Embedded RPE based on multistage coding

The feasibility and performance of an embedded regular pulse excited speech coder (ERPE) based on multistage coding is investigated. The simulated ERPE system exhibits a graceful reduction of reconstructed speech quality for bit rates from 14.8 to 6.4 kb/s in 4.2 kb/s steps, and carries a very small signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) penalty compared to its conventional version.