Bar Code Scanner Interface Cables
Barcode Scanners typically can communicate to a host (PC or terminal) via one of a selection of specific interface cables. Many, but not all, scanners have multiple interface capability, each of which requires a specific cable with a correctly wired host connector. Wireless bar code scanners communicate with a base, which is connected to a host via a choice of similar (sometimes shorter) interface cables.
The most common (PC) interfaces include PS/2 Keyboard Wedge, USB Keyboard Emulation, and Serial RS-232. Some scanner models include additional interfaces which, when used with special cables, enable the scanner to be connected directly to a number of different POS terminals. In addition, some scanner cables do not receive scanner power from the host, so they require an external power supply.
