetic card (2) reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Method for decommissioning a magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 1 to 9, during which: - cyclically, the microprocessor measures the electrical potential of the electrical connection to the magnetic reading head via the security range, - when the measured potential is different from that of the ground of the electronic card, the microprocessor executes a decommissioning of the magnetic card reader. Method according to the preceding claim, in which, when the power supply to the microprocessor is interrupted and then reactivated, the microprocessor executes a decommissioning of the magnetic card reader.

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