Convergence of iterative decoding

Abstract

A novel method for visualising the convergence behaviour of iterative decoding schemes is proposed. Each constituent decoder is represented by a mutual information transfer characteristic which describes the flow of extrinsic information through the soft in/soft out decoder. The exchange of extrinsic information between constituent decoders is plotted in an extrinsic information transfer chart. The concepts are illustrated for an iterative demapping and decoding scheme.