Question

For (n,k) block codes, rate of the code is defined as __________

(a) n^2/k

(b) k^2/n

(c) n/k

(d) k/n

This question was posed to me in final exam.

This key question is from Block Codes and Finite Fields topic in division Equalization, Diversity and Channel Coding of Wireless/Mobile

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) n/k

To elaborate: The block code is referred to as an (n,k) code, and the rate of the code is defined as R=n/k. It is equal to the rate of information divided by the raw channel rate.