4.3 2D Bar Codes; Data Matrix; Figure 19 Data Matrix Format Structure - Microcom LDS2 Programming Manual

Chapter 4 Barcodes

4.3 2D Bar Codes

This section provides information regarding the different requirements of the two-
dimensional bar codes. The 2D symbols generally follow their own unique format structure
and not the standard Format Entry Command structure. Unless stated otherwise in the
descriptions below, the printer will automatically generate the necessary check digits when
required.
4.3.1

Data Matrix

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional matrix symbology that is capable of encoding up to 2335
alphanumeric characters, 1556 8-bit byte data characters, or 3116 numeric digits. The ECC
200 version is supported and uses the Reed-Solomon error correction. The requirements
for generating a data matrix symbol are the subject data, placement information, CI code,
configuration, encoding, module width, and tilde representation. These parameters are set
using a Data Matrix unique Format Entry Command that is used in place of the standard
Format Entry Command, which is listed below.
Figure 19 Data Matrix Format Structure
X Parameter
This parameter used to set the X coordinate start position of the Data Matrix symbol.
Y Parameter
This parameter used to set the Y coordinate start position of the Data Matrix symbol.
CI Code
This is the Text Equivalent Code that is used to generate the Data Matrix symbol associated
with the Text Entry command line ("^Tn)"). The valid codes are datamatrix, data, or dm.
Configuration
The configuration parameter used to identify the size and capacity of the Data Matrix
symbol. The ECC 200 symbols have an even number of rows and an even number of
columns. The symbols can be square, with sizes ranging from 10 x 10 to 144 x 144, or
rectangular, with sizes 8 x 18 to 16 x 48. The default is set to "auto", which means that the
printer will automatically generate the smallest Data Matrix symbol possible for the given
data. Refer to Table 7 for additional information regarding the valid choices for the
configuration parameter.
LDS2 Programming Manual - 880019-0202 4-5