Minimum shift keying (MSK) is a type of continuous frequency shift keying (CFSK). Like continuous frequency shift keying, we can also define bit "1" and "0" by two distinct frequency carriers, but the frequency shift will be half of the baud rate, i.e., f2 - f1 will be Rb/2.
where f2 is the carrier frequency for binary bit "1"
f1 is the carrier frequency for binary bit "0"
Rb = Baud Rate
Here, the frequency shift between two carrier frequencies is minimum (Baud Rate) / 2. So, it is called minimum shift keying.
Steps for minimum shift keying
1. Firstly, generate a bitstream of binary bits "1" and "0"
2. Then Convert it to NRZ Signal
3. Then perform MSK modulation on the NRZ Signal
4. If the carrier frequency is fc, then bit "1" will be represented by slightly higher than the carrier frequency, fc + (baud rate)/4, and bit "0" by slightly lower than the carrier frequency, fc - (baud rate)/4.
Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) is quite similar to the MSK. Here, MSK modulation is followed by the Gaussian filtering.
Similarities between FSK and MSK
Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) | Minimum Shift Keying (MSK) |
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1. Bits "1" and "0" are represented by two different carrier frequencies 2. Here, you can define bits "1" and "0" by carrier frequencies f2 and f1 , respectively. |
1. Here also, bits "1" and "0" are represented by two different carrier frequencies, but the frequency difference between them will be half of the baud rate 2. Here, you can define bits "1" and "0" by fc + (baud rate)/4 and fc - (baud rate)/4 , respectively. Where fc is the carrier frequency. |