The right technology

To offer the optimum solution for all requirements, we use various technologies. These range from optically reading 1D- and 2D-codes to contact-free data transmission through radio frequency identification.

1D-code

With 1D-codes, the information is represented using lines and gaps of various widths. The black bars and white gaps reflect the light emitted by the 1D-code reader to different degrees. Less light is reflected by the black bars. This is detected by the receiver module of the reader, which converts the information into binary data that can subsequently be processed further and output via an interface.

Advantages

Simple and inexpensive to create
Through an integrated check digit, the code is directly checked for validity, thereby making possible high first-pass read rates

Areas of application

Electronics, automotive and consumer goods industries
Transport logistics
Postal shipping

2D-codes

There are two types of 2D-codes: the matrix code and the stacked code. With the matrix code, the information is represented by arranging small geometric cells. The stacked code is a special case. Here, the information is represented by lines and gaps in multiple rows. The camera of the sensor takes a picture of the code. The camera chip detects the contrast between the white gaps and the black cells and converts the information into binary data. This is then processed further and output via an interface. Unlike the 1D-code, the information is contained in the arrangement of the cells.

2D matrix code

Advantages

Minimal space requirement
Highest-possible information content
Through the integrated error correction algorithm, even damaged codes can be read error-free

Areas of application

Transport logistics
Electronics and automotive industries
Consumer goods and travel sectors
Pharmaceutical industry

2D stacked code

Advantages

Compact code compared to 1D-codes
Variable width and height
Through the integrated error correction algorithm, even damaged codes can be read error-free

Areas of application

Transport logistics
Consumer goods industry
Travel sector

Radio Frequency Identification – RFID

An RFID system consists of a read/write system with integrated and/or external antenna as well as at least one transponder and uses electromagnetic waves for data transmission. Each transponder consists of an antenna and a microchip on which a unique, unchangeable serial number (Unique ID) as well as – depending on the type of transponder – other object-related data is stored.

While active transponders use an integrated power source for data transmission, passive transponders draw the energy required for data transmission from the electromagnetic field of the reader. Here, RFID systems use either low frequencies/LF (125 kHz to 134 kHz), high frequencies/HF (13.56 MHz) or ultra-high frequencies/UHF (865 MHz to 928 MHz). The used frequencies vary depending on operating range, transmission rate and susceptibility to interference. In general: the reading ranges achieved by the system increase with frequency, but so too does the susceptibility to interference.

Advantages

"Visual contact" is not required between write/read unit and transponder: the radio waves penetrate materials such as wood, cardboard or plastic depending on the frequency range
Transponders can be integrated in the product or in the transport medium
RFID systems are robust and also function reliably in harsh environments independent of contamination
When using writable transponders, production and quality data can be stored directly on the transponders during the production process

Areas of application

Production control
Access control
Identification of persons and objects
Skid, container and pallet identification
Material flow control in conveyor and storage systems or the automotive industry

Selection guide

How will the identification systems be used?

Stationary use
Optical

Stationary use
RFID

Mobile use
Hand-held scanners

1D-bar code

Stacked code

2D-code

Directly marked codes

Our suitable products

Min./max. reading distances (depending on modulus width and optics model)		Product	Link
50 – 230 mm		CR 50	About the product
30 – 425 mm		DCR 50	About the product
20 – 71 mm		CR 100 *	About the product
40 – 160 mm		BCL 8	About the product
50 – 230 mm		CR 55	About the product
50 – 330 mm		LSIS 220	About the product
30 – 425 mm		DCR 55	About the product
40 – 800 mm		DCR 200i	About the product
30 – 310 mm		BCL 148 *	About the product
50 – 450 mm		BCL 20	About the product
50 – 180 mm		BCL 95 *	About the product
50 – 680 mm		BCL 300i	About the product
300 – 1,450 mm		BCL 600i	About the product
450 – 1,700 mm		BCL 900i	About the product
200 – 2,400 mm		BCL 500i	About the product
75 – 10,000 mm		LSIS 422i	About the product
–	Depending on the version, see data for the BCL 500i, BCL 600i and BCL 900i series	MSPi systems	About the product
75 – 10,000 mm		LSIS 462i	About the product
0 – 80 mm		RFI 32	About the product
0 – 45 mm		RFM 12	About the product
0 – 110 mm		RFM 32	About the product
0 – 400 mm		RFM 62	About the product
0 – 170 mm		IT 1920i	About the product
0 – 147 mm		HS 66x8	About the product
100 – 4,460 mm		IT 128xi	About the product
10 – 16,000 mm		IT 19xxi	About the product
37 – 370 mm		IT 145xg	About the product
10 – 460 mm		IT 1300g	About the product
25 – 596 mm		IT 19xxi-1D	About the product
0 – 596 mm		IT 19xxg	About the product

* Devices for use in laboratory automation