Symbologies

One-Dimensional Bar Codes

Contain data that is read along the length of the barcode, (does not change its value from the top to the bottom).

May contain numbers only, alpha-numeric data (letters and numbers), or a limited set of alpha-betical characters.

Typically, these are ASCII characters, (which stands for “American Standard Code for Information Interchange”)

Popular one-dimensional symbologies include:

• Code 39 (“Code 3 of 9”) – available in standard ASCII or full ASCII character sets. Most frequently used symbology in barcode systems today.
  
  
• Code 128 – 128-character ASCII set. Most easily read code with the highest message integrity due to separate message check routines. Usually the best choice when implementing new systems.
  
  
• UPC (“Universal Product Code”) – 12-digit numeric only, contains a unique manufacturer ID number, and product number. Most common barcode for retail product labeling. Typically used for marking small packages, magazines and books. MUST be obtained through the Uniform Code Council!
  
  
• EAN (“European Article Numbering”) – 13-digit, similar to the UPC, becoming more popular with global commerce.
  
  

• Interleaved 2 of 5 – variable length, even-numbered, numeric only, typically used in industrial and master carton labeling.

• Code 93 – Similar to Code 39, but encodes more characters per inch.

• Coda bar – Can encode 16 characters in any length message, (capital letters A through D and all numeric digits.

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes (“2D”)

Users want more than a “license plate” for products. Contains more data in the same space, with same ease of readability. A “paper/portable database”

Two main types of 2D barcodes:

Stacked Bar Codes (a.k.a. “multi-row barcodes”)

• Linear bar codes literally stacked on top of each other
• PDF 417 is the best and most common example in use today.

Matrix Codes

• Patterns of cells in square, hexagonal or circular shape
• Must be read by a camera or CCD (“Charged-Coupled Device”) reader
• Higher data densities than stacked codes
• Data Matrix and Maxi Code are good examples
  
  Many are proprietary and used in narrow industry segments

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Bar Code - History