Abstract
In this paper, an automatic classification algorithm for MPSK signals is proposed. In this
algorithm, it is assumed that there is prior information about the received signal to be an
MPSK type. The concept of the proposed classification algorithm is based on evaluating the
statistical moments of the instantaneous phase of the received signal and using it as a key
feature to classify the MPSK signals. The proposed algorithm comprises three main steps: 1)
estimation of the instantaneous phase of the received signal, 2) computation of statistical
moments of the estimated phase, and 3) decision about the number of phase states of the
intercepted signal. The performance of the proposed algorithm is measured in terms of the
success rate of classification using computer simulations. It is found that all digital
modulation types of interest have been correctly classified with a success rate > 91 % at
signal-to-noise ratio, SNR, of 10 dB.