16B

16b is a designation used across technology contexts to indicate a width or size of 16 bits. It is not a formal standard in itself, but a shorthand found in specifications, product codes, and discussions to denote 16-bit data paths, registers, or data types. The exact meaning depends on the context.

In computing, 16-bit often refers to data words processed by 16-bit architectures, such as certain historical microprocessors and many embedded microcontrollers. A 16-bit unsigned integer ranges from 0 to 65,535, and a signed 16-bit integer from −32,768 to 32,767. 16-bit data paths influence memory addressing, arithmetic, and performance. 16-bit color depth, commonly using schemes such as 5-6-5 RGB, was standard in older displays and video systems, allowing up to 65,536 distinct colors per pixel in a typical packing arrangement.

In audio and imaging, 16-bit depth is standard for PCM audio on compact discs and many digital formats, providing a balance between dynamic range and file size. In image workflows, 16-bit color per channel is used for high-dynamic-range imaging and professional editing, offering greater tonal precision than 8-bit per channel.

In software and encoding, 16-bit units appear in character encodings such as UTF-16, where code units are 16 bits long. The term 16b can also appear in product model numbers or branding, where it has no universal meaning beyond indicating a 16-based variant.