Patent ID: 7017106

Claim:
A decoder that performs min* check node processing when decoding an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) coded signal, the decoder comprising: a check node processing functional block that is operable to update an extrinsic information value of a check node by employing min* processing; a min* functional block, whose operation is directed by the check node processing functional block, that is operable to perform the min* processing on a first value and a second value; wherein the min* functional block is operable to determine a first sign function value using the first value; wherein the min* functional block is operable to determine a second sign function value using the second value; wherein the min* functional block retrieves from a memory a predetermined logarithmic correction factor that is selected based upon at least one of the first value and the second value; and wherein the min* functional block updates the extrinsic information value of the check node using the first sign function value, the second sign function value, and the predetermined logarithmic correction factor that is retrieved from the memory.