BARCODE READER/SCANNER MODULE

The Compact USB Barcode Scanner Module is a small, lightweight, and highly capable OEM-grade 1D barcode reader designed for easy integration into both consumer products and DIY electronics projects. Despite its tiny size, this module delivers professional-grade barcode reading performance, capable of decoding virtually any standard 1D (striped) barcode quickly and accurately.

Unlike traditional laser barcode scanners that use a moving mirror assembly, this module uses a modern camera-based imaging system that captures 100 photos per second. This camera-based approach is far more durable, has no moving parts to wear out or fall out of alignment, and works reliably even after physical shocks. The module is rated for up to 2000G of mechanical shock in 3 axes, making it suitable for industrial, mobile, and embedded applications.

Integration is incredibly simple. The module comes with a 5-foot straight USB cable that plugs into any computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) or single-board computer (Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, Orange Pi, Jetson Nano, etc.). Once connected, the scanner is automatically recognized as a standard USB HID keyboard — no drivers, no special software. When a barcode is scanned, the module decodes and parity-checks the data, then automatically "types" the result into whatever application has focus, exactly as if the data had been entered manually on a keyboard. This makes it instantly compatible with POS software, inventory databases, spreadsheets, custom Python scripts, web forms, and serial terminals.

The scanner uses a bright 632nm visible red LED to illuminate the barcode, making aiming easy and intuitive. Its resolution of 5 mil (0.127mm) allows it to read even fine-print barcodes with high accuracy, and its depth of field of up to 230mm lets users scan from a comfortable distance. An onboard beeper provides instant audible confirmation of every successful scan.

For advanced configuration, the scanner supports on-the-fly programming via configuration barcodes. By printing and scanning special configuration codes from the included manual, users can adjust settings such as inter-character delay, terminator characters (Enter, Tab, etc.), enabled barcode symbologies, and prefix/suffix data. All settings are saved to non-volatile memory, so they persist between power cycles.

This scanner reads the most common barcode standards out of the box, including CODE39, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, CODE128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, and more. Less common symbologies can be enabled through configuration barcodes.

Specifications

Optical & Reading

• Scanner Type: OEM 1D Camera-Based Barcode Reader
• Light Source: Visible Red LED, 632nm
• Scan Rate: 100 scans/sec (±10%)
• Resolution: 5 mil (0.127 mm) — at PCS 90%
• Depth of Field: Up to 230 mm — at 20 mil (0.5 mm), PCS 90%
• Ambient Light Tolerance: Up to 5,000 Lux
• Reading Indicator: Onboard Beeper

Supported Barcode Symbologies (Default)

• CODE39 (Code 3 of 9)
• UPC-A / UPC-E
• EAN-8 / EAN-13
• CODE128
• Codabar
• Interleaved 2 of 5
• (Additional symbologies enabled via configuration barcodes)

Electrical

• Operating Voltage: DC +5V (-5%)
• Power Consumption: 80 mA
• Interface: USB HID Keyboard (no drivers required)
• Cable: Straight 5 ft (~1.5 m) USB cable
• Internal Connector: MOLEX 11-pin, 1.25mm pitch

Mechanical

• Dimensions: 44 mm (W) x 30 mm (D) x 19.2 mm (H)
• Weight: ~17 g (0.56 oz) without cable
• Mechanical Shock: 2000G, 0.7ms, 3-axis tested

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (32°F to 122°F)
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to 158°F)
• Relative Humidity: 20% to 95% (Non-condensing)

Applications

• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems — retail, restaurants, cafes, kiosks
• Inventory and warehouse management
• Library check-in / check-out systems
• Asset tracking for offices, schools, and laboratories
• Healthcare and pharmacy — patient ID, medication tracking
• Shipping and logistics — package tracking and sorting
• Event ticketing and access control
• Self-service kiosks and vending machines
• DIY barcode-based home automation
• Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone embedded projects
• Maker, hobbyist, and student projects
• Educational STEM and computer science labs
• Industrial automation with shock-tolerant requirements
• Custom IoT scanners with internet connectivity (via Pi or PC)
• Personal organization tools (e.g., book/CD/DVD libraries)
• Quality control and production line tracking