Feedforward ML-based timing estimation with PSK signals

We propose a new nondata-aided clock recovery scheme for phase-shift keying (PSK) modulated signals. Its derivation is based on maximum-likelihood (ML) methods and leads to a feedforward structure that can be easily implemented in digital form. The algorithm exhibits improvements with respect to other existing circuits, especially with small excess bandwidth factors. Its performance is assessed by simulation for quaternary PSK (QPSK) and 8PSK formats.