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GLOSSARY
Barcode
A pattern of variable-width bars and spaces which represents
numeric or alphanumeric data in binary form. The general format of
a barcode symbol consists of a leading margin, start character,
data or message character, check character (if any), stop
character, and trailing margin. Within this framework, each
recognizable symbology uses its own unique format.
Baud Rate
A measure for data transmission speed.
Bit
Binary digit. One bit is the basic unit of binary information.
Generally, eight consecutive bits compose one byte of data. The
pattern of 0 and 1 values within the byte determines its meaning.
Bits per Second (bps)
Number of bits transmitted or received per second.
Byte
On an addressable boundary, eight adjacent binary digits (0 and 1)
combined in a pattern to represent a specific character or numeric
value. Bits are numbered from the right, 0 through 7, with bit 0 the
low-order bit. One byte in memory can be used to store one ASCII
character.
Decode
To recognize a barcode symbology (e.g., Codabar, Code 128,
Code 3 of 9, UPC/EAN, etc.) and analyze the content of the
barcode scanned.
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. An on-
board non-volatile memory chip. Data is maintained when power is
not present.
FLASH
It is a type of non-volatile memory that can be erased and
reprogrammed in units of memory called blocks. It is a variation of
EEPROM memory which, unlike flash memory, is erased and
rewritten at the byte level, and therefore is slower than flash
memory updating. Data is maintained when power is not present.