DC-free error control coding through guided convolutional coding

We construct DC-free error control coded sequences by guiding convolutional encoders through appropriate augmentation of the source bit stream prior to encoding to ensure that the sequence of error control codewords is balanced. In doing so, we combine the principles of guided scrambling line coding with convolutional error control coding. Decoding proceeds through standard error control decoding techniques for the convolutionally encoded sequence followed by removal of the augmenting bits, thereby avoiding the problem of error extension that often arises during the line decoding process.