Explore error detection techniques
Information theory is a branch of applied mathematics and electrical engineering involving the quantification of information. When Claude Shannon developed information theory in 1948, thus ushering in the information age, he introduced the concept of entropy to information. This entropy or shortage of information in a message is what gives rise to errors in the data. Most communication systems and data storage and processing systems are unreliable to some degree, which means that errors may be introduced in the communications channel or while retrieving data from a memory device. These errors must be controlled.
The purpose of this course is to describe four different error detection techniques and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. This course describes the parity check method as well as the checksum and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) methods. It describes hash functions and when they should be employed. This course also briefly discusses error correction techniques.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Mark Strain has over 25 years’ experience in designing and developing embedded systems ranging from precise time and frequency standards, remote monitoring systems, cryptographic communications equipment, and advanced weapon systems for the warfighter. He has designed and developed systems with 8-bit microcontrollers in bare metal systems and systems with complex real time embedded operating systems on 32-bit microprocessors. He is currently a Software Engineering Manager for a large defense contractor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Florida. He has written many courses for Professional Engineers for continuing education in the areas of computer engineering and electrical engineering. He enjoys studying cosmology and is a published author of Cosmic Entity: A Timeless Perception of the Universe. He lives in Winter Garden, FL with his wife and two children.
