Laminated turbo codes

In this paper we introduce a new coding scheme - so-called laminated turbo codes. It is characterized by a block-convolutional structure that enables us to combine the advantages of a convolutional encoder memory and a block-oriented decoding method. We show that this block-convolutional structure is superior in terms of its error correction capability compared to the pure block structure of the corresponding self-concatenated code. Comparisons to turbo codes and multiple turbo codes are also included. Finally, the impact of the inter-block memory is investigated.