Error code management in systems permitting partial writes

Apparatus for processing data comprising:

• error code generating means for generating an error code for a data block comprising a plurality of data values, said error code having a value dependent upon said plurality of data values;
• and
• memory means for storing one or more data values of said data block and said error code;
• wherein said error code generating circuitry is configured such that:
• (i) when one or more data values within said data block are written to said memory means and all data values within said data block are stored within said memory means, said error code generating means generates an updated value of said error code for said data block;
• and
• (ii) when one or more data values within said data block are written to said memory means and a proper subset of said data values within said data block are stored within said memory means, said error code generating means marks as invalid said error code for said data block.

A method of processing data comprising the steps of:

• generating an error code for a data block comprising a plurality of data values, said error code having a value dependent upon said plurality of data values;
• and
• storing within a memory one or more data values of said data block and said error code;
• wherein said step of generating operates such that:
• (i) when one or more data values within said data block are written to said memory and all data values within said data block are stored within said memory, said step of generating generates an updated value of said error code for said data block;
• and
• (ii) when one or more data values within said data block are written to said memory and a proper subset of said data values within said data block are stored within said memory, said step of generating marks as invalid said error code for said data block.