Cooperative Detection of Programme Making Special Event Devices in Realistic Fading Environments

In this article the effect of licensed non-standardized low power transmitters, i.e., PMSE (programme making special event) devices such as wireless microphones, on secondary usage of TV white space is considered. In particular, the performance for energy detection of these devices is studied under realistic fading and interference situations. One motivation for using energy detection is that PMSE devices are not standardized and, hence, there are few common signal properties that can be exploited when trying to detect them. Further, a novel semi-analytical approach based on single sensor detection performance as a function of distance is developed and shown to accurately predict cooperative sensing performance. The conclusion from the study is that it is sometimes very challenging to accurately detect the presence of PMSE devices. Many spectrum opportunities at times needs to be sacrificed in order to guarantee a low probability of interference.