Artificial Neural Network Viterbi Decoding System And Method

An artificial neural network (ANN) decoding system decodes a convolutionally-encoded data stream at high speed and with high efficiency. The ANN decoding system implements the Viterbi algorithm and is significantly faster than comparable digital-only designs due to its fully parallel architecture. Several modifications to the fully analog system are described, including an analog/digital hybrid design that results in an extremely fast and efficient Viterbi decoding system. A complexity and analysis shows that the modified ANN decoding system is much simpler and easier to implement than its fully digital counterpart. The structure of the ANN decoding system of the invention provides a natural fit for VLSI implementation. Simulation results show that the performance of the ANN decoding system exactly matches that of an ideal Viterbi decoding system.Georgia Tech Research Corporatio