A dual-mode, antenna switchable communication terminal
By designing a dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal, which automatically switches between modes and antenna modes, the problem of unstable signal in mobile communication terminals in remote areas and extreme environments is solved, achieving both signal stability and portability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU HAIGE COMMUNICATION GROUP INCORPORATED COMPANY
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing mobile communication terminals have poor and unstable signal quality in remote areas or extreme environments, while traditional satellite communication terminals have poor reception capabilities in signal blind spots or areas with weak coverage, affecting the user's communication experience.
Design a dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal, comprising a signal switching module, a satellite communication module, and a mobile communication unit. It automatically switches modes to adapt to different signal environments, employs a combination of external and internal antennas, and uses software to control the switching of antenna modes to enhance signal quality.
It automatically switches to satellite communication mode in areas with weak or no signal to ensure communication stability; and switches to mobile communication mode when the signal is good to improve portability and communication quality.
Smart Images
Figure CN224367982U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a dual-mode communication terminal with switchable antenna. Background Technology
[0002] With the development of next-generation mobile communication technologies such as 5G, network coverage has expanded, data transmission rates have increased, and the variety of mobile communication terminal devices has also grown. Users can now use mobile communication terminals, typically mobile phones, to communicate and access the internet anytime, anywhere. However, in some remote areas, such as deserts, oceans, mountains, or areas affected by natural disasters, ground communication infrastructure may be unavailable or damaged, causing mobile communication to malfunction. For example, during ocean voyages, ships may be far from land-based base stations, resulting in weak or unavailable ground network signals. Furthermore, mobile communication is susceptible to extreme environmental conditions. In environments with high temperatures, low temperatures, humidity, or dust storms, devices may experience performance degradation affecting communication, or the devices may become damaged and unable to communicate.
[0003] Satellite communication uses artificial Earth satellites as relay stations to forward radio signals, enabling communication between different locations on Earth. Satellites offer wide coverage and can achieve cross-regional communication. However, the spectrum resources used by satellite communication are limited, unable to meet the needs of a large number of users communicating simultaneously. Furthermore, due to capacity and bandwidth limitations, satellite communication data transmission rates are relatively low. During peak hours or under special circumstances, satellite communication networks are prone to congestion, leading to decreased communication quality or even complete communication failure. Traditional satellite communication terminals mainly fall into two categories: one is a standalone terminal equipped only with an external antenna, which uses an external high-gain antenna to achieve directional enhancement of satellite signal reception, significantly improving the terminal's communication capabilities in weak signal environments and ensuring stable communication quality even in areas with poor signal coverage; the other is an integrated terminal with a built-in antenna, embedding the antenna module inside the terminal, improving portability and resulting in a simple and aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, traditional satellite communication terminals have significant limitations when dealing with complex and ever-changing communication environments. The standalone terminal with an external antenna has a separate external antenna from the main body, increasing the physical size and weight of the device and reducing portability. Especially in mobile communication scenarios, users need to carry both the terminal host and the external antenna, which increases the complexity of use and affects the convenience of carrying, seriously reducing the user experience. When integrated terminals with built-in antennas are in signal blind spots or weak coverage areas, their ability to receive satellite signals is poor due to factors such as the material of the device shell and the internal structural layout, resulting in a decline in communication quality and even extreme situations such as signal interruption and inability to establish a communication link. This signal stability problem is particularly prominent in remote mountainous areas, oceans and other areas with weak communication infrastructure, which greatly affects the normal communication of users.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of mobile phone that integrates mobile communication and satellite communication functions and can switch between them when appropriate to ensure signal stability. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art and provide a dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal to solve the problem of poor quality or unstable signal of mobile and satellite signals.
[0006] This utility model employs a dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal, comprising a signal switching module, a satellite communication module, and a mobile communication unit. The signal switching module switches between satellite communication and mobile communication based on the quality of the mobile signal. The satellite communication module performs satellite communication, and the mobile communication unit performs mobile communication. When the mobile signal is weak or absent, the communication terminal automatically switches modes from mobile communication mode to satellite communication mode to ensure normal communication for the user. When the communication terminal is using satellite communication mode, it detects surrounding mobile signals. When the mobile signal meets communication standards, it automatically switches modes from satellite communication mode to mobile communication mode to meet the user's higher communication and internet access needs.
[0007] To enable normal communication in most areas, the satellite communication module includes an external antenna, an internal antenna, a satellite communication radio frequency (RF) unit, a satellite communication baseband unit, and a control unit. The external and internal antennas are used to receive and transmit signals. The RF unit receives and transmits RF signals. The baseband unit processes satellite communication signals and transmits baseband signals to the RF unit. The control unit switches between the external and internal antennas. When satellite signal coverage is good, the control unit switches to the internal antenna mode via the software interface. When using the internal antenna, the external antenna can be detached or folded. When satellite signal coverage is poor, the software interface switches to the external antenna mode to enhance signal strength and ensure signal quality.
[0008] To reduce the size of the terminal device, a shared transmit and receive antenna approach is adopted. The satellite communication RF unit includes an RF connector, an RF switch, an RF module, and a duplexer. Both the external and internal antennas are connected to the RF switch via the RF connector. The RF switch is connected to the duplexer, and the duplexer is connected to the RF module. When the satellite communication RF unit uses a shared transmit and receive antenna approach, in the external antenna mode, the RF signal is transmitted through the RF module, and the duplexer combines the transmit and receive signals into a single signal, which is then transmitted to the RF switch and then to the external antenna, thus enhancing the signal and ensuring signal quality. In the internal antenna mode, the RF signal is transmitted through the RF module, transmitted to the RF switch, and then to the internal antenna. When using the internal antenna, the external antenna can be detached or folded for convenient carrying and use of the device, and the same applies to the receiving process.
[0009] To enable simultaneous signal reception and transmission, a separate transmit / receive antenna configuration is employed. The satellite communication RF unit includes an RF connector, an RF switch, and an RF module. Multiple external antennas and multiple internal antennas are connected to the RF switch via the RF connector, and the RF switch is connected to the RF module. When the satellite communication RF unit uses a separate transmit / receive antenna configuration, and satellite signal coverage is good, the system switches to internal antenna mode via a software control interface. The RF signal is then transmitted through the RF module, conducted to the RF switch, and then to the internal antenna. When using the internal antenna, the external antennas can be detached or folded for convenient carrying and use; the same applies to the reception process.
[0010] The implementation of the external antenna can be selected according to actual needs; the external antenna is a four-arm helical antenna. The external antenna is relatively large in size but has high antenna gain.
[0011] The folding and installation of the external antenna can be determined according to the type of RF connector. When not in use, it can be folded or disassembled. The external antenna is installed and removed via a spiral connection.
[0012] The implementation of the built-in antenna can be selected according to actual needs, and the built-in antenna can be an FPC antenna or a dielectric antenna.
[0013] The built-in antenna is small in size and easy to integrate, but the antenna gain is relatively low. The installation method of the built-in antenna can be selected according to actual needs. The built-in antenna is installed by using an antenna bracket.
[0014] The RF connector can be selected according to the usage requirements such as signal power, frequency and appearance package size. The RF connector can be an MCX connector, an SMA connector or an IPEX connector.
[0015] The radio frequency switch is selected based on the number of channels, signal frequency, and power. The control signal for the switch comes from the control unit to complete the switching of the switch channels.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
[0017] 1. Stable received signal
[0018] When mobile signals are weak or absent, the communication terminal automatically switches modes from mobile communication mode to satellite communication mode to ensure normal communication for the user. When using satellite communication mode, the terminal detects the surrounding satellite signal quality. When satellite signal coverage is good, it switches to the built-in antenna mode via the software control interface; when satellite signal coverage is poor, it switches to the external antenna mode via the software control interface to enhance the signal and ensure signal quality. While using satellite communication mode, the terminal also detects surrounding mobile signals. When the mobile signal meets communication standards, it automatically switches modes from satellite communication mode back to mobile communication mode to meet the user's higher communication and internet access needs.
[0019] 2. Portability
[0020] When using a built-in antenna for mobile or satellite communication, an external antenna can be detached or folded for easy carrying and use of the device, and the same applies to the receiving process.
[0021] 3. High equipment integration
[0022] The communication terminal integrates an external antenna, a built-in antenna, a satellite communication radio frequency unit, a satellite communication baseband unit, a control unit, a mobile communication unit, a battery, and structural components. It enables switching between mobile and satellite communication modes based on mobile signal quality and switching antennas based on satellite signal quality to ensure signal stability. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a scenario where the transmitting and receiving antennas of this utility model are shared.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the transmit and receive antenna separation scenario of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. To better illustrate the following embodiments, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.
[0027] Example
[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal of this embodiment includes a signal switching module, a satellite communication module 100, and a mobile communication unit 200. The signal switching module is used to switch between satellite communication and mobile communication according to the mobile signal quality. The mobile communication unit is used for mobile communication, and the satellite communication module is used for satellite communication. The satellite communication module 100 includes an external antenna 110, an internal antenna 120, a satellite communication radio frequency unit 130, a satellite communication baseband unit 140, and a control unit 150. The external antenna 110 is disposed outside the structural component 300, and the internal antenna 120 is disposed inside the structural component 300. The satellite communication baseband unit 140 processes the satellite communication signal and transmits the baseband signal to the satellite radio frequency unit 130. The control unit 150 switches between the external antenna 110 and the internal antenna 120 according to the satellite signal quality. The battery 400 powers the communication terminal.
[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, when a shared transmitting and receiving antenna is used, the satellite communication radio frequency unit 130 includes a radio frequency connector 131, a radio frequency switch 132, a duplexer 133, and a radio frequency module 134. The external antenna 110 is installed outside the structure 300 through the radio frequency connector 131, and the internal antenna is installed inside the structure 300 through the radio frequency connector 131. Each radio frequency connector 130 is connected to a corresponding radio frequency switch 132. The control unit 150 controls the radio frequency switch 132 to switch the antenna to the external antenna 110 or the internal antenna 120 according to the satellite signal quality. The radio frequency switch 132 is connected to the duplexer 133. The duplexer 133 combines the signals into one signal and transmits it to the duplexer or the radio frequency module 134. The radio frequency module 134 is used to transmit radio frequency signals. When using a shared transmit and receive antenna, the communication terminal operates as follows: When communication is interrupted in areas with weak or no mobile signal, it switches from mobile communication mode to satellite communication mode to ensure normal communication for the user. It detects satellite signal quality; when satellite signal coverage is good, it switches to the built-in antenna mode via the software control interface. The radio frequency signal is transmitted through the radio frequency module, and the duplexer combines the transmit and receive signals into a single signal, which is then transmitted to the radio frequency switch and finally to the built-in antenna. When using the built-in antenna, the external antenna can be detached or folded for easy carrying and use. When satellite signal coverage is poor, it switches to the external antenna mode via the software control interface. The radio frequency signal is transmitted through the radio frequency module, and the duplexer combines the transmit and receive signals into a single signal, which is then transmitted to the radio frequency switch and finally to the external antenna, thus enhancing the signal and ensuring signal quality. When the communication terminal is using satellite communication mode, it detects surrounding mobile signals. When the mobile signal meets communication standards, it automatically switches from satellite communication mode to mobile communication mode to meet the user's higher communication and internet access needs.
[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, to achieve simultaneous reception and transmission of satellite signals, a separate transmit / receive antenna approach is adopted. The satellite communication radio frequency unit 130 includes a radio frequency connector 131, a radio frequency switch 132, and a radio frequency module 134. Two or more external antennas 110 and an internal antenna 120 are connected to the radio frequency switch 132 through the radio frequency connector 131. The external antenna 131 is installed outside the structural component 300, and the internal antenna 132 is installed inside the structural component 300. The radio frequency switch 132 is connected to the radio frequency module 134. When the satellite communication radio frequency unit uses a separate transmit / receive antenna approach, the communication terminal operates as follows: when communication is interrupted, the mobile signal is weak or very weak... When in an area with no signal, the system switches from mobile communication mode to satellite communication mode to ensure normal communication for the user. At this time, it detects satellite signal quality. When satellite signal coverage is good, it switches to the built-in antenna mode via the software control interface: the radio frequency signal is emitted through the radio frequency module, conducted to the radio frequency switch, and then to the built-in antenna. When using the built-in antenna, the external antenna can be detached or folded for easy carrying and use. When satellite signal coverage is poor, it switches to the external antenna mode via the software control interface: the radio frequency signal is emitted through the radio frequency module, conducted to the radio frequency switch, and then to the external antenna, which enhances the signal and ensures signal quality. When the communication terminal is using satellite communication mode, it detects surrounding mobile signals. When the mobile signal meets the communication standards, it automatically switches from satellite communication mode to mobile communication mode to meet the user's higher communication and internet access needs.
[0031] The implementation of an external antenna can be chosen based on actual needs, such as a quad-arm helical antenna. External antennas are larger in size but have higher antenna gain. When choosing an internal antenna mode, the external antenna can be folded or detached. The folding and installation of the external antenna can be determined based on the type of RF connector. The implementation of an internal antenna can also be chosen based on actual needs, such as an FPC antenna or a dielectric antenna. Internal antennas are smaller in size and easier to integrate, but have lower antenna gain. The installation method of the internal antenna can be chosen based on actual needs, such as attaching it to the casing or using an antenna bracket. RF switches are selected based on the number of channels, signal frequency, and power. The control signal for the switch comes from the control unit to complete the switching of channels. RF connectors are selected based on usage requirements such as signal power, frequency, and package size, such as MCX connectors, SMA connectors, and IPEX connectors. The use of a duplexer can be selected based on usage requirements such as signal power, frequency, and package size. If the receive and transmit channels are separate, a duplexer is not required. The battery provides power to the terminal and can be selected based on usage requirements such as battery capacity, frequency, current, and package size.
[0032] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the technical solution of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the specific implementation of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the claims of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal, characterized in that, It includes a signal switching module, a satellite communication module, and a mobile communication unit. The signal switching module is used to switch between satellite communication and mobile communication according to the mobile signal quality. The satellite communication module is used to perform satellite communication, and the mobile communication unit is used to perform mobile communication. The satellite communication module includes an external antenna, an internal antenna, a satellite communication radio frequency unit, a satellite communication baseband unit, and a control unit. The external antenna and the internal antenna are used to receive and transmit signals. The satellite communication radio frequency unit is used to receive and transmit radio frequency signals. The satellite communication baseband unit is used to process satellite communication signals and transmit baseband signals to the satellite radio frequency unit. The control unit is used to switch between the external antenna and the internal antenna.
2. The dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite communication radio frequency unit includes a radio frequency connector, a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency module, and a duplexer. Both the external antenna and the internal antenna are connected to the radio frequency switch through the radio frequency connector. The radio frequency switch is connected to the duplexer, and the duplexer is connected to the radio frequency module.
3. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite communication radio frequency unit includes a radio frequency connector, a radio frequency switch, and a radio frequency module. Multiple external antennas and multiple internal antennas are connected to the radio frequency switch through the radio frequency connector, and the radio frequency switch is connected to the radio frequency module.
4. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The external antenna is a four-arm spiral antenna.
5. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external antenna is assembled and disassembled using a spiral connection.
6. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The built-in antenna is an FPC antenna or a dielectric antenna.
7. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The built-in antenna is installed using an antenna bracket.
8. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The RF connector is an MCX connector, an SMA connector, or an IPEX connector.
9. A dual-mode, antenna-switchable communication terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The radio frequency switch is selected based on the number of channels, signal frequency, and power.