Turbo code carrier synchronization losses (Radio Losses)

In this paper the radio loss results for (8920,1/3), (8920,1/6), (1783,1/3) and (1784,1/6) codes are presented. These radio losses were calculated through simulations for a range of data rates. These simulations included both suppressed carrier modulation and residual carrier modulation cases. The radio losses were calculated for a frame error rate of 3 x 10^-4 for (8920,1/3) and (8920,1/6) codes and 3 frame error rate of 6 x 10^-5 for (1764,1/3) and (1784,1/6) codes. The simulations for the residual carrier case were run for loop signal to noise ratios of 13dB, 15dB and 17dB with a loop bandwidth of 10Hz. The simulations for the suppressed carrier case were run for a loop of signal to noise ratio of 17dB. The results of these simulations indicate that the radio losses for turbo codes are low enough to warrant their use in deep space links (maximum of 1dB loss at 17dB loop signal to noise ratio for residual carrier and 1.3dB loss at 17dB loop signal to noise ratio for suppressed carrier at high data rates). Furthermore, these results indicate that by normalizing the radio losses for frame size, loop bandwidth and the loop signal to noise ratio, a single curve could be used for calculating the radio loss for any given data rate at any given loop signal to noise ratio.