System and method for setting phase reference points in continuous phase modulation systems by providing pilot symbols at a location other than the location of the phase reference point

A method for transmitting digital information using a continuous mode modulation scheme, the method comprising:

• obtaining a data frame comprised of a plurality of data symbols and requiring a number of phase reference points to allow a receiving device to sufficiently estimate effects of the channel on the data frame during transmission;
• generating a set of pilot symbols associated with one of the phase reference points, the set of pilot symbols comprising at least one pilot symbol;
• and
• inserting the set of pilot symbols at a location that is x number of data symbols prior to the phase reference point associated with the set of pilot symbols,
• wherein the value of each pilot symbol in the set of pilot symbols is calculated so as to force the phase reference point associated with the set of pilot symbols to be at a desired phase state.

A system for communicating digital information using a continuous phase modulation scheme comprising:

• a precoder for receiving a sequence of data bits, mapping the sequence of data bits into data symbols and organizing the data symbols into one or more data frames;
• a pilot symbol generator for generating and inserting sets of pilot symbols into each data frame such that each data frame includes a predetermined number of phase reference points;
• and
• a continuous phase modulator for modulating and transmitting each data frame over a communication channel,
• wherein at least one of the sets of pilot symbols inserted into the data fame is located at least one data symbol earlier than a phase reference point with which it is associated.