Linear block and convolutional MDS codes to required rate, distance and type

Abstract: Algebraic methods for the design of series of maximum distance separable (MDS) linear block and convolutional codes to required specifications and types are presented. Algorithms are given to design codes to required rate and required error-correcting capability and required types. Infinite series of block codes with rate approaching a given rational $R$ with $0<R<1$ and relative distance over length approaching $(1-R)$ are designed. These can be designed over fields of given characteristic $p$ or over fields of prime order and can be specified to be of a particular type such as (i) dual-containing under Euclidean inner product, (ii) dual-containing under Hermitian inner product, (iii) quantum error-correcting, (iv) linear complementary dual (LCD). Convolutional codes to required rate and distance and infinite series of convolutional codes with rate approaching a given rational $R$ and distance over length approaching $2(1-R)$ are designed. The designs are algebraic and properties, including distances, are shown algebraically. Algebraic explicit efficient decoding methods are referenced.