This SBIR Phase I project addresses the design of an advanced channel error correction and detection scheme for the In-Flight Interceptor Communication System (IFICS). This proposal improves the performance of the current state-of-the-art system. Extensive research work is currently carried out in the areas of iterative channel coding schemes such as turbo coding and low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding. Recent results show performance gains obtained from these codes to be very close to the optimum limits. In this proposal both turbo codes and LDPC codes are employed in the IFICS link. Specifically, superorthogonal turbo codes which are well-suited for low-rate channel codes and LDPC codes suitable for low-rates are examined. Simulation results are used to determine the optimized codes for the IFICS link in Rayleigh and Rician fading channels. Computer simulations will be given to demonstrate the gains obtained from these proposed codes over the current state-of-the-art system. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: This research will be useful in low data rate communication systems such as sensor communication networks and telemetry applications.
Keywords: Forward Error Correction, Turbo Codes, LDPC, IFICS
