Sequential decoding method and apparatus

摘要

A sequential decoding of a convolutionally encoded sequence has been proposed. Decoding is carried out by extending paths along the branches of code-tree over plural tree levels at a time and calculating likelihood (metric) of the extended paths referring to the received sequence. Decoding is terminated when it proceeds to a node belonging to the last tree level of a data block. Then, one of the extended sequences associated with a node located at the last tree level which has the largest metric is output as a decoded sequence.