Error -Correcting Codes on Graphs: Lexicodes, Trellises and Factor Graphs

101 p.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000.We consider two graph-based techniques for correcting the errors introduced into a transmission by a noisy channel. In the first technique, which is based on decoding with a layered graph known as a trellis, we examine generalization of heuristically good codes called lexicodes. We propose and analyze a method for designing generalized lexicodes that minimize or constrain various trellis decoding parameters. The second technique is based on decoding with factor graphs, which are smaller than trellis representations and have enjoyed much attention in the recent literature. We look at a specific type of factor graphs known as Tanner graphs, for which a decoding algorithm is known. This decoding algorithm is proven to always converge to a maximum-likelihood decoding if and only if the corresponding Tanner graph is cycle-free. However, we show that cycle-free Tanner graphs cannot support good codes, because of their weak structure. This weakness has a direct affect on codes of Tanner graphs with cycles, which we analyze as well.U of I OnlyRestricted to the U of I community idenfinitely during batch ingest of legacy ETD