	Barcode Readers

What is CODE39?

CODE39 is a barcode developed by Intermec in 1975. It is a barcode in which a maximum of 43 alphanumeric characters and symbols can be coded.
Since CODE 39 can express alphabets, it is considered to be indispensable for industrial applications. It is widely used for factory automation in the automotive, electric, and electronic industries. In Japan, EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan) is proceeding on the standardization of the code.

Configuration of CODE39

CODE39 was named after its format in which three of nine bars or spaces are wider than the others. The basic configuration is as follows:

	Nine bars/spaces express one character.
	Asterisks (*) are added at the beginning and end of a barcode (start/stop characters).
	The space between the characters is called the gap and usually has the same width as the narrow bar. The maximum gap is stipulated as 3 to 5.3 times wider than the narrow bar width.

Characteristics of CODE39

	Alphanumeric characters and symbols can be used. This enables representation of item numbers or other data.
	Start/stop characters are expressed with "*".
	One character is expressed with nine bars/spaces. This makes the barcodes highly reliable with an extremely low possibility of reading errors.
	Since many bars and spaces are used to express one character, code39 is the largest of all the barcodes.

CODE39 is the best choice when the information includes alphanumeric characters.

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