A survey of array error control codes

Abstract

Array error control codes are linear block or convolutional codes which are constructed from several single parity check or other component codes, assembled in two or more geometrical dimensions or directions, with emphasis on simple component codes and low complexity methods of decoding. This survey attempts to introduce, relate and compare all known types of array codes and their applications. After an introduction to the basic properties and uses of array codes, the second section of the paper describes binary array code constructions for random, burst and cluster error control. The third section describes a number of binary convolutional array codes, for both random and burst error control. Non‐binary and byte‐oriented array codes, both block and convolutional, are covered in the fourth section, which mentions some quite powerful and yet practical constructions. The fifth section discusses various enhancements which can be applied to array codes. The paper ends with conclusions, open problems, and an extensive set of references. Copyright © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.