C-DOT and IIT Mandi Collaborate to Develop a Wideband Spectrum Sensor Chip

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in partnership with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu, has taken a major step forward in advancing telecommunications technology by formalizing an agreement to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC Chip. This initiative aims to optimize spectrum utilization and provide efficient broadband services, particularly in rural areas of India. The project is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.

Key Highlights

• Development of a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC Chip to enhance spectrum efficiency.
• Focus on creating hardware-compatible communication algorithms for wideband spectrum sensing.
• Targeting spectrum beyond 2 GHz bandwidth to tap into underutilized bands or white spaces.
• Expanding broadband access in rural India by leveraging unused spectrum.

Technological Advancements

• Spectrum sensing enables Cognitive Radio to dynamically adapt to its environment without disrupting primary networks.
• Development of efficient hardware architectures to achieve:
• Reduced sensing time
• Higher data throughput
• Improved hardware efficiency
• Initial design testing in FPGA environments, followed by ASIC semiconductor-chip production.
• Demonstration of a wideband cognitive radio module for the 6 GHz satellite band (5.925–7.125 GHz).

  Key Benefits

• Enhances the throughput of cognitive radio networks.
• Improves spectrum utilization efficiency for communication systems.
• Generates intellectual property (IP) for dynamic spectrum access technologies.
• Aligns with the goals of the India Semiconductor Mission.

  Supporting Schemes and Vision

• Funded under the TTDF scheme by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Reinforces the Make-in-India initiative and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Contributes significantly to reducing the digital divide in India.

Agreement Ceremony Highlights

  Key Attendees

• Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT
• Dr. Rahul Shrestha, Principal Investigator, IIT Mandi
• Dr. Rohit B. Chaurasiya, Co-Investigator, IIT Jammu
• Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Ms. Shikha Srivastava, Directors, C-DOT

Remarks by Officials

• Dr. Upadhyay emphasized the critical role of indigenous spectrum sensing technologies.
• Dr. Shrestha and Dr. Chaurasiya reiterated their dedication to advancing dynamic spectrum access technologies and enhancing research infrastructure.