Performance Evaluation of Viterbi Algorithm for Convolutional Decoding in Fading Channels

This document presents a MATLAB-based program designed to evaluate the performance of convolutional decoding using the Viterbi algorithm in fading channel environments. The program implements three core modules: convolutional encoding with generator polynomials, fading channel simulation using Rayleigh or Rician models, and Viterbi decoding with optimized path metric computations. The primary objective is to help researchers and engineers better understand the practical performance of convolutional coding in real-world communication scenarios, enabling optimization of error correction capabilities. The implementation includes key algorithmic components such as branch metric calculation, survivor path management, and traceback operations for decoding. Additionally, the program architecture allows for extensions such as GUI interfaces for parameter configuration and visualization of decoding results, as well as integration of additional algorithms like turbo codes or LDPC for comparative analysis. The modular design employs MATLAB functions for channel simulation, encoding/decoding operations, and performance metrics calculation (BER/FER). Overall, this program serves as a comprehensive tool for studying convolutional coding schemes and their behavior under various fading channel conditions, providing valuable insights for wireless communication system design.