Digital phase detector

A digital phase detector which periodically detects the phase angle .theta..sub.k of a carrier signal in which data are encoded as discrete phase changes, said detector comprising:

• means responsive to said carrier signal for separating said carrier signal into its in-phase and quadrature-phase signal components R.sub.o cos .theta.(t) and R.sub.o sin .theta.(t);
• means for converting said signal components R.sub.o cos .theta.(t) and R.sub.o sin .theta.(t) at predetermined modulation intervals into encoded binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k ;
• dividing means responsive to said binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k for digitally forming the quotient .PSI. of said binary signals, such that .vertline..PSI..vertline. .ltoreq. 1;
• data look-up means for digitally forming a reference angle signal .PHI. such that .PHI. = tan .sup.-.sup.1 .PSI.;
• and
• logic means for modifying the reference signal .PHI. to be the phase angle .theta..sub.k, said modification being determined by said binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k.

A method of phase detection which periodicaly detects the phase angle .theta..sub.k of a carrier signal in which data are encoded as discrete phase changes, said method comprising the steps of:

• splitting said carrier signal into its in-phase and quadrature-phase signal components R.sub.o cos .theta.(t) and R.sub.o sin .theta.(t);
• converting said R.sub.o cos .theta.(t) and R.sub.o sin .theta.(t) at predetermined modulation intervals into encoded binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k ;
• dividing said binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k to form the quotient .PSI. such that .vertline..PSI..vertline. .ltoreq.1;
• digitally translating said quotient .PSI. into a reference angle signal .PHI. = tan .sup.-.sup.1 .PSI.;
• and
• digitally correcting said reference signal .PHI. to be the phase angle .theta..sub.k, said correction being determined by said binary signals R.sub.o cos .theta..sub.k and R.sub.o sin .theta..sub.k.