Weight distribution of turbo codes with convolutional interleavers

A simple algorithm for the weight calculation of turbo codes with convolutional interleavers is presented. For codes with short interleaver lengths, the weight distributions are computed using conventionally proposed methods and then utilised together with the interleaver properties to determine the weight specifications for the code with a longer desired length. Based on the calculated weights, a new upper bound for the code is computed. It agrees with simulation results of the code performance in the error-floor region.