Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards barcode readers that implement multiple circuit boards for housing various electronic components. In an embodiment, the present invention is a handheld barcode reader that includes: a handle portion; a head portion positioned on a top of the handle portion; a window positioned within the head portion; a first circuit board extending at least partially through the handle portion, the first circuit board defining a first plane, the first circuit board including a decode assembly; and a second circuit board positioned behind the first plane relative to the window, the second circuit board including an imaging assembly having an imaging sensor, the imaging sensor operable to capture image data over a field of view (FOV), the FOV extending through the first plane and the window.