New spectral estimation based on filterbank for spectrum sensing

The advance of cognitive radio (CR) technology put in evidence the need of new spectral estimation methods for proper labeling of licensed and un-licensed users. We present a new spectral estimation procedure for monitoring the radio spectrum. The estimate is derived from a different view point of traditional filter bank approach. The resulting method is able to detect a predetermined spectral shape forming part or contributing to a given data record, providing at the same time an estimate of its power level and its frequency location. We prove that traditional filter-bank spectral estimation reduces to a particular case of our procedure. The specific spectral shape to detect is named hereafter as the candidate spectrum. The major motivation for this procedure was the proper spectrum labeling of licensed users in cognitive radio scenarios. The performance of the spectral monitoring procedure is demonstrated in the detection of a BPSK primary user in a wireless scenario containing DVB-T emissions.