Hierarchical Digital Modulation Recognition Based on Higher-Order Cumulants

A simple method, based on elementary high-order cumulants, is proposed for the classification of digital modulation schemes. It is shown that cumulant-based classification is particularly effective when used in a hierarchical scheme, enabling separation into subclasses at low signal-to-noise ratio with small sample size. The modulation of BPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, 8PSK, pi/4DQPSK, 16APK, 16QAM and 64QAM will be recognized base on four and six order cumulants of signals. The efficiency of the algorithm is proved in theory. Computer simulations show that the percent correct classification of the proposed recognition algorithm is better than 90% except the 64QAM when E-b/N-0>10dB.