Theoretical performance bounds of a probability of bit error estimator used in digital links employing binary block codes

An online and direct estimator used for measuring the post-decoder error probability of communication links that employ both error control coding and modulation is discussed. The estimator is solely dependent on the information available in the received signal and therefore, it does not require transmission of test patterns. The performance bounds are found using both theoretical analysis and computer simulations. A number of block codes are considered for the analysis and it is shown that the estimation accuracy is best once the link is overlaid with the shortest possible block code.