They are effectively used to detect and correct errors.4 – Applications of Hamming Code Advantages of Hamming Code They are used in computer memory, modems and embedded processors.įig.They are extensively used in telecommunication industry.Bit Length (7) + Parity Bits (4) = Encrypted Data (11 bits) These bits which are added to the original data is called Parity bits. Thus we can interpret that, the check bits to be added is 4. These Codes uses extra Parity bits to identify the error. In order to detect ’d’ errors, it needs a code with (d + 1) bits and similarly to correct d errors it needs a code with (2d + 1) bits To calculate Hamming distance, Exclusive OR operation also called modulo addition is performed on the second data string and the number of 1’s in the result is counted.

In this example, bit positions 3, 4 and 5 are different. Let us examine two data strings: 1000100001. The principle of error detection and correction of a code depends on its Hamming Distance. 2 – Structure of Hamming Code How does Hamming Code Work The entire data stream length comprises of Message bits (m) also called Data bits and Parity bits (n-m). Structure of Hamming Code is shown in the Fig. These bits are transmitted in such a way that they identify where the error has occurred in the data stream and rectifies it. The basic concept of Hamming Code is to add Parity bits to the data stream to verify that the data received is correct or matches with the input.

1 – Richard W Hamming, Founder of Hamming Codes His research paper was published in 1950 and later these codes were popularized as Hamming Code.įig. To overcome this issue, a scientist named Richard W Hamming formulated an algorithm to detect and correct single-error correcting binary codes. The data errors often results in the loss of important or secure data. In digital communication system, the data transfer should be error free and with high accuracy. This post will discuss in detail about what are Hamming Codes, its working principle along with examples, Applications, Advantages and Disadvantages. They are used to detect errors that helps in recovering the original binary word. Hamming Codes are efficient error-correcting binary codes.

Hamming code memory