CS 2731 Computer Organization II -- Fall 2003 Laboratory 9 [Nov 3, 5]: The Hamming Code

In this laboratory you will work on the Hamming code as presented in class. A short reference on Hamming codes is: Hamming Code Reference.

• Simple Hamming Code -- single error correction:
  • Start with 10 data bits: 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1.

  • Then determine the values for the added check bits, in positions 1, 2, 4, and 8, to produce the codeword. (Of course, the data bits will be in positions 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and so forth.)

  • Finally, assume the second data bit above is transmitted in error as a 0. Show how the Hamming code can correct this error.

• Hamming Code for double error detection:
  • Start with the same 10 data bits as above: 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1.

  • Then add in an overall check in position 0, along with the other checks.

  • Finally, assume the second and fifth data bits above are transmitted in error as 0 bits. Show how the Hamming code can detect this error.