A modem includes an LDPC encoder which utilizes a deterministic H-matrix, optionally via a generation matrix, to generate redundant parity bits for a bit block. Ones are placed into the H-matrix in a completely diagonal manner with diagonals subdivided into sets of diagonals. The first diagonal in each set i begins with coordinates H(1,k), where k=(1+(i*M_j)). The remaining diagonals in the sets are offset from the first diagonals so that the column distances between any two pairs of diagonals is unique. In another embodiment, the H-matrix is determined by assigning "1s" in a first column, and then assigning "1s" of subsequent columns deterministically by causing each "1" in a previous ancestor column to generate a "1" in the next descendant column based on the rule that a descendant is placed one position below an ancestor except where rectangles would be generated. Interrupted descending diagonals are generated.