To enhance spectrum efficiency and broadband access in rural India, C-DOT has teamed up with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu under TTDF to develop a wideband spectrum-sensor ASIC chip.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the research and development (R&D) wing of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), has entered into a collaboration with IIT Mandi to develop advanced semiconductor solutions aimed at improving spectrum utilisation for dynamic spectrum access.
The partnership is a part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) initiative from the DoT, Government of India.
Along with IIT Jammu, the solution includes a cutting-edge wideband spectrum-sensor application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip. The project focuses on developing a robust wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) algorithm to enhance spectrum efficiency by exploiting underused frequency bands or spectrum holes, particularly in rural regions.
This will allow for better broadband access while avoiding interference with primary networks. The system will detect and utilise spectrum bands beyond 2GHz, improving the capacity and throughput of communication systems.
In addition to the algorithm, the project will create hardware architectures for efficient spectrum sensors, aiming for rapid sensing times, high data throughput, and improved hardware performance. These technologies will be tested using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) before transitioning to a semiconductor ASIC chip to optimise spectrum access.
The agreement was formalised in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, including Dr Raj Kumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, Dr Rahul Shrestha from IIT Mandi, and Dr Rohit B. Chaurasiya from IIT Jammu, who expressed their commitment to advancing dynamic spectrum access and supporting India’s and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives.
Dr Upadhyay stated that the research will also contribute to creating intellectual property for wideband spectrum sensing technologies, which are essential for dynamic spectrum access.
The TTDF fund supports Indian research institutions and startups in creating telecommunication solutions that promote affordable broadband and mobile services, helping to bridge India’s digital divide.
