Data Matrix

DataMatrix is a two-dimensional barcode which can store from 1 to about 2,000 characters. The symbol is square and can range from 0.001 inch per side up to 14 inches per side. The sample shown above encodes 20 ASCII characters. DataMatrix is being used to encode product and serial number information on electrical rating plates; to identify lenses, circuit boards, expensive microprocessors, and other items during manufacturing. DataMatrix symbols can be printed using most professional-grade thermal transfer label printers on the market.

Data Matrix is a very area efficient 2D (two dimensional) barcode symbology that uses a unique perimeter pattern that helps the barcode scanner determine the cell locations. The cells are made up of square modules. Because it can encode letters, numbers, text and actual bytes of data, it can encode just about anything including extended characters, unicode characters and photos.

The encoding and decoding process of Data Matrix is very complex and several methods have been used for error correction in the past. ECC200 is the newest and most standard version of data matrix error correction. It supports advanced encoding and error checking with Reed Solomon error correction algorithms. These algorithms allow the recognition of barcodes that are up to 60% damaged.

DataMatrix is one of the smallest and most dependable barcode symbologies. Compared to other barcode types, Data Matrix is approximately 30 times smaller than a Code 39 barcode representing the same data.

 

Reading Data Matrix Barcodes

Scanning and Reading with Hardware

The barcode scanners we recommend and sell all have built-in decoders and can auto-discriminate several bar code symbologies.

Data Matrix can only be read by imagers that are specially programmed to do so. It is possible to scan Data Matrix barcodes that are printed at very small x dimensions (the x dimension is the width of the narrow bar in the the code). Before attempting to read barcodes that are printed with small x dimensions, check your barcode scanner manual to make sure your scanner can read it. Also, make sure your printer can accurately reproduce barcodes at these sizes.

Our range of scanners to read datamatrix codes can be seen here.

The following table contains the size, the capacity and the correction error features of each format. The format is governed by the grid size of the product.