Nonbinary forward error correction for military communications

The authors present an alternative nonbinary coding scheme that is an extension of a previously developed binary code, called the yjr projection code. The projection code is characterized by simple implementation and high speed, making it attractive for low-cost error-control systems. Projection codes are capable of efficiently correcting both random and burst errors and are well suited to ARQ operation and incremental parity systems. The basic projection code construction is reviewed, and key features of the nonbinary version are discussed. Performance data and hardware complexity results are presented. Analysis and simulations were used to obtain preferred code structures and determine error rates. The results show that projection codes correct a considerable percentage of errors, exceeding the maximum number of errors that is always corrected