Keysight WLAN Measurement Guide 99
Concepts
Digital Modulation Format Standards
Phase Shift Keying (PSK) Concepts
One of the simplest forms of digital modulation is Binary or Bi-Phase Shift
Keying (BPSK). One application where this is used is for deep space telemetry.
The phase of a constant amplitude carrier signal moves between zero and 180
degrees. On an I/Q diagram, the I state has two different values. There are two
possible locations in the constellation diagram, so a binary one or zero can be
sent. The bit rate is one bit per symbol.
A more common type of phase modulation is Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
(QPSK). It is used extensively in applications including CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access) cellular service, wireless local loop, and DVB-S (Digital Video
Broadcasting — Satellite). Quadrature means that the signal shifts between
phase states which are separated by 90 degrees. The signal shifts in
increments of 90 degrees from 45 to 135, –45, or –135 degrees. These points
are chosen as they can be easily implemented using an I/Q modulator. Only
two I values and two Q values are needed and this gives two bits per symbol.
There are four states because 2
2
= 4. It is therefore a more bandwidth-efficient
type of modulation than BPSK, potentially twice as efficient.
Figure 3-4
Phase Shift Keying (PSK)
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) Concepts
Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is used in applications including
microwave digital radio, DVB-C (Digital Video Broadcasting—Cable), and
modems.
16 QAM
In 16-state quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM), there are four I values
and four Q values. This results in a total of 16 possible states for the signal. It
can transition from any state to any other state at every symbol time. Since 16
= 2
4
four bits per symbol can be sent. This consists of two bits for I, and two
bits for Q. The symbol rate is one fourth of the bit rate. So this modulation
format produces a more spectrally efficient transmission. It is more efficient
than BPSK, QPSK, or 8PSK.
QPSK is practically the same as 4QAM.
BPSK
One Bit Per Symbol
QPSK
Two Bits Per Symbol