Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for utilizing error correction code in a data buffer or data storage device. In one variation, a single memory device is utilized to store both the data and the associated error correction code. The data and the associate error correction codes are stored on separate memory banks on the memory device. The error correction code may be consolidated into one or more regions on the memory device to improve the utilization of the available memory space on the memory device. In addition, by utilizing separate memory banks to store the data and the associated error correction code, the data and the error correction code can be accessed in an overlapping manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a sequence of input data into a sequence of coded data, where the coded data is represented as literal data, as single-character references to recent input data, and as a references to one or more past input data. The references may be fixed in length or variable in length. The references may include an indication of a match offset and/or an indication of a match length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows very fast string searches, wherein a new type of data structure called a Comparing and Prioritizing (CAP) Memory is utilized. The CAP memory allows data stored therein to be string searched at high speeds. That is, the CAP memory provides the ability to sequentially determine one or more locations of strings that exist in its data memory that are identical to a string in an incoming data stream. In a preferred embodiment, the output of the CAP memory is used for data compression.