Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computing) A check bit: A parity bit is a single binary digit (a 0 or 1) added to a group of bits (like a byte) to make the total count of 1-bits in the group either always even (even parity) or always odd (odd parity). It is a simple method for detecting errors in data storage or transmission.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The system uses a parity bit to verify the integrity of the transmitted data.
  • If the parity bit does not match the expected pattern, the receiver knows an error has occurred.

Advanced Usage

• "To calculate the parity bit": To determine the value (0 or 1) that must be added to a data unit to achieve the required even or odd count of 1s.
  • The communication protocol requires the sender to calculate the parity bit for each data packet.
• "Parity bit error": An error detected by a mismatch between the received data and its accompanying .
  • A single parity bit error will cause the system to request retransmission of the data.

Variants and Related Words

• Parity (n): The state or condition of being equal or equivalent. In computing, it specifically refers to the use of a for error checking.
  • The memory module has parity checking enabled.
• Parity check (n): The process of using a to detect errors.
  • A simple parity check can catch single-bit errors.

Synonyms

• Check bit
• Parity digit

Related Phrases

• Even parity: A scheme where the is set so the total number of 1-bits (including the itself) is an even number.
• Odd parity: A scheme where the is set so the total number of 1-bits (including the itself) is an odd number.

Noun

1. (computer science) a bit that is used in an error detection procedure in which a 0 or 1 is added to each group of bits so that it will have either an odd number of 1's or an even number of 1's; e.g., if the parity is odd then any group of bits that arrives with an even number of 1's must contain an error