A framework is proposed that allows for a joint description and optimization of both binary polar coding and the multilevel coding (MLC) approach for 2m-ary digital pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM). The conceptual equivalence of polar coding and multilevel coding is pointed out in detail. Based on a novel characterization of the channel polarization phenomenon, rules for the optimal choice of the bit labeling in this coded modulation scheme employing polar codes are developed. Simulation results for the AWGN channel are included.

A framework is proposed that allows for a joint description and optimization of both binary polar coding and 2m-ary digital pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) schemes. For the latter, the multilevel coding (MLC) approach as well as bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) are considered. The conceptual equivalence of polar coding and multilevel coding is covered in detail. Based on an alternative characterization of the channel polarization phenomenon, rules for the optimum choice of the labeling in coded modulation schemes employing polar codes are developed. Simulation results regarding the error performance of the proposed schemes on the AWGN channel are included.

An alternative method for collaborative decoding of interleaved Reed-Solomon codes as well as Gabidulin codes for the case of high interleaving degree is proposed. As an example of application, simulation results are presented for a concatenated coding scheme using polar codes as inner codes.