Early Decision Decoding Methods for Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

Low-density parity-check codes have recently received extensive attention as a forward error correction scheme in a wide area of applications. The decoding algorithm is inherently parallelizable, allowing communication at high speeds. One of the main disadvantages, however, is large memory requirements for interim storing of decoding data. In this paper, we investigate a modification to the decoding algorithm, using early decisions for bits with high reliabilities. Currently, there are two early decision schemes proposed. We compare their theoretical performances and their suitability for hardware implementation. We also propose a new decision method, which we call weak decisions, that offers an increase in performance by a factor of two.