Using tree structures to resynchronize permutation codes

Permutation codes are used in powerline communications (PLC), together with M-FSK modulation, to combat errors introduced by the channel. Synchronization errors are rare but can be catastrophic if not detected and corrected. In this paper, we propose a fast and simple decoding algorithm that uses a tree structure, called a permutation code tree, to detect and correct errors. The decoder is able to detect and correct substitution, insertion or deletion errors. The decoder has an error correction capability of one error per codeword.