Synchronization of Reed-Solomon codes

Abstract

The synchronization capabilities of Reed-Solomon codes when an appropriate coset of the code is used instead of the code itself are examined. In this case an E-error correcting Reed-Solomon code is transformed into a code capable of determining that there are m symbols out of sync, if e symbol errors occurred, whenever m + e E. In the event that m = 0, i.e., the word is in sync, then decoder will correct any pattern of E - 1 on fewer symbol errors.