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Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology used extensively in logistics and transport industries.

It can encode all 128 ASCII characters, making it highly versatile. Code 128 C is one of three subsets of the Code 128 barcode standard, specifically designed for encoding numeric data efficiently.

Here are the detailed aspects of Code 128 C:

Structure

1.Character Set

Code 128 C exclusively encodes pairs of digits (00-99). Each pair of digits is represented by a single character in the barcode, which increases its density and reduces the overall length of the barcode.

2.Start Character

Code 128 C begins with a special start character (Start C) to indicate the use of the Code 128 C subset.

3.Encoded Data

The data follows the start character. Each digit pair is encoded into a unique symbol.

If an odd number of digits is to be encoded, a leading zero must be added to make the number of digits even.

4.Check Digit

A modulo 103 checksum digit is appended to the encoded data. This check digit is computed based on the weighted sum of all preceding characters, including the start character.

5.Stop Character

The barcode ends with a unique stop character to signify the end of the data.

Encoding Process

1.Input Data Preparation

Ensure the data consists of even numbers of digits. If not, prepend a zero.

2.Character Mapping

Convert each pair of digits into their corresponding Code 128 C symbol using the encoding table.

3.Checksum Calculation

Compute the checksum by:

Assigning a weight to each character (starting from the start character with a weight of 1).

Calculating the sum of each character's value multiplied by its weight.

Taking the sum modulo 103 to get the check digit.

4.Barcode Construction

Start character, encoded data, checksum, and stop character are combined to form the complete barcode.

Example

Let's encode the numeric string '12345678' using Code 128 C:

1.Input Data Preparation

The input '12345678' already has an even number of digits.

2.Character Mapping

Split into pairs: '12', '34', '56', '78'.

Map each pair to its corresponding symbol:

'12' -> Symbol A

'34' -> Symbol B

'56' -> Symbol C

'78' -> Symbol D

3.Checksum Calculation

Start C = 105

'12' (Symbol A) = 12

'34' (Symbol B) = 34

'56' (Symbol C) = 56

'78' (Symbol D) = 78

Weights: Start (1), '12' (2), '34' (3), '56' (4), '78' (5)

Sum = (1105) + (212) + (334) + (456) + (5*78)

Sum = 105 + 24 + 102 + 224 + 390 = 845

Checksum = 845 % 103 = 21

4.Barcode Construction

Sequence: Start C, '12', '34', '56', '78', Checksum (21), Stop.

The resulting barcode sequence is: Start C, Symbol A, Symbol B, Symbol C, Symbol D, Checksum (21), Stop.

Applications

Logistics and Warehousing

Efficiently encodes numeric data like item numbers and container IDs.

Retail

Used for encoding product identification numbers, facilitating faster scanning at checkout.

Healthcare

Encodes patient information, reducing errors in data entry and improving patient safety.

Advantages

High Density

Compact barcode for numeric data, making it suitable for space-constrained applications.

Error Detection

The checksum ensures data integrity during scanning.

Limitations

Numeric Only

Restricts to numeric data; alphanumeric or special characters cannot be encoded.

Leading Zero Requirement

For odd-numbered data strings, a leading zero must be added, which might not be intuitive.

In summary, Code 128 C is a robust and efficient method for encoding large volumes of numeric data into a compact barcode, widely used across various industries for its density and reliability.

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Highlights

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Suitable Use Cases

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