VLSI appropriate design of a trace-back Viterbi decoder

This paper concerns the research into the implementation of an efficient Viterbi algorithm for the decoding of convolutional codes. The original algorithm, as presented by Truong (see IEEE Trans. Commun. Technol., vol.40, no.3, p.616-624, 1992), is described, with many new points being noted. A detailed discussion of the improvements made to the algorithm is included, along with a full example of the operation of the algorithm.