Fast parallel algorithms for decoding Reed-Solomon codes based on remainder polynomials

The problem of decoding cyclic error correcting codes is one of solving a constrained polynomial congruence, often achieved using the Berlekamp-Massey or the extended Euclidean algorithm on a key equation involving the syndrome polynomial. A module-theoretic approach to the solution of polynomial congruences is developed here using the notion of exact sequences. This technique is applied to the Welch-Berlekamp (1986) key equation for decoding Reed-Solomon codes for which the computation of syndromes is not required. It leads directly to new and efficient parallel decoding algorithms that can be realized with a systolic array. The architectural issues for one of these parallel decoding algorithms are examined in some detail