| In this dissertation two techniques for slow frequency-hop communications are evaluated. The first technique is a novel method for interleaving code words in a packet radio system. This new procedure, called staggered interleaving, requires an iterative decoding procedure. The new interleaving technique and decoding procedure are described and performance evaluations are given for a variety of channels.; The second technique consists of using a Hermitian code as the error-control code in a frequency-hop system. Hermitian codes are block codes that can replace the Reed-Solomon codes for such applications as the SINCGARS packet radio. The benefits of Hermitian codes are explained, and results are presented that highlight the situations for which these codes provide good performance. |
