Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems of a communications channel detector are disclosed that can compare a plurality of candidate sequences of bits and decisions to identify unlikely error events. The detector may then discard at least one candidate sequence based on an unlikely error event to produce a set of remaining paths. A branch metric calculator may be adapted to calculate metrics for a set of remaining paths.

Abstract: An approach to reducing processing of soft output is disclosed. Candidate sequences of bits can be compared to soft output decisions to reduce at least one of the candidate sequences. Branch metric calculations can be performed for remaining candidate sequences and a most likely path can be selected from the remaining candidate sequences.

Abstract: A communications channel is provided that includes an encoder that receives user data and generates corresponding encoded symbols for transmission through a channel medium. A channel detector has an input coupled to receive an output signal from the channel medium and a reliability information output which produces reliability information regarding logic states of detected bits in the output signal. A binary reliability value is provide for each of the detected bits. The channel further includes a decoder having a reliability information input coupled to the reliability information output of the channel detector to generate corresponding user data words as a function of the binary reliability value.