Specifications

Glossary - 5
M
MIL. 1 mil = 1 thousandth of an inch.
Misread (Misdecode). A condition which occurs when the data output of a reader or interface controller does not agree with
the data encoded within a bar code symbol.
Mobile Computer. In this text, mobile computer refers to the Symbol Series 9000 wireless portable computer. It can be set
up to run as a stand-alone device, or it can be set up to communicate with a network, using wireless radio technology.
N
Nominal. The exact (or ideal) intended value for a specified parameter. Tolerances are specified as positive and negative
deviations from this value.
Nominal Size. Standard size for a bar code symbol. Most UPC/EAN codes are used over a range of magnifications (e.g.,
from 0.80 to 2.00 of nominal).
NVM. Non-Volatile Memory.
P
Parameter. A variable that can have different values assigned to it.
PC Card. A plug-in expansion card for laptop computers and other devices, also called a PCMCIA card. PC Cards are
85.6mm long x 54 mm wide, and have a 68 pin connector. There are several different kinds:
• Type I; 3.3 mm high; use - RAM or Flash RAM
• Type II; 5 mm high; use - modems, LAN adaptors
• Type III; 10.5 high; use - Hard Disks
PCMCIA. Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association. See PC Card.
Percent Decode. The average probability that a single scan of a bar code would result in a successful decode. In a
well-designed bar code scanning system, that probability should approach near 100%.
Print Contrast Signal (PCS). Measurement of the contrast (brightness difference) between the bars and spaces of a
symbol. A minimum PCS value is needed for a bar code symbol to be scannable. PCS = (RL - RD) / RL, where RL is
the reflectance factor of the background and RD the reflectance factor of the dark bars.
Programming Mode. The state in which a scanner is configured for parameter values. See Scanning Mode.