Algebraic lower bounds on the free distance of convolutional codes

A new module structure for convolutional codes is introduced and used to establish further links with quasi-cyclic and cyclic codes. The set of finite weight codewords of an (n,k) convolutional code over F_q is shown to be isomorphic to an F_q[x]-submodule of F_q ⁿ[x], where F_q ⁿ[x] is the ring of polynomials in indeterminate x over F_q ⁿ, an extension field of F_q. Such a module can then be associated with a quasi-cyclic code of index n and block length nL viewed as an F_q[x]-submodule of F_q ⁿ[x]/langx^L-1rang, for any positive integer L. Using this new module approach algebraic lower bounds on the free distance of a convolutional code are derived which can be read directly from the choice of polynomial generators. Links between convolutional codes and cyclic codes over the field extension F_q ⁿ are also developed and Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH)-type results are easily established in this setting. Techniques to find the optimal choice of the parameter L are outlined