The EAN-128 barcode is a subset of the Code128 barcode which uses a variable length, high density, alphanumeric symbology. It allows the output of 128 characters of ASCII and is effective for digits. There are actually four sub-codes, which can be mixed within a single barcode: EAN-128a, EAN-128b, EAN-128c, and EAN-128auto (will automatically switch between code sets to encode the ASCII values).
Valid symbols: |
EAN128a: ASCII character 0 to 95 EAN128b: ASCII character 32 to 127 EAN128c: pairs of digits from 00 to 99 |
Length: |
Variable |
Check digit: |
one, modulo-103 algorithm |
The structure of the EAN-128 barcode is the same as for the Code128 barcode. Elements of the barcode consist of three bars and three spaces. Bars and spaces have module construction and their width consists of either one or four modules. The width of an element consists of eleven modules.
To difference between the EAN-128 barcode and the Code128 barcode is that the FNC1 is placed after the start character. This character is reserved for the EAN.UCC system.
An "EAN-128c" barcode.
Note the 'human readable' digits at the foot which can be used by operators if the label becomes damaged or will not scan for some reason - "0123456789012345" is the number encoded in the barcode.