Encoder with mask based galois multipliers

Abstract

A programmable digital data encoder employs error correcting coding that uses Galois field multiplication logic wherein each bit of the product is produced by first applying pre-calculated mask values or mask values calculated via a processor executing code, and then applying an XOR circuit together with the mask bits from the pre-calculated or generated mask. In one example, a set of Galois field multipliers is used wherein each multiplier in the set includes a plurality of 2-bit input AND gate circuits and an m-bit input XOR gate circuit to produce a bit of the product. In one example, there are 'm' mask values in a mask table wherein m is the symbol width. A different mask value is applied for each bit of the product. The mask values are each m-bits wide, and are stored, for example, in memory as a small look-up table with m m-bit entries or in m m-bit wide registers.