Auxiliary path iterative decoding

Abstract

A parallel iterative decoding system interposed between a network interface and a block memory matrix receives encoded data and both stores the data in a First-In-First-Out ('FIFO') memory block and processes it through a timing recovery engine. The timing recovery engine delivers to an iterative decoder synchronized data samples and detects cycle slip. The iterative decoder thereafter performs a predetermined number of iterations to decode the data. Responsive to encoded data failing to converge after the predetermined number of iterations, the encoded data is communicated from the FIFO memory to an auxiliary decoder module. The auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder performs a second predetermined number of iterations to decode the data wherein the number of iterations performed by the auxiliary iterative error correction code decoder is greater than the primary iterative error correction code decoder. Converged data from the auxiliary decoder replaces otherwise null data stored in the block matrix memory.