Performance comparison between non-binary LDPC codes and Reed-Solomon codes over noise bursts channels

In this paper, the performance of non-binary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes is investigated with high rates (R > 2/3), and small block lengths (N < 5000 bits) over noise bursts channels, and is compared with that of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes. Meanwhile, a new optimized encoding scheme of non-binary LDPC codes is presented, and a new decoding algorithm with reduced-complexity is introduced. The simulation results indicate that the non-binary LDPC codes are very effective against noise bursts, and are about 2.7 dB superior to the RS codes at a frame error rate (FER) of FER=10/sup -4/, even when the burst length is up to 144 bits long. It is of important value in magnetic recording systems.