1. A method for branch metric calculation in a plurality of communications standards, comprising the steps of: (A) calculating a plurality of sum values by adding a plurality of first values related to a plurality of information bits, a plurality of second values related to said information bits and a plurality of third values related to a plurality of parity bits; (B) generating a plurality of permutated values by permutating said sum values based on a configuration signal, wherein said configuration signal identifies a current one of said communications standards; and (C) generating a plurality of branch metrics values by adding pairs of said permutated values.