6.5 Markings | Other

• The start value for each production order or each production panel
• The number of digits (e.g., 2 digits)
• The content of the serial number per PCB, sub-panel, production panel, order
• How the numbers should be represented (e.g., plain text, data matrix code)

DMC = Data Matrix Code

1. The solid lines (finder pattern) mark the boundary of the code. The finder pattern is used for orientation and to correct any distortion of the data matrix code, enabling it to be read from any angle.
2. The Surrounding Quiet Zone
   This empty zone runs all the way around the data matrix code. It does not contain any information or patterns. The quiet zone is at least one column or one row wide (preferably four times the width or height of a module) and is needed to separate the code from other optical image elements in the environment.
3. The Corner Opposite the Closed Edges
   This corner allows the code schemas to be recognized quickly. Whenever the ECC 200 code schema is used with an even number of rows and columns, the element in the top right-hand corner is white. In the case of the other standardized code schemas with an odd number of rows and columns, the element in the top right-hand corner is always black.
4. The Data Area
   This data area contains the actual binary information in coded form. Depending on the size of the matrix, this also defines how many pieces of information are possible.

• Attention must be paid to the polarity of the barcode to be printed
• Barcodes are normally represented by black elements (bars, squares) on a white background = positive representation
• On a PCB, the light/dark contrast may look different -> if the code is applied using inkjet technology, white elements are printed on green mask -> this can lead to problems -> if necessary, switch the DMC representation to negative representation
• The actual size depends on the number and type of coded elements (numeric = digits only; alphanumeric = digits, letters, special characters)