Barcode scanners can be configured to recognize a variety of barcode symbologies. These include, but are not limited to, Codablock, Codabar, Code 1, Code 11, Code 128, Code 16K, Code 39, Code 49, Code 93, Data Matrix or Data Code, EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, Maxicode, MSI/Plessey, NW-7 Code, PLANET, POSTNET, Telepen, UPC, and VeriCode.
Barcode scanners can be equipped with one of nine basic user interfaces including integrated graphic display, wand or laser emulation, keyboard connection, serial, parallel, modem, Ethernet, wireless, or PCMCIA (PC Card). An integrated graphic display is a LCD, etc. to indicate read or decoded info. Wand or laser emulation needs an external decoder. A keyboard connection is usually made through a keyboard decoder wedge. Serial output is a standard digital output protocol (serial) such as RS232, RS422, RS485, etc. Parallel output is a standard digital output protocol (parallel) such as IEEE488, Centronics port, printer port, etc. A modem is a modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone lines. Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. A modem converts between these two forms. Ethernet is a local-area network (LAN) protocol developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976. Ethernet uses a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. The Ethernet specification served as the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Ethernet uses the CSMA/CD access method to handle simultaneous demands. It is one of the most widely implemented LAN standards. A wireless interface is usually RF or IR. PCMCIA devices (PC Cards) are credit-card-sized peripherals predominantly used in laptop computers. The PCMCIA adapter takes the place of a COM port on a standard bus. The card is plugged into a 68-pin host socket that is connected either to the motherboard or an expansion bus. An adapter then translates the PCMCIA signals into signals usable by the computer's bus.
Common features on barcode scanners include audible or visual "good reading" indicators, omni-directional reading ability, numeric or alphanumeric keypad included, and memory for data and program storage.