In this dissertation, we investigated the methods for development of embedded channels within error
correction mechanisms utilized to support adaptive rate communication systems. We developed an error
correction code-based embedding scheme suitable for application in modern wireless data communication
standards. We specifically implemented the scheme for both low-density parity check block codes and
binary convolutional codes. While error correction code-based information hiding has been previously
presented in literature, we sought to take advantage of the fact that these wireless systems have the ability to
change their modulation and coding rates in response to changing channel conditions. We utilized this
functionality to incorporate knowledge of the channel state into the scheme, which led to an increase in
embedding capacity. We conducted extensive simulations to establish the performance of our embedding
methodologies. Results from these simulations enabled the development of models to characterize the
behavior of the embedded channels and identify sources of distortion in the underlying communication
system. Finally, we developed expressions to define limitations on the capacity of these channels subject to
a variety of constraints, including the selected modulation type and coding rate of the communication
system, the current channel state, and the specific embedding implementation.Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited
