Abstract
The class of Convolutional Coupled Codes is a promising alternative to classical Turbo-Codes. A Convolutional Coupled Code consists of a cascade of ν identical recursive systematic convolutional (RSC) outer codes and
k inner block codes with parameters (2ν, ν, d
i). The codes are linked together such that only the systematic part of the outer codes is encoded with the inner block encoders. Only the redundancy from the inner and outer codes are transmitted. An estimation of the minimum distance is derived. The influence of number, code memory and code polynomials of the outer RSC codes on the distance properties and the convergence behavior of the iterative decoding scheme is studied. With respect to this results, we present a guideline for the optimal design of the RSC outer codes.