Parallel processing of sphere decoders and other vector finding approaches using tree search

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which is stored computer program instructions for finding a vector solution to a tree search problem using a plurality of processing elements, wherein when executed, the computer program instructions are configured to perform the steps of:

• obtaining a tree graph;
• identifying a plurality of nodes in the tree graph that are likely to be part of the solution to the tree graph;
• partitioning the tree graph into a plurality of sub-trees, each sub-tree including one or more of the identified nodes;
• processing the plurality of sub-trees in parallel by allocating one or more of the processing elements to each of the sub-trees;
• and
• determining the solution based on results of the sub-tree processing.

Apparatus for finding a vector solution to a tree search problem, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of processing elements;
• means for obtaining a tree graph;
• means for identifying a plurality of nodes in the tree graph that are likely to be part of the solution to the tree graph;
• means for partitioning tree graph into a plurality of sub-trees, each sub-tree including one or more of the identified nodes;
• and
• means for controlling the plurality of processing elements to process the plurality of sub-trees in parallel by allocating one or more of the processing elements to each of the sub-trees, and to determine the solution based on results of the sub-tree processing.