a decoder comprising a demodulator operable to receive a plurality of encoded data bits and generate a demodulated output , a channel decoder coupled to the demodulator operable to receive the demodulated output and generate decoded data bits , an encoder coupled to the channel decoder operable to receive the decoded data bits and re - encode the decoded data bits and generate re - encoded data bits , a comparator coupled to the demodulator and the encoder and operable to compare the demodulated output and the re - encoded data bits and generate an error rate , and wherein the error rate from the comparator is used to modify an operating parameter of the channel decoder .