Spectrum sensing-throughput tradeoff is investigated for a cognitive MIMO system. The objective is to find the optimal spectrum sensing time and optimal power allocation to maximize the throughput of secondary user. Simulation results show that there is indeed a unique optimal sensing time to make the throughput achieve the maximum. Further

the throughput of SU can be improved by using optimal power allocation. The throughput of SU with different spectrum sensing algorithms including energy detection and eigenvalue-based detection is compared by simulations. The results show that the eigenvaluebased detection is very appropriate for cognitive MIMO system

which is not only more robust than energy detection

but also satisfies the requirement of throughput.