Signal detection with spectrum windows

Spectrum sensing is needed in frequency agile cognitive radio systems, cognitive radar systems as well as in (cognitive) electronic warfare systems. This paper studies window based detectors where window shapes can be matched for the expected spectrum. The provided analytical results for the probabilities of false alarm and detection are valid for arbitrary windows. Based on the window shape mismatch analysis, it was concluded that the simple rectangular window is often sufficient if its bandwidth is properly set. Furthermore, based on the window bandwidth mismatch analysis, it was discussed how many different rectangular windows are needed to cover the instantaneous analysis bandwidth of the receiver without compromising too much on sensitivity. Finally, suitable constant false alarm rate threshold setting schemes were compared. It was observed that almost ideal setting schemes exist.