Using partial unit memory codes to improve distance properties of woven turbo codes

Partial unit memory (PUM) codes are reputed for their excellent distance properties and lower decoding complexity compared to equivalent convolutional codes. Woven turbo codes (WTCs) are constructed, which outperform turbo codes, using component PUM codes. Simulation results confirm that WTCs based on PUM codes outperform those based on equivalent convolutional codes, as reflected by their respective minimum distances, which is also calculated.