Encoding input digital words to form encoded output symbols

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for encoding input words consisting of a plurality of information bits so as to produce encoded output symbols. The invention has particular application to the production of encoded output symbols which are to be subject to phase shift key (PSK) modulation. The invention is advantageously employed in generating phase shift key modulated signals for digital television signal transmission. A turbo encoder is used to receive and encode a first portion of each input word so as to generate corresponding encoded and parity bits from the input words. A puncturing module punctures the parity bits once for each encoded bit. A mapping circuit receives an uncoded second portion of each input word and forms an output symbol for each input word from the uncoded second portion and from the corresponding encoded and punctured parity bits.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.