Array dispersions of matrices and constructions of quasi-cyclic LDPC codes over non-binary fields

This paper presents two new algebraic constructions of high performance non-binary quasi-cyclic LDPC codes based on array dispersions of matrices over non-binary fields. Codes constructed perform well over the AWGN channel with iterative decoding using a Fast Fourier Transform based sum-product algorithm. They achieve significantly large coding gains over Reed-Solomon codes of the same lengths and rates decoded with either the hard-decision Berlekamp-Massey algorithm or the algebraic soft-decision Koetter-Vardy algorithm. Due to their quasi-cyclic structure, they can be efficiently encoded using simple shift-registers with linear complexity. They have a potential to replace RS codes for some applications in communication and storage systems.