Patent ID: 6327316
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A data receiver for receiving data including a series of multi-component signals representing symbols selected from a set of possible multi-component, multi-value symbols, each component of said signal denoting values of a plurality of bits, each bit being associated with one component of said signal, said receiver comprising:means for determining the value of each component in each received signal; andmeans for setting a value of a bit metric for each bit denoted by said signal based upon the value of the signal component associated with that bit, there being first, second and third ranges defined for each bit, said value-setting means being operative to set the bit metric for each bit so that:(a) the bit metric has a predetermined maximum value when the component associated with the bit is in the first range defined for that bit;(b) the bit metric has a predetermined minimum value when the component associated with the bit is in the second range defined for that bit; and(c) the bit metric has an intermediate value between said maximum and minimum values when the component associated with the bit is in the third range defined for the bit.