RFID Systems - Allied Automation, Inc.

Barcode Imaging SystemsFundamentals of Barcode ImagingAutomotiveAIAG (Automotive IndustryAction Group) has been apioneering organization inthe development of many ofthe standard identificationtechnologies in the automotiveindustry. They include barcodestandards, parts ID andtraceability standards, tire andwheel identification standards,and shipping label standards, toname a few. The 2-D barcodesare expected to replace manyolder barcode symbologies, asadditional information must bestored with a part. Items that are already tracked using DataMatrix symbology include airbags, engine blocks and engineparts, brakes and discs, mufflers, wheels, crankshafts andtransmission parts.Further, many occurrences of automobile parts theft could beeliminated with direct part marking (DPM) using Data Matrixsymbology. Unlike printed labels, the symbology is permanentand cannot be easily removed from the components withDPM.ManufacturingAny manufacturer that requirestraceability (white-ware,computer chips, etc.) may use2-D barcode technology. Asstated earlier, migrating fromtraditional 1-D to 2-D barcodetechnology is a straightforwardprocess. The goals of theseprojects may be:• Reduce shop order buildquantities• Increase line yields• Minimize nonvalue-addedactivities• Reduce cost of nonconformance• ISO 9001 certification process2-D barcoding is a great solution for these situations. Thecomponent verification and tracking system provides thefollowing:• Verificationa. Critical parts scannedb. Verify correct parts usedc. Verify no parts are missed• Trackinga. Database of scanned partsb. Adds traceability capabilitiesOEM Machine BuildersThe OEM market is typicallydriven by customerspecifications. Reasons forusing Data Matrix here aresimilar to other applications,namely, traceability and higherproductivity. The followingare some applications in thismarket:Conveyor system builders/integratorsConveyor builders andmanufacturers of assemblymachines will be required toprovide systems compatiblewith 2-D & Data Matrix codes.Label manufacturersLabels are typically made of paper, plastic or metal. Anymanufacturer of labels must have the ability to check thembefore sending them to their customers.Pick and place system buildersPick and place machines must identify the parts they arepicking. The size of the Data Matrix symbols and high dataintegrity make this an ideal application.PCB handling machinesWhen tracking PCB parts is required Data Matrix shines! Thesymbols can be very small, even rectangular. Rectangularsymbols may be necessary when symbols are placed at theedge of the PCB.The data file concept (large amounts of data being encodedinto the symbology) provides the necessary information for themost complex of tractability requirements.The built-in Reed-Solomon Error Correction provides a robustcontrol system. This feature assures a good reading the firsttime and nearly every time and facilitates high-speed reading.Operating PrinciplesUnlike 1-D or stacked 2-D barcodes, data encoded in a DataMatrix symbol is not related to the absolute size or shapeof elements within the matrix with respect to each other. Itmakes no difference if the module is round or square, as longas there is a change in contrast in the element, which can beresolved by the algorithm. This provides greater latitude inprinting contrast and variation than can be accommodated intraditional 1-D symbology.Data Matrix symbols include the following elements:• FinderThe reader uses the L-shaped finder pattern todetermine the orientation of the symbol.• Alternating PatternOpposite the finder, the alternating patterndictates the density of the data cells insidethe code matrix and allows the reader to placePepperl+Fuchs®Inc. • 1600 Enterprise Parkway • Twinsburg, Ohio 44087-2245 • www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com106Telephone (330) 486-0001 • FAX (330) 405-4710 • E-Mail: sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com