Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for decoding a plurality of codewords from a received binary bitstream. A first decoding stage processes each of the codewords with a first iterative decoding algorithm based on forward error-correction information of the codewords. A second decoding stage processes selected ones of the codewords with a second iterative decoding algorithm, which is based on forward error-correction information in the selected ones of the codewords. Each codeword selected for the second decoding stage is selected in response to an exit from the decoding of that codeword without the production of a decoded codeword. The second iterative decoding algorithm is configured to enable a greater number of iterations of decoding per codeword than the first iterative decoding algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: circuitry configured, in response to receipt of input data, to transmit a stream of symbols of a constellation to a modulator for modulation onto a carrier wherein a frequency of occurrence of symbols in the stream is dependent upon a probability-amplitude distribution for symbols of the constellation, wherein the probability-amplitude distribution has a kurtosis less than a target value and a shape of the probability-amplitude distribution causes low-amplitude symbols to occur more frequently on average in the stream than high-amplitude symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: circuitry configured, in response to receipt of input data, to transmit a stream of symbols of a constellation to a modulator for modulation onto a carrier wherein a frequency of occurrence of symbols in the stream is dependent upon a probability-amplitude distribution for symbols of the constellation, wherein the probability-amplitude distribution has a kurtosis less than a target value and a shape of the probability-amplitude distribution causes low-amplitude symbols to occur more frequently on average in the stream than high-amplitude symbols.