A new family of NDA carrier phase detectors-for coherent M-PSK receivers

A new family of NDA carrier phase detectors for M-PSK coherent receivers operating in AWGN channels is defined. The behavior of the of the phase detectors is explored using stochastic theory, and it is found that the phase detectors' gain curves are independent of AGC performance and signal-levels. Furthermore, these self-normalizing properties allow the performance requirements of the AGC circuit to be relaxed considerably. Analysis of the self-noise of the phase detectors is presented, and their closed-loop phase error variance is calculated as well as simulated and found to be comparable to that of DD detectors. The phase detectors will also be shown to posses a simple hardware realization, which allows for their straightforward and efficient implementation within an FPGA or ASIC. Finally, an adaptive scheme will be outlined, one which aims to produce a phase detector that (along with the previously attained AGC! independence) is independent of the SNR and M.