Codes over Affine Algebras with a Finite Commutative Chain coefficient Ring

Abstract: We consider codes defined over an affine algebra $\mathcal A=R[X_1,\dots,X_r]/\left\langle t_1(X_1),\dots,t_r(X_r)\right\rangle$, where $t_i(X_i)$ is a monic univariate polynomial over a finite commutative chain ring $R$. Namely, we study the $\mathcal A-$submodules of $\mathcal A^l$ ($l\in \mathbb{N}$). These codes generalize both the codes over finite quotients of polynomial rings and the multivariable codes over finite chain rings. {Some codes over Frobenius local rings that are not chain rings are also of this type}. A canonical generator matrix for these codes is introduced with the help of the Canonical Generating System. Duality of the codes is also considered.