Method and apparatus for performing multiple simultaneous error detection on data having unknown format

A method of detecting an error in at least one of a plurality of received data values, wherein a first error detection coding scheme detects said error if said plurality of received data values are in a first data format and a second error detection coding scheme detects said error if said plurality of received data values are in a second data format, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving said plurality of data values;
• b) performing a first error detection check, corresponding to the first error detection coding scheme, on said plurality of data values to produce a first syndrome value;
• c) storing the first syndrome value;
• d) simultaneously with step b) performing a second error detection check, corresponding to the second error detection coding scheme, on said plurality of data values to produce a second syndrome value;
• e) storing the second syndrome value;
• f) classifying said plurality of data values as being in one of said first data format and said second data format;
• g) if said plurality of data values are classified as being in said first data format then determining if said plurality of data values have said error based on said first syndrome value;
• and
• h) if said plurality of data values are classified as being in said second data format then determining if said plurality of data values have said error based on said second syndrome value.