Data processing system composed of three data processing modules

A three-module data processing system for processing in each module identical data symbols of at least eight bits, each module comprising an output encoder (26, 28, 30) for multiplying a result symbol by a different regular matrix to an intermediate code symbol and each intermediate code symbol by a common regular matrix and by a permutation matrix to yield a code symbol, corresponding code symbols based on said identical data symbols constituting a code with minimum distance profile of at least (8, 4, 1), said data processing system also comprising:

• an interconnection network fed by said output encoders (68, 70, 72);
• in each module an input decoder fed by said network for receiving three code symbols, said decoders comprising reconverters for compensating for said encodings;
• and thereupon reconstituting said data symbol;
• a mode register (110) for controlling said input decoders
• for correcting in a normal mode either one single disturbed code symbol or, alternatively up to three disturbed code bits in more than one different symbol;
• in each of three different erase modes ignoring one associated code symbol and additionally correcting one arbitrary disturbed code bit, or alternatively detecting up to two arbitrary disturbed code bits.