Takea close look at any electronic devices, whether it is an automotive keylessentry system or home audio equipment, and you will come across a unique codingstandard called Data Matrix which is used by current product manufacturers. Thedrive behind the integration of this standard is to help manufacturers build anautomated tracking system which is long lasting, machine readable, and createsa unique identification of each product during its entire life cycle. The ECC200 2D Data Matrix codes are madethrough laser marking. They are a cost-effective method for distinctiveidentification and tracking of products during the manufacturing cycle, salesdistribution and after-sale warranty verification stages.

Data Matrix codes are strong enough to survivecomplex manufacture processes such as broad cleaning and wave solder, withoutaffecting the circuit performance. This durability is the main reason that theyare used extensively in the manufacturing process. The ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes present a proficientmeans of storing alphanumeric character strings in a very small area of printedcircuit board.

Advantagesof the ECC 200 2D Data Matrix codes overconventional 1D barcodes are stated below.

•  Data Matrix codes easily accommodate low-contrast printing directly on the parts without the help of a label.

• In opposition to the analog encoding of data in conventional barcodes, Data Matrix codes encode information digitally.

• Data Matrix codes offer built-in error correction as they have a high information density. This feature allows for complete recovery of the encoded message in the Data Matrix symbol even when the mark is missing or if the symbol is damaged up to 20 per cent.

•   codes are scalable and can be printed in various levels of magnification. However, they are limited by the resolution of the available imaging and printing techniques.

• The 2D Data Matrix codes offer higher information density in comparison to the 1D barcodes. In fact, they are the highest among all the 2D codes, enabling the placement of a large amount of information in a small area.