Abstract: A storage uses a memory device with a continuous transfer function as typified by an SRAM (Synchronous Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) with an EDO (Extended Data Out). As for the detection/correction of data errors, the storage reduces, the ratio of the number of check bits to the number of data bits by effectively using a burst transfer function available with the memory device This allows a single memory device to recover from faults. This can be done with a device for dividing an ECC unit into a plurality of parts in a continuous transfer direction and writing one of them in the memory device at a time, and detecting/correcting the errors of data read out of the memory device while buffering them on an ECC basis.

Abstract: An audio information bit stream including audio control bits and audio data bits is processed for transmission in a communication system. The audio data bits are first separated into n classes based on error sensitivity, that is, the impact of errors in particular audio data bits on perceived quality of an audio signal reconstructed from the transmission. Each of the n different classes of audio data bits is then provided with a corresponding one of n different levels of error protection, where n is greater than or equal to two. The invention thereby matches error protection for the audio data bits to source and channel error sensitivity. The audio control bits may be transmitted independently of the audio data bits, using an additional level of error protection higher than that used for any of the n classes of the audio data bits. Alternatively, the control bits may be combined with one of the n classes of audio data bits and provided with the highest of the n levels of error protection.