ECC is an acronym for Error Correction Code memory. ECC is a special method that is used in order to find and rectify errors that may be introduced during the transfer or storage of data. There are some kinds of RAM chips that come with a special technique i.e., ECC memory in order to correct the RAM data storage and transfer errors. Error correction code memory is more used in servers as compared to client computers. The reason why ECC memory is more used in servers as compared to client computers is that generally servers operate with Gigabytes of RAM and they work 24 hours a day; hence the chances of getting memory errors is considerably high.

Types of Memory Errors:

Memory error types are generally classified into two main types: soft errors and hard errors. Soft errors are usually created because of disturbances in the electrical connections; like voltage fluctuations etc. Hard errors on the other hand are usually caused because of the fabrication defects in the Memory module. Hard errors can’t be rectified and they need replacement.

Why ECC memory is essential

The reason why ECC memory is essential is because the errors that occur in the memory can crash a computer if they are not corrected immediately; hence ECC memory is required to save the computer from crashing. This applies particularly to servers rather than client computers. The reason here is that if a client computer’s memory get corrupted, it only disturbs the client’s own computer. However, if the server’s memory gets corrupted, it affects the clients connected to it. That is the reason why ECC memory is almost compulsory for servers; however, they should be actively promoted for client computers as well for various important applications.

How ECC memory chip works

The working of ECC memory chip is relatively simple. ECC memory chips usually use Triple Modular Redundancy or Hamming Code. Both of these are methods to detect and correct memory errors. Triple Modular Redundancy and Hamming code are also classified as Forward Error Correction code or FEC codes. These codes do error correction doesn’t request the original data from the original source rather they manager these errors on their own. The above two codes can rectify single-bit-errors that may occur in the data. Another type of error is multi-bit errors which are quite rare to occur; even if it occurs, it doesn’t causes great threat to the memory.

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