Performance testing of a concatenated RS-convolutional encoding scheme in AWGN and impulse noise channels

In this paper we present the simulation results of a concatenated Reed Solomon-convolutional encoder scheme. The structure proposed was designed with the purpose of being used in ADSL applications. RS (255,239) is used as the outer code, which is proposed by the ANSI T1E1.4 Standard Group. The role of the inner code is undertaken by a convolutional encoder, which protects the outer one from random errors, while the RS code is responsible for the correction of burst errors. The noise model used, AWGN, is generally accepted as the worst case for ADSL transmission. A burst impulsive noise was also simulated proving the correcting capabilities of the RS code. The paper is organized as follows: After the introduction, a description of the simulated system is given. Next, the simulation method is described. The results from the simulation are represented, and, finally, the conclusions and some proposals for the improvement of the system are given