A Reed-Solomon decoder includes an inversionless Berlekamp-Massey
algorithm (iBMA) circuit with a pipelined feedback loop. A first
polynomial generator generates error locator polynomial values. A
discrepancy generator generates discrepancy values based on the error
locator polynomial values and the scratch polynomial values. Arithmetic
units are used to generate the discrepancy values are also used to
generate the error locator polynomial to reduce circuit area. A first
delay circuit delays the discrepancy values. A feedback loop feeds back
the delayed discrepancy values to the error locator polynomial generator.
An error location finder circuit communicates with the iBMA circuit and
identifies error locations. An error value computation circuit
communicates with at least one of the error location finder circuit and
the iBMA circuit and generates error values.