QandAs: Tech

What is ECC?

Answer:
ECC, also known as Error Correction Code,

is defined as the coding system which is designed to detect and correct the memory errors which are in turn introduced during the process of storage or transmission of data.

ECC is a form of technology which allows the computer system to perform the given function even if a memory error occurs. ECC system checks the accuracy of data as it passes in and out of memory. Memory errors are 2 types: -
(a) Hard Errors which occurs due to the fabrication defects in the memory chips and can not be corrected if such errors starts appearing.
(b) Soft Errors which occurs mainly due to the electrical disturbances.
Thus memory errors must be corrected on time for attaining good efficiency. ECC system is thus very much important for servers and mission critical data.

Working of ECC system: - ECC system uses Multiple Parity bits per byte to detect the bit errors and than rectify it automatically. During the process of storage of data in RAM, a code is assigned to the bit sequence which in turn is utilized by the system to detect the error. When data is being transferred than the earlier assigned code is matched with newly assigned code if it matches, data is free of error otherwise error is present.

ECC system is used in CD players, DVD players, high speed modems, cellular phones, in dynamic RAM and many more.