A TV white space spectrum sensing prototype

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of a real-time spectrum sensing prototype operating in the TV white space. There has been considerable research on the feasibility of spectrum sensing in the TV white space. This is a challenge due to the very weak signal power levels specified by the FCC. In the TV white space there are a number of incumbent systems that must be protected from interference by a TV white space device. One method of protection is spectrum sensing, which can be used in locations where geo-location is problematic. This paper describes a real-time prototype which performs sensing for ATSC, NTSC and wireless microphones in the UHF TV band. An overview of the sensing techniques are provides as well as a description of how the sensing techniques are realized in the prototype.