Encoding method and apparatus using squished trellis codes

摘要

A squished trellis encoder encodes blocks of information with unequal error correction. A multiplexing switch partitions the information block into a first portion and a second portion. A first trellis encoder encodes the first portion. A second trellis encoder encodes the second portion. An initial state information generator maps the states of the first trellis encoder to the second trellis encoder to establish initial conditions for the states of the second trellis encoder. A delay delays the second portion from processing by the second trellis encoder until the initial state information generator has mapped the states. An associated decoder can use the novel squished approach or other alternative approaches.