AN ALTERNATIVE SOFT-DECISION DECODER

Abstract

This paper describes an alterative soft-decision decoding algorithm to be used in hybrid-ARQ error control communication systems. This new scheme promises significant reductions in decoder complexity while exhibiting performance levels comparable to contemporary soft-decision decoders. The development of this algorithm is discussed briefly, its implementation is explained, and the results of computer analysis already performed are considered. It will be shown that the method presented is conducive to the use of a significantly reduced codeword searching algorithm, yielding the advantages of correlation decoding without the corresponding complexity. Keywords: soft-decision block decoding, hybrid- ARQ (Automatic-Repeat-Request) error control, correlation decoding, additive white Gaussian noise channel.