Optimal Sequence Detection and Optimal Symbol-by-Symbol Detection: Similar Algorithms
Jeremiah F. Hayes, Thomas M. Cover, J. Riera · IEEE Transactions on Communications · 1982
An algorithm is derived which performs optimal symbol-by-symbol detection of a pulse amplitude modulated sequence. The algorithm is similar to the Viterbi algorithm with the optimality criterion optimal symbol detection rather than optimal sequence detection. A salient common feature is the merge phenomenon which allows common decisions to be made before the entire sequence is received.