MULTIPORT RAM FOR USE WITHIN A VITERBI DECODER

A memory block structure for use within a viterbi decoder includes multiple dual port RAMs configured as multiport RAMs. The memory block structure is configured to allow a one-word write operation and an N-word read operation during a single clock cycle in order to achieve one decoded output symbol per clock period using the viterbi algorithm. By using dual port RAMs, a more densely packed and less expensive memory block structure is achieved. An encoded stream of input symbols are input to the viterbi decoder and written to the memory block structure one word at a time. Once X+Y bits have been written to the memory block structure, the decoder will then read N words from the memory block structure, simultaneously, reading back through X+Y words and outputting Y bits N at a time at the end of the trace back through memory. This process is repeated once the next Y words have been written to the memory block 22, with X+Y words being traced back through and the appropriate Y bits being output, until the entire encoded stream of input symbols has been decoded.