SIMPLIFIED TRELLIS DECODER

A method and apparatus for processing convolution coded data. The method and apparatus have lower computational requirements, while still reducing or eliminating errors caused by noise or distortion. A path metric value associated with each decoder state is updated upon the receipt of each incoming signal value. The path metric value is formed by: (1) identifying those permissible transition(s) to that decoder state that are represented by symbols having the minimum branch metric compared to the received signal value; (2) identifying those permissible transition(s) to that decoder state that originate from states with the minimum previously-computed path metric value; and (3) comparing the transitions identified in the first and second steps. From this comparison, the identity of the transition with the lowest path metric value is derived. Thereafter, the path metric chosen is stored for that given state.