CAREER: A Unified Framework for the VLSI Design of Algebraic Soft-decision Reed-Solomon Decoder

本研究的目的是首先设计有效的超大规模集成（VLSI）系统架构的代数软决策里德所罗门解码器。 然后，通过研究结构随设计参数的变化规律，进一步优化，为代数软判决Reed-Solomon译码器的VLSI设计提供一个统一的框架。 该方法通过对译码算法和VLSI结构的交互优化，设计出满足特定应用需求的最高效译码器结构，在智力上为先进理论和实践提供了桥梁。 在这项研究中，创新的关键潜力是算法转换和新颖的VLSI设计技术之间的微妙的相互作用。 与传统的设计方法，其中的超大规模集成电路的架构是由算法，交互式算法和架构优化将被采用。 特别地，从VLSI设计级到算法级的反馈对于实现最有效的设计和开发优化的框架是至关重要的。解决这个项目中具有挑战性的任务需要结合编码理论，数字通信和VLSI设计的专业知识。就更广泛的影响而言，拟议的研究可能会彻底改变数字通信和存储系统。 要开发的设计技术也可以外推到其他高级算法的实现。 拟议的研究将通过开发动态课程工作，涉及本科生和研究生的研究，并促进工程初中和高中学生融入教育。 此外，将通过招聘和留住妇女，增加来自代表性不足群体的学生对工程学的参与。

The objective of this research is to first design efficient very large-scale integrated (VLSI) system architectures for algebraic soft-decision Reed-Solomon decoders. Then, through studying how the architectures change with design parameters, further optimizations will be carried out to develop a unified framework for the VLSI design of algebraic soft-decision Reed-Solomon decoders. The approach is to optimize the decoding algorithms and VLSI architectures interactively, such that the most efficient decoder architecture can be designed for given application requirements.With respect to intellectual merit, the proposed research serves as a bridge connecting advanced theory and practice. The key potential for innovation in this research is the delicate interplay among algorithmic transformations and novel VLSI design techniques. Unlike traditional design approaches in which the VLSI architectures are determined by the algorithms, interactive algorithmic and architectural optimizations will be employed. Particularly, the feedback from the VLSI design level to the algorithmic level are critical to achieving the most efficient designs and developing an optimized framework. Addressing the challenging tasks in this project requires combined expertise in coding theory, digital communications and VLSI design.With respect to broader impacts, the proposed research could potentially revolutionize digital communication and storage systems. The design techniques to be developed can be also extrapolated to the implementation of other advanced algorithms. The proposed research will be integrated into education through developing dynamic course work, involving both undergraduate and graduate students in research, and promoting engineering to middle and high school students. In addition, the participation of students from underrepresented groups in engineering will be increased by recruiting and retaining women.