A Covariance Matrix-Based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Algorithm in Electric Wireless Private Network

Abstract

Cognitive radios can significantly improve the spectral efficiency of wireless communications. Spectrum sensing is a key function of cognitive radios to prevent the harmful interference with licensed users. This paper considers the cooperative spectrum sensing in 230 MHz electric wireless private networks. First, the statistical distribution of the sample covariance matrix of the received signals is investigated. Then, taking the ratio of the sum of absolute values of the off-diagonal elements of the sample covariance matrix to that of the diagonal elements as the decision metric, an improved covariance absolute value (ICAV) cooperative sensing algorithm is proposed. After that, a performance analysis concerning the probabilities of false alarm and detection is carried out. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the ICAV algorithm possesses an accurate decision threshold and is robust to the noise uncertainty.