What are block codes and convolutional codes?

In block codes, the data comprises of a block of data of a definite length. However, in convolutional codes, the input data bits are not divided into block but are instead fed as streams of data bits, which convolve to output bits based upon the logic function of the encoder.

Is convolutional code a linear code?

Convolutional codes are linear codes over the field of one-sided infinite sequences. The symbols can be from any field but we will just consider symbols from GF(2).

What is a linear block code?

The codewords in a linear block code are blocks of symbols that are encoded using more symbols than the original value to be sent. A linear code of length n transmits blocks containing n symbols. For example, the [7,4,3] Hamming code is a linear binary code which represents 4-bit messages using 7-bit codewords.

What is meant by convolutional code?

Convolutional coding is a widely used coding method which is not based on blocks of bits but rather the output code bits are determined by logic operations on the present bit in a stream and a small number of previous bits.

What is block coding used for?

In software programming, a block code is used to convert software code or an algorithm into any particular form so that errors, if any, in the code can be minimized. Block code can also be applied in the domains of telecommunications, information theory and coding theory.

What are the advantages of convolutional code?

The main benefits I gathered from using convolutional codes is that, it’s easy to implement and does better (than linear codes) in cases where you have higher error probability rates and noisy channels. Information bits are spread along the sequence. Lastly, these codes have memory.

What is the advantage of linear block code?

simplest technique to detect and correct errors. ➢ Error probability is reduced. ➢ Transmission bandwidth requirement is more. of transmitter and also reduces its power.

Why convolutional codes are preferred over block codes?

The hardware component of Block codes is complex and the encoding process is a bit difficult. The hardware component of Convolutional Codes is simpler and the encoding process is easy.

What is convolutional codes in digital communication?

In telecommunication, a convolutional code is a type of error-correcting code that generates parity symbols via the sliding application of a boolean polynomial function to a data stream.