Channel code construction for decoder reuse

A device for encoding and/or decoding data transmitted in a communication channel, comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• a memory configured to store computer readable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to provide execution comprising:
• encoding and/or decoding the data transmitted in the communication channel based on an {N′, K′} code generated from an {N, K} code, wherein N and N′ are code lengths, K and K′ are code dimensions, N′−N=q>0, and K−K′=p>0, and wherein
• the {N, K} code is defined by a first check matrix, and the {N′, K′} code is defined by a second check matrix,
• the second check matrix includes {N−K+p+q} rows and {N+q} columns,
• {N−K} elements in each of {p+q} columns of the second check matrix are all zeros, and
• {N−K} elements in each of the remaining {N−p} columns of the second check matrix are elements of the first check matrix defining the {N, K} code.