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Understanding IEC 11694-1-14:2019 – Physical Characteristics and Linear Recording Method for Optical Memory Cards
Essential specifications for identification card design, data storage, and interoperability in optical memory systems
About IEC 11694-1-14:2019
This standard is part of the ISO/IEC 11694 series developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17. It defines the physical characteristics and linear recording method for optical memory cards used in secure identification and data storage applications.
This standard is part of the ISO/IEC 11694 series developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17. It defines the physical characteristics and linear recording method for optical memory cards used in secure identification and data storage applications.
Scope and Purpose
IEC 11694-1-14:2019 specifies the physical dimensions, optical properties, and the linear recording method for optical memory cards. It applies to cards that store data by means of optically readable, linear tracks written on a recordable layer. The standard ensures interoperability between card issuers, readers, and systems by defining:
- Card dimensional tolerances (length, width, thickness)
- Location and characteristics of the optical area
- Optical layer reflectance, contrast, and durability
- Linear track geometry, bit density, and data modulation scheme
The linear recording method supports both write-once (WORM) and read-only (ROM) optical media, typically used for identification badges, access control tokens, and portable medical records.
Technical Requirements
Card Physical Characteristics
The standard mandates card dimensions conforming to ID-1 format (as per ISO/IEC 7810) with specific tolerances for the optical window. Table 1 summarizes the key physical parameters.
| Parameter | Requirement | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Card width | 85.6 mm ± 0.12 mm | ISO/IEC 10373-6 |
| Card height | 54.0 mm ± 0.08 mm | ISO/IEC 10373-6 |
| Card thickness | 0.76 mm ± 0.08 mm | ISO/IEC 10373-6 |
| Optical window offset (from card edge) | 10.0 mm ± 0.5 mm | ISO/IEC 11694-2 |
| Optical window size | 50.0 mm × 30.0 mm min. | ISO/IEC 11694-2 |
| Reflectivity (unrecorded area) | ≥ 70 % at 650 nm | IEC 11694-3 |
| Contrast (recorded vs. unrecorded) | ≥ 0.4 | IEC 11694-3 |
| Minimum track pitch | 1.6 μm | IEC 11694-4 |
| Data bit length (nominal) | 0.4 μm | IEC 11694-4 |
Linear Recording Method Specifications
IEC 11694-1-14:2019 defines a linear (one‑dimensional) track structure optimized for high‑density serial data streams. The recording layer uses a phase‑change or dye‑polymer medium sensitive to visible laser radiation (typically 650 nm or 780 nm).
- Track format: Concentric or spiral continuous tracks with a constant linear velocity (CLV) or constant angular velocity (CAV) regime.
- Modulation code: EFM‑like (Eight‑to‑Fourteen Modulation) variant with a minimum run‑length limit of 3 bits.
- Error correction: Reed–Solomon code (C1, C2) providing a burst error correction capability up to 350 μm.
- User data capacity: Up to 2.8 GB on a standard ID‑1 card (single recording layer).
Implementation Tip:
When designing a card reader, ensure the optical pickup unit (OPU) can accommodate both CD/DVD pickups for backward compatibility. The linear recording method of IEC 11694-1-14:2019 works best with an autofocus servo that can follow small waviness of the card surface (±0.2 mm).
When designing a card reader, ensure the optical pickup unit (OPU) can accommodate both CD/DVD pickups for backward compatibility. The linear recording method of IEC 11694-1-14:2019 works best with an autofocus servo that can follow small waviness of the card surface (±0.2 mm).
Implementation Highlights
The standard encourages a modular design approach. Card manufacturers must balance physical rigidity with the need for a thin optical window. Typical materials include polycarbonate (PC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with an embossed or laminated optical layer. Key implementation considerations include:
- Media protection: The optical area must be protected from scratches and contaminants by a hard coating or transparent cover layer.
- Printing and personalization: Only the area outside the optical window may be printed with text, graphics, or photos. The standard permits laser engraving in non‑optical zones.
- Environmental durability: Cards shall withstand a temperature range of –25°C to +60°C, 95% relative humidity, and typical flexing/ bending without delamination of the optical layer.
- Data format: Data is arranged in sectors of 2048 bytes with a 16‑byte header containing sector ID and error detection code.
Common Pitfalls:
Misalignment of the optical window during card lamination can exceed the ±0.5 mm offset tolerance, causing read failures in some readers. Always use in‑process gauges to measure the window position before final assembly.
Misalignment of the optical window during card lamination can exceed the ±0.5 mm offset tolerance, causing read failures in some readers. Always use in‑process gauges to measure the window position before final assembly.
Compliance and Testing Notes
Conformity assessment under IEC 11694-1-14:2019 typically involves type evaluation by an accredited laboratory. Tests are grouped as follows:
- Dimensional inspection (Table 1 parameters) using coordinate measuring machines.
- Optical tests – reflectivity and contrast measured at 650 nm with a calibrated spectrophotometer.
- Writing/reading performance – a reference drive verifies that data written according to the linear recording method yields a bit error rate (BER) below 1×10⁻⁴.
- Environmental endurance – cards are subjected to accelerated aging (85°C/85% RH, 1000 h) followed by an optical performance check.
Critical Note for Certifiers:
IEC 11694-1-14:2019 does not override safety requirements of IEC 60065 or ISO/IEC 60950‑1. The card itself must not emit hazardous radiation; any laser writing implemented in a system must comply with laser safety class 1 per IEC 60825‑1.
IEC 11694-1-14:2019 does not override safety requirements of IEC 60065 or ISO/IEC 60950‑1. The card itself must not emit hazardous radiation; any laser writing implemented in a system must comply with laser safety class 1 per IEC 60825‑1.
Compliance Roadmap:
Obtaining a certificate for IEC 11694-1-14:2019 usually requires about 6–8 weeks of testing if samples are supplied from a pre‑qualified production run. Plan for at least 3 rounds of samples to address dimensional or optical non‑conformities.
Obtaining a certificate for IEC 11694-1-14:2019 usually requires about 6–8 weeks of testing if samples are supplied from a pre‑qualified production run. Plan for at least 3 rounds of samples to address dimensional or optical non‑conformities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the relationship between IEC 11694-1-14:2019 and the other parts of the IEC 11694 series?
A: IEC 11694-1-14:2019 consolidates the physical characteristics (formerly Part 1) and the linear recording method (formerly Part 4) into a single normative document for the latest generation of optical memory cards. Other parts—such as those covering dimensions of the accessible optical area (Part 2) and optical properties of the recording medium (Part 3)—are referenced but not superseded.
A: IEC 11694-1-14:2019 consolidates the physical characteristics (formerly Part 1) and the linear recording method (formerly Part 4) into a single normative document for the latest generation of optical memory cards. Other parts—such as those covering dimensions of the accessible optical area (Part 2) and optical properties of the recording medium (Part 3)—are referenced but not superseded.
Q: Can a card designed for IEC 11694-1-14:2019 be used in older readers?
A: Backward compatibility is maintained at the physical and optical level. Older readers without firmware support for the EFM variant introduced in this standard may not decode the data correctly. However, the track pitch and bit density are chosen to be readable by any 650 nm pickup with sufficient resolution. Firmware upgrades are usually the only requirement for backward compatibility.
A: Backward compatibility is maintained at the physical and optical level. Older readers without firmware support for the EFM variant introduced in this standard may not decode the data correctly. However, the track pitch and bit density are chosen to be readable by any 650 nm pickup with sufficient resolution. Firmware upgrades are usually the only requirement for backward compatibility.
Q: Are there any restrictions on card personalization or printing near the optical window?
A: Yes. The standard prohibits any material (ink, laminate, adhesive) that could alter the optical properties of the window area—specifically, reflectivity and contrast. Printing is allowed only outside the window, with a minimum safety margin of 0.5 mm from the window edge. Embossing is forbidden within the window region.
A: Yes. The standard prohibits any material (ink, laminate, adhesive) that could alter the optical properties of the window area—specifically, reflectivity and contrast. Printing is allowed only outside the window, with a minimum safety margin of 0.5 mm from the window edge. Embossing is forbidden within the window region.
Q: What is the typical data capacity achievable with the linear recording method of IEC 11694-1-14:2019?
A: With a single optical layer, the standard defines a nominal capacity of 2.8 GB. Two‑layer cards (not yet covered in the 2019 edition) can potentially double that figure. The capacity depends on the track pitch, bit density, and length of the usable optical area, all of which are fixed by the standard to ensure interchangeability.
A: With a single optical layer, the standard defines a nominal capacity of 2.8 GB. Two‑layer cards (not yet covered in the 2019 edition) can potentially double that figure. The capacity depends on the track pitch, bit density, and length of the usable optical area, all of which are fixed by the standard to ensure interchangeability.
Article prepared for informational purposes. Refer to ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 17 official documents for the definitive text. — 2026