Extended list output and soft symbol output viterbi algorithms.

摘要

A family of extended Generalized Viterbi Algorithm (GVA) and Soft Output Viterbi Algorithm (SOVA) decoders is disclosed. In one embodiment structural aspects of a SOVA are used to develop a new implementation for a serial GVA. Another aspect of the invention provides a low complexity SOVA that generates a reliability measure for decoded information using a list output of the GVA. In a further aspect, reliability information from a SOVA is used to develop a low complexity GVA.