Z-5212 Plus 1D 2D OEM embedded barcode scan engine for POS and kiosk systems
The Z-5212 Plus is a high-performance 1D and 2D OEM embedded barcode scan engine designed for POS terminals, cashier systems, kiosks and a wide range of industrial and commercial devices. As a compact 2D Image Scan Engine with a built-in decoder, it requires no separate decoder board, reducing both space requirements and system complexity. Its precisely designed 12-pin ZIF connector and flexible interface options make it easy to integrate into existing hardware platforms and custom-made kiosks.
Expertly engineered to surpass expectations, the Z-5212 Plus delivers remarkable scanning speed and cost-effective performance. According to the manufacturer, it effortlessly decodes a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, from complex Maxicodes to hard-to-read Dotcodes, while its screen-ready optics provide reliable reading from mobile phones, tablets and other displays. The wide operating temperature range from -20 °C to +55 °C and ambient light immunity up to 100,000 lux make it suitable for semi-outdoor kiosk installations and brightly lit indoor environments alike.
Key features and benefits
- 1D/2D OEM embedded barcode scan engine providing fast and cost-effective scanning performance for POS and kiosk applications.
- Built-in decoder eliminates the need for a separate decoder board, simplifying hardware design and saving space.
- Screen-ready imaging optics for reliable decoding from mobile phone, tablet and LCD or LED monitor screens.
- Outstanding 1D and 2D scanning capability, including support for MaxiCode, DotCode and other complex symbologies.
- Flexible interface communications with RS-232 (TTL), HID USB and USB Virtual COM support.
- Compact dimensions and lightweight construction for effortless integration into space-constrained embedded designs.
Technical overview
- Imager: 1280H × 800V CMOS sensor used in a 2D Image Scan Engine architecture.
- Depth of field: Code39 (4 mil): 50–130 mm; Code39 (5 mil): 45–160 mm; EAN-13 (13 mil): 55–300 mm; QR Code (7 mil): 50–125 mm; Data Matrix (7 mil): 40–130 mm.
- Minimum bar width: 4 mil (Code 39) for high-density, fine-print barcode applications.
- Scan angle: 46° horizontal, 29° vertical field of view with ±60° pitch, ±60° skew and 360° roll.
- Print contrast: 30% @ UPC/EAN 100% to read lower contrast labels reliably.
- Indicators: decode LED output signal with programmable beeper feedback.
- Power: 3.3 VDC input with typical operating current of 100 mA ±5% and standby current of 40 mA ±5%.
- Dimensions: 28.5 × 12.0 × 20.5 mm, typical weight around 6.3 g, ideal for embedded solutions.
Decoding capability and applications
The Z-5212 Plus supports an extensive range of 1D and 2D symbologies, making it suitable for POS, kiosk, logistics and industrial projects. For 1D barcodes, it supports UPC/EAN family codes, Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Codabar, ITF, MSI, Plessey, GS1 DataBar and many other linear symbols. On the 2D side, it can decode PDF417, Micro PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code (standard and micro), Aztec, MaxiCode and DotCode, covering most modern applications.
- POS and cashier stations for barcode-based product and loyalty card identification.
- Self-service kiosks, ticketing terminals, check-in stations and information points.
- Industrial and logistics solutions, warehouse workstations and shipment identification.
- Mobile screen-based applications for coupons, e-tickets and customer ID verification.
- Embedded modules in mobile computers, factory terminals and dedicated industrial devices.
Integration, environmental ratings and operation
The embedded design and 12-pin ZIF connector simplify both mechanical and electrical integration of the Z-5212 Plus. The engine can be mounted in various orientations without compromising performance, allowing integrators to align the optical axis and window with custom kiosk bezels or device housings. The manufacturer specifies an operating temperature range from -20 °C to +55 °C, humidity from 5% to 95% non-condensing and ambient light tolerance up to 100,000 lux, enabling deployment in outdoor and glass-fronted kiosks.
Programmable scan modes, decode LED and beeper behaviour allow fine-tuning of user feedback and power consumption. Combined with its flexible interface options, this makes the Z-5212 Plus straightforward to adapt to existing checkout systems, industrial controllers or bespoke kiosk electronics without major redesign.
FAQ – Z-5212 Plus OEM embedded 2D barcode scan engine
- Which barcode types does the Z-5212 Plus support?
\tThe Z-5212 Plus supports most common 1D codes (UPC/EAN, Code 39, Code 128, ITF, MSI, GS1 DataBar and more) as well as 2D symbols including QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, MaxiCode, DotCode and PDF417. - Can the engine read barcodes from mobile phone and tablet screens?
\tYes, its screen-ready imaging optics are optimised for decoding barcodes from bright smartphone, tablet and monitor displays under a wide range of lighting conditions. - Which host interfaces are available on the Z-5212 Plus?
\tThe module offers RS-232 (TTL level), HID USB and USB Virtual COM interfaces, making it easy to connect to different host platforms and controllers. - In what environments can the Z-5212 Plus be deployed safely?
\tWith an operating temperature of -20 °C to +55 °C, 5–95% relative humidity (non-condensing) and ambient light immunity up to 100,000 lux, it can be used in indoor, outdoor and semi-outdoor kiosk applications. - How easy is it to integrate the engine into existing POS or kiosk systems?
\tThe compact form factor, 12-pin ZIF connector, built-in decoder and configurable scan modes make the Z-5212 Plus quick to embed, while software settings help tailor performance to specific application needs.
