Data validation and correction using hybrid parity and error correcting codes

A method of correcting data errors, the method comprising:

• obtaining a data item stored in a memory, the data item including a first number of data bits and a plurality of integrity bits having a set of singe-bit error correcting (SEC) code bits and a set of parity bits;
• assigning the first number of data bits into a second number of data sets, each data set including a respective subset of data bits and corresponding to a respective parity bit, a third number of respective coding bits and a respective coding pattern;
• for each of the data sets, determining whether the respective data set has a parity error, including at least combining the respective subset of data bits, a respective subset of SEC code bits, and the respective parity bit by a logical operation, wherein the respective subset of SEC code bits includes a distinct one of the set of SEC code bits;
• in accordance with a determination that there is no parity error among the second number of data sets, determining that the data item is correctly stored and extracted;
• and
• in accordance with a determination that only a first data set has a parity error among the second number of data sets, detecting an error with a first data bit of the first data set based on the set of SEC code bits and the respective coding pattern of the first data set, and correcting the error in the first data bit of the first data set.