A cognitive overlay system based on FBMC

In this proposal, we provide details on our approach for the design of a cognitive overlay system which is implemented on a heterogeneous Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform consisting of an off-the-shelf consumer laptop and a USRP X310. To ensure high flexibility, spectral efficiency and low out-of-band radiation, we chose Filter Bank Multicarrier (FBMC) as physical layer waveform. For the cognitive aspect we propose a hybrid solution based on learning of Primary User (PU) transmission parameters and behavioral patterns as well as continuous, low-delay channel monitoring. To achieve a low delay and to improve performance, we implement critical signal processing components on an FPGA. Detection thresholds are optimized by using feedback information on the PU error rate.