Forward Error Correction Techniques for Mobile Satellite Communications

The mobile satellite communication channel presents the system designer with unique problems such as burst errors and long deep fades associated with varying types of terrain obstructions. Forward error correction coding improves system performance and lowers cost but must be adapted to function effectively under these conditions. This paper proposes the use of algebraic codes, in particular Reed-Solomon codes, supplemented by interleaving and adaptive block repeats for digital transmission over the mobile satellite channel. Approaches to codec hardware implementation are also discussed.