Understanding CAN/CSA-ISO/IEC 17310-04:2004 — Optical Memory Cards: Linear Recording Method

Introduction

The standard CAN/CSA‑ISO/IEC 17310‑04:2004 (commonly referred to as IEC 17310‑04) is the Canadian adoption of the joint ISO/IEC 17310:2004 standard, titled “Identification cards — Optical memory cards — Linear recording method”. This document establishes the physical, optical, and data format requirements for optical memory cards that use a linear recording method. It defines the essential characteristics necessary for interchangeability and interoperability across different systems and devices.

Scope and Applicability

The standard applies to optical memory cards used for identification, data storage, and portable file applications. It specifies:

Card dimensions and construction
Materials and mechanical properties
Optical recording medium characteristics (wavelength, reflectivity, sensitivity)
Linear recording format and data structure
Physical and environmental endurance requirements

These cards are intended to operate with a read/write device that follows the linear scanning method (similar to CD‑R principle but in card form). The standard ensures that any compliant card can be read or written by any compliant reader/writer regardless of manufacturer.

Tip: The linear recording method is distinct from the “overwrite” or “sector‑based” methods specified in other optical card standards. Ensure your reader device is specifically designed for ISO/IEC 17310 compliance.

Technical Requirements

Card Dimensions and Construction

Cards must conform to the dimensions specified in ISO/IEC 7810 for ID‑1 size (85.60 mm × 53.98 mm × 0.76 mm). The construction includes a transparent protective layer, a recording layer, and a substrate. The total thickness is 0.76 ± 0.08 mm, and the card must be able to withstand bending, torsion, and humidity variations as defined in ISO/IEC 10373‑5 (the test methods for optical memory cards).

Key Physical Parameters (per ISO/IEC 17310:2004)
Parameter	Requirement	Test Method
Card length	85.60 mm ± 0.20 mm	ISO/IEC 10373‑1
Card width	53.98 mm ± 0.15 mm	ISO/IEC 10373‑1
Card thickness	0.76 mm ± 0.08 mm	ISO/IEC 10373‑1
Recording layer reflectivity (unrecorded)	≥ 15% (at λ = 780 ± 10 nm)	ISO/IEC 10373‑5
Minimum writing sensitivity	≤ 5 mW (laser power at medium)	ISO/IEC 10373‑5
Data area dimensions	60.00 mm × 20.00 mm (nominal)	ISO/IEC 10373‑5

Optical Recording Medium

The recording layer must be a write‑once, read‑many (WORM) material. The standard specifies the spectral response at a wavelength of 780 ± 10 nm (the read/write laser wavelength). The unrecorded area must have a reflectivity of at least 15%, and the recorded marks (pits) must reduce reflectivity to ≤ 10% to ensure a sufficient modulation.

Recording is performed by focusing a modulated laser beam onto the recording layer, creating physical or chemical changes that alter reflectivity. The linear recording method uses a continuous spiral or parallel tracks – the standard specifies parallel linear tracks. Each track is addressed by a track number, and along each track data is organized into blocks with error correction codes (ECC).

Data Structure and Encoding

The data format includes:

Preamble – synchronization and clock recovery pattern
Header – track and block address, flags
User data – up to 512 bytes per block (with interleaved ECC)
Error Correction – Reed‑Solomon or equivalent code

Modulation coding uses a run‑length limited (RLL) scheme, typically (2,7) or equivalent, to achieve high density while maintaining clock recovery.

Key Benefit: The linear recording method allows for simple, low‑cost reader mechanics. Cards can be inserted and scanned in a single pass, making them ideal for portable identity and medical record applications.

Implementation Highlights

Manufacturers implementing the standard must validate their cards and devices against the conformance test procedures defined in ISO/IEC 10373‑5. Important implementation notes include:

Production Tolerance: The recording layer must be deposited uniformly across the data area. Variations >10% in reflectivity can cause read errors.
Environmental Stability: Cards must retain data for a minimum of 10 years under normal storage conditions (temperature 5 °C to 50 °C, humidity 10% to 90% RH).
Reader Alignment: The linear scanning mechanism must align the optical head to within ±0.1 mm of the track centre to maintain data integrity.

Compliance Notes

Compliance with CAN/CSA‑ISO/IEC 17310‑04 is voluntary unless mandated by a regulatory or procurement requirement. However, for any product claiming conformity, testing must be performed by an accredited laboratory using the methods of ISO/IEC 10373‑5. The standard does not include provisions for security or encryption; these aspects may be added by specific application profiles (e.g., health or financial services).

Warning: The linear recording method is not backward compatible with sector‑based optical cards defined in older standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 11694). Always verify reader compatibility before deploying mixed card types.

Non‑Compliance Risk: Using non‑conformant cards can damage read/write heads or produce data errors that lead to complete loss of information. Always require suppliers to provide test reports from a recognized laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the storage capacity of a card conforming to IEC 17310‑04?
A: The standard itself does not mandate a specific capacity; it defines the recording method and dimensions. Typical implementations achieve 4–8 MB per card, depending on track pitch and linear density. Higher densities are possible if the material and optics allow.

Q: Is the linear recording method the same as that used in CD‑R discs?
A: Similar in principle (WORM, 780 nm laser, RLL modulation), but the card format uses parallel linear tracks rather than a spiral, and the physical dimensions are much smaller. The mechanics of a card reader are also different (linear scan instead of spinning disc).

Q: How does CAN/CSA‑ISO/IEC 17310‑04 relate to the original ISO/IEC 17310:2004?
A: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) adopted the international standard without modification. CAN/CSA‑ISO/IEC 17310‑04 is identical in technical content to ISO/IEC 17310:2004. The “‑04” in the Canadian designation indicates the year of adoption (2004).

Q: Are there any updates to this standard since 2004?
A: As of 2026, the latest edition is still ISO/IEC 17310:2004 (confirmed in 2015). No revised edition has been published. However, related test method standards (ISO/IEC 10373‑5) have been updated. Always check ISO/IEC or CSA for current status.

Reference: International Standard ISO/IEC 17310:2004, Identification cards — Optical memory cards — Linear recording method (adopted as CAN/CSA‑ISO/IEC 17310‑04).

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