A first device receives first data that includes a plurality of input vectors, which includes a primary input vector and a set of secondary input vectors and detects uncorrectable errors in the first data based on a quality metric indication. Based on detecting the uncorrectable errors in the first data, the first device substitutes a predetermined codeword for the primary input vector encoded using a non-perfect code, and substitutes a predetermined input vector for the primary input vector. The first device modulates a set of encoded secondary input vectors using the predetermined input vector to generate a modulated set of encoded secondary input vectors and transmits as second data the predetermined codeword and the modulated set of encoded secondary input vectors to a target device, wherein the substituting step creates a first number of errors that is detected by the target device as uncorrectable errors in the transmitted second data.