CCD barcode scanners and readers

Cost effective scanning technology

A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) barcode scanner utilises the technology found in video cameras. Reflections are captured by the barcode scanner as a single and complete image.

The captured image is rotated by a lens. The image is placed onto a CCD array, of several thousand photo-electric cells. Each cell is termed a pixel, which is charged relative to the amount of light that falls upon it. The array is scanned continuously to produce an analogue of the scanned bar code. A CCD barcode reader requires that the bar code is illuminated. In most cases this light source is built into the barcode scanner and is activated by a trigger. The light appears as a visible red line on the bar code.

CCD barcode scanners are cost-effective and are ideal for light barcode scanning applications. Most allow contact bar code scanning only, but some offer distance bar code scanning.

Download our scanner comparison chart.

The main advantage of a CCD barcode reader is that it uses a minimum number of moving parts and is therefore more rugged and hard to break.

• Typical Applications:low-end retail and office environments
• Advantages: rugged and durable, low cost
• Disadvantages: limited read range
• Connectivity: tethered, cordless, fixed-position
• Barcode Reading distance: contact to 30cm
• Barcode Reading capability: low, medium and high density codes
• Barcode Symbologies reading capability e.g. 1D codes and stacked linear barcodes including PDF417. Click here for more information

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