Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is an innovative paradigm to manage wireless communications. In a SDR system, every radio parameter (e.g. frequency selection, channel width, modulation) is software controlled.

The SDR application panorama continuously grows: FM, AM, DVB-T, VHF, UHF, satellite links, Wi-MAX, WiFi are some examples only; moreover, the base technologies are quickly evolving: high performance DSPs, FPGAs, A/D e D/A converters permit to manage broader requency ranges.

Starting from SDR systems is possible to project and create solutions that implement Cognitive Radio technology: these nodes use information collected by configuration and environment analysis (e.g. radio monitoring to identify available frequencies). Through these information, a Cognitive System can automatically adapt itself in real-time. Cognitive Radio system design includes also signaling among nodes to synchronize radio parameters.

INLAB-CSP and Dipartimento di Elettronica of Politecnico di Torino are jointly managing these activities.