Adaptive coding and modulation for return satellite links using binary turbo coding

A turbo code that is based on an 8-state binary constituent code is considered in this paper for use in an adaptive coding and modulation system for a return satellite link. The paper presents the results of finding good puncture-constrained dithered relative prime interleavers along with data puncture patterns to provide the required performance. A tradeoff between waterfall and flare performance can be made by selecting the best puncture masks for the required error rate. The performance of the turbo code with a packet size of 1504 data bits is presented for the following modulations: BPSK, QPSK, 8 PSK and 16 APSK. A comparison with other coding strategies shows that this code is an attractive option for use in a return satellite link application using adaptive coding and modulation.