Performance of sequential decoding of convolutional codes over fully fading ocean acoustic channels

Sequential decoding of long-constraint convolutional codes is shown to be a feasible technique for digital data telemetry over realistic marine acoustic channels. A computational bound for sequential decoding over a fading dispersive channel is derived for hardlimiting and quantizing decoders. The results indicate that a minimum of 8 dB of bit SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) is required for sequential decoder operation. Simulations indicate that 14-dB bit SNR results in simple and feasible implementations. Diversity methods for coded transmissions over Rayleigh fading channels are examined. The optimal diversity level for minimum error probability of uncoded systems and the diversity level of minimizing the sequential decoder computational load are derived and shown to be different, with the latter requiring a higher order of diversity. Performance differences between fixed-diversity and optimal-diversity systems are presented.