WOLAITA SODO UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering
Department Of Electrical and Computer
Engineering

Chapter One
Abstract
 A comparative analysis of M-QAM and MSK over an AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel
would likely focus on the performance of each modulation scheme in terms of error rate, data rate, and
spectral efficiency. M-QAM (M-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) is a form of quadrature amplitude
modulation that uses a finite number (M) of discrete amplitude levels, typically arranged in a square or
rectangular constellation. In an AWGN channel, M-QAM is known to have a good error rate performance at
high signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) but a poor performance at low SNR.MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) is a type
of continuous-phase frequency-shift keying modulation that uses only two phase shifts (0 and pi) to
represent the two symbols (0 and 1). In an AWGN channel, MSK is known to have a better error rate
performance than M-QAM at low SNR, but a worse performance at high SNR.In terms of data rate and
spectral efficiency, M-QAM generally has a higher data rate and spectral efficiency than MSK. However, the
trade-off between data rate and error rate must be considered when choosing a modulation scheme for a
specific application.Overall, the choice between M-QAM and MSK depends on the specific requirements of
the application, such as the required data rate, error rate, and the operating SNR of the channel.

Introduction
M-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) is a digital modulation scheme that transmits data by
modulating the amplitude and phase of a carrier signal. It is commonly used in wireless communications
systems and can support high data rates.
MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) is a type of frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation in which the frequency of
the carrier signal is shifted between two discrete frequencies. It is known for its constant envelope and low
peak-to-average power ratio, making it well suited for use in systems with nonlinear power amplifiers.

AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel refers to a communication channel that adds white
Gaussian noise to the signal. The noise is considered "white" because it has a flat power spectral
density, meaning that it has equal power in all frequency bands. It is "additive" because it is simply
added to the signal, and "Gaussian" because the noise follows a normal distribution.
Both M-QAM and MSK can be used over an AWGN channel to transmit data, but they have different
characteristics that make them more suitable for different types of systems. M-QAM is typically used in
systems with higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) where more complex modulation schemes can be used to
increase data rate, while MSK is typically used in systems with lower SNRs where the low peak-to-average
power ratio is beneficial.

1.2 PROBLEMS OF M-QAM AND MSK OVER AWGN CHANNEL

 M-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) are both
modulation techniques used in digital communication systems. Some problems that can arise
when using these techniques over an AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel include:

1. Error rate performance: The error rate performance of M-QAM and MSK can be affected by the
amount of noise present in the channel. In high noise environments, the error rate may be
unacceptably high.

2. Complexity: M-QAM requires a more complex receiver than MSK, as it involves demodulating both
the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal.
 3. Sensitivity to phase offset: MSK is more sensitive to phase offset than M-QAM, which can result in
a decrease in performance.

4. Bandwidth efficiency: M-QAM is more bandwidth efficient than MSK, as it can transmit more bits
per symbol than MSK.

5. Power efficiency: MSK is more power efficient than M-QAM, as it requires less power to transmit
the same amount of information.

6. SNR requirement: M-QAM have higher SNR requirement than MSK, which means it is less tolerant
to noise.

1.3.OBJECTIVES
 The main objective of using M-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) over AWGN (Additive
White Gaussian Noise) channels is to increase the data transmission rate and the transmission
distance. M-QAM is a modulation technique that uses a combination of amplitude and phase
modulation to transmit data over a communication channel. By using M-QAM, the data rate can
be increased by using a larger number of signal points. Additionally, using M-QAM can increase
the transmission distance by using error-correcting codes and adaptive equalization techniques.
This improves the performance of the system in the presence of noise and other forms of
interference

 The objectives of a communication system over a multipath-fading channel (also known as a

mobile radio or MSK channel) are typically to:
1. Achieve a high data rate: This is typically achieved by using advanced modulation techniques such as
MSK (minimum shift keying) or higher-order modulation schemes such as QAM (quadrature amplitude
modulation).
2. Provide a robust transmission: This is typically achieved by using error-correcting codes and/or
interleaving to mitigate the effects of fading and interference.
3. Ensure a low bit error rate (BER): This is typically achieved by using advanced receiver designs such as
equalization and diversity techniques.
4. Provide efficient use of the available bandwidth: This is typically achieved by using advanced
multiplexing techniques such as CDMA (code-division multiple access) or OFDM (orthogonal frequency-
division multiplexing).

5. Ensure a low complexity implementation: This is typically achieved by using low-complexity

modulation, coding and receiver algorithms.
Add-on:
6. Achieve a low power consumption: This is typically achieved by using advanced receiver designs such
as energy detection and adaptive modulation, and by using low-power transmitter designs.
 1.4. The Main Significance Of M-QAM AND MSK over AWGN (additive white
Gaussian noise) CHANNELS
 M-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) and MSK (minimum shift keying) are digital
modulation techniques that are used to transmit digital data over a communication channel.
They are studied because they offer advantages over other modulation techniques in certain
situations.
 M-QAM:-
 M-QAM stands for "M-quadrature amplitude modulation." It is a method of encoding digital
data on an analogue carrier wave by varying the amplitude (or "height") of two separate
carrier waves, known as the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components. The number of
possible amplitude levels (or "symbols") for each component is known as the "modulation
order," which is represented by the "M" in M-QAM. For example, in 16-QAM, there are four
possible amplitude levels for each component, resulting in 16 total possible symbols.
 M-QAM is a type of quadrature modulation where the amplitude of the signal is varied to
represent different data symbols. It is particularly useful in situations where the signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR) is high, as it can achieve a higher data rate than other modulation techniques.
 It is a type of quadrature modulation where the amplitude of the signal is varied to represent
different data symbols.
 It can achieve a higher data rate for a given signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to other
types of modulation, such as Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK).
 This is because M-QAM uses both the phase and amplitude of the signal to transmit
information, allowing for more data to be encoded in the same bandwidth.
 It is particularly useful in situations where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is high, as it can
achieve a higher data
rate than other modulation techniques.
 The goals of studding M-QAM over AWGN:-
 The goal of studying M-QAM over AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) is to
understand the performance of M-QAM (M-ary Quadrature Amplitude
Modulation) in the presence of noise, which is modeled as AWGN. This can help to
determine the maximum data rate and minimum signal-to-noise ratio that can be
achieved for a given M-QAM system. Additionally, studying M-QAM over AWGN
can also aid in the design of communication systems that use M-QAM modulation
and operate in the presence of noise.
 MSK:-
 It is a type of frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation where the frequency of the signal is
shifted between two values to represent different data symbols. MSK is particularly useful in
situations where the channel has a narrow band, as it has a very low out-of-band radiation.
 MSK is more robust to phase noise than other modulation schemes like QPSK and QAM,
which is the main significance of MSK over AWGH channel. MSK is also more spectrally
efficient than other continuous phase modulation schemes, such as BPSK, as it uses a smaller
frequency deviation for the same data rate.
 The goals of studding MSK over AWGN:-
 The goals of studying a communication system over a Gaussian noise channel (AWGN)
versus a multipath fading channel (MSK) are to understand the unique characteristics
and challenges of each type of channel and to develop appropriate communication
techniques for each. The AWGN channel is a simple, memoryless channel that is often
used as a benchmark for evaluating communication systems, while the MSK channel is
a more complex channel that models the effects of multipath propagation in wireless
 communication systems. By studying both types of channels, researchers can gain a
deeper understanding of the trade-offs and limitations of different communication
techniques and design more robust and efficient systems.
 The main Comparison on M-QAM and MSK over AWGN
 Both m-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) and MSK (minimum shift
keying) are digital modulation techniques used for wireless communication
over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels.
 M-QAM is a form of amplitude-shift keying (ASK) where each symbol
represents multiple bits of data. The signal constellation for m-QAM consists of
points arranged in a square grid, with each point representing a unique
combination of in-phase and quadrature-phase signals. The number of bits per
symbol, also known as the modulation order, is determined by the number of
points in the signal constellation. As the modulation order increases, the data
rate also increases, but the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required for error-free
transmission also increases.
 MSK is a form of frequency-shift keying (FSK) where the frequency of the
carrier signal is shifted between two values to represent the binary data. MSK is
a special case of FSK where the frequency deviation is half the bit rate. MSK
provides a constant envelope, which means that the transmit power remains
constant regardless of the data being transmitted. This can be useful for power-
efficient communication systems. MSK has a very small bandwidth, which
makes it less susceptible to interference from other signals.
 In terms of comparison, MSK is more power-efficient but has lower data rate
than m-QAM. MSK has a constant envelope which makes it less susceptible to
interference from other signals. m-QAM has higher data rate but requires more
power to transmit.

1.5. SCOPES OF M-QAM AND MSK OVER AWGN CHANNEL?

 M-QAM and MSK are commonly used in wireless communications systems, such as cellular
networks, satellite communications, and wireless local area networks (WLANs). They are also
used in other applications such as in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and digital television
(DTV) transmission.
 M-QAM is commonly used in digital telecommunications systems, such as cable and satellite
TV, as well as in wireless communications.
 MSK is commonly used as an abbreviation for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre,
which is a renowned cancer treatment and research centre located in New York City. It is one
of the oldest and largest private cancer centres in the world. MSK is also often used as an
abbreviation for "Musculoskeletal," which refers to the muscles, bones, and joints in the body.

1.6. ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF M-QAM AND MSK AWGN
CHANNEL
There are several organizations and research groups that focus on the comparative analysis of m-
QAM and MSK over AWGN channels, including:
1. IEEE Communications Society: This professional organization conducts research and publishes
papers on various communication systems, including modulation techniques such as m-QAM and
MSK.

2. International Journal of Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing (IJWMC): This journal
publishes research papers on various wireless communication systems, including those that analyse
the performance of m-QAM and MSK over AWGN channels.

3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST conducts research on various
communication systems, including modulation techniques such as m-QAM and MSK.

4. Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC): This conference is held
annually and provides a platform for researchers to present their work on various wireless
communication systems, including those that analyse the performance of m-QAM and MSK over
AWGN channels.

5. European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) that has standard on various

modulation techniques and test methods for performance evaluation of wireless communication
systems.
6.China communications Standards association (CCSA).

All the above organizations focus on the comparative analysis of m-QAM and MSK over AWGN
channels.

Chapter Two
2. Literature and reviews about the comparative analysis of M-QAM and MSK over
AWGN channel

M-QAM (M-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and MSK (Minimum Shift Keying) are both types of
digital modulation schemes that are used to transmit data over a communication channel.

M-QAM is a form of quadrature amplitude modulation that uses a combination of amplitude and phase
shifting to transmit digital data. It is capable of transmitting multiple bits per symbol, which can increase
the data rate of a communication system.

MSK is a form of frequency shift keying (FSK) where the frequency of the carrier signal is shifted between
two frequencies that are separated by half of the symbol rate. This results in a constant envelope, which
can simplify the design of the transmitter and receiver.
Both M-QAM and MSK have been studied and compared in the literature over an Additive White
Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel, which is a type of noise that is commonly encountered in wireless
communication systems.

One of the most well-known comparative analysis of M-QAM and MSK over AWGN channel was done by
J.G. Praxis in his book "Digital Communications" where he compared the performance of these two
modulation schemes in terms of their bit error rate (BER) and power efficiency. He also provided a
detailed explanation of the mathematical analysis of the BER of M-QAM and MSK over an AWGN
channel.

Another important review is by A.A. Al-Dwain and A.Y. Al-Dubai in "Minimum Shift Keying and
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation over AWGN Channel: A Comparative Study" where they compared
the performance of MSK and M-QAM over an AWGN channel in terms of BER, Power Spectral Density,
Bandwidth efficiency and Peak-to-average power ratio. They also provided a comparison of the
computational complexity of the receiver structures.

Both of these studies shows that M-QAM generally performs better than MSK in terms of BER, but MSK
is more power-efficient and has a simpler receiver structure.

Chapter Three
3. Conclusion and recommendations about comparative analysis of M-QAM and MSK
over AWGN channel

A comparative analysis of M-QAM and MSK over an AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise) channel
would likely show that M-QAM has a higher data rate and spectral efficiency than MSK. M-QAM uses a
larger constellation size, which allows for more data to be transmitted in the same amount of
bandwidth. Additionally, M-QAM is less sensitive to phase noise than MSK. However, MSK has a lower
error rate and is less affected by fading than M-QAM.

In terms of recommendations, it would depend on the specific requirements of the communication

system. If a higher data rate and spectral efficiency are important, then M-QAM would be a better
choice. However, if a lower error rate and better resistance to fading is required, MSK would be a better
choice. Additionally, the specific modulation order of M-QAM and the specific parameters of the AWGN
channel should also be taken into account when making a recommendation.

References ;
1. "Comparison of MSK and QAM for wireless communications over fading channels" by J. G. Porkies and M. Saleh in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 596-

601, April 1990.

2. "Performance analysis of MSK and QAM in mobile radio channels" by T. S. Rappaport in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 156-165, February 1989.

3. "Comparison of modulation techniques for wireless communications over fading channels" by J. H. Winters in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 1724-

1729, October 1991.

4. "Bit-error-rate performance of MSK and QAM in mobile radio channels" by M. K. Simon and M. S. Alumni in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 47, no. 6, pp. 946-950, June

1999.

5. "Performance analysis of MSK and QAM with coherent detection over mobile radio channels" by A. A. Abdi and K. W. Wong in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 48, no.

8, pp. 1424-1428, August 2000.

6. "A Comparative Study of MSK and QAM for Wireless Communications over Fading Channels" by D. D. Falconer and D. Divsalar in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 48,

no. 11, pp. 1824-1828, November 2000.

7. "Comparison of MSK and QAM for wireless communications in fading environments" by J. E. Viterbi and J. K. Wolf in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 43, no. 5, pp.

2079-2088, May 1995.

8. "Performance Analysis of MSK and QAM in Mobile Radio Channels with Coherent Detection" by A. R. Prasad and R. Prasad in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 51, no.

11, pp. 1866-1871, November 2003.