Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G8A
G8A12G8A

What is QPSK modulation?

Deep Dive: G8A12

The correct answer is D: Modulation in which digital data is transmitted using 0-, 90-, 180- and 270-degrees phase shift to represent pairs of bits. What QPSK modulation is modulation in which digital data is transmitted using 0-, 90-, 180- and 270-degrees phase shift to represent pairs of bits. QPSK uses four phase states to encode two bits per symbol. For amateur radio operators, this is how QPSK works. Understanding this helps when operating QPSK modes.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. QPSK isn't quasi-parallel to serial conversion - QPSK is Quadrature Phase Shift Keying, not a conversion method. Conversion isn't QPSK. Option B: Incorrect. QPSK isn't quadra-pole sideband keying - QPSK is phase shift keying, not sideband keying. Sideband keying isn't QPSK. Option C: Incorrect. QPSK isn't Fast Fourier Transform harmonics - QPSK uses phase shifts, not FFT harmonics. FFT harmonics aren't QPSK.

Exam Tip

QPSK = modulation using 0-, 90-, 180-, 270-degrees phase shift for pairs of bits. Think 'Q'PSK = 'Q'uadrature 'P'hase 'S'hift 'K'eying = '4' phase states for '2' bits. QPSK uses four phase states to encode two bits per symbol. Not conversion, not sideband keying, not FFT - just phase shift keying.

Memory Aid

QPSK = modulation using 0-, 90-, 180-, 270-degrees phase shift for pairs of bits. Think 'Q'PSK = '4' phase states for '2' bits. QPSK uses four phase states to encode two bits per symbol. More efficient than BPSK.

Real-World Example

QPSK modulation: Digital data is transmitted using four phase shifts - 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Each phase shift represents a pair of bits (00, 01, 10, 11). This allows QPSK to transmit two bits per symbol, making it more efficient than BPSK (one bit per symbol). This is how QPSK works.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G8A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G8 - Signals and Emissions

Key Concepts

QPSK modulation Phase shift 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees Pairs of bits

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G8A topic.