1.2.4

Parity Check

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Parity Bits

Check digits are extra digits that are appended to a number to confirm that the number has been transmitted or retrieved correctly.

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Parity bit

  • A parity bit is a simple check digit that is added to a binary number to help check that it has been received correctly.
  • The value of the digit depends on whether an even or an odd parity system is in place.
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Setting a parity bit

  • The sender should add the parity bit to the number:
    • In an even parity system, a digit should be added so that there is an even number of 1s in the number.
    • In an odd parity system, a digit should be added so that there is an odd number of 1s in the number.
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Receiving the data

  • When receiving the data, the recipient can re-count the number of 1s to verify that the data is correct.

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1Computer Systems

1.1Data Representation

1.2Data Transmission

1.3Hardware

1.4Software

1.5The Internet & its Uses

1.6Cyber Security

1.7Automated & Emerging Technologies

2Algorithms, Programming & Logic

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