CMSC 442/653

Coding Theory & Applications

Instructor: S.J. Lomonaco, Jr.

Fall Semester 1999

Course Description:

The course will give an introduction to algebraic coding theory.

Introduction to BSC,  BEC, and information theory. Linear Codes, standard array, maximum likelihood decoding, distance bounds, generator & parity check matrices, error-syndrome table. A brief overview of rings and ideals.  Cyclic codes, generator & parity check polynomials, linear sequential circuits (LSCs), implementation of cyclic codes in terms of LSCs.  Finite fields, applications of finite fields to cyclic codes.  BCH codes, the BCH decoding algorithm. A brief overview of convolutional codes.

If time permits, quantum error-correcting codes will be covered.

Text: MacWilliams, F.J., and N.J.A. Sloane, "The Theory of Error-Correcting Codes," North-Holland Publishing Company, New York (Latest Edition)

Grading:

The Course grade will be computed as follows: 

	25%	Exam I
	25%	Exam II
	25%	Homework Avg
	25%	Final Exam


Prerequisites:CMSC 203, MATH 221, Reasonable Mathematical & Algorithmic Maturity, and an Intense Desire to Learn

Last Modified: August 18, 1999