Optimal Multidimensional Convolutional Codes
This work addresses the need for efficient error-correcting codes in multidimensional data transmission, representing an incremental advancement in coding theory.
The paper tackles the problem of constructing maximum distance separable (MDS) multidimensional convolutional codes, which are optimal in terms of free distance, by developing new constructions based on superregular matrices, resulting in new families of MDS codes with rate 1/n.
In this paper, we analyze $m$-dimensional ($m$D) convolutional codes with finite support, viewed as a natural generalization of one-dimensional (1D) convolutional codes to higher dimensions. An $m$D convolutional code with finite support consists of codewords with compact support indexed in $\mathbb{N}^m$ and taking values in $\mathbb{F}_{q}[z_1,\ldots,z_m]^n$, where $\mathbb{F}_{q}$ is a finite field with $q$ elements. We recall a natural upper bound on the free distance of an $m$D convolutional code with rate $k/n$ and degree~$δ$, called $m$D generalized Singleton bound. Codes that attain this bound are called maximum distance separable (MDS) $m$D convolutional codes. As our main result, we develop new constructions of MDS $m$D convolutional codes based on superregularity of certain matrices. Our results include the construction of new families of MDS $mD$ convolutional codes of rate $1/n$, relying on generator matrices with specific row degree conditions. These constructions significantly expand the set of known constructions of MDS $m$D convolutional codes.