Iterative decoding and channel parameter estimation algorithms for repeat-accumulate codes

The sensitivity of the iterative decoder for repeat-accumulate (RA) codes to carrier phase and channel signal-to-noise ratio estimation errors is investigated, and efficient algorithms to estimate and correct these errors are developed. The behavior of RA codes with imperfect channel estimation is different from that of turbo codes, and correction algorithms specific to RA codes must be formulated. The proposed algorithms use the soft information generated within the iterative decoder, and thus, are not only hardware-efficient, but also offer excellent performance.