This collaboration marks a critical step in India’s journey toward Industry 4.0, where advanced technologies like wideband spectrum sensing will play a transformative role in telecommunications.
In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing indigenous next-generation telecommunications technology, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has entered into a significant agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi). This collaboration, also involving IIT Jammu, seeks to develop a “Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip for Enhancing the Spectrum Utilization.”
This agreement is a part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme by the Department of Telecommunications. The TTDF scheme is designed to support Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, facilitating the design, development, and commercialization of telecommunication solutions. It aims to provide affordable broadband and mobile services, thus bridging the digital divide in India.
Key Objectives of the Project
The primary goal of this initiative is to develop a reliable and implementation-friendly wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) algorithm. This technology will enable the efficient utilization of spectrum resources by identifying under-utilized bands (or white spaces) and leveraging them to deliver broadband services, particularly in rural areas.
Spectrum sensing is a critical component of cognitive radio systems, allowing users to detect spectrum holes and adapt to the environment without causing interference to the primary network. By enhancing spectrum efficiency, this project contributes significantly to addressing the growing demand for telecommunications bandwidth.
Technical Highlights
- Wideband Spectrum Sensing: The project will design advanced communication algorithms capable of sensing bandwidth beyond 2 GHz, detecting under-utilized bands for improved spectrum utilization.
- Hardware Efficiency: Efficient hardware architectures will be developed to ensure short sensing times, high data throughput, and enhanced hardware performance.
- Target Bands: A wideband cognitive radio module focusing on the 6 GHz satellite band (5.925–7.125 GHz) will be demonstrated for spectrum sensing and communication.
- Emulation and Implementation: Initial designs will be tested in a field-programmable gate-array (FPGA) environment. Subsequently, application-specific integrated-circuit (ASIC) semiconductor chips will be developed to achieve optimal spectrum efficiency.
- Intellectual Property Creation: The project is expected to generate intellectual properties (IPs) for wideband spectrum sensing technology, a crucial component for dynamic spectrum access.
Leadership and Vision
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT; Dr. Rahul Shrestha, Principal Investigator at IIT Mandi; Dr. Rohit B. Chaurasiya, Co-Investigator at IIT Jammu; and Directors of C-DOT, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Ms. Shikha Srivastava.
Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay emphasized the importance of indigenously designed spectrum sensing technologies to meet India’s diverse telecommunications needs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr. Rahul Shrestha and Dr. Rohit B. Chaurasiya highlighted the project’s alignment with the objectives of Make-in-India and the India Semiconductor Mission. They expressed their gratitude to DoT and C-DOT for enabling this collaboration, underscoring its potential to strengthen research infrastructure and capabilities in India’s telecom sector.
A Step Towards Industry 4.0 and Viksit Bharat
This collaboration marks a critical step in India’s journey toward Industry 4.0, where advanced technologies like wideband spectrum sensing will play a transformative role in telecommunications. By fostering innovation and creating indigenous solutions, this initiative strengthens India’s position in the global technology landscape.
Moreover, it aligns with the broader vision of a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”), emphasizing technological self-reliance, digital inclusivity, and infrastructure advancement. The project not only promises significant advancements in the telecom sector but also contributes to bridging the digital divide, paving the way for a brighter and more connected future for all Indians.
