Specifications

Table Of Contents
Q. What is MaxiCode?
MaxiCode is a two-dimensional symbology that
can encode approximately 100 characters of
data in a single one square inch symbol and up
to eight symbols per data record.
The MaxiCode bar code was developed by a
major freight shipper in conjunction with AIM
(Automatic Identification Manufacturers) orga
-
nization to provide a portable database record.
The format allows for multiple data field entries
into a single ship record (name, date, address,
etc.). Each MaxiCode bar code when properly
formatted, is a record with a defined format of
separate data groups. The symbol includes er
-
ror correction code (ECC), a targeting pattern,
orientation independent format, and can have
some symbol damage (as high as 25% of the
symbol). The data format and symbol were de-
signed to support sorting and tracking of unit
loads and transport packges.
Q. What is PDF417?
PDF417 is a stacked (multi-row bar code)
symbology that includes support for ASCII and
ASCII extended character sets, data
compression and data error correction (ECC).
PDF417 symbols are made from 4 bars and 4
spaces over 17 narrow bar widths (the "X" di
-
mension) to make a codeword. Codewords are
encoded by row with three mutually exclusive
data encoding schemes for codewords. The
symbol includes full length start and stop bar
groups, row identifiers and error correction. The
columns (codewords) range from 5 to 34 col
-
umns in width. The symbol height is from 3 to
90 rows with the row height adjustable. Error
correction codewords per symbol range from 2
to 512.
D-14 980009-001 Rev.F
Appendix D - Bar Code Information