Viterbi decoder

Abstract: The Viterbi algorithm (VA) is a recursive optimal solution to the problem of estimating the state sequence of a discrete-time finite-state Markov process observed in memoryless noise. Many problems in areas such as digital communications can be cast in this form. This paper gives a tutorial exposition of the algorithm and of how it is implemented and analyzed. Applications to date are reviewed. Increasing use of the algorithm in a widening variety of areas is foreseen.

Abstract: It has been recognized by Zehavi (1992) that the performance of coded modulation over a Rayleigh fading channel can be improved by bit-wise interleaving at the encoder output, and by using an appropriate soft-decision metric as an input to a Viterbi (1990) decoder. The paper presents in a comprehensive fashion the theory underlying bit-interleaved coded modulation, provides tools for evaluating its performance, and gives guidelines for its design.

Abstract: Consider a Gaussian multiple-access channel shared by K users who transmit asynchronously independent data streams by modulating a set of assigned signal waveforms. The uncoded probability of error achievable by optimum multiuser detectors is investigated. It is shown that the K -user maximum-likelihood sequence detector consists of a bank of single-user matched filters followed by a Viterbi algorithm whose complexity per binary decision is O(2^{K}) . The upper bound analysis of this detector follows an approach based on the decomposition of error sequences. The issues of convergence and tightness of the bounds are examined, and it is shown that the minimum multiuser error probability is equivalent in the Iow-noise region to that of a single-user system with reduced power. These results show that the proposed multiuser detectors afford important performance gains over conventional single-user systems, in which the signal constellation carries the entire burden of complexity required to achieve a given performance level.

Abstract: The concept of punctured convolutional codes is extended by punctuating a low-rate 1/N code periodically with period P to obtain a family of codes with rate P/(P+l), where l can be varied between 1 and (N-1)P. A rate-compatibility restriction on the puncturing tables ensures that all code bits of high rate codes are used by the lower-rate codes. This allows transmission of incremental redundancy in ARQ/FEC (automatic repeat request/forward error correction) schemes and continuous rate variation to change from low to high error protection within a data frame. Families of RCPC codes with rates between 8/9 and 1/4 are given for memories M from 3 to 6 (8 to 64 trellis states) together with the relevant distance spectra. These codes are almost as good as the best known general convolutional codes of the respective rates. It is shown that the same Viterbi decoder can be used for all RCPC codes of the same M. the application of RCPC codes to hybrid ARQ/FEC schemes is discussed for Gaussian and Rayleigh fading channels using channel-state information to optimise throughput. >