A new performance estimation technique for digital transmission systems using a single parity check code

A robust estimation scheme for bit-error rates in live traffic digital transmission systems that use a binary single-parity check code for error detection is proposed. The scheme estimates the bit error rate by converting the estimates of the parity error detection rate. This is done through the use of a closed form of the detection probability of the single-parity code. The form is expressed in terms of the bit error rate and the length of the codeword. The scheme provides a viable means for real-time error performance measurements for digital transmission systems carrying live traffic. An error-detection-accuracy index is proposed, and a practical application to DS3 transmission systems is discussed