Effect of Non-Gaussian Noise on Detection Performance of Multi-Stage Detectors

It is well known that non-Gaussian noise deteriorates the detection performances of the conventional detection methods. This problem is also encountered in cognitive radio where impulsive structure of noise negatively affects spectrum sensing. Multistage detection techniques can be considered as a possible solution as they analyze signal samples using different detection techniques in a sequential way. In this study, spectrum sensing performance of a multistage detection method is investigated for detection of the primary user signal contaminated by non-Gaussian noise. At first, observed signal samples are analyzed by energy detector which is followed by absolute value cumulation. Then, a decision as to whether the channel is in use or not is given based on the result of this analysis. Accordingly, if any one of those techniques detects the primary user signal, then the channel is assigned as busy.