In a major stride towards advancing indigenous telecommunication technologies, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) and the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu). The collaboration focuses on developing a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip to enhance spectrum utilization. The agreement, signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), underscores India’s commitment to fostering innovation in the telecom sector.
The TTDF scheme aims to support Indian startups, academic institutions, and R&D organizations in designing and commercializing cutting-edge telecom products. This initiative is crucial for ensuring affordable broadband and mobile connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and bridging the digital divide in the country.
Project Objectives and Scope
The project’s primary goal is to design a reliable and hardware-friendly Wideband Spectrum Sensing (WSS) algorithm. This technology will identify underutilized spectrum bands, known as spectrum holes, to improve spectrum efficiency. By utilizing these spectrum holes, broadband services can be extended to underserved areas without disrupting primary networks.
Key components of the project include:
- Spectrum Detection and Utilization: Developing algorithms that can sense and utilize wideband spectrum beyond 2 GHz.
- Hardware Efficiency: Creating efficient hardware architectures for spectrum sensors with minimal sensing time, high throughput, and enhanced performance.
- Advanced Chip Development: Prototyping the designs in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) environment before transitioning to an ASIC chip.
- Target Spectrum Bands: Demonstrating cognitive radio modules for the 6 GHz satellite band (5.925–7.125 GHz) to enable effective spectrum sensing and communication.
This project will generate intellectual property (IP) assets in wideband spectrum sensing technology, a critical component for dynamic spectrum access.
Commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr Raj Kumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT; Dr Rahul Shrestha, Principal Investigator from IIT Mandi; and Dr Rohit B. Chaurasiya, Co-Investigator from IIT Jammu. Directors of C-DOT, Dr Drankaj Kumar Dalela and Ms Shikha Srivastava, were also present.
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Dr. Upadhyay highlighted the importance of developing indigenous spectrum sensing technologies tailored to India’s diverse needs. He reaffirmed the project’s alignment with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” aimed at achieving self-reliance in critical technologies.
Dr. Shrestha and Dr. Chaurasiya expressed gratitude to DoT and C-DOT for the opportunity to collaborate. They emphasized the project’s role in advancing India’s research capabilities and supporting the objectives of the Make-in-India and India Semiconductor Missions.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost India’s capabilities in dynamic spectrum access technology. It not only strengthens the nation’s telecom infrastructure but also positions India as a leader in cutting-edge semiconductor and spectrum sensing technologies.