Types Of 2D Barcode Symbologies

By | March 2, 2010

Four types of barcode symbologies are PDF147, Datamatrix, maxicode and Quick Response (QR) code.

PDF417 (Portable Data File): It is a high capacity two dimensional bar code developed by Symbol Technologies, Inc. A PDF417 symbol can occupy nearly 2000 characters of information, while a traditional linear bar code has difficulty in occupying more than 30 characters. The important feature of PDF417 is its high information capacity. PDF417 is designed to have sufficient capacity to accommodate complete data file of information. PDF417 do not require external database access, as the PDF417 symbol can hold entire information in complete portable data file. PDF417 is used in several applications like logistics and transportation, retailing, health care, government, identification, and manufacturing.

DataMatrix: It is a two-dimensional barcode which can store data from 1 to nearly 2,000 characters. It uses the symbol square which can range from 0.001 inch per side to 14 inches per side. DataMatrix is used to encrypt product and serial number information on electrical rating plates, to label surgical instruments in Japan, to recognize lenses, circuit boards, and other items at the time of manufacturing.

MaxiCode: It is a fixed-size code which occupies about 93 data characters. The symbol is made up of a central bulls-eye locator and offset rows of hexagonal sections. It is developed by United Parcel Service (UPS), and was designed for fast automated scanning of packages on high-speed conveyor lines.

The QR Code (Quick Response Code): It can encode about 2509 numeric or 1520 alphanumeric characters and provides three levels of error detection. The smallest QR Code can measure 21 X 21 cells and can increase in increments of 4 cells to a maximum size of 105 X 105 cells. The squares in the bottom left, top left, and top right corners are in the form of locator. It was developed in Japan by the Nippon Denso Company.


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