Chip system, communication method and mobile terminal

Abstract

A chip system, a communication method and a mobile terminal relate to the technical field of communication. The chip system comprises an application processor (AP) and a baseband processor (Modem), and the AP is in communication connection with the Modem. The Modem comprises a first protocol stack module for cellular communication and a first physical layer module for cellular communication, and the first protocol stack module is in communication with the first physical layer and a subscriber identity card respectively to realize cellular communication. The AP or the Modem comprises a second protocol stack module for satellite communication. The chip system is used for communication with the subscriber identity card and a satellite communication processor respectively to realize satellite communication. The second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identity card through the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module communicates with a second physical layer module for satellite communication in the satellite communication processor. The mobile terminal adopting the chip system can support both cellular communication and satellite communication while changing the thickness and weight of the terminal as little as possible.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the original application number is 202310724427.5, the original application date is June 16, 2023, and the entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a chip system, a communication method and a mobile terminal. BACKGROUND

[0003] Compared with cellular communication, satellite communication can use artificial satellites as relay stations to forward radio electromagnetic wave signals. In this way, even in areas where there is no coverage of cellular base stations, such as deserts and rugged mountains, satellite networks can still be used to maintain communication. Therefore, it is of great significance to add satellite communication function to terminals (such as smart phones) that support cellular communication.

[0004] However, implementing satellite communication usually requires a separate satellite communication processor, RF components supporting satellite communication, and user identification cards (such as SIM cards), which require space and weight in the terminal and increase the volume (such as the thickness) and weight of the terminal.

[0005] However, current smart phones have high requirements for the thickness and weight of the body. For example, the thickness of a smart phone is usually within 10 mm, and the weight does not exceed 200 g. Therefore, it is difficult to implement satellite communication in a smart phone without significantly increasing the thickness and weight of the body, which is an important reason why current smart phones cannot support both cellular communication and satellite communication. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the present application provides a chip system, a communication method and a mobile terminal, which can support both cellular communication and satellite communication without significantly increasing the thickness and weight of the terminal.

[0007] In a first aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system includes an application processor (AP) and a modem. The AP is communicatively coupled to the modem. The modem includes a first protocol stack module for cellular communication and a first physical layer module for cellular communication. The first protocol stack module is configured to communicate with the first physical layer module and a subscriber identity module (SIM) to implement the cellular communication. The AP or the modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication. The chip system is configured to communicate with the SIM and a satellite communication processor to implement the satellite communication. The chip system communicates with the SIM via the second protocol stack module through the first protocol stack module. The chip system communicates with the satellite communication processor via the second protocol stack module through a second physical layer module for satellite communication in the satellite communication processor.

[0008] It can be understood that the second protocol stack contains a large amount of code, and accordingly, a large physical storage space is required to store the code. A large physical storage space naturally requires a large volume. Therefore, configuring the second protocol stack in the AP can utilize the existing storage space in the AP to store the code of the second protocol stack. In this way, the storage space in the satellite communication processor can be trimmed to a smaller volume, and the volume of the satellite communication processor can be reduced.

[0009] In summary, by using the chip system described above, on the basis of implementing the cellular communication, the satellite communication processor not including the second protocol stack is added, and the second protocol stack is arranged in the AP, so that the satellite communication can be implemented. Compared with the satellite communication processor including the satellite protocol stack, the volume of the satellite communication processor not including the satellite protocol stack can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the volume of the newly added hardware can be reduced. Moreover, the satellite communication and the cellular communication can share the SIM, and the newly added hardware can be reduced to a certain extent. In this way, the chip system described above can be applied to a mobile terminal, so that the satellite communication can be implemented on the premise of as little as possible increase in the thickness and weight of the mobile terminal.

[0010] In a possible design of the first aspect, the AP includes a hardware abstraction layer, and the second protocol stack is configured in the hardware abstraction layer. In this way, the second protocol stack can run in the AP in the form of an independent process.

[0011] In another possible design of the first aspect, the hardware abstraction layer further includes a first communication management module. The first communication management module is configured to support the communication between the second protocol stack module and the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module is configured to communicate with the SIM via the first protocol stack module, including that the second protocol stack module is configured to communicate with the first protocol stack module via the first communication management module, and communicate with the SIM via the first protocol stack module.

[0012] In the design, the second protocol stack is included in the hardware abstraction layer in the AP, and the communication between the second protocol stack in the AP and the first protocol stack in the Modem can be realized by the first communication management module, so that the second protocol stack can interact with the user identification card.

[0013] In a possible design of the first aspect, the second protocol stack and the first communication management module communicate through inter-process communication.

[0014] In a possible design of the first aspect, a first logical channel is configured between the AP and the Modem, and the first communication management module communicates with the first protocol stack through the first logical channel.

[0015] In the design, the first communication management module and the first protocol stack need to rely on the logical channel between the AP and the Modem to realize the inter-core communication.

[0016] In a possible design of the first aspect, the AP further includes an application layer and an application framework layer, the application framework layer includes a second communication management module, the first communication management module is further configured to support the communication between the second communication management module and the second protocol stack module, and the second communication management module is configured to support the communication between a satellite application in the application layer and the first communication management module. The satellite application in the application layer communicates with the first communication management module through the second communication management module, and the second communication management module communicates with the second protocol stack module through the first communication management module.

[0017] In the design, the application layer and the second protocol stack can communicate through the second communication management module and the first communication management module.

[0018] In a possible design of the first aspect, the AP and the satellite communication processor are connected through a serial port, and the AP includes a first driver, which is a serial port driver. The second protocol stack module communicates with the second physical layer module by invoking the first driver.

[0019] In the design, the second protocol stack can communicate with the second physical layer by invoking the system interface (such as a read interface or a write interface) of the serial port driver.

[0020] In a possible design of the first aspect, the AP includes a kernel layer, and the first driver is configured in the kernel layer.

[0021] In a possible design of the first aspect, the chip system is a system on chip (SoC), and the AP and the Modem are integrated in the SoC.

[0022] In an example, the chip system is further configured to communicate with the first RF component through the first physical layer module to transceive cellular signals for cellular communication, and communicate with the second RF component through the second physical layer module to transceive satellite signals for satellite communication. For example, during a phone call using a satellite network, the uplink voice is transmitted to the satellite network through the second physical layer module and the second RF component, and the downlink voice is received from the satellite network by the second RF component and sent to the second physical layer module.

[0023] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is applied to a chip system including an application processor (AP) and a modem. The AP is communicatively connected to the modem. The modem includes a first protocol stack module for cellular communication and a first physical layer module for cellular communication. The AP includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication.

[0024] In an example, the method includes: the first protocol stack module communicates with a subscriber identification module (SIM), and the first protocol stack module communicates with a cellular network through the first physical layer module to implement cellular communication. The second protocol stack module communicates with the SIM through the first protocol stack module, and the second protocol stack module communicates with a satellite network through a second physical layer module in the modem to implement satellite communication.

[0025] In summary, by using the above communication method, satellite communication is implemented through the second protocol stack configured in the AP on the basis of cellular communication. In this way, the mobile terminal can support both cellular communication and satellite communication without increasing the size of the mobile terminal too much. Moreover, the cellular communication and the satellite communication can share the communication between the first protocol stack and the SIM, which implements the interaction between the first protocol stack and the SIM during cellular communication and the interaction between the second protocol stack and the SIM during satellite communication. In this way, the satellite communication and the cellular communication can reuse the SIM, which can further reduce the increase in size.

[0026] In an example, the second protocol stack module communicates with the satellite network through the second physical layer module, including: in response to starting a call, the second protocol stack module sends data of uplink voice to the satellite network through the second physical layer module, and the second protocol stack module receives data of downlink voice from the satellite network through the second physical layer module.

[0027] In another possible design of the second aspect, the second protocol stack module interacts with the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, including: before initiating a call, after responding to the operation of activating the satellite network and completing the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment, the second protocol stack module forwards an authentication request from the satellite network to the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, the authentication request being used to verify the identity of the user identification card. The second protocol stack module receives the authentication result from the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, the authentication result corresponding to the authentication request.

[0028] In other words, before the call begins, the second protocol stack can transmit authentication-related information with the user identification card through the first protocol stack.

[0029] Furthermore, the second protocol stack module communicates with the satellite network through the second physical layer module, including: the second protocol stack module sending the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer module; and the second protocol stack module receiving an authentication success message from the satellite network through the second physical layer module. That is, after receiving the authentication result, the second protocol stack needs to further send the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer so that the satellite network can verify the identity of the user identification card, and the call can only begin after successful authentication.

[0030] Thirdly, this application also provides a mobile terminal, which includes a chip system, a user identification card interface, and a satellite communication processor as described in the first aspect above and any possible design of the mobile terminal. The chip system is communicatively connected to the user identification card interface and the satellite communication processor, respectively, and the user identification card interface is used to insert a user identification card.

[0031] In one possible design of the third aspect, the mobile terminal further includes a first radio frequency (RF) component and a second RF component. The first RF component is communicatively connected to the baseband processor (Modem) in the chip system for transmitting and receiving cellular signals. The second RF component is communicatively connected to a satellite communication processor for transmitting and receiving satellite signals.

[0032] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a mobile terminal, cause the mobile terminal to perform the methods described in the second aspect and any of its possible design embodiments.

[0033] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0034] Understandably, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-mentioned communication method, mobile terminal, computer readable storage medium and computer program product can refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a composition of an existing system on chip (SoC);

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a composition of an existing satellite communication chip;

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a composition of an existing RF component;

[0038] Figure 4 A composition structure diagram of a mobile terminal for implementing satellite communication;

[0039] Figure 5 A composition structure diagram of another mobile terminal for implementing satellite communication;

[0040] Figure 6A A composition structure diagram of a mobile terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6B A composition structure diagram of another mobile terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 7 A hardware structure diagram of a mobile terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 8 A software architecture diagram of a mobile terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 9 One of the mobile phone interface diagrams provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 10 Another mobile phone interface diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 11 One of the interaction diagrams of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 12 Another mobile phone interface diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 13 Another interaction diagram of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 14 A composition structure diagram of a chip system provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting on the present application. As used in the specification and the appended claims of the present application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that “at least one” and “one or more” as used in the embodiments herein indicates one or two or more (including two). The term “and / or” is used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships; for example, A and / or B can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally represents an “or” relationship between the associated objects.

[0051] In the present specification, the reference to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments” or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, “in additional embodiments”, and the like in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, unless otherwise specifically noted. The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including” and “contain”, “containing” mean “including but not limited to”, unless otherwise specifically noted. The term “connect” includes direct and indirect connections, unless otherwise specifically noted. “First”, “second”, etc. are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0052] In the embodiments of the present application, the words “exemplary” or “for example” are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design presented as “exemplary” or “for example” in the embodiments of the present application is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the words “exemplary” or “for example” is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0053] Before introducing the embodiments of the present application, the related technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced.

[0054] 1. System on Chip (SoC)

[0055] SoC, also known as system on chip, integrates chips required for running operating system of a smart phone on one chip. SoC can generally integrate capabilities of application processor (AP) and baseband processor (also known as Modem) and the like.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 , SoC includes capabilities of AP and Modem. The AP is used to process internal data of the smart phone and does not include parts for external communication. The Modem is used to process parts for external communication, including parts for processing services such as making a call, sending a message, and surfing the Internet. For example, the Modem includes a protocol stack for cellular communication (such as a cellular protocol stack in Figure 1 ), a physical layer for cellular communication (such as a cellular physical layer in Figure 1 ), and the like, to implement functions such as modulation and demodulation, channel encoding and decoding, and source encoding and decoding.

[0057] In addition, a physical channel such as shared memory or a bus is established between the AP and the Modem to implement data transmission between the AP and the Modem, such as transmission of data such as call content and message content.

[0058] In the example of Figure 1 above, the Modem is integrated in the SoC. However, in actual implementation, the Modem can also exist in the form of a separate chip and be soldered together with the SoC on the mainboard of the smart phone. Hereinafter, the form shown in Figure 1 , i.e., the Modem is integrated in the SoC, is taken as an example for illustration.

[0059] 2. Satellite communication chip

[0060] The satellite communication chip refers to a chip dedicated for satellite communication. Referring to Figure 2 , the satellite communication chip generally includes a physical layer for implementing satellite communication (hereinafter referred to as satellite physical layer) and a protocol stack for implementing satellite communication (hereinafter referred to as satellite protocol stack).

[0061] The satellite protocol stack further includes a data link layer (layer two, denoted as L2) and a network layer (layer three, denoted as L3). The satellite physical layer is located at the bottom layer of the satellite protocol stack and is also referred to as layer one (denoted as L1). The L1 provides wireless resources and physical layer processing for data of the L2 and the L3, such as encoding, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processing, modulation, and the like.

[0062] L1 includes a physical layer and a Layer 1 Control (L1C) layer. L2 includes a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and a Packet Data Convergence Control (PDCP) layer. L3 includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer.

[0063] Generally, the satellite protocol stack is separated from the satellite physical layer by a MAC layer. The MAC layer is responsible for multiplexing of different logical channel data and mapping between logical channels and transport channels, and undertakes processing of signaling and data messages and resource scheduling. In other words, the satellite protocol stack implements message transmission and reception through the MAC layer. The physical layer is responsible for encoding, modulation, rate matching, and the like, and provides a transport channel for the MAC layer. The L1C layer implements control of the physical layer state, allocation of radio frequency resources, and implements message transmission and reception for the protocol stack.

[0064] In addition, the satellite protocol stack also includes an interface layer. The interface layer provides an interface for communication between the satellite protocol stack and other modules (such as transmission of control plane instructions and user plane data). For example, the satellite protocol stack can communicate with an AP in the SoC through the interface provided by the interface layer, and implement satellite communication related display functions, such as displaying signal strength, switching, and prompting for aiming of the satellite. In a specific implementation, the interface layer provides an interface for transmitting an Attention (AT) instruction (hereinafter referred to as an AT interface). The AT interface can be in the form of a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a bus, shared memory, a socket, and the like.

[0065] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer in the following description can refer to the description in Figure 2 , which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0066] 3. A subscriber identity card.

[0067] In the embodiments of the present application, the subscriber identity card refers to a card module that can be used for identity recognition in a communication process, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a User Identity Module (UIM), a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and the like.

[0068] Among them, according to the different communication modes, the user identification card can be divided into a user identification card for cellular communication (such as Figure 1 the user identification card 1 in Figure 2 ) and a user identification card for satellite communication (such as Figure 1 the user identification card 2 in Figure 2 ). For example, see , the user identification card 1 (such as the full-network card TM ) interacts with the cellular protocol stack in the Modem, which is used for the cellular protocol stack to obtain the identification of the user identification card 1, and the card authentication in the process of cellular communication (that is, the user identification card 1 is authenticated). For example, see

[0069] , the user identification card 2 (such as the Tian Tong TM card) interacts with the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip, which is used for the satellite protocol stack to obtain the identification of the user identification card 2, and the card authentication in the process of satellite communication (that is, the user identification card 2 is authenticated).

[0070] 4, RF component.

[0071] RF represents the electromagnetic frequency that can be radiated to space, and the electromagnetic frequency range is between 300KHz and 30GHz. The RF component is mainly used for processing the received signal and the transmitted signal in the process of wireless communication. Figure 1 Figure 2 Similarly, according to the different communication modes, the RF component can be divided into an RF component for cellular communication (such as Figure 1 the RF component 1 in Figure 2 ) and an RF component for satellite communication (such as the RF component 2 in

[0072] ). For example, see Figure 3 , the RF component 1 interacts with the cellular physical layer in the Modem, which is used for the RF component 1 to receive the digital signal from the cellular physical layer, and to transmit it through the antenna after digital-to-analog conversion processing, and for the RF component 1 to send the wireless electromagnetic wave signal received by the antenna to the cellular physical layer after analog-to-digital conversion processing. For example, see , the RF component 2 interacts with the satellite physical layer in the satellite communication chip, which is used for the RF component 2 to receive the digital signal from the satellite physical layer, and to transmit it through the antenna after digital-to-analog conversion processing, and for the RF component 2 to send the wireless electromagnetic wave signal received by the antenna to the satellite physical layer after analog-to-digital conversion processing.

[0073] The RFIC is configured to receive digital signals from a baseband (e.g., a cellular physical layer or a satellite physical layer) and complete digital-to-analog conversion, and transmit the converted radio electromagnetic wave signals (analog signals) to the RFFE. For example, the RFIC can receive digital signals from the baseband through a radio frequency interface unit (RFIU), and use a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to complete digital-to-analog conversion to obtain radio electromagnetic wave signals. In addition, the RFIC is configured to complete analog-to-digital conversion on the radio electromagnetic wave signals obtained by the RFFE, and transmit the converted digital signals to the baseband. For example, the RFIC can use an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to complete analog-to-digital conversion, and transmit the converted digital signals to the baseband.

[0074] It should be noted that the main difference between the RF component 1 and the RF component 2 is that the electromagnetic frequencies that the RFICs can receive are different. The electromagnetic frequencies of cellular communication can be from 700 MHZ to 3.5 GHZ, and accordingly, the RFIC in the RF component 1 also needs to be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies of 700 MHZ to 3.5 GHZ. In addition, the electromagnetic frequencies of the C band of satellite communication are about 2 GHZ, and accordingly, if the C band is used, the RFIC in the RF component 2 needs to be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies of about 2 GHZ.

[0075] In addition, the RFFE is configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic wave signals. The RFFE mainly includes a power amplifier (PA) and a low noise amplifier (LNA). The PA is configured to amplify the radio electromagnetic wave signals obtained by digital-to-analog conversion to obtain high-frequency radio electromagnetic wave signals, and then radiate the high-frequency radio electromagnetic wave signals through an antenna. The LNA is a low-noise amplifier configured to amplify small signals in the radio electromagnetic wave signals received by the antenna.

[0076] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The structure shown in the figure is only a simple structure of the RF component, and does not constitute a limitation on the RF component. In actual implementation, the structure of the RF component is much more complex than that shown in the figure. For example, the RFFE can further include a filter, a switch, a duplexer, and the like. Figure 3

[0077] The scheme of the embodiment of the present application is described below.

[0078] ​The terminal provided in this application can be applied to scenarios that require both satellite and cellular communication. For example, if satellite network communication is needed even when cellular network connectivity is poor, the terminal provided in this application can be used. In particular, applying this application to a smartphone allows the smartphone to support both satellite and cellular communication with minimal increase in its thickness and weight.

[0079] Satellite communication functionality is provided in some industry terminals (such as autonomous driving terminals and IoT terminals) to enable communication to be maintained using satellite networks in areas where cellular base stations are destroyed or in desert areas, high mountains, or other places where cellular base stations do not provide coverage.

[0080] For example, an industrial terminal may support satellite communication but not cellular communication. See also Figure 4 In this example, the industrial terminal includes a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), a satellite communication chip, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM 2), and an RF component 2. However, the SoC in the industrial terminal does not include a Modem, and therefore does not include a cellular protocol stack or cellular physical layer, and cannot support cellular communication. The satellite protocol stack and the Access Point (AP) communicate via an AT interface to implement satellite communication-related display functions, such as displaying satellite network signal strength and on / off status. It should be understood that the SoC and the satellite communication chip are typically connected via a serial port; therefore, the AT interface needs to communicate with the AP via a serial port to achieve communication between the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip and the AP in the SoC. The satellite communication chip, SIM 2, and RF component 2 are used to implement satellite communication.

[0081] As another example, industry terminals can support both satellite and cellular communications. See also Figure 5 In this example, the industry terminal includes a SoC, a subscriber identification card 1, an RF component 1, a satellite communication chip, a subscriber identification card 2, and an RF component 2. The industry terminal (such as the SoC) includes a modem, thus including a cellular protocol stack and a cellular physical layer for supporting cellular communication. Therefore, in implementation... Figure 4 Based on satellite communication in the example shown, the industry terminal can also achieve cellular communication through the AP and Modem in the SoC, as well as the user identification card 1 and RF component 1.

[0082] The above Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the examples, at least a SoC, a satellite communication chip, a user identification card 2, and an RF component 2 are required to implement satellite communication. Among them, the satellite communication chip, user identification card 2, and RF component 2 are all new hardware components specifically added for satellite communication, and these hardware components all occupy space and have a certain weight.

[0083] Meanwhile, industry terminals supporting satellite communication usually only need to meet the special requirements of satellite communication functions of the corresponding industry, and there is no strict limit on the thickness and weight of the body like smart phones. For example, the thickness of the industry terminal can be tens of millimeters (mm), and the weight can be 300 grams (g) or even heavier. Therefore, in order to enable the industry terminal to support satellite communication, it is not a problem to place the satellite communication chip required for satellite communication, and the user identification card 2 and the RF component 2 supporting satellite communication in the industry terminal.

[0084] However, unlike industry terminals, smart terminals (especially smart phones) not only need more devices to support more functions, but also have higher requirements for the thickness and weight of the body. For example, the thickness of a smart phone is usually within 10 mm, and the weight is also not more than 200 g. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve satellite communication while minimizing the increase in the thickness and weight of the smart terminal.

[0085] In addition, in the example of Figure 5 , the user identification card 1 and the user identification card 2 need to be provided with card slots respectively, and the user identification card 1 and the user identification card 2 cannot be mixed. For example, the terminal provides the user identification card 1 with a card slot 1 and the user identification card 2 with a card slot 2, the user identification card 1 cannot be inserted into the card slot 2, and the user identification card 2 cannot be inserted into the card slot 1. In this way, the user is required to accurately insert the user identification card (such as the user identification card 1 and the user identification card 2) into the corresponding card slot. In order to achieve this purpose, further, the terminal can identify the user identification card corresponding to each card slot at the position of the card slot to indicate the user to accurately insert the user identification card into the corresponding card slot. For example, the position of the card slot 1 is identified as "cell card", indicating that the cell card (such as the user identification card 1) is inserted into the card slot 1; and the position of the card slot 2 is identified as "satellite card", indicating that the satellite card (such as the user identification card 2) is inserted into the card slot 2. In this way, although the difficulty of accurately placing the user identification card can be reduced to a certain extent, the user identification card cannot be placed arbitrarily.

[0086] However, in the existing smart terminal supporting dual cards, the most basic function is to enable the user identification card to be placed arbitrarily. For example, the user can place any user identification card in any card slot to achieve normal communication. The above Figure 5 example obviously cannot meet the above requirements of the smart phone.

[0087] Based on this, referring to Figure 6A , the embodiments of the present application provide a mobile terminal, which includes a SoC, a satellite communication chip, an RF component 1, an RF component 2, and a user identification card 3 in the mobile terminal (i.e. the terminal). The satellite communication chip includes a satellite physical layer, but the satellite protocol stack (such as the satellite protocol stack 1) in the satellite communication chip is not included in the SoC. Figure 6AThe satellite protocol stack (shown by the dashed line) was ported to the AP of the SoC (e.g., Figure 6A (The satellite protocol stack is shown by the solid line in the middle).

[0088] It should be understood that satellite protocol stack code is typically stored in Double Data Rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory, and because satellite protocol stack code is extensive, the required DDR is correspondingly large. Therefore, in a conventional architecture (such as...) Figure 2 The satellite communication chip shown requires a large amount of DDR memory for its satellite protocol stack code. However, if... Figure 6A By porting the satellite protocol stack from the satellite communication chip to the application processor (AP), the required DDR memory in the satellite communication chip can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the DDR memory in the satellite communication chip can be significantly reduced in size, thus decreasing the overall size of the satellite communication chip. Simultaneously, the AP has sufficient DDR memory to store the satellite protocol stack code, so porting the satellite protocol stack to the AP will not increase the AP's size.

[0089] exist Figure 6A In the terminal shown, the satellite protocol stack in the AP can interact with the RF component 2 through the satellite physical layer in the satellite communication chip, thereby realizing the transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave signals during satellite communication.

[0090] And, in Figure 6A In the terminal shown, the modem also includes a cellular protocol stack. Furthermore, the SIM card 3 has both cellular and satellite communication services activated. The satellite protocol stack in the AP can interact with the SIM card 3 through the cellular protocol stack in the modem. This allows the satellite protocol stack to read the SIM card 3's identifier (such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number, IMSI) and perform card authentication during cellular communication. In this way, the existing communication connection between the modem's cellular protocol stack and the SIM card 3 can be used to achieve interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the SIM card 3, eliminating the need for a separate SIM card 3 for satellite communication. It should be understood that since cellular and satellite communication can share the SIM card 3, there is no need to distinguish between satellite and cellular cards, allowing the SIM card 3 to be placed in any card slot.

[0091] And, in Figure 6AIn the terminal shown, the Modem includes a cellular physical layer. In the process of cellular communication, on the one hand, the cellular protocol stack in the Modem can interact with the RF component 1 through the cellular physical layer to realize the transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave signals in the process of cellular communication. On the other hand, the cellular protocol stack in the Modem can interact with the user identification card 3, which is used for the cellular protocol stack to obtain the identification of the user identification card 3 and perform card authentication in the process of cellular communication.

[0092] In summary, Figure 6A In the terminal shown, on the basis of realizing cellular communication, satellite communication can be realized by adding a satellite communication chip that does not include a satellite protocol stack and an RF component 2 and setting the satellite protocol stack in the AP. Compared with the satellite communication chip that includes the satellite protocol stack, the satellite communication chip that does not include the cellular protocol stack can greatly reduce the volume. Therefore, the volume of the newly added hardware can be reduced. Moreover, the satellite communication and the cellular communication can share the user identification card 3, which can also reduce the newly added hardware to some extent. In this way, satellite communication can be realized while the thickness and weight of the terminal are increased as little as possible.

[0093] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the cellular communication transmits and receives signals through the RF component 1, and the satellite communication transmits and receives signals through the RF component 2, and the two are independent of each other. Therefore, the terminal can use satellite communication while using cellular communication. For example, while using a cellular network to surf the Internet, the terminal can use a satellite network to make a phone call or send a message.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6B The AP further includes satellite communication management. The satellite communication management is used to manage the communication of the satellite protocol stack.

[0095] On the one hand, the communication of the satellite protocol stack includes the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack in the Modem. For example, the satellite protocol stack obtains the IMSI from the user identification card 3 through the cellular protocol stack and performs card authentication. Through the management of the satellite communication management, the commands for the satellite protocol stack to read the IMSI and transmit the authentication request can be parsed, encapsulated, and forwarded to the cellular protocol stack for further interaction with the user identification card 3. Thus, the data transmission between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack is realized, and the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the user identification card 3 is achieved.

[0096] On the other hand, the communication of the satellite protocol stack includes the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the application. For example, the satellite call request initiated by the call (application) in the application is transmitted to the satellite protocol stack for processing. For another example, the satellite protocol stack needs to transmit the signal strength of the satellite network to the application for display. Through the management of the satellite communication management, the data transmission between the upper application and the satellite protocol stack can be realized.

[0097] For example, the terminal can be a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook, a smart wearable device, an industry terminal, or the like, which needs to support both cellular communication and satellite communication. The embodiments of the present application do not specially limit the specific form of the terminal.

[0098] It should be noted that the satellite protocol stack, the satellite physical layer, the cellular protocol stack, and the cellular physical layer can be pure software modules, or software and hardware combined modules, and the embodiments of the present application do not specially limit this.

[0099] Referring to Figure 7 , a hardware structure diagram of a terminal is provided in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 7 , taking the terminal as a smartphone for example, the terminal can include a processor 210, a satellite communication processor 211 (such as a satellite communication chip), an internal memory 221, a charging management module 230, a power management module 231, a battery 232, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, an antenna 3, a mobile communication module 251 (such as an RF assembly 1), a satellite communication module 252 (such as an RF assembly 2), a wireless communication module 253, an audio module 270, a loudspeaker 270A, a receiver 270B, a microphone 270C, a headset interface 270D, a sensor module 280, a display screen 294, and a user identification card 3 (such as a SIM card) interface 295, and the like.

[0100] It can be understood that the structure illustrated in the embodiments does not constitute a specific limitation on the smartphone. In other embodiments, the smartphone can include more or fewer components than the illustration, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or different component arrangements. The illustrated components can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0101] The processor 210 can include one or more processing units, for example: the processor 210 can include an AP (such as including a satellite protocol stack), a GPU, an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a Modem (such as including a cellular protocol stack, a cellular physical layer), and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU), and the like. Different processing units can be independent devices, or can be integrated in one or more processors. The processor 210 can be a SoC.

[0102] In some embodiments, the processor 210 can include one or more interfaces. The interfaces can include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identity module 3 (such as a SIM card) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0103] The satellite communication processor 211 is in communication connection with the AP in the processor 210, for communication between the satellite protocol stack in the AP and the satellite physical layer in the satellite communication processor 211.

[0104] The charging management module 230 is configured to receive charging input from a charger. The charger can be a wireless charger or a wired charger. The power management module 231 is configured to connect the battery 232, and the charging management module 230 is connected to the processor 210. The power management module 231 receives input from the battery 232 and / or the charging management module 230 to power the processor 210, the internal memory 221, the external memory, the display screen 294, the camera 293, and the wireless communication module 253, etc.

[0105] The wireless communication function of the smartphone can be realized through the antenna 1, the antenna 2, the antenna 3, the mobile communication module 251, the satellite communication module 252, the wireless communication module 253, the AP, the Modem, and the satellite communication chip, etc. The antenna 1, the antenna 2, and the antenna 3 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals.

[0106] The mobile communication module 251 (e.g., RF component 1) can provide a solution for cellular communication (e.g., 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G) on a smartphone. The mobile communication module 251 can include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 251 can receive electromagnetic waves via the antenna 1, and perform filtering, amplification, etc. on the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit the processed signals to a modem for demodulation. The mobile communication module 251 can also amplify signals modulated by the modem, and radiate the amplified signals as electromagnetic waves via the antenna 1.

[0107] The satellite communication module 252 (e.g., RF component 2) can provide a solution for satellite communication on a smartphone. The satellite communication module 252 can include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The satellite communication module 252 can receive electromagnetic waves via the antenna 2, and perform filtering, amplification, etc. on the received electromagnetic waves, and transmit the processed signals to a satellite communication chip and an AP for processing. The satellite communication module 252 can also amplify signals processed by the AP and the satellite communication chip, and radiate the amplified signals as electromagnetic waves via the antenna 2.

[0108] The satellite communication module 252 can be independent of the satellite communication processor 211. Alternatively, the satellite communication module 252 can be partially encapsulated in the satellite communication processor 211. For example, the RFIC in the satellite communication module 252 can be encapsulated in the satellite communication processor 211.

[0109] The wireless communication module 253 can provide a solution for wireless communication (e.g., wireless local area networks (WLAN) (e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), infrared (IR) technology, etc.) on a smartphone. The wireless communication module 253 can be one or more devices that integrate at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 253 receives electromagnetic waves via the antenna 3, performs frequency modulation and filtering on the electromagnetic wave signals, and transmits the processed signals to the processor 210. The wireless communication module 253 can also receive signals to be transmitted from the processor 210, perform frequency modulation and amplification on the signals, and radiate the amplified signals as electromagnetic waves via the antenna 3.

[0110] The AP can output a sound signal through an audio device (not limited to the speaker 270A, the receiver 270B, etc.), or can display an image or a video through the display screen 294.

[0111] The smart phone realizes a display function through a GPU, the display screen 294, the AP, etc., such as displaying a switch of satellite communication and cellular communication, and displaying an application interface of various applications such as a call, a short message, etc.

[0112] The internal memory 221 can be used to store a computer executable program code including instructions. The processor 210 executes various function applications and data processing of the smart phone by running the instructions stored in the internal memory 221. The internal memory 221 can include a program storage area and a data storage area.

[0113] The smart phone can realize an audio function through the audio module 270, the speaker 270A, the receiver 270B, the microphone 270C, the earphone interface 270D, and the application processor, etc. For example, music playing, recording, etc. In some embodiments, during a call using a cellular network or a satellite network, the smart phone can collect the voice of the user through the microphone 270C, and can play the voice from the opposite end through the speaker 270A, the receiver 270B, or the earphone connected through the earphone interface 270D.

[0114] The SIM card interface 295 is used to connect a SIM card. The smart phone can include 1-N SIM card interfaces 295. The SIM card can realize contact and separation with the smart phone by being inserted into or pulled out of the SIM card interface 295. The smart phone can support one or more SIM card interfaces. The SIM card interface 295 can support a Nano SIM card, a Micro SIM card, a SIM card, etc. The same SIM card interface 295 can simultaneously insert multiple cards. The types of the multiple cards can be the same or different. The SIM card interface 295 can also be compatible with different types of SIM cards. The SIM card interface 295 can also be compatible with an external storage card. The smart phone realizes a call and data communication function, etc. by interacting with a network through the SIM card. In some embodiments, the smart phone adopts an eSIM, i.e., an embedded SIM card. The eSIM card can be embedded in the smart phone and cannot be separated from the smart phone.

[0115] The software system of the AP in the above terminal can adopt a layered architecture, an event-driven architecture, a microkernel architecture, a microservice architecture, or a cloud architecture. The embodiment of the present application takes the Android system of the AP as an example of the layered architecture, and exemplarily illustrates the software structure of the terminal. TM

[0116] Referring to​Figure 8 This is a software architecture diagram of the terminal provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the satellite protocol stack is located within the AP (Access Provider), not in the satellite communication chip. Specifically, a layered architecture divides the AP's software into several layers, each with a clear role and function. Layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, Android... TM The system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: Application layer, Application framework layer, Hardware abstraction layer (HAL), and Kernel layer.

[0117] It should be understood that Figure 8 The layering of the AP shown is merely exemplary; in actual implementation, the AP's software may include more or fewer layers. For example, a system library may be included between the application framework layer and the hardware abstraction layer.

[0118] The application layer can include a series of application packages, such as call, text message, browser, chat application, video player and other applications that require network support (including cellular network, satellite network and so on).

[0119] It should be noted that applications such as calls and text messages can provide communication services (i.e., making calls and sending text messages) with the support of cellular networks or satellite networks. In other words, calls can be divided into satellite calls and cellular calls, and text messages can be divided into satellite text messages and cellular text messages. Therefore, in a specific implementation, the terminal can further include two calling applications (satellite calling and cellular calling) and two text messaging applications (satellite text messaging and cellular text messaging). This makes it easier to distinguish the network type to be used from the foreground application. For example, if the foreground application is satellite text messaging, then in response to the user's confirmation of sending a text message, the terminal can determine to use the satellite network to send the message.

[0120] Of course, in practice, this implementation method is not the only option. In another specific implementation, calls and SMS can be separated into their own applications, without further subdivision. In this approach, the terminal can determine the network type to use based on the currently enabled network or the network configured by the user for the application. For example, in response to the user's confirmation to send an SMS, the terminal can use the currently enabled cellular network. Or, for instance, in the SMS settings, the network used for sending SMS can be set to satellite; in this case, in response to the user's confirmation, the terminal can determine to use the satellite network to send the SMS.

[0121] In some embodiments, the satellite application and the cellular application are further included in the application layer.

[0122] The cellular application is configured to provide display information related to the cellular network.

[0123] For example, the cellular application can provide information of signal strength of the cellular network in the status bar. Figure 9 For example, the cellular application can provide information of signal strength of the satellite network in the status bar.

[0124] For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the cellular network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off.

[0125] For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the cellular application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off.

[0126] The satellite application is configured to provide display information related to the satellite network.

[0127] For example, the satellite application can provide information of signal strength of the satellite network.

[0128] For example, the satellite application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the satellite application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off. Figure 9 For example, the satellite application can provide information of whether the satellite network is on or off.

[0129] For example, the satellite application can provide information related to the setting item of the satellite network in the setting application. For example, in response to a click operation of the application icon 9013 of the setting application in the interface 901 shown in FIG. 9, the mobile phone can display the interface 903 shown in FIG. 9, which includes the setting item 9032 of the satellite network. The satellite application can provide various information displayed after entering the setting item 9032. Figure 9 Figure 9

[0130] In addition, the cellular application can also receive an operation of the user to turn on and off the cellular network, such as receiving a click operation of the cellular switch (such as the cellular switch 9021 in the interface 902) of the user. In response to the operation of turning on and off the cellular network, the cellular application can request the underlying to turn on the cellular network. The satellite application can also receive an operation of the user to turn on and off the satellite network, such as receiving a click operation of the cellular switch (such as the cellular switch 9022 in the interface 902) of the user. In response to the operation of turning on and off the satellite network, the cellular application can request the underlying to turn on the satellite network.

[0131] Of course, in a broad sense, the application of calling, short message, etc. can be implemented under the support of the cellular network (i.e. calling, short message, etc.) can also be called a cellular application. However, in this article, the cellular application is mainly used to provide display information related to the cellular network. In addition, the application of calling, short message, etc. can be implemented under the support of the satellite network (i.e. calling, short message, etc.) can also be called a satellite application. However, in this article, the satellite application is mainly used to provide display information related to the satellite network.

[0132] The application framework layer provides an application programming interface (application programming interface, API) and a programming framework for the application program of the application program layer. The application framework layer includes some pre-defined functions. For example, the application framework layer can include a notification manager, a window manager, a resource manager, a content provider, and a view system, etc.

[0133] The hardware abstraction layer can provide a unified interface for the call of the upper layer application, and shield the specific implementation details of the hardware driver in the kernel layer. The upper layer application can realize the corresponding function by calling the interface provided by the hardware abstraction layer without knowing the specific implementation of the hardware driver in the kernel layer.

[0134] ​​In some embodiments, the satellite protocol stack is configured in the hardware abstraction layer of the AP. Specifically, the satellite protocol stack runs in the hardware abstraction layer as an independent process. It should be noted that when the terminal is powered on, the satellite protocol stack process can be started by the initialization (init) process at the initialization time, and the satellite protocol stack process is set as a daemon process. In this way, even if the satellite protocol stack process abnormally exits, it can be automatically restarted. For the satellite protocol stack, refer to the description in the foregoing, which will not be repeated here.

[0135] Since the satellite protocol stack is located in the hardware abstraction layer, the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the upper layer application needs to cross the application program layer, the application framework layer and the hardware abstraction layer, a total of three levels. Based on this, in a specific implementation manner, in order to facilitate the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the upper layer application, the satellite communication management can further include a satellite communication management 1 set in the application framework layer and a satellite communication management 2 set in the hardware abstraction layer. Hereinafter, this way is mainly described,

[0136] Among them, the satellite communication management 1 is set in the application framework layer, and provides an interface management function of the satellite communication service for the upper layer application. For example, in the process of sending a message by using the satellite network, the user only needs to input the number of the receiving party and the message content in the message (application). After receiving the operation of sending the message, the message (application) can call the message sending interface of the satellite communication management 1 to encode the message content, for example, using UCS2 encoding mode to encode Chinese characters, and using 7 bit encoding mode to encode English characters.

[0137] In addition, the satellite communication management 1 can also complete some processing that does not need to be perceived by the upper layer application (such as the satellite application). For example, the satellite communication management 1 can calculate the angle between the beam of the satellite and the beam of the terminal antenna (such as the antenna 1 in the foregoing) based on the global positioning system (GPS) signal and the signal collected by the related sensor, and determine the strategy of the satellite (such as the direction of rotation, the angle, etc.) based on the calculated angle. Finally, the satellite communication management 1 feeds back the strategy of the satellite to the satellite application, and the satellite application can prompt the user to rotate the terminal. In this example, the satellite application does not need to perceive the process of calculating and determining the strategy of the satellite, and the process is completely completed by the satellite communication management 1.

[0138] In addition, the satellite communication management 1 can also complete some processing that does not need to be perceived by the upper layer application (such as the satellite application). For example, the satellite communication management 1 can calculate the angle between the beam of the satellite and the beam of the terminal antenna (such as the antenna 1 in the foregoing) based on the global positioning system (GPS) signal and the signal collected by the related sensor, and determine the strategy of the satellite (such as the direction of rotation, the angle, etc.) based on the calculated angle. Finally, the satellite communication management 1 feeds back the strategy of the satellite to the satellite application, and the satellite application can prompt the user to rotate the terminal. In this example, the satellite application does not need to perceive the process of calculating and determining the strategy of the satellite, and the process is completely completed by the satellite communication management 1.

[0139] On the other hand, the satellite communication management 1 can communicate with the satellite protocol stack. For example, the satellite protocol stack can receive data, such as the content of a short message, from the satellite communication management 2. For another example, the satellite protocol stack can also send data, such as the signal strength of the satellite network, to the satellite communication management 2.

[0140] Further, the satellite communication management 2 can include a card authentication agent to transfer data between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack, so as to realize the data transfer for card authentication in the satellite communication process. For example, the card authentication agent can forward a request for obtaining the identification of the user identification card 3 from the satellite protocol stack to the cellular protocol stack; and the card authentication agent can return the identification read by the cellular protocol stack to the satellite protocol stack. For another example, the card authentication agent can forward an authentication request from the satellite protocol stack to the cellular protocol stack; and the card authentication agent can return the authentication response received by the cellular protocol stack to the satellite protocol stack.

[0141] In some embodiments, the application framework layer can further include a cellular framework, and the hardware abstraction layer can further include a cellular HAL. It should be understood that the cellular framework and the cellular HAL are used for the interaction between the upper-layer application and the Modem in the cellular communication process, which will not be described herein.

[0142] The kernel layer is a layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer can include a display driver, a camera driver, an audio driver, and the like.

[0143] In some embodiments, the kernel layer can further include a serial port driver. It should be understood that the SoC and the satellite communication chip are connected through a hardware line, and the hardware line is usually connected in the form of a serial port, such as a UART interface or a serial peripheral interface (SPI). Therefore, the serial port driver in the kernel layer can be used to drive the serial port and realize the data transfer between the satellite protocol stack in the SoC and the satellite physical layer in the satellite communication chip. For example, the serial port driver provides three interfaces, including a read interface, a write interface, and a control interface. The satellite protocol stack can read data from the satellite physical layer by calling the read interface, and write data to the satellite physical layer by calling the write interface.

[0144] It should be noted that: the satellite communication chip and the SoC adopt serial communication, and in the SoC, the serial port driver is usually set in the kernel layer of the AP. This means that the communication between the satellite communication chip and the SoC needs to pass through the kernel layer of the AP. Therefore, setting the satellite protocol stack in the AP instead of the Modem can facilitate the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer. For example, if the satellite protocol stack is set in the Modem, the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer needs to cross the Modem, the AP and the satellite communication chip, and cannot be directly realized through the communication between the AP and the satellite communication chip.

[0145] In addition, the operating system (such as Android TM ) running in the AP is open source, and it is relatively easy for terminal manufacturers to add a software module in it. However, the operating system (such as Real-time operating system (RTOS TM ) running in the Modem is not open source at present, and terminal manufacturers need to communicate and cooperate with the manufacturers of the Modem to add a software module in it. That is, it is much more difficult to improve the Modem than to improve the AP. Therefore, it is also easier to set the satellite protocol stack in the AP.

[0146] Although in this paper, the satellite protocol stack is configured in the AP as an example, but in practice, the satellite protocol stack can also be configured in the Modem. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0147] Continuing to refer to Figure 8 , the software architecture of the terminal also includes the software components of the Modem, and the RTOS TM runs in the Modem. Unlike the Android TM system running in the AP, the RTOS is a single-task operating system, which can only process a single process at the same time. However, the Android TM system can process multiple processes at the same time.

[0148] The Modem usually includes a cellular protocol stack and a cellular physical layer. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the cellular protocol stack is not only used for cellular communication, but also used for the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the user identification card 3 in the satellite communication process. For example, the cellular protocol stack can read the identification of the user identification card 3 and return (such as through the satellite communication management 2) to the satellite protocol stack. For another example, the cellular protocol stack can return an authentication response (such as through the satellite communication management 2) to the satellite protocol stack.

[0149] In some embodiments, a card driver (not shown in the figure) is also included in the modem. The card driver can be used for the interaction between the cellular protocol stack and the subscriber identity card 3. For example, the cellular protocol stack can read the identification of the subscriber identity card 3 through the card driver, the cellular protocol stack can send an authentication request to the subscriber identity card 3 through the card driver, the subscriber identity card 3 can return an authentication response to the cellular protocol stack through the card driver, and so on.

[0150] In some embodiments, an RF interface module (not shown in the figure) is also included in the modem. The RF interface module is used for the interaction between the cellular physical layer and the RF component 1. In a specific implementation, the RF interface module includes a baseband interface unit (BBIU). For example, the cellular physical layer sends uplink voice data to the RF component 1 through the RF interface module, and finally transmits through the antenna; and the RF component 1 can send downlink voice data to the cellular physical layer through the RF interface module, and finally play through the speaker, receiver or earphone and the like.

[0151] Continuing to refer to Figure 8 , the software architecture of the terminal also includes a satellite physical layer in the satellite communication chip. The satellite physical layer can respectively communicate with the satellite protocol stack in the AP and the RF component 2. For example, the satellite physical layer can receive (such as through the serial port driver) data from the satellite protocol stack, such as short message content. For another example, the satellite physical layer can also send (such as through the serial port driver) data to the satellite protocol stack, such as sending downlink voice data, short message data and the like.

[0152] With the software architecture shown in Figure 8 , if the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip is transplanted into the AP, then a large DDR does not need to be deployed in the satellite protocol stack to store the code of the satellite protocol stack. In this way, the volume of the satellite communication chip can be reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the newly added hardware for implementing satellite communication. Moreover, the satellite communication management is set in the AP to manage the communication of the satellite protocol stack. The satellite communication management can not only manage the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the upper layer application, but also manage the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack, so that the interaction with the subscriber identity card 3 can be realized by means of the cellular protocol stack. In this way, the cellular communication and the satellite communication can share the same subscriber identity card 3.

[0153] The communication mode between the modules related to the implementation of satellite communication in the software architecture shown in Figure 8 will be described below. The modules related to the implementation of satellite communication include: satellite application, call application and the like, satellite communication management (including satellite communication management 1 and satellite communication management 2), satellite protocol stack, satellite physical layer and cellular protocol stack.

[0154] In the AP, the layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. The satellite communication management 2 and the satellite protocol stack, which are located in the hardware abstraction layer, can use inter-process communication, such as socket, message queue, and the like. That is, after the satellite protocol stack is transplanted into the AP, the AT interface is in the form of socket, message queue, and the like.

[0155] The satellite communication management 2 and the cellular protocol stack in the Modem communicate through a first logical channel newly added between the AP and the Modem. It should be understood that in one physical channel, multiple logical channels can be virtually created for the transmission of different functional data. Since the satellite communication process satellite protocol stack and card interaction related data, such as IMSI, authentication response, and the like, need to be transmitted between the AP and the Modem, a first logical channel can be added in the physical channel between the AP and the Modem to support the data transmission between the satellite communication management 2 of the AP and the cellular protocol stack in the Modem.

[0156] It should be understood that when the first logical channel is added, the logical channel can be implemented based on the type of SoC with a matching interface. For example, the SoC is a chip of manufacturer A, and the AP and the Modem in the chip of manufacturer A communicate through an a interface, then a set of a interface can be added to implement the first logical channel. For another example, the SoC is a chip of manufacturer B, and the AP and the Modem in the chip of manufacturer B communicate through a b interface, then a set of b interface can be added to implement the first logical channel.

[0157] Of course, other logical channels can also be virtually created in the physical channel between the AP and the Modem, such as a logical channel for transmitting cellular communication data.

[0158] The satellite protocol stack, the cellular protocol stack, and the card driver interact in the form of request-response. Then, after the request (such as a request to read the identification of the user identification card 3, an authentication request) is finally transmitted to the user identification card 3 via the satellite protocol stack, the cellular protocol stack, and the card driver, the response (such as the identification, the authentication result) of the request can be returned to the satellite protocol stack along the transmission path of the request. In this way, in the process of satellite communication, the cellular protocol stack can accurately return the response from the user identification card 3 to the satellite communication management, and finally to the satellite protocol stack, without being mistakenly transmitted to the cellular physical layer.

[0159] The satellite protocol stack can call the serial port driver to drive the serial port between the SoC and the satellite communication chip, thereby realizing the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer.

[0160] By using the above communication mode, the following multiple communication paths can be constructed: a satellite communication path ①, a communication path ②, a communication path ③, and a communication path ④.

[0161] The following describes the communication process of the terminal provided by the embodiment of the application based on the multiple communication paths shown in Figure 8

[0162] Flow 1: Start the satellite network. That is, access the satellite network.

[0163] After receiving the operation of starting the satellite network, the terminal will start to execute flow 1 to access the satellite network. For example, the mobile phone can display the interface 1001 shown in Figure 10 At this time, the satellite network switch 10011 is in the off state (in the figure, the unbolded icon and text are used to represent it). The operation of starting the satellite network can be a click operation on the satellite network switch in the off state. Then, in response to the click operation of the user on the switch 10011 in the off state, the mobile phone can start to execute the flow of starting the satellite network. After the starting of the satellite network is completed, the mobile phone can display the interface 1002 shown in Figure 10 At this time, the satellite network switch 10021 is in the on state (in the figure, the bolded icon and text are used to represent it), and the signal strength of the satellite network is shown as the icon 10022 in the interface 1002.

[0164] Referring to Figure 11 In flow 1, the satellite application can interact with the satellite protocol stack by using the communication path ①, such as the interaction between the satellite application, the satellite communication management (such as satellite communication management 1), and the satellite protocol stack in S1101-S1108 and S1137-S1139 in Figure 11 After the satellite protocol stack is started, on the one hand, the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network can interact in the network search, RRC connection establishment, and registration process by using the communication path ②, such as the interaction between the satellite protocol stack, the satellite physical layer, and the RF component 2 in S1109-S1136 in Figure 11 On the other hand, the satellite protocol stack and the user identification card 3 can interact in the registration process by using the communication path ③, such as the interaction between the satellite protocol stack, the satellite communication management (such as satellite communication management 2), the cellular protocol stack, and the user identification card 3 in S1109-S1136 in Figure 11

[0165] Specifically, the flow of accessing the satellite network by the terminal includes the following steps:

[0166] ​​S1101, the satellite application receives an event of starting the satellite network.

[0167] For example, the event of starting the satellite network can be a click operation of a user on a switch 10011 of the satellite network in the interface 1001 shown in FIG. 10. Figure 10

[0168] Of course, the event of starting the satellite network is not limited to the above-mentioned event. For another example, the terminal is provided with a physical button of starting the satellite network, and the event of starting the satellite network can be a starting operation of a user on the physical button; or the event of starting the satellite network can be an event of inputting a preset voice 1 (such as "start the satellite network") by the user, etc. Or, the event of starting the satellite network can be an event of detecting a condition (such as a cellular network signal) of starting the satellite network. Figure 10

[0169] S1102, the satellite application notifies the satellite communication management of starting the satellite network.

[0170] S1103, the satellite communication management receives the notification of starting the satellite network.

[0171] S1104, the satellite communication management acquires the position and the attitude of the terminal, and calculates the angle between the antenna of the terminal and the satellite based on the position and the attitude.

[0172] For example, the satellite communication management can acquire a GPS signal to obtain the position of the terminal. In addition, the satellite communication management can acquire a gyroscope signal to obtain the attitude of the terminal.

[0173] S1105, if the angle is greater than or equal to a preset angle, the satellite communication management generates a satellite pointing strategy matched with the angle.

[0174] It should be understood that satellite pointing refers to a process of adjusting the attitude of the terminal to change the orientation of the antenna, so that the beam center of the antenna is aligned with the satellite. Correspondingly, the satellite pointing strategy is information for guiding the user to change the attitude of the terminal. For example, the satellite pointing strategy includes a rotation direction and a rotation angle.

[0175] Wherein, the angle greater than or equal to the preset angle indicates that the deviation of the beam center of the antenna of the terminal from the line connecting the satellite and the terminal is large. Then, the attitude of the terminal needs to be adjusted to reduce the deviation of the beam center of the antenna of the terminal from the line connecting the satellite and the terminal.

[0176] S1106, the satellite communication management sends the satellite pointing strategy to the satellite application.

[0177] S1107, the satellite application displays the satellite pointing strategy.

[0178] ​​After the satellite application displays the pointing strategy, the user can adjust the posture of the terminal according to the pointing strategy. For example, the user adjusts the posture according to the azimuth and the angle of rotation in the pointing strategy.

[0179] It should be noted that for the specific implementation of calculating the angle and generating the matching pointing strategy, and adjusting the posture of the terminal based on the pointing strategy, please refer to the related information about pointing, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0180] It should be noted that after the user adjusts the posture of the terminal, the satellite communication management can recalculate the angle between the antenna of the terminal and the satellite based on the positioning and the new posture. If the angle is greater than the preset angle, a new pointing strategy will be generated and the user will be guided to point to the satellite. In other words, after S1103, the above S1104-S1107 can be continuously executed.

[0181] However, if the angle is less than the preset angle, it indicates that the antenna of the terminal has been aligned with the satellite, and at this time, S1108 and the subsequent steps can be executed to continue the steps of accessing the satellite network.

[0182] S1108, if the angle is less than the preset angle, the satellite communication management sends a command to start the satellite protocol stack to the satellite protocol stack.

[0183] For example, the satellite communication management can send a command to start the satellite protocol stack to the satellite communication management by calling an interface in the satellite communication management for starting the satellite protocol stack.

[0184] S1109, the satellite protocol stack is started.

[0185] After the satellite protocol stack is started, the satellite network can be searched (referred to as searching for a network) and RRC connection can be established through the communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. It should be understood that the satellite protocol stack needs to pass through the satellite physical layer, the RF component 2, and the antenna to finally realize the communication with the satellite network. The satellite protocol stack can realize the communication with the satellite physical layer by calling the interface of the serial port driver, and the satellite physical layer and the RF component 2 can realize the communication between the satellite physical layer and the RF component 2 by calling the RF interface module.

[0186] For example, the process of searching for a network includes that the satellite protocol stack sends a request for searching for a network to the satellite physical layer. After receiving the request for searching for a network, the satellite physical layer can start the RF component 2, for example, by starting the receiving path (RF receiving path for short) of the RF component 2 through the RF driver control. It should be understood that the transmitting path (RF transmitting path for short) of the RF component 2 is usually started only when information needs to be transmitted, and can be temporarily not started at this time. After starting the RF component 2, the RF component 2 can receive system messages from the satellite network through the antenna. Then, the RF component 2 sends the system messages to the satellite physical layer. The satellite physical layer demodulates the system messages, and feeds back a message of successful demodulation to the satellite protocol stack after successful demodulation. In this example, only part of the process of searching for a network is shown, and the actual process of searching for a network is not limited thereto.

[0187] For example, the process of RRC connection establishment includes that, after receiving the message of successful demodulation, the satellite protocol stack initiates a random access channel (RACH) to the satellite physical layer. The RACH is transmitted to the satellite network through the satellite physical layer, the RF component 2 and the antenna in turn. After receiving the RACH, the satellite network can reply to the access response in the window of a random access response (RAR). Then, the RF component 2 can receive the access response through the antenna. The access response can be finally returned to the satellite protocol stack through the RF component 2 and the satellite physical layer in turn. In this example, only part of the process of RRC connection establishment is shown, and the actual process of RRC connection establishment is not limited thereto.

[0188] After the process of searching for a network and the process of RRC connection establishment are completed, the process of registration is entered. In the process of registration, the satellite network needs to identify the identity of the user identification card 3 and authenticate the user identification card 3 (card authentication for short). The identity identification and the card authentication in the process of registration will be mainly described below, so as to describe the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the user identification card 3.

[0189] Specifically, the identity identification includes the following S1110-S1118.

[0190] S1110, the satellite protocol stack sends a read request to the satellite communication management, to read the identity of the user identification card 3.

[0191] The identity is used to uniquely indicate the user identification card 3, for example, the identity is IMSI, a public land mobile network (PLMN) number or the like.

[0192] And, the satellite protocol stack and the satellite communication management (e.g., satellite communication management 2) can implement data transmission of card interaction through inter-process communication, such as the read request in S1110, and the identification, authentication request, authentication result, etc. in the following.

[0193] S1111, the satellite communication management sends a read request to the cellular protocol stack.

[0194] The satellite communication can parse and encapsulate the read request and forward it to the cellular protocol stack.

[0195] Among them, the satellite communication management and the cellular protocol stack can transmit the data of card interaction through the first logical channel in the physical channel between the AP and the Modem, such as the read request in S1111, and the identification, authentication request, authentication result, etc. in the following.

[0196] S1112, the cellular protocol stack sends a read request to the user identification card 3.

[0197] The cellular protocol stack can transmit the data of card interaction with the user identification card 3 through the card driver, such as the read request in S1112, the identification, and the authentication request, authentication result, etc. in the following.

[0198] S1113, the user identification card 3 returns the identification to the cellular protocol stack.

[0199] S1114, the cellular protocol stack returns the identification to the satellite communication management.

[0200] S1115, the satellite communication management returns the identification to the satellite protocol stack.

[0201] S1116, the satellite protocol stack sends the identification to the satellite physical layer.

[0202] The satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer can implement interaction through the way of driving the serial port (such as UART, SPI) through the serial port driver.

[0203] In S1110-S1116, the satellite protocol stack reads the identification of the user identification card 3 from the user identification card 3 in real time. In practice, the terminal may have already stored the identification of the user identification card 3. Illustratively, when the terminal detects that the user identification card 3 is inserted, the identification of the user identification card 3 can be obtained and stored. In this case, S1110 and S1116 above can be replaced by: the satellite protocol stack obtains the identification of the user identification card 3 from a preset storage location.

[0204] S1117, the satellite physical layer sends the identification to the RF component 2.

[0205] S1118, the RF component 2 sends the identification to the satellite network.

[0206] The RF component 2 sends the identity to the satellite network through the antenna.

[0207] After receiving the identity, the satellite network can identify the user identification card 3 based on the identity. For example, the satellite network searches the currently received identity in the admitted identities. If the currently received identity belongs to the admitted identities, the identity verification is passed. If the currently received identity does not belong to the admitted identities, the identity verification is failed.

[0208] If the identity verification is failed, the satellite network can issue a message of failed identity identification, and feedback to the satellite application through the antenna, the RF component 2, the satellite physical layer, the satellite protocol stack, the satellite communication management. The satellite application displays a prompt of failed identity verification.

[0209] In addition, the card authentication includes S1119-S1132 as follows:

[0210] S1119, the RF component 2 receives an authentication request from the satellite network, and the authentication request carries a check value.

[0211] After the identity verification is passed, the satellite network can issue an authentication request, and the authentication request carries a check value, such as a preset value or a random number.

[0212] S1120, the RF component 2 sends the authentication request to the satellite physical layer.

[0213] S1121, the satellite physical layer sends the authentication request to the satellite protocol stack.

[0214] S1122, the satellite protocol stack sends the authentication request to the satellite communication management.

[0215] S1123, the satellite communication management sends the authentication request to the cellular protocol stack.

[0216] S1124, the cellular protocol stack sends the authentication request to the user identification card 3.

[0217] S1125, the user identification card 3 calculates the check value in the authentication request to obtain an authentication result.

[0218] After receiving the authentication request, the user identification card 3 can calculate the check value. For example, the user identification card 3 can use a built-in check algorithm to calculate the check value to obtain an authentication result.

[0219] S1126, the user identification card 3 sends the authentication result to the cellular protocol stack.

[0220] S1127, the cellular protocol stack sends the authentication result to the satellite communication management.

[0221] S1128, the satellite communication management sends the authentication result to the satellite protocol stack.

[0222] S1129, the satellite protocol stack constructs an authentication response message based on the authentication result.

[0223] The authentication response message is a message that can be fed back to the satellite network, and the authentication result is carried in the authentication response message.

[0224] S1130, the satellite protocol stack sends the authentication response message to the satellite physical layer.

[0225] S1131, the satellite physical layer sends the authentication response message to the RF component 2.

[0226] S1132, the RF component 2 sends the authentication response message to the satellite network.

[0227] After receiving the authentication response message, the satellite network can parse the authentication result. Moreover, the satellite network can also calculate the standard authentication result by using a preset verification algorithm.

[0228] If the verification algorithm built-in in the user identification card 3 is the same as the preset verification algorithm, such as both are hash algorithms, the authentication result calculated by the user identification card 3 (i.e. the authentication result parsed by the user identification card 3) should be the same as the standard authentication result. If the verification algorithm built-in in the user identification card 3 is different from the preset verification algorithm, the authentication result calculated by the user identification card 3 (i.e. the authentication result parsed by the user identification card 3) is different from the standard authentication result. Based on this, the satellite network can compare the parsed authentication result with the standard authentication result, if they are the same, the authentication is successful; if they are not the same, the authentication is failed.

[0229] If the authentication is failed, the satellite network can issue a message of authentication failure, and finally feed back to the satellite application through the antenna, the RF component 2, the satellite physical layer, the satellite protocol stack, and the satellite communication management. The satellite application displays a prompt of authentication failure.

[0230] If the authentication is successful, the satellite network can issue a message of authentication success to the satellite protocol stack, as shown in S1133-S1135.

[0231] S1133, the RF component 2 receives the message of authentication success from the satellite network.

[0232] S1134, the RF component 2 sends the message of authentication success to the satellite physical layer.

[0233] S1135, the satellite physical layer sends the message of authentication success to the satellite protocol stack.

[0234] After the authentication is successful, the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network can also continue to complete the subsequent registration process, and after the registration is completed, the satellite network can send a registration accept message to the satellite protocol stack to indicate successful access to the satellite network. Correspondingly, the satellite protocol stack can receive the registration accept message, as indicated by S1136:

[0235] S1136, the satellite protocol stack receives the registration accept message.

[0236] S1137, the satellite protocol stack sends the registration accept message to the satellite communication management.

[0237] S1138, the satellite communication management sends the registration accept message to the satellite application.

[0238] S1139, the satellite application updates the state of the satellite network to an open state.

[0239] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the user to explicitly indicate the signal strength of the satellite network, after receiving the registration accept message, the satellite protocol stack can also report the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer to the upper layer application (such as a desktop application, a satellite application, etc.) through the satellite communication management and the satellite communication management in turn. Then, the upper layer application can display the signal strength. It should be understood that the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer can change as the network environment changes, therefore, the satellite protocol stack can constantly report the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer to the upper layer application. In this way, the upper layer application can display the real-time signal strength.

[0240] For example, after the satellite network is opened, the mobile phone can display the interface 1002 as shown in the following. Figure 10 The switch 10021 of the satellite network in the interface 1002 is in an open state, indicating that the satellite network has been opened, and the prompt 10022 in the status bar prompts that the signal strength of the satellite network is 3 bars.

[0241] After accessing the satellite network by using the above-mentioned process 1, the terminal can use the satellite network to make a call, send a message, and transmit an Internet of Things short message, etc. In this paper, the use of the satellite network is mainly illustrated by taking the use of the satellite network to make a call (i.e., the following process 2) as an example.

[0242] Process 2, call process. That is, making a call by using the satellite network.

[0243] After receiving the operation of the user initiating a call, the terminal can start to execute the process 2. For example, after the satellite network is opened, the mobile phone can display the interface 1002 as shown in the following. Figure 12The interface 1201 shown. The interface 1201 is a dialing interface. The interface 1201 includes a history call record 12011 and a dialing keypad 12012. The operation of initiating a call can be a click operation of the user clicking the dial button 12013 in the dialing keypad 12012 after inputting the number in the dialing keypad. Alternatively, the operation of initiating a call can be a selection operation (such as a click operation) of the user on the history call record 12011.

[0244] Of course, the operation of initiating a call is not limited to Figure 12 the interface shown. Exemplarily, the operation of initiating a call can also be an operation of the user inputting voice 3 (such as "call Tom"); or, the operation of initiating a call can also be a click operation of the user on a shortcut key (such as the shortcut key for alarm is the number "0") in the dialing keypad, etc.

[0245] In response to the operation of initiating a call, the terminal can display a calling interface. The calling interface includes: information of the called user (such as the number, the home of the number, the name, etc.) and a prompt of calling. Exemplarily, the calling interface is the interface 1202 shown. The text "Tom" in the interface 1202 is the name of the called user, and the text "calling…" is the prompt of calling. Figure 12

[0246] After the call control plane and the call user plane are established, the voice call can be started. At this time, the mobile phone can display the interface 1203 shown. The interface 1203 includes a call timing "00:00", indicating that the call has been started. Figure 12

[0247] Referring to Figure 13 In flow 2, the communication path ④ is adopted, and the call application can interact with the satellite protocol stack, such as the interaction between the call application, the satellite communication management (such as satellite communication management 2) and the satellite protocol stack in S1301-S1303 in Figure 13 The communication path ② can be adopted to realize the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network in the process of RRC connection establishment, identity authentication and authentication of the user identification card 3, establishment of the call control plane and the call user plane, and the call, such as the interaction between the satellite protocol stack, the satellite physical layer and the RF component 2 in S1304-S1312 in Figure 13 The communication path ③ can be adopted to realize the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the user identification card 3 in the process of identity authentication and authentication of the user identification card 3.

[0248] Specifically, the call flow includes:

[0249] S1301, in the case of starting the satellite network, the call application receives the operation of initiating a call by the user. ​​

[0250] S1302, the satellite application sends a call command to the satellite communication management.

[0251] For example, the satellite application can call the call interface provided by the satellite communication management (such as satellite communication management 1) to send a call command to the satellite communication management.

[0252] S1303, the satellite communication management sends a call command to the satellite protocol stack.

[0253] Before the call, RRC connection needs to be established between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. In addition, after the RRC connection is completed, identity authentication and card authentication need to be performed on the user identification card 3. For specific implementation of RRC connection, identity authentication and card authentication, please refer to the description in process 1 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0254] After the identity authentication and card authentication are completed, the call control plane and the call user plane need to be established between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. For example, the process of establishing the call control plane includes: the satellite protocol stack initiates a call command, and successively passes through the satellite physical layer, the RF component 2, the antenna, and finally sends the call command to the satellite network. After sending the call command to the satellite network, the satellite network can successively pass through the antenna, the RF component 2, the satellite physical layer, and finally return the call response to the satellite protocol stack.

[0255] After the call control plane and the call user plane are established, the voice call can be started. For example, after the call control plane and the call user plane are established, the satellite protocol stack can feed back a message of starting the call to the call application, such as feeding back the message of starting the call to the call application through the satellite communication management. After receiving the message of starting the call, the call application can display the starting call timing. For example, the call application can display the interface 1203 shown in the figure, which includes the call timing "00:00", indicating that the call has started. Figure 12

[0256] For example, after the call control plane and the call user plane are established, the satellite protocol stack can call the interface of the audio driver in the kernel layer to make the audio driver work.

[0257] S1304, the satellite protocol stack receives the uplink voice collected by the audio collection device.

[0258] For example, the audio collection device can first send the collected uplink voice to the DSP for processing, and then the DSP sends the processed uplink voice to the satellite protocol stack through inter-core communication.

[0259] The audio collection device can be a microphone of the terminal, or a microphone connected to the earphone of the terminal, etc.​

[0260] S1305 and the satellite protocol stack encode the uplink voice to obtain the encoded uplink signal.

[0261] S1306, The satellite protocol stack sends uplink signals to the satellite physical layer.

[0262] S1307, The satellite physical layer sends an uplink signal to RF component 2.

[0263] S1308, RF component 2 sends uplink signals to the satellite network.

[0264] RF component 2 can send uplink signals to the satellite network via an antenna, thereby transmitting the uplink signals to the called user via the satellite network.

[0265] S1309, RF component 2 receives downlink signals from the satellite network.

[0266] For example, RF component 2 can receive downlink signals from the called user relayed by the satellite network via an antenna.

[0267] S1310 and RF component 2 send downlink signals to the satellite physical layer.

[0268] S1311, The satellite physical layer sends downlink signals to the satellite protocol stack.

[0269] S1312, the satellite protocol stack decodes the downlink signal to obtain the decoded downlink voice, which is then played by the audio playback device.

[0270] For example, a satellite protocol stack can send downlink voice to an audio playback device.

[0271] This application also provides a chip system, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the chip system 1400 (such as a SoC) includes at least one processor (such as an application processor AP, a baseband processor Modem) 1401 and at least one interface circuit 1402. The processor 1401 and the interface circuit 1402 are interconnected via lines. For example, the interface circuit 1402 can be used to receive signals from other devices (such as the memory of a terminal). As another example, the interface circuit 1402 can be used to send signals to other devices (such as the processor 1401). Exemplarily, the interface circuit 1402 can read instructions stored in memory and send those instructions to the processor 1401. When the instructions are executed by the processor 1401, the terminal can perform the steps described in the above embodiments.

[0272] Of course, the chip system may also include other discrete components, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0273] The embodiment further provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a terminal, the terminal performs each function or step in the above method embodiment.

[0274] The embodiment further provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform each function or step in the above method embodiment.

[0275] In addition, the embodiment of the present application further provides a device, which can be a chip, a component or a module, and the device can include a processor and a memory connected to each other. When the device is running, the processor can execute the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the chip performs each function or step in the above method embodiment.

[0276] The chip system, the computer readable storage medium, the computer program product or the device provided by the embodiment are used to execute the corresponding method provided above, and thus the beneficial effects achieved thereby can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method provided above, which will not be described here again.

[0277] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is taken as an example for illustration, and in actual application, the above functions can be completed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0278] In the several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiment described above is only illustrative, and for example, the division of the module or unit is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0279] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, can be located in one place, or can be distributed to multiple different places. According to actual needs, part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0280] In addition, each function unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software function unit.

[0281] When the integrated unit is realized in the form of a software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the whole or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to make a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc.) or a processor execute all or part of the steps of the embodiments of the present application method. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), a random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various program code storage media.

[0282] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and not to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present application can be modified or replaced equivalently without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, which includes a chip system, a user identification card interface, and a satellite communication processor. The chip system is communicatively connected to the user identification card interface and the satellite communication processor, respectively. The user identification card interface is used to insert a user identification card. The chip system includes an application processor (AP) and a baseband processor (Modem). The AP is communicatively connected to the Modem. The Modem includes a first protocol stack module and a first physical layer module for cellular communication. The AP or the Modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication. The satellite communication processor includes a second physical layer module for satellite communication but does not include the second protocol stack module. The first protocol stack module communicates with the first physical layer and the user identification card respectively to implement communication services using the cellular network; The second protocol stack module communicates with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively to implement communication services using the satellite network; wherein, the communication between the second protocol stack module and the user identification card includes: the second protocol stack module communicating with the user identification card through the first protocol stack module; and the communication between the second protocol stack module and the satellite communication processor includes: the second protocol stack module communicating with the second physical layer module.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second protocol stack module communicates with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively to implement communication services using the satellite network, including: In response to the start of a call, the second protocol stack module sends uplink voice data to the satellite network through the second physical layer module, and the second protocol stack module receives downlink voice data from the satellite network through the second physical layer module.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second protocol stack module communicates with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively to implement communication services using the satellite network, and also includes: Before the call begins, after the Radio Resource Control (RRC) link establishment is completed in response to the first event, the second protocol stack module forwards an authentication request from the satellite network to the user identification card through the first protocol stack module. The authentication request is used to verify the identity of the user identification card, and the first event is used to trigger the activation of the satellite network. The second protocol stack module receives the authentication result from the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the authentication result corresponds to the authentication request; The second protocol stack module communicates with the satellite network through the second physical layer module, including: The second protocol stack module sends the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer module; The second protocol stack module receives a successful authentication message from the satellite network through the second physical layer module.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The terminal further includes a first radio frequency (RF) component and a second radio frequency (RF) component. The first RF component is connected to the modem and is used to transmit and receive cellular signals. The second RF component is connected to the satellite communication processor and is used to transmit and receive satellite signals. The first protocol stack module communicates with the first physical layer and the user identification card respectively to implement communication services using the cellular network, including: the first protocol stack module communicates with the first RF component through the first physical layer to realize the transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave signals during cellular communication; and the first protocol stack module also communicates with the user identification card to obtain the identifier of the user identification card and perform card authentication on the user identification card.

5. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, The mobile terminal includes a chip system, a user identification card interface, and a satellite communication processor. The chip system is connected to the user identification card interface and the satellite communication processor respectively. The user identification card interface is used to insert a user identification card. The chip system includes an application processor (AP) and a baseband processor (Modem). The AP is communicatively connected to the Modem. The modem includes a first protocol stack module for cellular communication and a first physical layer module for cellular communication. The first protocol stack module is used to communicate with the first physical layer and the user identification card respectively, so as to use the cellular network to realize communication services. The AP or the Modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication; The satellite communication processor includes a second physical layer module for satellite communication, but does not include the second protocol stack module; The second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively to implement communication services using the satellite network; wherein, the second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the user identification card, including: the second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the user identification card through the first protocol stack module; the second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the satellite communication processor, including: the second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the second physical layer module.

6. The mobile terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mobile terminal further includes a first radio frequency (RF) component and a second radio frequency (RF) component. The first RF component is connected to the baseband processor (Modem) in the chip system and is used to transmit and receive cellular signals. The second RF component is connected to the satellite communication processor and is used to transmit and receive satellite signals.

7. The mobile terminal according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively, in order to implement communication services using the satellite network, including: In response to the start of a call, the second protocol stack module sends uplink voice data to the satellite network through the second physical layer module, and the second protocol stack module receives downlink voice data from the satellite network through the second physical layer module.

8. The mobile terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the user identification card and the satellite communication processor respectively to implement communication services using the satellite network, and further includes: Before the call begins, after the Radio Resource Control (RRC) link establishment is completed in response to the first event, the second protocol stack module forwards an authentication request from the satellite network to the user identification card through the first protocol stack module. The authentication request is used to verify the identity of the user identification card, and the first event is used to trigger the activation of the satellite network. The second protocol stack module receives the authentication result from the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the authentication result corresponds to the authentication request; The second protocol stack module is used to communicate with the second physical layer module, and further includes: The second protocol stack module sends the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer module; The second protocol stack module receives a successful authentication message from the satellite network through the second physical layer module.

9. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The first protocol stack module is used to communicate with the first physical layer and the user identification card respectively to implement communication services using the cellular network, including: the first protocol stack module is used to communicate with the first RF component through the first physical layer to realize the transmission and reception of electromagnetic wave signals during cellular communication.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first protocol stack module is used to communicate with the first physical layer and the user identification card respectively to implement communication services using the cellular network. It also includes: the first protocol stack module is further used to communicate with the user identification card to obtain the identifier of the user identification card and to authenticate the user identification card.

11. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 5-10, characterized in that, The AP includes a hardware abstraction layer, and the second protocol stack is configured in the hardware abstraction layer.

12. The mobile terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that, The hardware abstraction layer also includes a first communication management module, which is used to support communication between the second protocol stack module and the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module communicates with the user identification card through the first protocol stack module, including: The second protocol stack module communicates with the first protocol stack module through the first communication management module, so as to communicate with the user identification card through the first protocol stack module.

13. The mobile terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second protocol stack module and the first communication management module communicate with each other via inter-process communication.

14. The mobile terminal according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, A first logical channel is configured between the AP and the Modem, wherein the first communication management module communicates with the first protocol stack through the first logical channel.

15. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The AP also includes an application layer and an application framework layer. The application framework layer includes a second communication management module. The first communication management module is also used to support communication between the second communication management module and the second protocol stack module. The second communication management module is used to support communication between the satellite application in the application layer and the first communication management module. The satellite application in the application layer communicates with the second communication management module and the first communication management module. The second communication management module communicates with the first communication management module and the second protocol stack module.

16. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 5-15, characterized in that, The communication connection between the AP and the satellite communication processor is a serial port connection. The AP includes a first driver, which is a serial port driver. The second protocol stack module communicates with the second physical layer module, including: The second protocol stack module communicates with the second physical layer module by calling the first driver.

17. The mobile terminal according to claim 16, characterized in that, The AP includes a kernel layer, and the first driver is configured in the kernel layer.

18. The mobile terminal according to any one of claims 5-17, characterized in that, The chip system is a system-on-a-chip (SoC), and the AP and the modem are integrated into the SoC.

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