Development of a TV white space cognitive radio prototype and its spectrum sensing performance

In this paper, we describe a recently developed television white space (TVWS) hardware prototype. The prototype includes the following components: a cognitive management entity (CME), a sensing module, a geolocation device, a TV band database, a transmitter and a receiver. The prototype is developed in compliance with recent Singapore TVWS test trial regulations. The prototype operates within 630 MHz to 742 MHz bands, within Singapore TV channels 41 to 54, except channels 50 and 52. The prototype is able to search for existing TV signals in the aforementioned channels by looking at a TV band database, as well as, a by performing sensing. Once the TV channel(s) is/are found vacant, the prototype can intelligently decide to use a single or 2/4/8 continuous TV channels of 8 MHz each. It has the capability to transmit BPSK and OFDM signals and decode the transmitted signals in the receiver. While in operation, if TV signal appears in a single or multiple channel(s), the prototype can switch to vacant channel(s), if available. Otherwise, it ceases operation. The sensing module has capability to sense analog (PAL) and digital (DVB-T) TV signals. Some sensing performance of analog TV signal detection is also presented.