Convolutional encoder state estimation

To estimate the convolutional encoder state from received data, one may use the inverse to the encoder G. However, channel errors make this method unreliable. We propose a method that uses the received data in the following way. We calculate the syndrome, and after a specific number of received syndrome values equal to zero, we expect that the corresponding received data is also error-free. The received data is then used to build the inverse and give an estimate for the encoder state. The method can be used in situations where knowledge of the encoder state helps the decoding process or for synchronization purposes. We analyze the performance of the described method with respect to state estimation error probability and the average time it takes before we can estimate the encoder state with a certain desired reliability.