Simulation of error sources in digital channels

A general approach to error-source simulation in digital channels is discussed. It is shown that the stochastic sequential machine (SSM) model is general enough to describe error-source statistics in digital communication channels. The SSM model is capable of describing both the correlation between errors in a channel (bursts of errors) and the correlation between errors in different channels (crosstalk). Physical causes of error burstiness in satellite channels are considered, and it is shown that the SSM model can account for differential encoding, scrambling, forward error correction, intersymbol interference, nonlinear signal distortion, adjacent channel interference, modem defects, etc. SSM models of the satellite channel with differential and convolutional codes are simulated. The results of simulation agree with the experimental data for the actual channels. Analytical methods for determining the performance characteristics of SSM-modeled systems are developed