Emerging opportunities of RF IC/system for future cognitive radio wireless communications

Future communications systems are evolving with the goal of providing optimal connectivity and data throughput to the user. Cognitive Radio is regarded as the core technology in satisfying this user demand. Spectrum sharing between heterogeneous communication services based on flexible spectrum policy will be the primary application of CR technology. In this paper, the role of RF system and IC in fostering in new methods for communications is explained. First, we explain the way in which the RF front-end paradigm is changing, followed by what challenges must be overcome for the realization of CR and what kinds of research are in progress for this goal. In order to solve the problem of excessive increases for signal processing demand at the system level, we propose a low- power signal processing method-applying analog/mixed IC technology. As examples of CR research, spectrum sensing processor and system testbed are presented.