Diode-configured Viterbi algorithm error correcting decoder for convolutional codes
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorRobert C. Davis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A Viterbi algorithm error correcting decoder is configured of a trellis of branch-distance circuits each of which is formed of sets of diode and controlled interconnecting switches. During a respective bit time of the signal to be decoded, the branch-distance circuits are controlled so as to connect a number of diodes in each branch of the trellis proportional to the distance of the diode branch of interest to the received code branch. Due to the nonlinear voltage-current characteristic of a diode, only the path through the trellis of the branch-distance circuits having the minimum distance from the received data will draw current. Detection of this current-carrying path is used to implement the Viterbi algorithm decoder.
Claims36
For use in a digital data communication system wherein information signals transmitted over a communication channel are subjected to convolutional error coding, an arrangement for decoding signals received over said channel comprising:
- a plurality of circuit elements, a prescribed electrical characteristic of each of which is controllable, arranged in a prescribed pattern between first and second reference potential nodes;
- means, coupled to said plurality of circuit elements, for controlling the constituency of said pattern by said circuit elements in response to signals received over said channel;
- and
- means, coupled to the prescribed pattern in which said plurality of circuit elements are arranged between said first and second reference potential nodes, for generating an output representative of a recovered information signal in accordance with the effective minimum distance path, through said pattern, of current flow between said first and second reference potential nodes.
For use in a digital data communication system wherein information signals are subjected to convolutional error correction coding and transmitted over a communication channel, a Viterbi algorithm decoder for recovering digital data signals that have been transmitted over said channel comprising:
- a prescribed pattern of circuit elements, a prescribed electrical characteristic each of which is controllable, coupled between first and second reference potential nodes;
- means, coupled to said prescribed pattern of circuit elements, for controlling the effect of said circuit elements on the electrical characteristics of said pattern in response to signals received over said communication channel;
- and
- means, coupled to said prescribed pattern of circuit elements between said first and second nodes, for generating an output representative of a recovered digital data signal in accordance with the effective minimum distance path of current flow through said pattern between said first and second nodes.
For use in a digital data communication system wherein information signals are subjected to convolutional error coding and transmitted over a communication channel, a method of recovering digital data signals that have been transmitted over said channel comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a prescribed pattern of circuit elements, a preselected electrical characteristic of each of which is controllable, between first and second reference potential nodes;
- (b) controlling the effective electrical characteristics of said pattern of circuit elements in accordance with successive ones of signals received over said channel;
- and
- (c) generating an output representative of a recovered digital data signal in accordance with the effective minimum distance path of current flow through said pattern of elements between said first and second nodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.