Dot Code A (Philips Dot Code)

Dot Code A (Philips Dot Code) is a two-dimensional dot-matrix symbology built for unique object identification and direct marking with low-precision technologies.

Dot Code A (also known as Philips Dot Code) is one of a limited number of dot code symbologies. Dot Code A is a two-dimensional square matrix code constructed from dots. This symbology was designed for unique identification of objects in a relatively small area, or for direct marking by low-precision marking technologies.

The symbol consists of a square array of dots ranging from 6 x 6 to 12 x 12, the latter enabling over 42 billion billion billion billion individual items to be distinguished. Applications include the identification of laboratory glassware and the marking of laundry. It encodes binary numbers in the part of the symbol reserved for data. Its main features are high information density and reliability, combined with relatively large dimensional tolerances.