Burst-error-correcting convolutional codes with short constraint length (Corresp.)

A new class of codes which have an information rate of for is presented. These codes correct error bursts up to bits long when followed by a guard space of bits. It is assumed that a hard decision is made on the fii sub-block of bits after one constraint length of the code is received and then feedback is used to modify the syndrome bits. One simplified decodhg scheme is described which uses simple logic for error correction. A detailed example is presented showing an application of the results. Several new codes which meet the Wyner-Ash bound for minimum guard space are given. These codes were found by computer search.