Sequential decoding apparatus and method

Abstract

Sequentially decoding a plurality of symbol sets of an incoming data sequence with less amount of computation in an application wherein paths in a code tree do not occur equiprobably is disclosed. A code tree is previously memorized which comprises a plurality of paths defined by a plurality of sequences of nodes. A pointer generator is provided for generating a pointer that defines a node that specifies a path in the code tree. A plurality of branch metric generators each generates a metric of a branch which forms part of a path and which is to be examined with a corresponding symbol set of the incoming data sequence. Further, a plurality of path metric generators are provided which respectively receive the branch metrics from the plurality of branch metric generators and respectively generate path metrics using the branch metrics. A controller controls the pointer generator and the plurality of path metric generators such as to maximize each of the plurality of path metrics at each of decoding steps in order to sequentially decode the symbol sets of said incoming data sequence.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.