Specifications

Table Of Contents
Code 128 is frequently used in industrial, retail,
and shipping applications. This symbology was
invented by Ted Williams and the Uniform Sym
-
bology Specification for this symbology was de
-
veloped by AIM USA.
Character Set - The full ASCII set (128
characters). One of the advantages of this
symbology is the ability to encode all 128
characters of the standard ASCII code chart.
Encodation - Three bars and three spaces
are required to encode a character.
Start/Stop Pattern - One of three start
characters A, B, or C shall be used at the be
-
ginning of the symbol to define initial code
set. The stop pattern is seven elements com-
prised of four bars and three spaces. The
Start/Stop pattern shall not be used within
the symbol nor shown in human-readable in-
terpretation.
Code Type - Modular, varying length
(UCC/EAN - 128 has several formats de-
fined).
Human-Readable - Optional; although it is
typically used.
Check Character - Required (modulus 103
calculation).
Encoded Information - Contingent upon
data requirements.
Allowable Sizes - Minimum “X” Dimen
-
sion: .0075 inches
Allowable Symbol Height - The greater of
.25 inch or 15% of the symbol length.
D-8 980009-001 Rev.F
Appendix D - Bar Code Information