Random Access Memory (RAM) is a storage medium used in computer systems as a memory. It’s also known as the main memory and is responsible for the execution of programs including the resulting user data. The volatile contents of the main memory are stored as binary code, which consists solely of zeros and ones, which makes it easier for the computer to process them. A single binary digit is called a 'bit'. These various causes
- Voltage variations,
- Overclocking,
- Defective and old storage modules,
- or energetic emission
can lead to a bit error whereby memory entry is changed. This is where a bit assumes the wrong value, i.e. '1' instead of '0' and vice versa. This is hardly noticeable in many applications. If a bit error occurs, for example, when working with an image-editing program, one pixel might receive a different color, which isn’t noticeable to the human eye. On the other hand, it is quite different in complex databases or calculation applications where a single bit error can lead to fatal consequences. In addition, a bit error can cause system crashes when it occurs in a part of the memory used by the operating system.
The simple solution to the problem is error correcting code (ECC). This is a data code which has the ability to detect and correct single bit errors. In addition, ECC can detect rare two-bit errors. In order to benefit from this error correction method, ordinary RAM modules are extended by an ECC memory chip, which is where ECC RAM comes into play.