DataMatrix code
The DataMatrix (one of the best known 2D or matrix codes) was developed by International Data Matrix (USA) in 1989. There are various development stages (ECC 0 to 200, ISS Data Matrix). The most commonly used version is DataMatrix ECC 200. The size of the rectangular code is variable. The symbol elements are square. The search element consists of a horizontal and a vertical boundary line that describes the corner used for orientation during reading. Larger codes have grid alignment bars. 2 334 ASCII characters (7 bit), 1 558 extended ASCII characters (8 bit) or 3 116 digits can be coded.
The Reed-Solomon error correction guarantees a high level of data security. It is still possible to reconstruct the data content even if up to 25% of the code has been destroyed. GS1 Data Matrix is a Data Matrix with the GS1 data structure. The code is standardized at AIM, a specification is available there.
Example of a DataMatrix code.
