Performance evaluation of Viterbi decoded Reed-Solomon block codes in additive white Gaussian noise and flat fading channel conditions

Much attention has been given to the decoding of linear block codes by means of trellis decoding algorithms, such as the BCJR and Viterbi algorithms. Not only do these algorithms support soft input decoding, but also the application of channel state information for improved decoding performance in fading channel environments. This paper presents a performance evaluation, based on an extensive simulation study, of Viterbi decoded Reed-Solomon block codes under additive white Gaussian noise and flat fading channel conditions. Special attention is given to the influence of channel state information on the bit error rate performance of Viterbi decoded Reed-Solomon block codes in flat fading channels with varying Doppler frequencies and line-of-sight signal strengths.