What is a DataMatrix code? | Basics of 2D codes | Barcode Information & Tips

Structure of DataMatrix code

DataMatrix code is a matrix 2D code that was developed by ID Matrix in 1987. It was registered to the ISS standard of AIMI in 1996 and the ISO/IEC standard in 2000.

Specifications
Minimum size	10 x 10 modules
Maximum size	144 x 144 modules
Maximum data capacity	Numeric	3116 characters
Maximum data capacity	Alphanumeric	2335 characters

Older versions of DataMatrix code include ECC000, ECC050, ECC080, ECC100 and ECC140.
ECC200 is the latest version of DataMatrix code and can be square or rectangular in configuration.

ECC000, ECC050, ECC080, ECC100, ECC140

These are composed of odd-numbered modules from 9 x 9 to 49 x 49 using convolution correction.
Since a slight distortion disturbs reading when the data size is large, the older versions are almost never used.

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ECC200

ECC200 has upgraded error correction capacity to eliminate distortion problems.
It uses Reed-Solomon for error correction that restores data when a part of a code is damaged.
ECC200 is internationally standardised. Generally ECC200 version is used when DataMatrix code is required.

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Structure of DataMatrix codes (ECC200)

Alignment pattern and clock pattern

The data area of DataMatrix codes is surrounded by an L-shaped frame called the alignment pattern and dotted lines called the clock pattern. Readers capture these patterns to determine the position of the code with image processing. Thus, DataMatrix codes can be read from any direction.

When there are more than 24 x 24 modules, the code is divided in blocks that do not exceed 24 modules on a side. This structure prevents distortion of the code.

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Code size and number of blocks

There are twenty-four code sizes, ranging from 10 x 10 modules to 144 x 144 modules (including six sizes for the rectangular type).
When a code has more than 26 x 26 modules (more than 24 x 24 modules for data), it is divided in blocks, as seen below, that do not exceed 24 modules on a side. This structure prevents distortion of the code.

Symbol size	Block	Data cell
10x10 to 26x26	1	8x8 to 24x24
28x28 to 52x52	4	14x14 to 24x24
64x64 to 104x104	16	14x14 to 24x24
120x120 to 144x144	36	18x18 to 22x22

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Margin

The margin around a DataMatrix code should be larger than a module.

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Error correcting code (Reed-Solomon code)

The Reed-Solomon code restores the data when a part of the DataMatrix code is damaged.

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Arrangement of data and error correcting code

Data and error correcting codes are arranged as shown below.

For converting “YSK” into a DataMatrix code: YSK are coded and error correcting codes are calculated as below and arranged in a square.

A

Original data

B

Code (hex)

C

Coded data

D

Error correcting code

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Specifications of DataMatrix code

DataMatrix code (ECC200) has two configurations, square and rectangular, and always contains an even number of cells.

Square type

Specifications for square type DataMatrix (ECC200)
Minimum size	10 x 10 modules
Maximum size	144 x 144 modules
Maximum data capacity	Numeric	3116 characters
	Alphanumeric	2335 characters
	Binary	1556 characters

There are twenty-four symbol sizes ranging from 10 x 10 modules to 144 x 144 modules. When there are more than 24 x 24 modules, the code is divided in blocks that do not exceed 24 modules on a side. This structure prevents distortion of the code.

Rectangular type

Specifications for Rectangular type DataMatrix (ECC200)
Minimum size	8 x 16 modules
Maximum size	16 x 48 modules
Maximum data capacity	Numeric	98 characters
	Alphanumeric	72 characters
	Binary	47 characters

There are following six sizes for a rectangular type.

8 x 18 modules (1 block)
12 x 26 modules (1 block)

16 x 36 modules (1 block)
8 x 32 modules (2 blocks)

12 x 36 modules (2 blocks)
16 x 48 modules (2 blocks)

How to determine the DataMatrix code size

The actual size of the DataMatrix code is determined by multiplying the symbol size by the printable size of the module.

When the size of the module is 0.25 mm,
Symbol size: 10 x 10 modules = 2.5 x 2.5 mm
Symbol size: 32 x 32 modules = 8.0 x 8.0 mm
Symbol size: 8 x 18 modules = 2.0 x 4.5 mm

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Data capacity of each symbol size

Square type

Module numbers	Data capacity			Error correcting rate
Module numbers	Numeric	Alphanumeric	Binary	Error correcting rate
10 x 10	6	3	1	25%
12 x 12	10	6	3	25%
14 x 14	16	10	6	28 to 39%
16 x 16	24	16	10	25 to 38%
18 x 18	36	25	16	22 to 34%
20 x 20	44	31	20	23 to 38%
22 x 22	60	43	28	20 to 34%
24 x 24	72	52	34	20 to 35%
26 x 26	88	64	42	19 to 35%
32 x 32	124	91	60	18 to 34%
36 x 36	172	127	84	16 to 30%
40 x 40	228	169	112	15 to 28%
44 x 44	288	214	142	14 to 27%
48 x 48	348	259	172	14 to 27%
52 x 52	408	304	202	15 to 27%
64 x 64	560	418	278	14 to 27%
72 x 72	736	550	366	14 to 26%
80 x 80	912	682	454	15 to 28%
88 x 88	1152	862	574	14 to 27%
96 x 96	1392	1042	694	14 to 27%
104 x 104	1632	1222	814	15 to 28%
120 x 120	2100	1573	1048	14 to 27%
132 x 132	2608	1954	1302	14 to 26%
144 x 144	3116	2335	1556	14 to 27%

Rectangular type

Module numbers	Data capacity			Error correcting rate
Module numbers	Numeric	Alphanumeric	Binary	Error correcting rate
8 x 18	10	6	3	25%
8 x 32	20	13	8	24%
12 x 26	32	22	14	23 to 37%
12 x 36	44	31	20	23 to 38%
16 x 36	64	46	30	21 to 38%
16 x 48	98	72	47	18 to 33%

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GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix is a 2D code symbol that was standardised by GS1 for distribution. It is based on the ECC200 Standard and defines the following rules in order to differentiate from conventional DataMatrix code.

Major contents of GS1 DataMatrix code

Code used	DataMatrix ECC200
FNC1	[FNC1] is placed at the top of the data in order to define it as GS1's standard specifications.
Application identifier (AI)	An identifying code that is added to the beginning of the data strip to define what kind of information follows this identifying code. Application identifiers (AI) are specified by ISO/IEC.
Variable length data	When entering data in which the amount of information changes (variable length data) such as a quantity, insert [FNC1] as a separator after the variable-length data. This [FNC1] is specified to output [GS] (1Dh in ASCII code) when read by a code reader. * [GS]: Group separator

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Print size for a GS1 module

GS1 recommends the following sizes for a module when printing GS1 DataMatrix code.

	Recommended module size	Maximum module size	Minimum module size
Printing on a label	0.300 mm	0.615 mm	0.255 mm
DPM	0.380 mm	0.495 mm	0.380 mm

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Sample of GS1 DataMatrix code

Element	AI	Data
GTIN (14 fixed digits)	01	04912345678904
Quantity (variable length)	30	100
Sell-by date	17	120401

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Relation to GS1-128

GS1 DataMatrix code has the same data structure as that of GS1-128. Thus, it likely will be used when it is necessary to deal with large amounts of data despite the fact that print area is limited. In addition, GS1 DataMatrix code will be standardised in the medical industry. Since codes are to be directly printed on steel medical instruments, such as surgical knifes and scissors, the guidelines have been established.

Steel medical instrument: An instrument that is produced with such materials as stainless, aluminium, copper alloy, titanium, or ceramics, and is reused in medical procedures and surgeries.

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