# Introduction

### About iDynamo 5 Gen III

iDynamo 5 Gen III is a compact secure card reader (SCR) that reads magnetic stripe cards that conform to ISO standards. iDynamo models are made to work with multiple host operating systems including Windows and Android devices connecting via USB-C. iDynamo can also connect to iOS host devices via a USB-C to Lightning adaptor, see **Table 2-2 - iDynamo Accessories**.

In addition to reading multiple tracks of data from a card, iDynamo models incorporate MagnePrint technology, so a card’s unique MagnePrint fingerprint is included with the track data in each transaction.

To maximize card security, when a cardholder swipes a card, the device encrypts card data and MagnePrint data before they leave the encapsulated magnetic stripe reader head using the Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA, also known as Triple DES).

iDynamo models manage 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 device prior to deployment. After each transaction, the encryption key is modified per the DUKPT algorithm, so each transaction uses a unique key. The data is encrypted with a different key for each transaction.

### Key Features

* Uses USB-C Receptacle compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Devices.
* Bi-directional card reading.
* Reads encoded data that meets ANSI/ISO/AAMVA standards.
* Reads up to three tracks of card data.
* Non-volatile memory for storage of protected and settable properties (such as unit serial number).
* MagnePrint supports Extended MP 198 bytes.
* Contains a unique, permanent serial number for tracking.
* Encrypts track data MagnePrint values before they leave the magnetic stripe reader head.
* Provides no clear text confirmation for cardholder Name, Expiration Date, Service Code, and a portion of the PAN as part of the masked track data.
* Supports mutual authentication mode for use with Magensa.net.
* Qwantum card supported.

### About iDynamo Components

Major components for iDynamo 5 Gen III are shown below.

**Figure 1-1 - iDynamo 5 Gen III Major Components (Front)**

<figure><img src="/files/gAHqaVpGoq0vLRt3e8aD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Figure 1-2 - iDynamo 5 Gen III Major Components (Back)**

<figure><img src="/files/wqdMlnFLxDsbvT1JVwJJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### About Terminology

In this document, iDynamo 5 models are referred to as the **device**. It is designed to be connected to a **host**, which is a piece of general-purpose electronic equipment that can send commands and data to, and receive data from, the device. Host types for iDynamo 5 include a variety of Android, Windows, and iOS devices. Generally, the host must have **software**installed that communicates with the device and is capable of processing transactions. During a transaction, the host and its software interact with the **operator**, such as a cashier or bank teller, while the device interacts with the **cardholder**.


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