To provide a method and device for collecting data.

Data value derived from individual data values generated by a plurality of data units connected in series in prescribed order is collected. Each data unit receives the data value from the preceding data unit, links the data value to the individual data value (D) generated by itself, and delivers the data value obtained in this way to the following data unit. As a result, the data value delivered by the last data unit represents the derived data value. The delivery of the data value is continuously executed in each bit. Each data unit links the received bit to a corresponding bit of the individual data value of itself, and delivers it before receiving a further bit of the data value.