A modulation detector based on compressive sensing for vector measurement in cognitive radio

Instrumentation supporting the development of cognitive radio systems is faced with challenging requirements. The ability to determine the mutual coordination and timing of primary and secondary sources and generally support troubleshooting requires significant enhancements to the capabilities of a vector signal analyzer. In this context, we introduce and discuss the performances of a modulation detector with spectrum-blind capabilities based on a compressive sensing algorithm. We show that it can provide an instrument with the ability to autonomously detect the sources under analysis and identify their basic parameters, being integrated with vector measurement algorithms.