Abstract: The present invention includes a Chien search device that implements an error-locator polynomial divided by a factor. The device includes first and second devices to generate .alpha..sup.i and .alpha..sup.-i, respectively. The device also includes a root determination block coupled to receive .alpha..sup.i and .alpha..sup.-i to provide a signal responsive to .alpha..sup.-i. In particular, the signal represents that .alpha..sup.-i is a root of the error-locator polynomial. The root determination block includes multiple root determination circuits to find the roots of the error-locator polynomial for each data interleave.

Abstract: Generally, a method checks the error signals of the interleaves to determine if the number of error bursts, burst error lengths or burst size is exceeded. These values are predetermined limits. To this end, the present invention tracks the number of errors and attempts to "fit" the errors in the programmed parameters of the burst size and burst limit values, such as illustrated above. If there is no fit, then an error signal is provided by burst limit checker.