Error detectors using signal distortion

A synchronous serial data-transmission system has recently been proposed for use over channels that introduce severe signal distortion. The serial stream of data elements at the transmitter output is arranged into separate groups, with sufficient time gaps between adjacent groups to ensure that these do not overlap at the receiver. The received signal has many of the properties of a linear error-detecting or error-correcting block code. Although the signal lacks some of the simplicity and elegance of conventional linear block codes, it can nevertheless be used very simply and effectively to recognise the presence of errors in the detected data signal. The paper describes four different error detectors and three different signal detectors with which these may be used. The performances of the four error detectors are studied by computer simulation and their potential merits are assessed.