Cognitive Radio Oriented Wireless Networks. 10th International Conference, CROWNCOM 2015, Doha, Qatar, April 21–23, 2015, Revised Selected Papers

Research Article

Dynamic Cognitive Radios on the Xilinx Zynq Hybrid FPGA

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-319-24540-9_35,
        author={Shanker Shreejith and Bhaskar Banarjee and Kizheppatt Vipin and Suhaib Fahmy},
        title={Dynamic Cognitive Radios on the Xilinx Zynq Hybrid FPGA},
        proceedings={Cognitive Radio Oriented Wireless Networks. 10th International Conference, CROWNCOM 2015, Doha, Qatar, April 21--23, 2015, Revised Selected Papers},
        proceedings_a={CROWNCOM},
        year={2015},
        month={10},
        keywords={Cognitive radio platforms Field programmable gate arrays},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-319-24540-9_35}
    }
    
  • Shanker Shreejith
    Bhaskar Banarjee
    Kizheppatt Vipin
    Suhaib Fahmy
    Year: 2015
    Dynamic Cognitive Radios on the Xilinx Zynq Hybrid FPGA
    CROWNCOM
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-24540-9_35
Shanker Shreejith1,*, Bhaskar Banarjee1,*, Kizheppatt Vipin2, Suhaib Fahmy1,*
  • 1: Nanyang Technological University
  • 2: Mahindra École Centrale
*Contact email: shreejit1@ntu.edu.sg, bhaskar.banarjee@ntu.edu.sg, sfahmy@ntu.edu.sg

Abstract

Cognitive radios require an intelligent MAC layer coupled with a flexible PHY layer. Most implementations use software defined radio platforms where the MAC and PHY are both implemented in software, but this can result in long processing latency, and makes advanced baseband processing unattainable. While FPGA based SDR platforms do exist, they are difficult to use, requiring significant engineering expertise, and adding dynamic behaviour is even more difficult. Modern hybrid FPGAs tightly couple an FPGA fabric with a capable embedded processor, allowing the baseband to be implemented in hardware, and the MAC in software. We demonstrate a platform that enables radio designers to build dynamic cognitive radios using the Xilinx Zynq with partial reconfiguration, enabling truly dynamic, low-power, high-performance cognitive radios with abstracted software control.