FIELD: electronic engineering. SUBSTANCE: decoder has branching metric computing unit for receiving convolute data and calculating set of branching metrics; branching metrics dividing unit for separating set of metrics into even- and odd-numbered metrics; status metrics storage unit for keeping present status metrics and separating set of status metrics into even- and odd-numbered status metrics; first and second add/compare/retrieve units for adding, comparing, and retrieving even-numbered branching and status metrics and for selecting optimal-distance paths; third and fourth add/compare/retrieve units for adding, comparing, and retrieving odd- numbered branching and status metrics and for selecting optimal- distance paths; path-tracking logic unit for tracking data on path retrieval in first through fourth add/compare/retrieve units and on decoded data output; storage unit for signal indicating retrieval of path formed and selected in path retrieval data controller. Mentioned units receive in this way branching and status metrics and process set of channels simultaneously. EFFECT: improved speed of decoding set of channels. 4 cl, 6 dwg
