Code 16k is another two dimensional barcode based on code 128 and Universal product symbology. Code 16k consists of stacked multiple rows of linear code, encoded using code 128 and UPC encoding algorithm. Like Codablock F, Code 16k also endeavours to improve and enhance capabilities of traditional Code 128 and UPC barcode by integrating two dimensional features in this barcode. Code 16k is capable of encoding all the 256, ASCII as well as extended ASCII characters. The minimum number of rows in code 16k is two while maximum rows can be 16. Code 16k barcode is has further three variations categorized on the basis of security algorithms they used.
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History
Code 16k barcode was developed in USA in 1988 by a scientist named Ted Williams while he was working for Laser Light Systems, a company that used to develop barcode encoding and decoding devices. Code 16k was developed with intent to add 2D functionalities to already existing linear code 28 and Universal Product Code.
Advantages
The advantages and functionalities of Code 16k are somewhat similar to those of Codablock F code.
· Each character has a parity bit that makes this barcode extremely secure and fault tolerant.
· Two checksum digits are appended at the end of the barcode in multiple rows, which further strengthens the security of overall barcode.
· A good thing about Code 16k barcode is that any conventional barcode reader is good enough to decode the information.
· Similar to Codablock F barcode, Numeric compression and block concatenation features are available in Code 16k barcode.
· Code 16k barcode is a high density barcode and can encode large amount of information in small space.
Limitations
Though, density and fault tolerance of Code 16k barcode is greater than all the linear barcodes, but it is still less than most of the generic two dimensional barcodes.
Usage
· Code 16k is mostly used in the USA and France in electronics industry for labeling of electronic circuit boards.
· Code 16k is also used in USA medical and health industry for labeling surgical and medical equipment.