activePDF Toolkit 2011 API Reference
UCC EAN 128
Appendices > Symbologies > Alphanumeric Symbologies > UCC EAN 128

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Other Names for UCC EAN 128 

UCC/EAN128, UCC 128 (Uniform Code Council), EAN 128 (European Article Numbering); it is also now known as GS1-128.

Overview

Derived from Code128, UCC/EAN 128 allows for the encoding of data and the meaning of the data. UCC/EAN 128 is not a true barcode - it is a standard for defining data and formatting using Code128.

NOTE: Refer to the UCC/EAN web site for guidelines on UCC/EAN 128 usage requirements.


Encoding

UCC/EAN 128 can encode all 128 Standard ASCII values using a three-digit ASCII code, preceded by the \ character. For example, the carrot symbol ("^") corresponds to ASCII code \094. For a complete list of ASCII values, refer to the ASCII Table.

In addition, UCC/EAN 128 uses 2 Special Characters: ( , ). These enclose the Application Identifier in the encoded value, but do not encode into the barcode.

Structure

UCC/EAN 128 has the following structure:
  • A code128 start character (START-A, START-B or START-C).
  • A code128 FNC1 character.
  • Application Identifier (AI).
  • Encoded Value.
  • Checkdigit.
  • Stop Character.
  • Termination bar.
The barcode structure expresses three main components, the Application Identifier, the encoded value and the checkdigit.

Application Identifier: In the human readable text, the AI appears enclosed in parentheses. The AI signifies a specific meaning for the data that follows the identifier. You can encode multiple application identifiers in a single barcode. Subsequent AIs become field identifiers. For a complete list of identifiers and meaning, refer to Application Identifier Values.

Encoded value: In the human readable text, the encoded value in a UCC/EAN 128 barcode appears directly after the enclosed AI. The value encoded and the digit requirements are subject to the AI. For a complete list of requirements, refer to Application Identifier Values.

Checkdigit: In the human readable text, the checkdigit appears as the last digit in the barcode. When UccEanOptionalCheckDigit is equal to true, Toolkit automatically calculates and appends the checkdigit.

Requirements

UCC/EAN 128 is a continuous, variable length barcode with multiple element widths and a checkdigit. All characters contain three bars and spaces for a total of 11 modules.

For an open system, the minimum value of the narrowest element (X) is 7.5 mils and the barcode height is 15 percent of the length or 0.25 inches. You will need to use the greater measurement. The leading and trailing quiet zone must be at least 0.25 inches.

To encode information, you will need to use the following format in your value:

(AI) encoded value(FID1)encoded value 1(FID2)encoded value 2(FIDn)encoded value n

For example, if you encode Article Number "19421123450011", Best Before Date "991231" and Batch Number "101234", you need the AI "01", FID "15" and FID2 "10". You would specify "(01)19421123450011(15)1991231(10)101234" for the value.