Error Correction Code (Error Checking and Correction)

(E-C-C)

Often used with computer memory (but not exclusive to memory), ECC involves special circuitry/software to test data in transit and assure its accuracy. Methods can be as simple as adding a parity bit or performing a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) in order to detect simple errors or adding multiple parity bits to both detect and correct errors. Double errors can be detected with some techniques (e.g., Hamming code).

Sometimes ECC is also called Error Detection and Correction (EDAC) and RAM which includes ECC code is known as error correcting memory (ECM).

More Information

• 1-bit ECC at burtleburtle.net
• HEC Tutorial at indiana.edu