Abstract

We present a new class of asymptotically good, linear error-correcting codes based upon expander graphs. These codes have linear time sequential decoding algorithms, logarithmic time parallel decoding algorithms with a linear number of processors, and are simple to understand. We present both randomized and explicit constructions for some of these codes. Experimental results demonstrate the extremely good performance of the randomly chosen codes. 1. Introduction We present a new class of error correcting codes derived from expander graphs. These codes have the advantage that they can be decoded very efficiently. That makes them particularly suitable for devices which must decode cheaply, such as compact disk players and remote satellite receivers. We hope that the connection we draw between expander graphs and error correcting codes will stimulate research in both fields. 1.1. Error correcting codes An error correcting code is a mapping from messages to codewords such that the mappi...

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