Parity Error Detection Simulation

written by Teresa Carrigan


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WHAT IS IT?

This model demonstrates the detection of single bit errors in bit patterns stored using either even or odd parity.

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HOW IT WORKS

First, a random eight-bit binary number is generated. Any bit that is a 1 will hatch a yellow copy of itself. The red arrow then discards pairs of yellow 1 bits. If there are no yellow bits left over, the current parity is even; if there is a bit left over, the current parity is odd.

Next, the current parity is compared to the parity used when the bit pattern was stored. If they match, then no error is detected. If they do not match, then an error was detected.


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Applets on this website were written by Teresa Carrigan in 2004, for use in computer science courses at Blackburn College, with the exception of the Fireworks applet. The applets made with NetLogo require Java 1.4.1 or higher to run. The applets made with NetBeans require Java 1.4.2 or higher to run. Applets might not run on Windows 95 or Mac OS 8 or 9. You may obtain the latest Java plugin from Sun's Java site.