What Is Error-Correcting Code Memory (ECC Memory)?

Data corruption? No problem. Error-Correcting Code Memory (ECC Memory) memory is specifically designed to detect and correct the most common internal data corruption, single-bit errors. This memory constantly scans for problems and converts them before your application even knows a problem as you process data. It manages the three most common kinds of internal data corruption single-bit error, double-bit and uncorrectable cell errors. Because ECC memory is equipped with an algorithm that constantly searches for potential errors, its reliability surpasses traditional DRAM technologies that only check for errors. An integrity check works by reading data from RAM and comparing it to the original data. If they do not match, then the data is thrown out. This is often done at the end of the day when all information is expected to have been transferred to disk. Integrity checks can also be done in real-time by monitoring RAM usage and discarding any data used when it should not be. They are common in data fields like financial transactions, where data must be accurate. These implementations are intended to operate as a memory log, allowing data retrieval if there is a power outage or other issue that causes data to be lost. Most computers with ECC use a combination of both methods. ECC memory is used for both data integrity and data security. The accuracy of ECC memory is often within one bit of conventional memory, with most of the improvement coming from the ability to detect and correct data corruption during reads. Compared to traditional memory, ECC memory has slower write speeds, often taking 10–100 times longer. The slower write speed is due to the need to create parity data. Parity data is usually stored in a different location than the original data, increasing the time needed to write data. ECC memory also requires more power than conventional memory. That's how you can worry less about data integrity and get back to processing faster.