Airborne satellite communication processing terminal

By designing an airborne satellite communication processing terminal, the problem of poor interface compatibility in airborne satellite communication technology was solved, and seamless integration between satellite communication and ground Ethernet equipment was achieved, improving data transmission efficiency and system scalability, and enhancing combat effectiveness.

CN120979542APending Publication Date: 2025-11-18SHENYANG HANGSHENG TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511517045.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-23
Publication Date
2025-11-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing airborne satellite communication technologies suffer from poor compatibility of interfaces between different aircraft communication equipment, incompatibility between satellite communication interfaces and terrestrial Ethernet interfaces, and insufficient system scalability. This results in complex data interaction, low transmission efficiency, poor stability, and impacts combat effectiveness.

Method used

Design an airborne satellite communication processing terminal, comprising a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit, and a network processing unit. It realizes onboard network access authentication through an Ethernet communication interface, performs satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion, and supports seamless integration between satellite communication and terrestrial Ethernet devices.

Benefits of technology

It achieves multi-platform interface compatibility, simplifies device adaptation, improves data transmission efficiency and stability, enhances system scalability, adapts to the integration needs of future communication equipment, and improves the communication capabilities and effectiveness of the combat system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of avionics communication. The invention provides an airborne satellite communication processing terminal. The airborne satellite communication processing terminal comprises a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit and a network processing unit, the satellite data processing unit sends data sent by a satellite to the data control unit; the data control unit performs communication protocol analysis and data format conversion on the received data; the data control unit sends the data subjected to communication protocol analysis and data format conversion to the network processing unit; the network processing unit encapsulates the received data into an Ethernet frame and then sends the Ethernet frame to the built-in network; the built-in network sends the received data to the data control unit through the Ethernet communication interface; and the data control unit encrypts the received data, converts the encrypted data into satellite signals and sends the satellite signals to a satellite. Satellite communication is converted into a universal Ethernet communication interface, and the compatibility problem of multi-platform interfaces is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of avionics communication, and more specifically, to an airborne satellite communication processing terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern military aviation communications, with the ever-increasing demand for coordinated operations between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and fighter jets, the requirements for communication systems are becoming increasingly stringent. Current airborne satellite communication technology faces numerous challenges in meeting actual operational needs.

[0003] From the current technological standpoint, the compatibility issues of communication equipment interfaces between different aircraft models are extremely prominent. The communication interfaces equipped with various UAVs and fighter jets are diverse and lack a unified standard, requiring extensive and complex adaptation work during data exchange. This not only increases system complexity and cost but also severely impacts the efficiency and stability of data transmission. In the rapidly changing battlefield environment, such compatibility issues may prevent the timely and accurate transmission of critical information, thereby affecting combat decision-making and operational effectiveness.

[0004] Furthermore, the differences between satellite communication and ground equipment communication interfaces also bring many inconveniences to practical applications. Satellite communication interface protocols and data formats are quite unique and incompatible with common Ethernet communication interfaces. This means that users need to equip themselves with complex conversion equipment and software to connect satellite communication data to commonly used network devices for processing and analysis, significantly increasing the difficulty and cost of use.

[0005] In summary, existing airborne satellite communication technologies have the following technical shortcomings: (1) The interfaces of different communication equipment models are not compatible, and a lot of complex adaptation work is required for data interaction; (2) The satellite communication interface is incompatible with the terrestrial Ethernet interface and requires additional conversion equipment; (3) The system has insufficient scalability and is difficult to adapt to the access requirements of new communication equipment in the future. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related art.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an airborne satellite communication processing terminal.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an airborne satellite communication processing terminal. This airborne satellite communication processing terminal is used in a combat aircraft. The airborne satellite communication processing terminal includes: a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit, and a network processing unit; wherein, the data control unit is provided with an Ethernet communication interface; the data control unit achieves access authentication to the internal network through the Ethernet communication interface; wherein, the internal network is the network within the combat aircraft, and the internal network includes an Ethernet communication network; the satellite data processing unit is used to receive data transmitted by satellites in the sky and transmit the received data to the data control unit through the network communication interface; the data control unit is used to receive data transmitted by the satellite data processing unit and perform satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion on the received data; the data control unit is also used to transmit the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit; the network processing unit is used to receive data transmitted by the data control unit and encapsulate the received data into Ethernet frames; The network processing unit is further configured to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network; the internal network is further configured to send the received data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the data control unit via the Ethernet communication interface; the data control unit is further configured to encrypt the data received via the Ethernet communication interface; and the data control unit is further configured to convert the encrypted data into satellite signals and send them to the satellite data processing unit, so that the satellite data processing unit can send the satellite signals to the satellite in space.

[0009] Preferably, the satellite data processing unit is used to receive data transmitted by satellites in the sky through a satellite communication antenna, and to send the received data to the data control unit through a DSP interface.

[0010] Preferably, the data control unit is used to send the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit via the RGMII interface.

[0011] Preferably, the network processing unit is used to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network via the RJ45 network communication interface.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention is used in combat aircraft. This airborne satellite communication processing terminal is a processing terminal that enables airborne external data satellite communication, suitable for aviation platforms such as fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. It supports seamless integration between satellite communication and ground Ethernet equipment, solving multi-platform interface compatibility issues.

[0013] The airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention exhibits significant advantages. This innovative terminal converts satellite communication into a universal Ethernet communication interface, a design that greatly simplifies user operation. Through this conversion, users no longer need to worry about interface compatibility issues between different devices; they can directly connect the terminal to existing Ethernet networks, enabling rapid data transmission and sharing. Whether in military command centers or on various combat platforms, existing network equipment and software can be easily used to process and analyze satellite communication data, significantly improving work efficiency.

[0014] Meanwhile, the universal interface design enhances the system's scalability and flexibility. With continuous technological advancements, more new communication devices and application scenarios are likely to emerge in the future. The universal Ethernet communication interface allows this airborne satellite communication processing terminal to better integrate with these new devices and adapt to diverse operational needs. For example, in future intelligent combat systems, various intelligent sensors and combat robots may be widely used; the universal interface design of this airborne satellite communication processing terminal can easily connect these devices to the satellite communication network, enabling more efficient collaborative operations.

[0015] Overall, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal of this invention effectively solves the problems of poor interface compatibility and inconvenience in current airborne satellite communication technology through innovative interface universal design, bringing a more convenient and efficient solution to the field of military aviation communication and powerfully improving the communication capabilities and combat effectiveness of modern combat systems.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic block diagram illustrating communication between the satellite data processing unit and the data control unit of an airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To better understand the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the present invention will be further described in detail below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0019] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This airborne satellite communication processing terminal is used in a combat aircraft. Figure 1 As shown, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal includes: a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit, and a network processing unit; wherein, the data control unit is equipped with an Ethernet communication interface; the data control unit realizes access authentication of the internal network through the Ethernet communication interface; wherein, the internal network is the network inside the combat aircraft, and the internal network includes: an Ethernet communication network; The satellite data processing unit is used to receive data sent by satellites in the sky and send the received data to the data control unit through a network communication interface. The data control unit is used to receive data sent by the satellite data processing unit, and to perform satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion on the received data; The data control unit is also used to send the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit; The network processing unit is used to receive data sent by the data control unit and encapsulate the received data into Ethernet frames; The network processing unit is also used to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network; The internal network is also used to send the received data, encapsulated as Ethernet frames, to the data control unit through the Ethernet communication interface; The data control unit is further configured to encrypt data received through the Ethernet communication interface; and The data control unit is further configured to convert the encrypted data into satellite signals and send them to the satellite data processing unit, so that the satellite data processing unit can send the satellite signals to the satellite in the sky.

[0021] In this embodiment, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by the present invention is used in a combat aircraft. This airborne satellite communication processing terminal is a processing terminal that realizes airborne external data satellite communication, suitable for aviation platforms such as fighter jets and drones, supporting seamless integration between satellite communication and ground Ethernet equipment, and solving multi-platform interface compatibility issues.

[0022] In this embodiment, the network processing unit receives data sent by the data control unit, encapsulates the received data into Ethernet frames, and sends the encapsulated Ethernet frames to the internal network through the RJ45 network communication interface; the reverse process is similar, with the internal network data entering the data control unit through the network communication interface.

[0023] The airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention exhibits significant advantages. This innovative terminal converts satellite communication into a universal Ethernet communication interface, a design that greatly simplifies user operation. Through this conversion, users no longer need to worry about interface compatibility issues between different devices; they can directly connect the terminal to existing Ethernet networks, enabling rapid data transmission and sharing. Whether in military command centers or on various combat platforms, existing network equipment and software can be easily used to process and analyze satellite communication data, significantly improving work efficiency.

[0024] Meanwhile, the universal interface design enhances the system's scalability and flexibility. With continuous technological advancements, more new communication devices and application scenarios are likely to emerge in the future. The universal Ethernet communication interface allows this airborne satellite communication processing terminal to better integrate with these new devices and adapt to diverse operational needs. For example, in future intelligent combat systems, various intelligent sensors and combat robots may be widely used; the universal interface design of this airborne satellite communication processing terminal can easily connect these devices to the satellite communication network, enabling more efficient collaborative operations.

[0025] Overall, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal of this invention effectively solves the problems of poor interface compatibility and inconvenience in current airborne satellite communication technology through innovative interface universal design, bringing a more convenient and efficient solution to the field of military aviation communication and powerfully improving the communication capabilities and combat effectiveness of modern combat systems.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the satellite data processing unit is used to receive data transmitted by a satellite in the sky through a satellite communication antenna, and send the received data to the data control unit through a DSP interface.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the data control unit is used to send data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit via the RGMII interface.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the network processing unit is configured to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network via an RJ45 network communication interface.

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be illustrated below with a specific embodiment.

[0030] This specific embodiment of the airborne satellite communication processing terminal is used in a combat aircraft, which includes: unmanned combat aircraft and / or manned combat aircraft; such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal includes: a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit, and a network processing unit; wherein, the data control unit is equipped with an Ethernet communication interface; the data control unit realizes access authentication of the internal network through the Ethernet communication interface; wherein, the internal network is the network inside the combat aircraft, and the internal network includes: an Ethernet communication network; The satellite data processing unit is used to receive data sent by satellites in the sky through a satellite communication antenna, and send the received data to the data control unit through a DSP interface. The data control unit is used to receive data sent by the satellite data processing unit, and to perform satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion on the received data; The data control unit is also used to send the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit via the RGMII interface; The network processing unit is used to receive data sent by the data control unit and encapsulate the received data into Ethernet frames; The network processing unit is also used to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network via the RJ45 network communication interface; The internal network is also used to send the received data, encapsulated as Ethernet frames, to the data control unit through the Ethernet communication interface; The data control unit is further configured to encrypt data received through the Ethernet communication interface; and The data control unit is further configured to convert the encrypted data into satellite signals and send them to the satellite data processing unit, so that the satellite data processing unit can send the satellite signals to the satellite in the sky.

[0031] In this specific embodiment, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal is placed on a fighter jet or drone in the air.

[0032] In this specific embodiment, antenna: refers to the satellite communication antenna carrier; satellite data processing unit: refers to the data of the data control unit used for specific satellite wireless transmission; data control unit: refers to the protocol conversion of DSP interface and network interface data through algorithms, and then the converted data is transmitted to the corresponding unit through its interface; network processing unit: refers to the data of the data control unit being transmitted through the network processing unit interface; 5. network communication interface: refers to the data of the data control unit being transmitted through the network processing unit transmission interface.

[0033] In this specific embodiment, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal supports seamless integration between satellite communication and terrestrial Ethernet devices, solves the problem of multi-platform interface compatibility, improves data communication efficiency, and enables data subscription for satellite communication without software changes, facilitating system expansion.

[0034] The implementation of the airborne satellite communication processing terminal in this specific embodiment is described in detail below. This airborne satellite communication processing terminal provides a power interface, a debugging interface, and an Ethernet communication interface, all of which use aviation connectors. This airborne satellite processing terminal can also receive and transmit data via wired networks and satellite communication networks.

[0035] I. Hardware Components: (1) Satellite data processing unit: In this specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the satellite data processing unit mainly consists of a satellite communication main chip, a power chip, and connectors.

[0036] It employs a dedicated satellite communication main chip, supports Ku / Ka bands, and enables the reception and transmission of satellite signals. It integrates a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a power amplifier (PA) to optimize signal quality.

[0037] Specifically as follows: ① Satellite communication main chip: Maxim Integrated MAX2769, supports Ku band, and integrates LNA and PA.

[0038] ② Antenna interface: BNC type, compatible with right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) satellite antennas.

[0039] ③ Power Management: Employs TI TPS5430 step-down chip to provide stable 3.3V and 5V power supply.

[0040] (2) Data control unit: Based on Phytium CPU D2000, it consists of Phytium CPU D2000, X100 (bridge chip), DDR4 (memory chip), power chip, connector, etc., and runs the domestic Galaxy Kylin operating system, supporting multiple protocol conversion algorithms. It is connected to the satellite data processing unit through the DSP interface and to the network processing unit through the RGMII interface.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the data control unit mainly consists of Phytium CPU D2000, X100, DDR4, PHY0, and PHY1. X100 interacts with CPU D2000 via a PCIe interface; PHY0 interacts with CPU D2000 via an RGMII0 interface; and PHY1 interacts with CPU D2000 via an RGMII1 interface. X100 has two USB 3.0 ports, one SATA port, and one PCIe port. Both PHY0 and PHY1 have a network interface. PHY0 and PHY1 are both physical layer components, functioning to implement Ethernet physical layer communication.

[0042] Specifically as follows: ① CPU: Phytium D2000, 8-core ARM architecture, 2.3GHz.

[0043] ②Memory: 16GB DDR4-2666, supports ECC error correction.

[0044] ③ Interfaces: 2 PCIe 3.0 x 4 interfaces, 2 USB 3.0 interfaces.

[0045] (3) Network processing unit: Supports 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps adaptive Ethernet interface, compatible with IEEE 802.3 standard, and realizes the conversion between satellite communication data and Ethernet protocol.

[0046] Specifically as follows: ① Ethernet controller: Realtek RTL8125B, supports 2.5Gbps speed.

[0047] ② PHY chip: TI DP83867, supports 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps adaptive speed.

[0048] II. Software Implementation: (1) Satellite protocol stack: Implements the CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) protocol and supports Packet Telemetry (PUS) and Advanced On-Orbit System (AOS).

[0049] (2) Protocol conversion algorithm: Real-time conversion between satellite protocol and Ethernet protocol is achieved based on open source DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit), with a latency of less than 1ms. At the same time, the data control unit realizes network access authentication and data encryption through Ethernet interface.

[0050] (3) Drivers: Develop Linux kernel drivers that support hot-swapping and plug-and-play.

[0051] The data receiving process, data processing process, and data sending process of this specific embodiment are described in detail below.

[0052] (1) Data reception process: ① The satellite communication antenna receives satellite signals, which are amplified by an LNA (low noise amplifier) ​​and then input into the satellite data processing unit. ② The satellite data processing unit demodulates and decodes the signals, and transmits them to the data control unit through the DSP interface.

[0053] (2) Data processing flow: ① The data control unit runs the Galaxy Kylin operating system to perform protocol parsing and format conversion on the data. ② The converted data is transmitted to the network processing unit via the USB 3.0 interface.

[0054] (3) Data transmission process: ① The network processing unit encapsulates the data into Ethernet frames and sends them to the internal network through the RJ45 interface. ② The reverse process is similar: the data from the internal network enters the terminal through the Ethernet interface, is converted into satellite signals, and is sent to the satellite in the sky.

[0055] The following details the extended implementation of this specific embodiment: ① Multi-satellite switching: Supports simultaneous connection to multiple satellites, automatically switching based on signal strength. ② Encryption module: Optional SM4 encryption chip ensures data transmission security. ③ Redundancy design: Key components (such as the power module) employ dual backups to improve system reliability.

[0056] In summary, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention has the following technical advantages.

[0057] (1) Interface standardization: Convert the satellite communication interface to a standard Ethernet interface to be compatible with mainstream network devices and reduce adaptation costs; (2) High-efficiency data transmission: Supports data transmission rates up to 1Gbps, reducing latency and improving the timeliness of combat commands; (3) System scalability: It can be flexibly connected to new equipment such as UAVs and sensors through Ethernet interface to adapt to future combat needs; (4) Improved compatibility: Supports multiple satellite communication protocols (such as Inmarsat and Iridium) to adapt to the needs of different models.

[0058] The airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention innovatively converts satellite communication into a universal Ethernet communication interface. This interface conversion requires data re-encapsulation, onboard network access authentication, and data encryption. According to research, no similar products currently exist. Therefore, the airborne satellite communication processing terminal provided by this invention possesses unparalleled technological advantages.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An airborne satellite communication processing terminal for use in combat aircraft, characterized in that, include: The system includes a data control unit, a satellite data processing unit, and a network processing unit; wherein the data control unit is equipped with an Ethernet communication interface; the data control unit uses the Ethernet communication interface to perform access authentication for the internal network; wherein the internal network is the network within the combat aircraft, and the internal network includes an Ethernet communication network; The satellite data processing unit is used to receive data sent by satellites in the sky and send the received data to the data control unit. The data control unit is used to receive data sent by the satellite data processing unit, and to perform satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion on the received data; The data control unit is also used to send the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit; The network processing unit is used to receive data sent by the data control unit and encapsulate the received data into Ethernet frames; The network processing unit is also used to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network; The internal network is also used to send the received data, encapsulated as Ethernet frames, to the data control unit through the Ethernet communication interface; The data control unit is further configured to encrypt data received through the Ethernet communication interface; and The data control unit is further configured to convert the encrypted data into satellite signals and send them to the satellite data processing unit, so that the satellite data processing unit can send the satellite signals to the satellite in the sky.

2. The airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite data processing unit is used to receive data sent by satellites in the sky through a satellite communication antenna, and send the received data to the data control unit through a DSP interface.

3. The airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data control unit is used to send the data after satellite communication protocol parsing and data format conversion to the network processing unit via the RGMII interface.

4. The airborne satellite communication processing terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The network processing unit is used to send data encapsulated as Ethernet frames to the internal network via the RJ45 network communication interface.

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