Quantitative analysis of a new method for real-time generation of SNR estimates for digital phase modulation signals

A new method of estimating the signal-to-noise ratio for M-PSK receivers was presented previously, which derives that estimate from the locked-state value of a new family of carrier lock detectors. A quantitative analysis is undertaken in which it is shown that this method requires significantly less hardware and/or software resources than estimation from the received signal's error rate, is irrespective of the data sequence, and necessitates far fewer symbols in order to arrive at an equally accurate estimate.