Constant envelope continuous phase frequency shift key modulation

Abstract

Constant envelope angle modulation apparatus comprises a frequency synthesizer for outputting a stepped output waveform having a selectable precise output frequency. The output of the synthesizer provides an input to a mixer for O-QPSK modulating a received information signal. The O-QPSK modulated signal is then hard-limited, for example, via a series of hard limiting amplifier and filter circuits and a divider circuit. Preferably, a data stream for modulation may be filtered via a filter having an approximately 70-100% roll-off characteristic, such as a root raised cosine filter. A hard-limited, constant envelope angle modulated signal results that is easily frequency converted to, for example, microwave frequencies for landline or satellite applications via a simple multiplier circuit. The multiplier circuit preferably comprises a series of stage-filtered multipliers and band pass filters to achieve the desired output microwave frequency.