Low‐Density Parity‐Check ( LDPC ) Codes for 5G Communications

Abstract

In this article, we describe the fundamental advances in low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) codes over the last two decades with special emphasis on the class of LDPC codes selected for the 5G new radio standard. We present structured protograph and quasi‐cyclic LDPC codes, which are convenient for hardware implementation. The 5G LDPC codes are then reviewed in detail. Hardware considerations regarding the implementation of the encoders and decoders of 5G LDPC codes are also discussed. We conclude the article by presenting three of the more promising extensions of LDPC codes known to date (generalized LDPC codes, nonbinary LDPC codes, and spatially coupled LDPC codes), which could potentially replace conventional LDPC codes in future communication standards.