Efficient decoding algorithms for generalized Reed-Muller codes

Previously, a class of generalized Reed-Muller (RM) codes has been suggested for use in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing. These codes offer error correcting capability combined with substantially reduced peak-to mean power ratios. A number of approaches to decoding these codes have already been developed. Here, we present low complexity, suboptimal alternatives which are inspired by the classical Reed decoding algorithm for binary RM codes. We simulate these new algorithms along with the existing decoding algorithms using additive white Gaussian noise and two-path fading models for a particular choice of code. The simulations show that one of our new algorithms outperforms all existing suboptimal algorithms and offers performance that is within 0.5 dB of maximum-likelihood decoding, yet has complexity comparable to or lower than existing decoding approaches.