Abstract: A card reader has a read head positioned in the housing. The read head is configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a raw magnetic signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. Device electronics are provided that include a microcontroller. The device electronics receives a raw magnetic head signal and converts it into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. The microcontroller produces a synchronous Manchester encoded stream that makes a greater number of 0 crossings. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver a Manchester encoded stream output jack signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method is provided of transmitting information with a communication protocol to a mobile device. A card reader is provided with a read head that has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card, an output jack and device electronics that includes a microcontroller. The read head is used to read data on a magnetic stripe of a card. A raw magnetic signal is produced indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The raw magnetic head signal is converted into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. A synchronous Manchester encoded stream is produced that makes a greater number of 0 crossings. A Manchester encoded stream output jack signal is delivered to the mobile device through the output jack.

Abstract: A method of transmitting information to a mobile device includes providing a card reader is provided with a read head, a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card and device electronics that includes an analog front-end and a microcontroller. The analog to digital front end is coupled to a processing element in the microcontroller. A raw magnetic head signal is received at the analog to digital front end. The raw magnetic head signal is converted into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. An output jack output jack signal is delivered to the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting information to a mobile device has a card reader with wake-up electronics and a microcontroller, and a power supply coupled to the wake-up electronics and the microcontroller. Data is read on the magnetic stripe. A raw magnetic signal is produced indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The raw magnetic head signal is converted into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. An output jack signal is sent to the mobile device.