Complexity and performance analysis of spectrum sensing techniques for Cognitive Radios

Spectrum sensing is a vital part of Cognitive Radios (CRs). Success of CRs for opportunistic spectrum access depends upon the underlying spectrum sensing technique. Prior to choosing a particular technique among others, one of the biggest challenges faced is the hardware requirements of these techniques as they govern the cost of CR. This paper presents the complexity and performance analysis of filter bank spectrum estimation techniques while taking classical spectral estimation techniques as reference. This analysis can be very useful for radio designers as the obtained results can be used to optimize their designs.