Patent ID: 7861146

Claim:
A Viterbi decoding apparatus for decoding a convolution code that is terminated by a predetermined termination value, comprising: an ACS means for generating a branch metric from an inputted code to generate a path metric and a path selection signal at each node; a traceback memory for storing the path selection signal outputted from the ACS means; a termination timing detection means for detecting a termination timing of the inputted code, and outputting a termination control signal for controlling a traceback process to be performed to the traceback memory; and a traceback unit for receiving the path selection signal outputted from the traceback memory, and the termination control signal, and performing the traceback process using a pointer for traceback; wherein said traceback unit sets a compulsion value based on the termination value to the pointer, independently of the path selection signal, when the termination control signal indicates a termination processing period.