Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a linearly approximated Log MAP algorithm, the implementation involves calculating MAX*(a(n),b(n)) function, the method having the steps of: (A) Receiving a(n), b(n) and a value DE; (B) calculating (a(n)+b(n)+DE/2 and generating at least one intermediate result, the at least one intermediate result reflecting at least one relationship between at least two elements out of a(n), b(n) and DE; and (C) providing an MAX*(a(n),b(n)) result selected from a group comprising of a(n), b(n) or (a(n)+b(n)+DE)/2, the selection dependent upon the at least one intermediate result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a linearly approximated Log MAP algorithm, said implementation involves calculating MAX*(a(n),b(n)) function, said method comprising the steps of: (A) Receiving a(n), b(n) and DE; (B) calculating (a(n)+b(n)+DE)/2 and generating at least one intermediate result, said at least one intermediate result reflecting at least one relationship between at least two elements out of a(n), b(n) and DE; and (C) providing an MAX*(a(n),b(n)) result selected from a group comprising of a(n), b(n) or (a(n)+b(n)+DE)/2, said selection dependent upon the at least one intermediate result.