RF spectrum sensing technique for cognitive UWB radio network

This paper proposes the architecture of an RF spectrum sensing scheme for cognitive UWB radio network. The design architecture consists of multiple super-regenerative bandpass filters which have the ability to configure for wide and narrow bandwidths. Twelve digitally controlled superregenerative oscillators are implemented to cover the UWB spectrum. The oscillators are tuned for specific ranges of frequencies during certain periods of time. Multiple quench cycles with different bias currents of oscillators are applied to adjust the selectivity and sensitivity in discrete time intervals. Occupied and free spaces within the UWB spectrum are identified by digital correlation between the output patterns of all on-chip super-regenerative bandpass filters.