What Is Interleaved Mode?
Interleaved mode refers to a method of arranging data in an attempt to increase performance. When data is stored in an interleaved environment it is written in a non-contiguous fashion, and specifically arranged so that the data most often requested is accessed the fastest. Interleaving mode is commonly used with computer memory, but also has applications in telecommunications, disk storage and error correction.
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Computer Memory
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Interleaved mode is typically used with computer memory and is more commonly called "dual channel" mode. This mode can be activated when two memory sticks are used that have equal capacities and timings. One channel assumes the duty of reading and writing data, while the other channel prepares for the next access in advance, eliminating setup delays. The usage of two channels handles memory processing more efficiently and reduces system latencies.
Disk Storage
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Computers store information on disks in small pieces known as sectors, which are arranged in concentric rings called tracks. Previously, data was first stored in a continuous fashion -- meaning one sector was written next to the adjoining sector. Storing data in this manner proved inefficient and caused delays when attempting to read a large number of sectors stored on different tracks. Interleaving allowed the most often used data to be stored in adjoining sectors, which greatly enhanced reading speed.
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Error Correction
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Interleaving is also used with forward error correction to reduce data loss. FEC is a technique for transmitting data over noisy lines or unreliable channels. Each transmission is sent with an error-correction code in a redundant manner. The redundancy of these codes allows for the detection of errors at any point in the transmission, with the benefit of correcting these errors with out re-transmission.
Telecommunications
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Interleaving is also frequently used in digital communications to improve the transmission rate. When working with telecommunication channels, errors typically occur in bursts. By interleaving the communication, data loss during one of these bursts is minimized, and repairing the communication is also much easier.
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References
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