Electronics & Communication / BPSK & Costas Loop
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LABORATORY 13 · ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION

BPSK & Costas Loop lab report

A worked bpsk & costas loop lab report with sample observation tables, regression plots, calculations, and error analysis.

WORKED EXAMPLE · BENCHMARK OBSERVATIONS

A complete example electronics & communication engineering laboratory report.

Simulated demonstration data.

This report illustrates formal telecommunication data reduction, instrument calibration tares, and communication parameter estimation. Replace its observations with your own experimental telemetry when preparing a communication engineering laboratory report submission.

Student: __________________Student ID: __________________Course: __________________Date: __________________Partner: __________________Instructor: __________________

1. Title and aim

Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Costas Loop Carrier Recovery. Modulate an RF carrier with antipodal binary phase reversals (0/π), reconstruct the suppressed carrier using a Costas loop, and measure in-phase decision correlator voltage.

2. Abstract

Laboratory evaluation of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Costas Loop Carrier Recovery was conducted across six calibrated telecommunication setpoints. Measured telemetry was linearized, yielding a correlation coefficient R² = 1.000000. The experimental parameter BPSK Coherent Correlator Transfer Factor was estimated as 1.4142 V/V, comparing against the reference benchmark of 1.4142 V/V with a relative percentage deviation of 0.0003%.

3. Apparatus and fixed settings

4. Theory and graph choice

Modulate an RF carrier with antipodal binary phase reversals (0/π), reconstruct the suppressed carrier using a Costas loop, and measure in-phase decision correlator voltage.

V_I = 1.4142 · V_b

Plotting Baseband digital drive voltage V_b (V) on the horizontal axis and Correlator decision metric V_I (V) on the vertical axis yields a linear characteristic whose slope verifies the BPSK & Costas Loop analytical model.

5. Method

  1. Inspect all coaxial BNC/SMA interconnects and verify 50-ohm characteristic termination. Power up all instruments and allow a 20-minute thermal settling period to stabilize crystal reference oscillators.
  2. Configure the synthesized RF signal generator and baseband source to the specified baseline parameters. Calibrate the drive voltage using the precision digital multimeter and oscilloscope.
  3. Increment the drive voltage systematically across the experimental range (0.5 to 3.5 V), logging the resulting in-phase correlator decision metric v_i after signal settling.
  4. Observe and photograph the corresponding waveform on the digital storage oscilloscope and verify the spectral distribution on the RF spectrum analyzer. Verify that harmonic distortion remains below -45 dBc.
  5. Execute both ascending and descending parameter sweeps across the device under test (DUT) to detect any thermal drift, detector non-linearity, or oscillator pulling.
  6. Safely reduce RF excitation levels, save captured digital waveforms to non-volatile storage, export telemetry to the laboratory logbook, and power down all high-frequency instrumentation.

6. Observations and calculation table

All communication observations use strictly controlled 64-bit IEEE 754 precision buffers. Residuals are computed relative to the ordinary least-squares regression line.

Table 1. Six simulated observations; x and y represent transformed telecommunication metrics.
No.Baseband Digital Drive Voltage V_b (V)In-Phase Correlator Decision Metric V_I (V)Baseband digital drive voltage V_b (V)Correlator decision metric V_I (V)Fitted yResidual
10.50.70710.50000.70710.70710.0000
21.01.41421.00001.41421.41420.0000
31.62.26271.60002.26272.2627-0.0000
42.23.11122.20003.11123.1112-0.0000
52.83.95982.80003.95983.95980.0000
63.54.94973.50004.94974.9497-0.0000

Download the sample observations (CSV) ↓

7. Worked calculation for one observation

x = 0.5000; y = 0.7071; fitted_y = 1.4142 · x + 0.0000 = 0.7071

8. Graph, gradient and final calculation

0.350.491.011.431.672.362.333.302.994.233.655.16Baseband digital drive voltage V_b (V)Correlator decision metric V_I (V)

Circular markers represent empirical communication observations. The solid line represents the ordinary least-squares linear fit.

x̄ = 1.9333; ȳ = 2.7341
Σ(x − x̄)² = 6.3133
Σ(x − x̄)(y − ȳ) = 8.9283
m = Σ(x − x̄)(y − ȳ) / Σ(x − x̄)² = 1.41420486
b = ȳ − mx̄ = -1.272e-05
BPSK Coherent Correlator Transfer Factor = 1.41420 V/V

9. Uncertainty and comparison

Percentage difference = |estimate − theoretical value| / |theoretical value| × 100 = 0.0003%.

For n = 6 observations, Σresidual² = 3.384e-09; s² = Σresidual²/(n − 2). Gradient standard error = √[s²/Σ(x − x̄)²] = 1.158e-05. Intercept standard error = √[s²(1/n + x̄²/Σ(x − x̄)²)] = 2.534e-05.

Propagating the fit parameters yields a fit standard error of 1.158e-05 V/V, with an ideal coefficient of determination R² = 1.000000.

Instrumental and regression uncertainty for BPSK & Costas Loop is constrained within 0.02% of full-scale calibration standards.

10. Result and discussion

BPSK Coherent Correlator Transfer Factor = 1.4142 V/V
Theoretical reference value: 1.4142 V/V

Experimental observations across all test trials demonstrate strict agreement with theoretical communication channel models. OLS regression slope evaluated to 1.414205 with intercept -0.000013, validating the governing equation V_I = 1.4142 · V_b with R² = 1.000000.

11. Precautions and limitations

Channel modeled under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and linear band-limited propagation. Harmonic distortion remains constrained below -45 dBc across all calibrated test points.

12. Conclusion

The experimental determination of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Costas Loop Carrier Recovery confirmed the theoretical model within an experimental uncertainty of 0.0003%. The standard calibration protocol ensures reproducible laboratory characterization.

In-Depth Technical Supplement & Signal Processing Derivation

1. Title and Objective

Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Costas Loop Carrier Recovery. Modulate an RF carrier with antipodal binary phase reversals (0/π), reconstruct the suppressed carrier using a Costas loop, and measure in-phase decision correlator voltage. This formal laboratory report documents experimental data acquisition, mathematical model calibration, regression analysis, error propagation, and physical parameter extraction for bpsk & costas loop.

2. Abstract

An experimental investigation of bpsk & costas loop was conducted using high-precision telecommunication instrumentation across six systematic setpoints of drive voltage ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 V. Measured in-phase correlator decision metric v_i data were logged using 6.5-digit digital multimeters, digital storage oscilloscopes, and RF spectrum analyzers. Ordinary least-squares regression yielded an empirical calibration line of V_I = 1.4142 · V_b with a coefficient of determination R² = 1.000000. The derived experimental parameter BPSK Coherent Correlator Transfer Factor was evaluated as 1.4142 V/V, demonstrating complete agreement with theoretical benchmark expectations within 0.02% experimental error.

3. Experimental Apparatus & Standard Settings

  • BPSK & Costas Loop Telecommunication Workstation: Provides regulated RF/baseband excitation, precision impedance-matched test fixtures, and low-noise interconnection for antipodal signal constellation, phase ambiguity (180°) & optimum matched filtering.
  • 6.5-Digit True-RMS Digital Multimeter (Keysight / Fluke): Measures DC bias points, RMS carrier/signal voltages, and circuit node potentials with ±0.0035% baseline accuracy.
  • Four-Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope (200 MHz, 2 GSa/s): Captures high-frequency RF envelopes, baseband eye diagrams, constellation patterns, and transient responses for bpsk & costas loop.
  • Synthesized Vector RF Signal Generator (9 kHz – 3 GHz): Delivers calibrated, low-phase-noise continuous-wave and modulated carrier signals to establish drive voltage conditions.
  • High-Dynamic-Range RF Spectrum Analyzer (9 kHz – 3.6 GHz): Quantifies fundamental harmonic amplitudes, carrier suppression ratios, sideband power distributions, and spurious emissions.
  • Matched 50-Ohm Coaxial Interconnects & Attenuator Set: Maintains uniform transmission line impedance, eliminates unwanted standing-wave reflections, and protects instrument front-ends.
  • Environmental Ambient Conditions: Ambient laboratory temperature 23.5 ± 0.5 °C; relative humidity 45 ± 5%; atmospheric pressure 101.3 kPa.
  • Excitation Calibration Settings: Synthesized RF carrier oscillator locked to an internal oven-controlled crystal reference (OCXO) with frequency stability < 1 × 10⁻⁸.

4. Theory & Graphical Coordinate Selection

According to the governing principles of bpsk & costas loop, the communication response follows the linear transformation:

V_I = 1.4142 · V_b

To evaluate the intrinsic physical parameter (BPSK Coherent Correlator Transfer Factor), the experimental data are plotted with Baseband digital drive voltage V_b (V) on the horizontal abscissa and Correlator decision metric V_I (V) on the vertical ordinate. The gradient of the resulting least-squares linear line directly yields the parameter magnitude.

5. Step-by-Step Experimental Method

  1. Apparatus Calibration & Ground Plane Verification: Inspect all coaxial BNC/SMA interconnects and verify 50-ohm characteristic termination. Power up all instruments and allow a 20-minute thermal settling period to stabilize crystal reference oscillators.
  2. Carrier & Modulating Signal Synthesis: Configure the synthesized RF signal generator and baseband source to the specified baseline parameters. Calibrate the drive voltage using the precision digital multimeter and oscilloscope.
  3. Systematic Telemetry Acquisition & Setpoint Stepping: Increment the drive voltage systematically across the experimental range (0.5 to 3.5 V), logging the resulting in-phase correlator decision metric v_i after signal settling.
  4. Frequency-Domain & Time-Domain Cross-Validation: Observe and photograph the corresponding waveform on the digital storage oscilloscope and verify the spectral distribution on the RF spectrum analyzer. Verify that harmonic distortion remains below -45 dBc.
  5. Repeatability & Hysteresis Verification: Execute both ascending and descending parameter sweeps across the device under test (DUT) to detect any thermal drift, detector non-linearity, or oscillator pulling.
  6. De-energization & Dataset Archival: Safely reduce RF excitation levels, save captured digital waveforms to non-volatile storage, export telemetry to the laboratory logbook, and power down all high-frequency instrumentation.

6. Raw Experimental Observations & Data Tabulation

All experimental observations were recorded under steady-state thermal and electromagnetic equilibrium. The table below summarizes the recorded telemetry across the experimental domain.

Table 1. Experimental observation telemetry for BPSK & Costas Loop.
Trial # Baseband Digital Drive Voltage V_b (V) In-Phase Correlator Decision Metric V_I (V) Transformed x Transformed y Residual
10.50.7070.5000.7070.000
21.01.4141.0001.4140.000
31.62.2631.6002.2630.000
42.23.1112.2003.1110.000
52.83.962.8003.9600.000
63.54.953.5004.9500.000

7. Worked Calculation for Representative Observation

For Trial 3 (Drive Voltage = 1.6 V):

x_3 = 1.6 V
y_3 = m \cdot x_3 + b = V_I = 1.4142 · 1.6
Derived Parameter Value = 1.4142 V/V

8. Regression Analysis, Gradient & Parameter Extraction

Ordinary least-squares (OLS) linear regression was performed across the six observation pairs. The regression statistics are summarized below:

Slope m = 1.4142 V/V
Intercept b = Calculated baseline offset
Correlation Coefficient R² = 1.000000
Standard Error of Slope SE_m = ±0.00005 V/V

9. Uncertainty Propagation & Comparison with Reference

Measurement uncertainty was calculated following the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM). Type A uncertainty evaluated from observation residuals yielded u_A = 0.00015. Type B instrumental calibration uncertainty from the 6.5-digit multimeter was u_B = 0.00035. The combined expanded uncertainty at a 95% confidence interval (coverage factor k = 2) is:

\[ U = k \cdot \sqrt{u_A^2 + u_B^2} = 2 \cdot \sqrt{(0.00015)^2 + (0.00035)^2} = \pm 0.00076\text{ V/V} \]

The experimental estimate of 1.4142 V/V agrees with the theoretical reference value (1.4142 V/V) within an absolute deviation of 0.012%, well within the expanded uncertainty band.

10. Engineering Discussion & Phenomenological Interpretations

The experimental results confirm the theoretical behavior of bpsk & costas loop. The strict linearity observed across all six test points validates the assumption of linear, low-distortion communication channel characteristics. Harmonic distortion and phase noise were effectively suppressed through proper impedance matching and high-Q resonant filtering. The minor residual fluctuations observed are attributable to thermal Johnson–Nyquist noise and quantization resolution in the digital storage oscilloscope.

11. Industrial Applications & Telecommunication Practice

The communication engineering principles demonstrated in this laboratory form the core foundation of numerous modern telecommunication and RF systems, including:

  • Cellular & Wireless Communications (5G/6G & Wi-Fi 7): Multi-carrier OFDM modulation, massive MIMO beamforming, quadrature amplitude modulation (1024-QAM), and low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding.
  • Satellite & Aerospace Telemetry: Deep-space communication links, Doppler shift tracking, phased array radar systems, and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) GPS/Galileo navigation.
  • High-Speed Fiber-Optic Backbones: Coherent optical transceivers, wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), semiconductor laser modulation, and low-latency transoceanic links.
  • Broadcast & Digital Media Infrastructure: Digital audio/video broadcasting (DAB/DVB-T2), emergency communications, and software-defined radio (SDR) platforms.

12. Conclusion & Recommendations

The experimental investigation of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Costas Loop Carrier Recovery was completed with complete success. The linear regression model verified the governing transfer equation with R² = 1.000000. All RF safety protocols, 50-ohm termination standards, and precision measurement guidelines were strictly observed. For future investigations, automated GPIB/VISA telemetry acquisition and anechoic chamber testing are recommended to characterize ultra-wideband frequency responses.

Simulated demonstration data.

This report presents simulated benchmark observations generated for demonstration and academic instruction purposes. When submitting coursework, replace all numerical values with your actual laboratory workbench observations.