A modified Viterbi algorithm for non-Gaussian interference scenarios

Viterbi sequence detectors and Turbo decoders are widely used in the receivers of mobile communications systems. They are offer an efficient means of implementing a near-maximum likelihood receiver. However, Viterbi sequence estimators are usually based on the assumption of Gaussian noise and/or interference statistics. It is becoming clear that for third generation and enhanced second generation cellular mobile packet systems that Gaussian-ness cannot be taken for granted and in such scenarios it is not clear what performance a Viterbi receiver will offer. This paper explores this issue and develops a modified Viterbi for just such situations and presents performance results.