MagTek iDynamo - Manual (Page 7)

1 - Introduction
iDynamo| MagneSafe Secure Card Reader Authenticator | Technical Reference Manual
Page 7
1 Introduction
1.1 About iDynamo
iDynamo™ is a compact secure card reader authenticator (SCRA) that reads magnetic stripes and
conforms to ISO standards. iDynamo is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch products with
either 30-pin or Lightning interface options.
In addition to reading multiple tracks of data from a card, the reader incorporates MagnePrint®
technology, so a card’s unique MagnePrint fingerprint is included with the track data in each transaction.
To maximize card security, when a user swipes a card through the reader, the device encrypts card data
and MagnePrint data before they leave the encapsulated magstripe reading head using the Triple Data
Encryption Algorithm (TDEA, also known as Triple DES).
iDynamo manages encryption keys using DUKPT (Derived Unique Key Per Transaction) key
management. DUKPT uses a base derivation key to encrypt a key serial number that produces an initial
encryption key which is injected into the reader prior to deployment. After each transaction, the
encryption key is modified per the DUKPT algorithm so each transaction uses a unique key. Thus, the
data will be encrypted with a different encryption key for each transaction.
1.2 Product Features
iDynamo features include:

iDynamo is compatible with iPhone 3G/3GS, iPhone 4/4S, iPad 2/3, and iPod Touch

iDynamo 5 is compatible with iPhone 5, iPad Mini, iPad with Retina Display, and iPod Touch 5 th
Generation

Pass-through Micro-USB port allows the iOS device to charge and synchronize without disconnecting
iDynamo [Lightning connector supports charge ONLY; iTunes synchronization is not available]*

iDynamo 5 uses Apple Lightning connector; legacy iDynamo uses Apple 30-pin connector

Bi-directional card reading

Reads encoded data that meets ANSI/ISO/AAMVA/JIS Type 2 standards

Reads up to three tracks of card data

Non-volatile memory for storage of protected and settable properties (such as unit serial number)
 Provides 54 byte MagnePrint™ value

Contains a unique, permanent serial number for tracking

Encrypts track data MagnePrint values before they leave the reader head
 Provides clear text confirmation data, including card holder’s name, expiration date, and a portion of
the PAN as part of the masked track data

Supports mutual authentication mode for use with Magensa.net
* iPad charging may require using the Apple supplied 10 Watt (2A @ 5V) iPad charger or equivalent.
Computer USB ports may not supply enough power to charge the device.
1.3 Planning
When planning an integrated solution that includes iDynamo, there are important questions which will
help determine which device, adapters, accessories, and infrastructure you choose: