Radio frequency module, terminal and satellite communication method

Abstract

The invention provides a radio frequency module, a terminal and a satellite communication method, and belongs to the technical field of satellite communication. The radio frequency module comprises a switching module, an amplification module and a plurality of satellite communication modules, and the plurality of satellite communication modules have different satellite communication frequency bands; the fixed end of the switching module is electrically connected with an antenna of a terminal where the radio frequency module is located, the switching end of the switching module is electrically connected with one end of any satellite communication module in the multiple satellite communication modules, and the other end of any satellite communication module is electrically connected with one end of the amplification module. The other end of the amplification module is electrically connected with a transceiver of the terminal; and the switching module is used for being electrically connected with one end of any satellite communication module in the plurality of satellite communication modules, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module, the amplification module and the transceiver form a satellite communication path. According to the invention, the sharing of the radio frequency module is realized, and the development cost of the terminal is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a radio frequency module, a terminal and a satellite communication method. Background Art

[0002] Since satellite communication is not affected by environmental factors, it will be widely used in mobile phones and other terminals in the future, so that terminals can realize satellite calls and send and receive satellite short messages based on satellite communication. Since terminals in different listing regions use different RF solutions for satellite communication, that is, terminals in different listing regions include different RF modules, it is impossible to share RF modules, which increases the development cost of terminals. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency module, a terminal and a satellite communication method, which can reduce the development cost of the terminal. The technical solution is as follows:

[0004] In one aspect, a radio frequency module is provided, the radio frequency module comprising: a switching module, an amplification module and a plurality of satellite communication modules, the plurality of satellite communication modules having different satellite communication frequency bands;

[0005] The fixed end of the switching module is electrically connected to the antenna of the terminal where the RF module is located, the switching end of the switching module is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module among the multiple satellite communication modules, the other end of any satellite communication module is electrically connected to one end of the amplification module, and the other end of the amplification module is electrically connected to the transceiver of the terminal;

[0006] The switching module is used to electrically connect to one end of any satellite communication module among the multiple satellite communication modules, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module, the amplification module and the transceiver form a satellite communication path.

[0007] On the other hand, a terminal is provided, the terminal comprising an antenna, a transceiver and the above-mentioned radio frequency module;

[0008] Two ends of the radio frequency module are electrically connected to the antenna and the transceiver respectively.

[0009] On the other hand, a satellite communication method is provided, and the satellite communication method is applied to the above-mentioned radio frequency module; the method comprises:

[0010] Determine the satellite communication frequency band required for the current terminal to communicate with the satellite;

[0011] Determine a target satellite communication module from the plurality of satellite communication modules, wherein the satellite communication frequency band of the target satellite communication module is the satellite communication frequency band;

[0012] By means of the switching module, the target satellite communication module is connected in series between the antenna and the amplification module to form a satellite communication path;

[0013] Communications are performed with a satellite via the satellite communications path.

[0014] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein at least one program code is stored in the storage medium, and the at least one program code is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the satellite communication method described above.

[0015] On the other hand, a computer program product is provided, wherein the computer program product stores at least one program code, and the at least one program code is used to be executed by a processor to implement the satellite communication method described above.

[0016] In the embodiment of the present application, a switching module and multiple satellite communication modules are set in the radio frequency module, and the currently connected satellite communication module is switched by the switching module, so that the antenna, the currently connected satellite communication module, the amplification module and the transceiver form a satellite communication path. It can be seen that through the switching control of the switching module, it is possible to integrate multiple satellite communication modules into one radio frequency module, and make the current satellite communication through one satellite communication module, thereby realizing the sharing of radio frequency modules and reducing the development cost of the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 A block diagram of a terminal shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a transmitting channel and a receiving channel shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0025] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a satellite communication method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0026] Fig.10 A block diagram of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] 10 switching module; 20 amplifying module; 30 satellite communication module; 201 switching unit; 202 amplifying unit; 2021 power amplifying unit; 2022 low noise amplifying unit; 2011 first switch; 2012 second switch; 20211 PA; 20221 LNA; SAW301. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The term "multiple" as used herein refers to two or more than two. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0030] It should be noted that the information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) and signals involved in this application are all authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions. For example, the communication data and the current area of ​​the terminal involved in this application are all obtained with full authorization.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a block diagram of a radio frequency module shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The radio frequency module includes: a switching module 10, an amplifying module 20 and a plurality of satellite communication modules 30, and the plurality of satellite communication modules 30 have different satellite communication frequency bands.

[0032] The fixed end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to the antenna of the terminal where the RF module is located, the switching end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module 30 among the multiple satellite communication modules 30, the other end of any satellite communication module 30 is electrically connected to one end of the amplification module 20, and the other end of the amplification module 20 is electrically connected to the transceiver of the terminal;

[0033] The switching module 10 is used to be electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module 30 among the plurality of satellite communication modules 30, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module 30, the amplifying module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, a switching module 10 and a plurality of satellite communication modules 30 are provided in the radio frequency module, and the currently connected satellite communication module 30 is switched by the switching module 10, so that the antenna, the currently connected satellite communication module 30, the amplification module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path. It can be seen that through the switching control of the switching module 10, it is possible to integrate a plurality of satellite communication modules 30 into one radio frequency module, and make satellite communication currently performed through one satellite communication module 30, thereby realizing the sharing of radio frequency modules and reducing the development cost of the terminal.

[0035] In some embodiments, the switching module 10 can be any module including a fixed end and a switching end; for example, the switching module 10 includes a third switch; the fixed end of the third switch is electrically connected to the antenna, and the switching end of the third switch is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module 30 among the multiple satellite communication modules 30. The fixed end of the third switch can also be called a fixed point, and the switching end of the third switch can also be called a contact. In some embodiments, the switching module 10 can also be a relay, that is, the switching module 10 includes a third relay, the fixed end of the third relay is electrically connected to the antenna, and the switching end of the third relay is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module 30 among the multiple satellite communication modules 30.

[0036] The satellite communication module 30 electrically connected to the switching end of the third switch or the switching end of the third relay is the currently connected satellite communication module 30, and the switching end of the third switch or the switching end of the third relay is only electrically connected to one satellite communication module 30.

[0037] In some embodiments, the RF module can be deployed on a printed circuit board (PCB); and the RF module is provided with an antenna (ANT) pin, the fixed end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to the ANT pin, and the ANT pin is electrically connected to the antenna, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the switching module 10 in the RF module and the antenna. In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna, any satellite communication module 30, the amplification module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path, which is different from the data communication path formed by other wires, that is, the satellite communication path is not combined with other antennas, so as not to increase the insertion loss of the satellite communication path, so as to ensure the maximum output power of the amplification module 20 and ensure the quality of satellite communication.

[0038] The plurality of satellite communication modules 30 may be satellite communication modules 30 used by a plurality of countries; for example, the plurality of satellite communication modules 30 include a first satellite communication module 30 (Iridium used by the United States), a second satellite communication module 30 (Bullitt used by European countries), a third satellite communication module 30, and a fourth satellite communication module 30 (Beidou and Tiantong used by China); the transmission frequency band of the first satellite communication module 30 is 1610MHz-1626.5MHz, and the receiving frequency band of the first satellite communication module 30 is 1610MHz-1626.5MHz. The transmission frequency band and the receiving frequency band of the second satellite communication module 30 are tentatively determined, and can be set and changed later as needed. The transmission frequency band of the third satellite communication module 30 is 1610MHz-1626.5MHz, and the receiving frequency band of the third satellite communication module 30 is 2483.5MHz-2500MHz. The transmitting frequency band of the fourth satellite communication module 30 is 1980 MHz-2010 MHz, and the receiving frequency band of the fourth satellite communication module 30 is 2170 MHz-2200 MHz.

[0039] The multiple satellite communication modules 30 include the above four satellite communication modules 30 for example only, and other satellite communication modules 30 may also be included; for example, the multiple satellite communication modules 30 may also include 3GPP NTN N255 and 3GPP NTNN256, the transmission frequency of 3GPP NTN N255 is 1626.5MHz-1660.5MHz, and the receiving frequency of 3GPP NTN N255 is 1525MHz-1559MHz; the transmission frequency of 3GPP NTN N256 is 1980MHz-2010MHz, and the receiving frequency of 3GPP NTN N256 is 2170MHz-2200MHz.

[0040] In some embodiments, when a satellite communication module 30 is used, the switching end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to one end of the satellite communication module 30, so that the satellite communication module 30 is connected in series between the antenna and the amplification module 20, so that the antenna, the satellite communication module 30, the amplification module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path, and the terminal performs satellite communication with the satellite through the satellite communication path. For example, the terminal transmits a satellite signal to the satellite through the satellite communication path; for another example, the terminal receives a satellite signal transmitted by the satellite through the satellite communication path.

[0041] In some embodiments, different countries use different satellite communication schemes, that is, the satellite communication modules 30 used by the terminal in different countries are different; for example, when the terminal is located in China, satellite communication is performed through the third satellite communication module 30 or the fourth satellite communication module 30; at this time, the switching end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to one end of the third satellite communication module 30, so that the third satellite communication module 30 is connected in series between the antenna and the amplifying module 20, so that the antenna, the third satellite communication module 30, the amplifying module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path; or, the switching end of the switching module 10 is electrically connected to one end of the fourth satellite communication module 30, so that the fourth satellite communication module 30 is connected in series between the antenna and the amplifying module 20, so that the antenna, the fourth satellite communication module 30, the amplifying module 20 and the transceiver form a satellite communication path.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present application, by collecting communication frequency bands of multiple satellite communication schemes, multiple satellite communication modules 30 with different communication frequency bands are set in the radio frequency module, and an amplification module 20 is set. Satellite communication can be achieved by electrically connecting the amplification module 20 with the currently connected satellite communication module 30, thereby realizing satellite communication using the radio frequency module regardless of whether in North America, Europe or domestically.

[0043] In some embodiments, the other end of the terminal's transceiver is electrically connected to the terminal's central processing unit (CPU), so that the satellite signal received by the transceiver is transmitted to the terminal's CPU, so that the CPU performs satellite calls or sends and receives satellite short messages based on the satellite signal.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2In some embodiments, the amplification module 20 includes a switching unit 201 and an amplification unit 202; the fixed end of the switching unit 201 is electrically connected to the amplification unit 202, and the switching end of the switching unit 201 is electrically connected to any satellite communication module 30. The switching unit 201 is used to switch and control which satellite communication module 30 is connected. When determining which satellite communication module 30 to use, the switching end of the switching unit 201 is electrically connected to the satellite communication module 30; for example, when the terminal is in China, it is determined to use the third satellite communication module 30, and the switching end of the switching unit 201 is electrically connected to the third satellite communication module 30. The amplification unit 202 is used to amplify the satellite signal received from the satellite communication module 30, and the amplification unit 202 is also used to amplify the satellite signal sent to the satellite communication module 30.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present application, a switching module 10 is provided at one end of the plurality of satellite communication modules 30, and the switching module 10 is used to control which end of the satellite communication module 30 the antenna is electrically connected to; and a switching unit 201 is provided at the other end of the plurality of satellite communication modules 30, and the switching unit 201 is used to control which end of the satellite communication module 30 the amplification unit 202 is electrically connected to, thereby realizing dual control and ensuring the accuracy of the selection of the satellite communication module 30.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the amplifying unit 202 includes a power amplifying unit 2021 and a low-noise amplifying unit 2022; the power amplifying unit 2021 is used to amplify a first satellite signal, which is a satellite signal sent to a satellite through any satellite communication module 30 and an antenna; the low-noise amplifying unit 2022 is used to amplify a second satellite signal, which is a satellite signal received through any satellite communication module 30 and an antenna.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present application, the transmitted satellite signal is amplified by setting the power amplifier unit 2021, and the received satellite signal is amplified by setting the low-noise amplifier unit 2022, so that satellite signals in different directions are amplified by different amplifier units, thereby improving the effect of satellite signal amplification.

[0048] In some embodiments, the power amplifier unit 2021 may be a power amplifier (PA20211); and the number of PA20211 included in the power amplifier unit 2021 may be set and changed according to the transmission frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules 30. In addition, the frequency band of the satellite signal adapted by the PA20211 included in the power amplifier unit 2021 matches the transmission frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules 30. For example, if the transmission frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules 30 are all intermediate frequencies, the power amplifier unit 2021 includes a first PA20211, and the first PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the intermediate frequency. For another example, if the transmission frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules 30 include intermediate frequencies and high frequencies, the power amplifier unit 2021 includes a first PA20211 and a second PA20211, and the first PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the intermediate frequency, and the second PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the high frequency. For another example, the transmission frequency bands of multiple satellite communication modules 30 include intermediate frequency, high frequency and low frequency, then the power amplification unit 2021 includes a first PA20211, a second PA20211 and a third PA20211, the first PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the intermediate frequency, the second PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the high frequency, and the third PA20211 is used to amplify the first satellite signal of the low frequency.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present application, multiple satellite communication modules 30 include a first satellite communication module 30 (Iridium used in the United States), a second satellite communication module 30 (Bullitt used in European countries), a third satellite communication module 30 and a fourth satellite communication module 30 (Beidou and Tiantong used in China); the transmission frequency band of the first satellite communication module 30 is 1610MHz-1626.5MHz, the transmission frequency band of the second satellite communication module 30 is medium frequency, the transmission frequency band of the third satellite communication module 30 is 1610MHz-1626.5MHz, and the transmission frequency band of the fourth satellite communication module 30 is 1980MHz-2010MHz. It can be seen that the transmission frequency bands of the four satellite communication modules 30 are all intermediate frequencies, so the power amplifier unit 2021 only needs to include a PA20211 for amplifying the first satellite signal of the intermediate frequency. Since a PA20211 is set in the radio frequency module, it is electrically connected to the transmission channels of multiple satellite communication modules 30 through the PA20211, so that PA20211 can amplify the satellite signal transmitted to any satellite communication module 30 in the multiple satellite communication modules 30. That is, the present application can solve the problem of supporting satellite communication solutions for multiple countries by adopting a PA20211, with a wide coverage range and complete satellite solution support.

[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4The switching unit 201 includes a first switch 2011 and a second switch 2012; a fixed end of the first switch 2011 is electrically connected to the amplifying unit 202, and a switching end of the first switch 2011 is electrically connected to a transmitting channel of any satellite communication module 30, so that the amplifying unit 202, any satellite communication module 30 and the antenna form a transmitting path of a satellite communication path; a fixed end of the second switch 2012 is electrically connected to the amplifying unit 202, and a switching end of the second switch 2012 is electrically connected to a receiving channel of any satellite communication module 30, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module 30 and the amplifying unit 202 form a receiving path of the satellite communication path.

[0051] The fixed end of the first switch 2011 may also be referred to as a fixed point, and the switching end of the first switch 2011 may also be referred to as a contact. Similarly, the fixed end of the second switch 2012 may also be referred to as a fixed point, and the switching end of the second switch 2012 may also be referred to as a contact. In the embodiment of the present application, the transmitting path and the receiving path of the satellite communication module 30 are respectively controlled by two switches, thereby improving the accuracy of control.

[0052] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 In the case where the amplifying unit 202 includes a power amplifying unit 2021 and a low-noise amplifying unit 2022, the fixed end of the first switch 2011 is electrically connected to the power amplifying unit 2021, and the fixed end of the second switch 2012 is electrically connected to the low-noise amplifying unit 2022, so that the first switch 2011 controls the satellite communication module connected to the power amplifying unit 2021, and the second switch 2012 controls the satellite communication module connected to the low-noise amplifying unit 2022, thereby achieving precise control.

[0053] In some embodiments, the switching unit 201 can also be a relay. Accordingly, the switching unit 201 includes a first relay and a second relay. The fixed end of the first relay is electrically connected to the amplifying unit 202, and the switching end of the first relay is electrically connected to the transmitting channel of any satellite communication module 30, so that the amplifying unit 202, any satellite communication module 30 and the antenna form a transmitting path of the satellite communication path; the fixed end of the second relay is electrically connected to the amplifying unit 202, and the switching end of the second relay is electrically connected to the receiving channel of any satellite communication module 30, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module 30 and the amplifying unit 202 form a receiving path of the satellite communication path.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 5In some embodiments, the low noise amplifier unit 2022 may be an LNA 20221, and the number of LNAs 20221 included in the low noise amplifier unit 2022 may be set and changed according to the receiving frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules 30. In addition, the frequency band of the satellite signal adapted by the LNAs 20221 included in the low noise amplifier unit 2022 matches the receiving channels of the multiple satellite communication modules 30. For example, the receiving frequency bands in the multiple satellite communication modules 30 include high frequency, medium frequency and low frequency, then the low noise amplifier unit 2022 includes three LNAs 20221, namely a first LNA 20221, a second LNA 20221 and a third LNA 20221; the first LNA 20221 supports amplification of high-frequency satellite signals, the second LNA 20221 supports amplification of medium-frequency satellite signals, and the third LNA 20221 supports amplification of low-frequency satellite signals, that is, the first LNA 20221 is used to amplify the high-frequency second satellite signal, the second LNA 20221 is used to amplify the medium-frequency second satellite signal, and the third LNA 20221 is used to amplify the low-frequency second satellite signal. For another example, the receiving frequency bands in the multiple satellite communication modules 30 include high frequency and intermediate frequency, and the low noise amplifier unit 2022 includes two LNAs 20221, namely a first LNA 20221 and a second LNA 20221; the first LNA 20221 supports amplification of high-frequency satellite signals, and the second LNA 20221 supports amplification of intermediate frequency satellite signals, that is, the first LNA 20221 is used to amplify the high-frequency second satellite signal, and the second LNA 20221 is used to amplify the intermediate frequency second satellite signal.

[0055] In some embodiments, multiple satellite communication modules 30 including a first satellite communication module 30 (Iridium), a second satellite communication module 30 (Bullitt), a third satellite communication module 30 (Beidou) and a fourth satellite communication module 30 (Tiantong) are taken as an example for explanation; since the receiving frequency band of the third satellite communication module 30 is high frequency, and the receiving frequency bands of the other three satellite communication modules 30 are all medium frequency, only two LNAs 20221 may be provided, that is, the low noise amplification unit 2022 includes a first LNA 20221 and a second LNA 20221, the first LNA 20221 supports amplification of high frequency satellite signals, and the second LNA 20221 supports amplification of medium frequency satellite signals, and the second satellite signal received by the third satellite communication module 30 is amplified by the first LNA 20221; and the second satellite signals received by the other three satellite communication modules 30 are amplified by the second LNA 20221.

[0056] Correspondingly, the low noise amplifier unit 2022 includes a first LNA 20221 and a second LNA 20221, wherein the first LNA 20221 is used to amplify the second satellite signal received through the first satellite communication module 30 and the antenna, wherein the minimum value of the communication frequency band of the second satellite signal is greater than the preset frequency; and the second LNA 20221 is used to amplify the second satellite signal received through the second satellite communication module 30 and the antenna, wherein the maximum value of the communication frequency band of the second satellite signal is not greater than the preset frequency. The preset frequency is the critical frequency of the intermediate frequency.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, a first LNA 20221 supporting high-frequency satellite signal amplification and a second LNA 20221 supporting medium-frequency satellite signal amplification are provided, and there is no need to provide a third LNA 20221 supporting low-frequency satellite signal amplification, thereby making the RF module simpler, saving device costs and layout and routing space of the circuit board where the RF module is located.

[0058] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 , multiple satellite communication modules 30 include multiple surface acoustic wave filters SAW301, and multiple SAW301 are used to filter satellite signals of different communication frequency bands. For example, multiple satellite communication modules 30 include a first satellite communication module 30 (Iridium), a second satellite communication module 30 (Bullitt), a third satellite communication module 30 (Beidou) and a fourth satellite communication module 30 (Tiantong), then the radio frequency module includes a first SAW301, a second SAW301, a third SAW301 and a fourth SAW301, and the first SAW301 is used to filter satellite signals with a transmission frequency band of 1610MHz-1626.5MHz and a receiving frequency band of 1610MHz-1626.5MHz. The second SAW301 is used to filter satellite signals whose transmission frequency band and receiving frequency band are adapted to Bullitt. The third SAW301 is used to filter satellite signals with a transmission frequency band of 1610MHz-1626.5MHz and a receiving frequency band of 2483.5MHz-2500MHz. The fourth SAW 301 is used to filter satellite signals with a transmitting frequency band of 1980 MHz-2010 MHz and a receiving frequency band of 2170 MHz-2200 MHz.

[0059] In the related art, one PA20211 and one SAW301 can realize one satellite communication solution, and when multiple satellite communication solutions are to be realized, multiple PA20211 and multiple SAW301 are required. In the embodiment of the present application, multiple satellite communication solutions are realized by one PA20211 and multiple SAW301, which is equivalent to integrating PA20211 and SAW301 of different frequency bands inside PA20211 to meet multiple satellite communication solutions. Only one PA20211 device is used to realize satellite communication, which can solve the problem of supporting satellite communication solutions of multiple countries, with a wide coverage and complete satellite solution support.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present application, since multiple satellite communication schemes can be implemented through one radio frequency module, there is no need to develop multiple radio frequency modules, which improves the efficiency of project development and reduces the development cycle, thereby reducing the development and testing costs. In addition, since the radio frequency module includes multiple satellite communication modules 30, the radio frequency module can support multiple satellite communication operators at the same time; and the radio frequency module also includes a switching module 10, which can switch the currently connected satellite communication module 30, so that seamless switching can be achieved between different operators, and the quality of satellite communication is not affected, which brings a better user experience to users.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 7 , which shows a block diagram of a terminal shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The terminal includes an antenna, a transceiver and the radio frequency module shown in the above embodiment. The two ends of the radio frequency module are electrically connected to the antenna and the transceiver respectively. In some embodiments, the terminal can be any device with a radio frequency module, such as a mobile phone, a smart watch, etc.

[0062] When using the architecture of low-orbit satellites, the satellite orbit is relatively close to the ground and does not require a relatively large transmission power. For example, the Bullitt satellite solution uses low-orbit satellites. If the frequency band range used is a transmission band (TX) of 1920MHz-1980MHz and a reception band (RX) of 2110MHz-2170MHz, then its communication band is the same as or within the communication band range of LTE's B1 or NR's N1, then it can be considered to share the transmission channel with the traditional LTE and NR to transmit signals and the reception channel to receive signals, which is equivalent to using different standards according to the working scenario. Correspondingly, the terminal also includes a data communication module, and the communication frequency band of the data communication module is the same as the satellite communication frequency band, or the communication frequency band of the data communication module includes the satellite communication frequency band. The data communication module is used to transmit data between the opposite end in the first working mode; the data communication module is also used to communicate with the satellite through the antenna in the second working mode.

[0063] The first working mode is a mode for data transmission, and in the first working mode, the data communication module establishes a data communication connection between the terminal and the opposite device, sends data to the opposite device through the data communication connection, or receives data sent by the opposite device through the data communication connection. The second working mode is a mode for satellite communication, and in the second working mode, the data communication module establishes a satellite transmission channel between the terminal and the satellite, sends satellite signals to the satellite through the satellite transmission channel, or receives satellite signals sent by the satellite through the satellite transmission channel. In some embodiments, the data communication module can be seamlessly switched between the first working mode and the second working mode, and the two working modes of the data communication module can be controlled by the upper layer application of the terminal; when the upper layer application of the terminal has a data transmission demand, the data communication module switches to the first working mode; when the upper layer application of the terminal has a satellite communication demand, the data communication module switches to the second working mode. For example, when a user needs to use a mobile network to surf the Internet, the data communication module switches to the first working mode; when a user makes a satellite call, the data communication module switches to the second working mode.

[0064] In some embodiments, the data communication module includes a communication module based on 3GPP's Long Term Evolution LTE or a communication module based on the New Radio NR. The transmission band of the Bullitt satellite solution is 1920MHz-1980MHz, and the receiving band is 2110MHz-2170MHz, while the transmission band of LTE's B1 is 1920MHz-1980MHz, and the receiving band is 2110MHz-2170MHz, that is, the communication band (transmission band and receiving band) of the Bullitt satellite solution is the same as the communication band (transmission band and receiving band) of LTE's B1. Therefore, the Bullitt satellite solution can use the transmission band of LTE's B1 to transmit satellite signals and use the receiving channel of LTE's B1 to receive satellite signals. For example, please refer to Figure 8When the terminal transmits a satellite signal to a satellite, the data communication module switches to the second working mode, transmits the satellite signal through the input end data communication module, and the data communication module forwards the satellite signal to the ANT antenna interface included in the data communication module through the transmission channel of B1 of LTE, and the satellite signal is transmitted by the antenna connected to the ANT antenna interface. When receiving a satellite signal, the antenna transmits the received satellite signal to the data communication module through the ANT antenna interface, and the data communication module forwards the received satellite signal to the CPU of the terminal through the output end through the receiving channel of B1, and the CPU performs satellite calls or receives and sends satellite short messages based on the satellite signal. However, when the terminal sends data to the opposite end, the data communication module switches to the first working mode, transmits the data to the data communication module through the input end, and the data communication module forwards the data to the ANT antenna interface included in the data communication module through the transmission channel of B1 of LTE, and the antenna connected to the ANT antenna interface forwards the data to the opposite end. When receiving data sent by the other end, the antenna transmits the received data sent by the other end to the data communication module through the ANT antenna interface. The data communication module forwards the received data to the terminal's CPU through the output end through the receiving channel of B1, and the CPU performs subsequent processing based on the data.

[0065] The data communication module and the radio frequency module can be deployed on the same circuit board or on different circuit boards. In the embodiment of the present application, the data communication module and the radio frequency module are deployed on the same circuit board as an example, so as to save the number of circuit boards, thereby saving the internal space of the terminal and reducing the size and weight of the terminal.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, since satellite communication and data communication share LTE or NR, device cost and PCB layout routing space are further saved. Of course, the premise is that the transmission power of the transmission channel can meet both the data communication requirements and the satellite communication indicators, and the receiving power of the receiving channel can also meet both the data communication requirements and the satellite communication indicators.

[0067] Please refer to Fig. 9 , which shows a flow chart of a satellite communication method shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to any of the above-mentioned radio frequency modules, or to a terminal including a radio frequency module; the method includes:

[0068] Step 901: Determine the satellite communication frequency band required for the current terminal to communicate with the satellite.

[0069] In some embodiments, different regions use different satellite communication schemes, that is, different regions correspond to different satellite communication frequency bands; accordingly, step 901 may be: the terminal determines the region where the terminal is currently located, and determines a satellite communication frequency band that matches the region. The satellite communication frequency band includes a transmitting frequency band and a receiving frequency band.

[0070] Step 902: determining a target satellite communication module from a plurality of satellite communication modules, wherein a satellite communication frequency band of the target satellite communication module is a satellite communication frequency band.

[0071] The terminal stores the correspondence between the satellite communication frequency band and the identification of the satellite communication module; in this step, the terminal obtains the identification of the target satellite communication module corresponding to the satellite communication frequency band from the correspondence between the satellite communication frequency band and the identification of the satellite communication module based on the determined satellite communication frequency band. In some embodiments, the satellite communication frequency band includes a transmitting frequency band and a receiving frequency band, that is, the terminal stores the correspondence between the transmitting frequency band, the receiving frequency band and the identification of the satellite communication module; in this step, the terminal determines the identification of the target satellite communication module corresponding to the transmitting frequency band and the receiving frequency band from the correspondence between the transmitting frequency band, the receiving frequency band and the identification of the satellite communication module based on the determined transmitting frequency band and the receiving frequency band.

[0072] Step 903: Through the switching module, the target satellite communication module is connected in series between the antenna and the amplification module to form a satellite communication path.

[0073] After the terminal determines the identification of the target satellite communication module, based on the identification of the target satellite communication module, the switching end of the switching module is electrically connected to the target satellite communication module, thereby realizing that the target satellite communication module is connected in series between the antenna and the amplification module to form a satellite communication path. In some embodiments, the satellite communication path includes a transmitting path and a receiving path.

[0074] Step 904: Communicate with the satellite via the satellite communication path.

[0075] The terminal transmits satellite signals to the satellite through a transmitting path, and receives satellite signals transmitted by the satellite through a receiving path.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present application, since multiple satellite communication solutions can be realized through one radio frequency module, there is no need to develop multiple radio frequency modules, which improves the efficiency of project development and reduces the development cycle, thereby reducing the development and testing costs. In addition, since the radio frequency module includes multiple satellite communication modules, the radio frequency module can support multiple satellite communication operators at the same time; and the radio frequency module also includes a switching module, which can switch the currently connected target satellite communication module, so as to achieve seamless switching between different operators, and the quality of satellite communication is not affected, which brings a better user experience.

[0077] Please refer to Fig.10 , which shows a block diagram of a terminal 1000 shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. In addition to the RF module 1010, the terminal 1000 in the present application may also include one or more of the following components: a processor 1020, a memory 1030 and a display screen 1040.

[0078] The processor 1020 may include one or more processing cores. The processor 1020 uses various interfaces and lines to connect the various parts of the entire terminal 1000, and executes various functions and processes data of the terminal 1000 by running or executing instructions, programs, code sets or instruction sets stored in the memory 1030, and calling data stored in the memory 1030. Optionally, the processor 1020 can be implemented in at least one hardware form of digital signal processing (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and programmable logic array (PLA). The processor 1020 can integrate one or more combinations of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processor (NPU), and a modem. Among them, the CPU mainly processes the operating system, user interface, and application programs; the GPU is responsible for rendering and drawing the content to be displayed on the display screen 1040; the NPU is used to implement artificial intelligence (AI) functions; and the modem is used to process wireless communications. It is understandable that the above-mentioned modem may not be integrated into the processor 1020, but may be implemented by a separate chip.

[0079] The memory 1030 may include a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). Optionally, the memory 1030 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 1030 may be used to store instructions, programs, codes, code sets, or instruction sets. The memory 1030 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store instructions for implementing an operating system, instructions for at least one function (such as a touch function, a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), instructions for implementing the following various method embodiments, etc.; the data storage area may store data (such as audio data, a phone book), etc., created according to the use of the terminal 1000.

[0080] The display screen 1040 is a display component for displaying a user interface. Optionally, the display screen 1040 is a display screen with a touch function, through which the user can use any suitable object such as a finger, a touch pen, etc. to perform touch operations on the display screen 1040.

[0081] The display screen 1040 is usually arranged on the front panel of the terminal 1000. The display screen 1040 can be designed as a full screen, a curved screen, a special-shaped screen, a double-sided screen or a folding screen. The display screen 1040 can also be designed as a combination of a full screen and a curved screen, a combination of a special-shaped screen and a curved screen, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0082] In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the structure of the terminal 1000 shown in the above drawings does not constitute a limitation on the terminal 1000, and the terminal 1000 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently. For example, the terminal 1000 also includes an audio acquisition device, a speaker, a radio frequency circuit, an input unit, a sensor, an audio circuit, a wireless fidelity (Wireless Fidelity, Wi-Fi) module, a power supply, a Bluetooth module and other components, which will not be repeated here.

[0083] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, which stores at least one program code, and the at least one program code is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the satellite communication method shown in the above embodiments.

[0084] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which stores at least one program code, and the at least one program code is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the satellite communication method shown in the above embodiments.

[0085] In some embodiments, the computer program product involved in the embodiments of the present application may be deployed and executed on a user terminal, or on multiple terminals located at one location, or on multiple terminals distributed at multiple locations and interconnected by a communication network. Multiple terminals distributed at multiple locations and interconnected by a communication network may constitute a blockchain system.

[0086] Those skilled in the art should be aware that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented with hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media include any media that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that a general or special-purpose computer can access.

[0087] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency module, characterized in that: The radio frequency module includes: a switching module, an amplification module and a plurality of satellite communication modules, wherein the plurality of satellite communication modules have different satellite communication frequency bands; The fixed end of the switching module is electrically connected to the antenna of the terminal where the RF module is located, the switching end of the switching module is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module among the multiple satellite communication modules, the other end of any satellite communication module is electrically connected to one end of the amplification module, and the other end of the amplification module is electrically connected to the transceiver of the terminal; The switching module is used to electrically connect to one end of any satellite communication module among the multiple satellite communication modules, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module, the amplification module and the transceiver form a satellite communication path.

2. The radio frequency module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amplification module includes a switching unit and an amplification unit; The fixed end of the switching unit is electrically connected to the amplifying unit, and the switching end of the switching unit is electrically connected to any satellite communication module.

3. The radio frequency module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The amplification unit includes a power amplification unit and a low noise amplification unit; The power amplification unit is used to amplify a first satellite signal, where the first satellite signal is a satellite signal sent to a satellite through any one of the satellite communication modules and the antenna; The low noise amplifying unit is used to amplify a second satellite signal, where the second satellite signal is a satellite signal received through any one of the satellite communication modules and the antenna.

4. The radio frequency module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The low noise amplification unit includes a plurality of low noise amplifiers LNA; The frequency bands of the satellite signals adapted by the multiple LNAs match the communication frequency bands of the multiple satellite communication modules.

5. The radio frequency module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The low noise amplifier unit includes a first LNA and a second LNA; The first LNA is used to amplify a second satellite signal, and a minimum value of a communication frequency band of the second satellite signal is greater than a preset frequency; The second LNA is used to amplify a second satellite signal, and the maximum value of the communication frequency band of the second satellite signal is not greater than the preset frequency.

6. The radio frequency module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching unit includes a first switch and a second switch; The fixed end of the first switch is electrically connected to the amplifying unit, and the switching end of the first switch is electrically connected to the transmitting channel of any one of the satellite communication modules, so that the amplifying unit, any one of the satellite communication modules and the antenna form a transmitting channel of the satellite communication channel; The fixed end of the second switch is electrically connected to the amplifying unit, and the switching end of the second switch is electrically connected to the receiving channel of any satellite communication module, so that the antenna, any satellite communication module and the amplifying unit form a receiving channel of the satellite communication channel.

7. The radio frequency module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of satellite communication modules include a plurality of surface acoustic wave filters (SAW), and the plurality of SAW are used to filter satellite signals of different communication frequency bands.

8. The radio frequency module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching module includes a third switch; A fixed end of the third switch is electrically connected to the antenna, and a switching end of the third switch is electrically connected to one end of any satellite communication module among the plurality of satellite communication modules.

9. A terminal, characterized in that: The terminal comprises an antenna, a transceiver and a radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Two ends of the radio frequency module are electrically connected to the antenna and the transceiver respectively.

10. The terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that: The terminal further includes a data communication module, the communication frequency band of the data communication module is the same as the satellite communication frequency band, or the communication frequency band of the data communication module includes the satellite communication frequency band; The data communication module is used to transmit data with the opposite end in the first working mode; The data communication module is further used to communicate with the satellite through the antenna in the second working mode.

11. The terminal according to claim 10, characterized in that: The data communication module includes a communication module based on 3GPP's Long Term Evolution LTE or a communication module based on the New Radio NR.

12. A satellite communication method, characterized in that: The satellite communication method is applied to the radio frequency module according to any one of claims 1 to 8; the method comprises: Determine the satellite communication frequency band required for the current terminal to communicate with the satellite; Determine a target satellite communication module from the plurality of satellite communication modules, wherein the satellite communication frequency band of the target satellite communication module is the satellite communication frequency band; By means of the switching module, the target satellite communication module is connected in series between the antenna and the amplification module to form a satellite communication path; Communications are performed with a satellite via the satellite communications path.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The determining of the satellite communication frequency band required for the current terminal to communicate with the satellite includes: Determine the area where the terminal is currently located, and determine a satellite communication frequency band that matches the area.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: At least one program code is stored in the storage medium, and the at least one program code is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the satellite communication method described in any one of claims 12 to 13.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product stores at least one program code, and the at least one program code is used to be executed by a processor to implement the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

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