Decoding path selection device and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a decoding path selection device for decoding codewords generated by convolutional codes or turbo codes encoders in error correction codes, the decoding path selection device comprising: a branch metrics calculation unit for receiving incoming signals and calculating branch metrics values; a programmable generalized trellis router for generating a decoding path control signal according to the turbo code or convolutional code specification employed by one of communications standards; a multiplexer for receiving the branch metrics values from the branch metrics calculation unit and the decoding path control signal from the programmable generalized trellis router and selecting a corresponding branch metrics value; a recursive calculation unit, connected after the multiplexer and for receiving the corresponding branch metrics value from the multiplexer; and an a-posteriori probability calculation unit, connected after the recursive calculation unit and for calculating a final decoding result.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of Taiwan Patent Application Serial No. 105110686, filed Apr. 6, 2016, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a decoding path selection device and method and, more particularly, to a decoding path selection device and method for decoding codewords generated by convolutional codes encoders or turbo codes encoders in error correction codes.2. Description of the Prior Art[0003]In recent years, due to the booming of the communications industry, the number of mobile devices increases substantially. In order to enhance the quality of multimedia video / audio processing and high speed wireless communication, turbo codes or convolutional codes would be added as error correction codes to communications standards, correcting signals from errors caused by channel interference. HomePlug is instituted for applications in power transmission commun...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention provides a decoding path selection device and method for decoding codewords generated by convolutional codes or turbo codes encoders in error correction codes. The present invention not only arranges decoding for double binary turbo codes, but also reduces the setup time for multiple memory units. The present invention could improve the flexibility for convolutional codes and turbo codes decoders and reduce design process for convolutional codes and turbo codes decoders as well.

Problems solved by technology

At the cost consideration of hardware design, the hardware can only be designed for one or few dedicated specifications.

However, in order to correctly decoding the received information, average decoders are designed with respect to the survival path or trellis diagram corresponding to just one or several types of encoders, and the dedicated decoders could only support the decoding for certain encoders.

Thus, when codewords different from target communications standards are received, information sent by the sender could not be successfully restored.

If one wants to design decoders with different communications standards, the design complexity or the area overhead of decoders could increase substantially, even to the point of influencing operating frequency and thus reducing throughput.

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