A method and apparatus for performing encoding and decoding of bit chain data packets conveying errors which do not spread on more than n bits, at very high speed. The burner configuration is used in a firing installation, in particular a gas turbine combustion chamber, and has a main burner and, disposed centrally within it, a primary pilot burner used for igniting andor for stabilizing the combustion of the main burner. The stiffness of the structure in the machine direction is in a range from about 0.