Chip systems, communication methods, and mobile devices

Abstract

A chip system, communication method, and mobile terminal related to the field of communication technology are provided. The chip system includes an application processor (AP) and a baseband processor (Modem), with the AP being 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 communicating individually with the first physical layer module and the subscriber identification card to perform cellular communication. The AP or Modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication. The chip system is configured to communicate individually with the subscriber identification card and the satellite communication processor to perform satellite communication. The second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module communicates with a second physical layer module for satellite communication within the satellite communication processor. A mobile terminal employing the aforementioned chip system can support both cellular and satellite communication while minimizing changes in the device thickness and weight of the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, particularly to chip systems, communication methods, and mobile terminals.

Background Art

[0002] Compared with cellular communication, satellite communication can use artificial earth satellites as relay stations to transfer radio electromagnetic wave signals. In this way, satellite networks can still be used to maintain communication even in areas not covered by cellular base stations, such as deserts and mountains. It is clear that adding satellite communication capabilities to terminals (such as smartphones) that support cellular communication is of great significance.

[0003] However, the implementation of satellite communication generally requires the support of hardware such as a separate satellite communication processor, radio frequency (RF) components that support satellite communication, and a subscriber identification card (such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)). These hardware components need to occupy space within the terminal, have a certain weight, and increase the size (device thickness) and weight of the terminal.

[0004] However, today's smartphones have high requirements regarding device thickness and weight. For example, smartphones generally have a thickness of less than 10 millimeters (mm) and a weight of less than 200 grams (g). As a result, it has become very difficult to implement satellite communication in smartphones with a minimal increase in device thickness and weight. This is also an important reason why current smartphones cannot support both cellular communication and satellite communication.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a chip system, a communication method, and a mobile terminal that enable a terminal to support both cellular and satellite communications with minimal increase in the device thickness and weight of the terminal.

[0006] In accordance with the first aspect, the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes an application processor AP and a baseband processor Modem, the AP being communicatively connected to the Modem. The Modem includes a first protocol stack module for cellular communications and a first physical layer module for cellular communications, the first protocol stack module communicating separately with the first physical layer and the subscriber identification card to perform cellular communications. The AP or Modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communications. The chip system is configured to communicate separately with the subscriber identification card and the satellite communications processor to perform satellite communications. The chip system's communication with the subscriber identification card includes the second protocol stack module communicating with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. The chip system's communication with the satellite communications processor includes the second protocol stack module communicating with a second physical layer module for satellite communications within the satellite communications processor.

[0007] It can be understood that the second protocol stack, containing a large amount of code, requires a larger physical memory space for storage. A larger physical memory space, naturally, requires a larger size. In this case, the second protocol stack can be configured in the AP, thereby using the existing memory space within the AP to store the code for the second protocol stack. In this way, the memory space within the satellite communications processor is reduced to a smaller size, thus allowing for a reduction in the size of the satellite communications processor.

[0008] In summary, by adopting the aforementioned chip system, satellite communication can be implemented based on the cellular communication implementation by adding a satellite communication processor that does not include a second protocol stack and configuring the second protocol stack at the AP. Compared to a satellite communication processor with a satellite protocol stack, a satellite communication processor without a satellite protocol stack is significantly smaller. Therefore, the size of additional hardware can be reduced. Furthermore, satellite communication and cellular communication can share a subscriber identification card, which also reduces the amount of additional hardware to some extent. In this way, by applying the aforementioned chip system to a mobile terminal, satellite communication can be implemented with minimal increase in the device thickness and weight of the mobile terminal.

[0009] In the first possible design mode, the AP includes a hardware abstraction layer, and the second protocol stack is configured within the hardware abstraction layer. Thus, the second protocol stack runs in the AP as an independent process.

[0010] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the hardware abstraction layer further includes a first communications management module, which is configured to assist a second protocol stack module in communicating with the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module communicating with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module includes the second protocol stack module communicating with the first protocol stack module through the first communications management module and communicating with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module.

[0011] By adopting this design configuration, the second protocol stack is included in the hardware abstraction layer at the AP, so that communication between the second protocol stack in the AP and the first protocol stack in the Modem can be performed through the first communication management module, and the second protocol stack can interact with the subscriber identification card.

[0012] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the second protocol stack communicates with the first communication management module using an inter-process communication method.

[0013] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, a first logical channel is established between the AP and the Modem, and the first communication management module communicates with the first protocol stack through the first logical channel.

[0014] By adopting this design configuration, the logical channel between the AP and the Modem needs to implement inter-core communication between the first communication management module and the first protocol stack.

[0015] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the AP further includes an application layer and an application framework layer, the application framework layer includes a second communications management module, the first communications management module is further configured to assist the second communications management module in communicating with a second protocol stack module, and the second communications management module is configured to assist satellite applications in the application layer in communicating with the first communications management module. Satellite applications in the application layer communicate with the first communications management module through the second communications management module, and the second communications management module communicates with the second protocol stack module through the first communications management module.

[0016] By adopting this design configuration, communication between the application layer and the second protocol stack can be implemented through the second and first communication management modules.

[0017] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the AP is communicably connected to the satellite communications processor via a serial port, the AP includes a first driver, the first driver being a serial port driver. The second protocol stack module communicating with the second physical layer module includes the second protocol stack module communicating with the second physical layer module by calling the first driver.

[0018] By adopting this design configuration, the second protocol stack can communicate with the second physical layer by calling the system interfaces of the serial port driver (such as the read interface and write interface).

[0019] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the AP includes a kernel layer, and the first driver is configured within the kernel layer.

[0020] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the chip system is a system-on-a-chip SoC, and the AP and Modem are integrated into the SoC.

[0021] In another possible design mode of the first aspect, the chip system is further configured to communicate with a first radio frequency RF component through a first physical layer module to transmit and receive cellular signals for performing cellular communication, and to communicate with a second physical layer module through a second protocol stack module and a second radio frequency RF component through the second physical layer module to transmit and receive satellite signals for performing satellite communication. For example, during a telephone call using a satellite network, the uplink voice may be transmitted to the satellite network through the second physical layer and second RF component, and the second RF component may receive the downlink voice from the satellite network and transmit the downlink voice to the second physical layer.

[0022] In accordance with a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a chip system. 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 AP includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communication.

[0023] The method includes a first protocol stack module communicating with a subscriber identification card, and the first protocol stack module communicating with a cellular network through a first physical layer to perform cellular communication. A second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the second protocol stack module communicates with a satellite network through a second physical layer module for satellite communication in a satellite communication processor to perform satellite communication.

[0024] In summary, by adopting the aforementioned communication method, satellite communication is implemented based on the cellular communication implementation through a second protocol stack configured at the AP. In this way, mobile terminals can support both cellular and satellite communication without significantly increasing the size of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, cellular and satellite communication can share communication between the first protocol stack and the subscriber identification card, enabling the implementation of both the interaction between the first protocol stack and the subscriber identification card during cellular communication, and the interaction between the second protocol stack and the subscriber identification card during satellite communication. Thus, satellite and cellular communication can reuse the subscriber identification card, further reducing the increase in size.

[0025] In a possible design mode of the second aspect, the interaction between the second protocol stack module and the satellite network through the second physical layer module includes that in response to the initiation of a call, the second protocol stack transmits 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.

[0026] In another possible design mode of the second aspect, the interaction between the second protocol stack module and the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module includes that after the completion of radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment in response to an operation of turning on the satellite network before the initiation of a call, the second protocol stack module transfers an authentication request from the satellite network to the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the authentication request is used to verify the identity of the subscriber identification card. The second protocol stack module receives an authentication result from the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the authentication result corresponds to the authentication request.

[0027] In other words, before the initiation of a call, the transmission of authentication-related information between the second protocol stack and the subscriber identification card can be implemented through the first protocol stack.

[0028] Furthermore, the communication between the second protocol stack module and the satellite network through the second physical layer module includes that the second protocol stack module transmits the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer module. The second protocol stack module receives an authentication success message from the satellite network through the second physical layer module. In other words, after receiving the authentication result, the second protocol stack further needs to transmit the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer for the satellite network to verify the identity of the subscriber identification card, and the call can only be initiated after the authentication is successful.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the present application further provides a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a chip system according to any possible design embodiment of the first aspect and the first aspect, a subscriber identification card interface, and a satellite communication processor. The chip system is communicatively connected to the subscriber identification card interface and the satellite communication processor individually. The subscriber identification card interface is used to insert a subscriber identification card.

[0030] In a possible design embodiment of the third aspect, the mobile terminal further includes a first radio frequency (RF) component and a second radio frequency (RF) component. The first RF component is communicatively connected to a baseband processor (Modem) in the chip system to transmit and receive cellular signals. The second RF component is communicatively connected to the satellite communication processor to transmit and receive satellite signals.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is caused to execute a method according to the second aspect or any possible design embodiment of the second aspect.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute a method according to the second aspect and any possible design embodiment of the second aspect.

[0033] Regarding the advantageous effects achievable by the communication method, mobile terminal, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product described above, it can be understood that reference should be made to the advantageous effects in the first aspect and any possible design embodiment of the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an existing system-on-a-chip SoC. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an existing satellite communication chip. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the configuration of existing RF components. [Figure 4] This is a structural diagram of the configuration of a mobile terminal that implements satellite communication. [Figure 5] This is a structural diagram of the configuration of another mobile terminal that implements satellite communications. [Figure 6A] This is a structural diagram of the configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a structural diagram of the configuration of another mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the hardware structure of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the software architecture of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] This is Figure 1 of the interface of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] This is Figure 2 of the interface of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11A] This is an interaction diagram 1 of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11B] This is an interaction diagram 1 of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] Figure 3 shows the interface of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] This is an interaction diagram 2 of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] This is a structural diagram of the configuration of the chip system according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms used in the following embodiments are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this specification and in the claims of this application, singular expressions such as “one,” “above,” “above,” “the foregoing,” “this,” etc., are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates the opposite. For further understanding, in the following embodiments of this application, “at least one” and “one or more” mean one or two or more (including two). The terms “and / or” are used to describe the relationship between related objects and indicate that there may be three possible relationships. For example, A and B may mean that only A exists, both A and B exist, or only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The letter “ / ” generally indicates an “OR” relationship between related objects.

[0036] References in the specification such as "one embodiment" or "several embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to an embodiment are included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "several embodiments," "in another embodiment," and "in other embodiments" appearing in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more embodiments, or not all embodiments," unless otherwise emphasized. All terms such as "having," "having," and "including," and their variations, mean "including, but not limited to," unless otherwise emphasized. The term "connection" includes direct and indirect connections unless otherwise stated. Terms such as "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical features shown.

[0037] In embodiments of this application, words such as “as an example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. No embodiment or design scheme described as “as an example” or “for example” in embodiments of this application should be described as being preferable or having more advantages than other embodiments or design schemes. Indeed, the use of words such as “as an example” or “for example” is intended to specifically present the relevant concepts.

[0038] Before describing the embodiments of this application, we will first briefly explain the technical terms related to the embodiments of this application.

[0039] 1. System on Chip (SoC)

[0040] A System-Level Chip (SoC), also known as a System-Level Chip, integrates all the chips necessary to run a smartphone's operating system onto a single chip. SoCs typically have the ability to incorporate critical chips such as the Application Processor (AP) and the Baseband Processor (sometimes called a Modem).

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, the SoC includes AP and Modem functions. The AP is configured to process the internal data of the smartphone, excluding the parts related to external communications. The Modem is configured to process the parts related to external communications, including the parts related to services such as making phone calls, sending text messages, and accessing the internet. For example, the Modem includes modules such as a protocol stack for cellular communications (e.g., the cellular protocol stack in Figure 1) and a physical layer for cellular communications (the cellular physical layer in Figure 1) to implement functions such as modulation and demodulation, channel coding and decoding, and source coding and decoding.

[0042] Furthermore, a physical channel such as shared memory or a bus is established between the AP and the Modem to implement data transmission, such as the transmission of data including call content or text message content.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 1, the modem is integrated into the SoC. However, in actual implementation, the modem may alternatively exist as a separate chip and be soldered together with the SoC onto the smartphone's motherboard. The configuration shown in Figure 1, i.e., the modem integrated into the SoC, will be primarily used as an example for explanation below.

[0044] 2. Satellite communication chip

[0045] A satellite communications chip refers to a chip specifically designed for satellite communications. Referring to Figure 2, a satellite communications chip generally includes a physical layer for satellite communications (referred to as the satellite physical layer in this application) and a protocol stack for satellite communications (referred to as the satellite protocol stack in this application).

[0046] The satellite protocol stack further includes the data link layer (Layer 2, recorded as L2) and the network layer (Layer 3, recorded as L3). The satellite physical layer is located at a lower layer of the satellite protocol stack and is therefore called Layer 1 (recorded as L1). L1 provides radio resources and physical layer processing for L2 and L3 data, such as coding, Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) processing, or modulation.

[0047] L1 includes the physical layer and physical layer control (Layer 1 Control, L1C). L2 includes the medium access control (MAC) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, and the packet data convergence control (PDCP) layer. L3 includes the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the non-access stratum (NAS) layer.

[0048] Generally, the satellite protocol stack is isolated from the satellite physical layer via the MAC layer. The MAC layer is involved in multiplexing data from different logical channels and mapping between logical channels and transport channels. In other words, the satellite protocol stack implements the transmission and reception of messages through the MAC layer. The physical layer is involved in processes such as coding, modulation, and rate matching and provides the transport channels for the MAC layer. The L1C layer implements the control of the physical layer state, the allocation of radio frequency resources, and the transmission and reception of messages for the protocol stack.

[0049] Furthermore, the satellite protocol stack further includes an interface layer. The interface layer provides an interface for communication between the satellite protocol stack and other modules (e.g., transmission of control plane commands and user plane data). For example, the satellite protocol stack may communicate with APs in the SoC through the interface provided by the interface layer to implement indicator functions related to satellite communications, such as displaying satellite communication signal strength, switches, and satellite alignment prompts. In a specific implementation, the interface layer provides an interface (referred to hereby as the AT interface) for transmitting Hayes commands (Attention, AT). The AT interface may take the form of a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a bus, shared memory, a socket, etc.

[0050] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the satellite protocol stack and satellite physical layer should be referred to in Figure 2, and no further details will be provided thereafter.

[0051] 3. Subscriber identification card

[0052] In the embodiments of the present invention, the subscriber identification card refers to a card module that can be used for identity recognition during communication, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a User Identity Module (UIM), or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM).

[0053] Depending on the communication method, subscriber identification cards can be classified into subscriber identification cards for cellular communication (e.g., subscriber identification card 1 in Figure 1) and subscriber identification cards for satellite communication (e.g., subscriber identification card 2 in Figure 2). For example, referring to Figure 1, subscriber identification card 1 (e.g., All-Netcom card) interacts with the cellular protocol stack in the modem so that the cellular protocol stack can obtain the identifier of subscriber identification card 1 during cellular communication and perform card authentication (i.e., authentication for subscriber identification card 1). As another example, referring to Figure 2, subscriber identification card 2 (e.g., Tiantong card) interacts with the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip so that the satellite protocol stack can obtain the identifier of subscriber identification card 2 during satellite communication and perform card authentication (i.e., authentication for subscriber identification card).

[0054] 4. RF Components

[0055] RF stands for Radio Frequency, which represents the electromagnetic frequency that can be radiated into space, ranging from 300 kHz to 30 GHz. RF components are primarily used to handle signal reception and transmission during wireless communication.

[0056] Similarly, depending on the communication method, RF components can be classified into RF components for cellular communications (e.g., RF component 1 in Figure 1) and RF components for satellite communications (e.g., RF component 2 in Figure 2). Referring to Figure 1 as an example, RF component 1 interacts with the cellular physical layer within the modem. This is because RF component 1 receives digital signals from the cellular physical layer, performs digital-to-analog conversion on the digital signals, and transmits the processed signal via the antenna. Furthermore, this is because RF component 1 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the radio electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and transmits the processed signal to the cellular physical layer. Referring to another example, Figure 2, RF component 2 interacts with the satellite physical layer within the satellite communications chip. This is because RF component 2 receives digital signals from the satellite physical layer, performs digital-to-analog conversion on the digital signals, and transmits the processed signal via the antenna. Furthermore, this is because RF component 2 performs analog-to-digital conversion on the radio electromagnetic signal received by the antenna and transmits the processed signal to the satellite physical layer.

[0057] Furthermore, referring to Figure 3, the RF component includes a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and a radio frequency front-end (RFFE).

[0058] An RFIC is configured to receive a digital signal from the baseband (e.g., the cellular physical layer or satellite physical layer), complete the digital-to-analog conversion, and send the resulting radio electromagnetic signal (analog signal) to the RFFE for processing. For example, an RFIC may receive a digital signal from the baseband through a radio frequency interface unit (RFIU), perform the digital-to-analog conversion using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and acquire a radio electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, the RFIC is configured to complete the analog-to-digital conversion of the radio electromagnetic signal processed by the RFFE and send the resulting digital signal to the baseband. For example, an RFIC may use an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to perform the analog-to-digital conversion and transmit the resulting digital signal to the baseband.

[0059] It should be noted that the main difference between RF Component 1 and RF Component 2 is the range of electromagnetic frequencies that their RFICs can receive. Electromagnetic frequencies for cellular communications can range from 700 MHz to 3.5 GHz. Therefore, the RFIC in RF Component 1 must also be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies from 700 MHz to 3.5 GHz. Furthermore, the electromagnetic frequency of the C-band in satellite communications is approximately 2 GHz. In this case, if the C-band is used, the RFIC in RF Component 2 must be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies of approximately 2 GHz.

[0060] Furthermore, the RFFE is configured to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic signals. The RFFE mainly includes a power amplifier (PA) and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The PA is configured to amplify the radio electromagnetic signal obtained by digital-to-analog conversion to acquire high-frequency radio electromagnetic signals, and then to radiate the acquired signals through the antenna. The LNA is a low-noise-figure amplifier configured to amplify weak signals in the radio electromagnetic signal received by the antenna.

[0061] It should be noted that Figure 3 merely illustrates a simplified structure of an RF component and does not constitute a limitation on the RF component. In actual implementation, the configuration of an RF component is far more complex than that shown in Figure 3. For example, an RFFE may further include filters, switches, and duplexers.

[0062] The solution to the embodiment of this application is described below.

[0063] The terminal provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be used in scenarios where it is necessary to support both satellite and cellular communications. For example, the terminal provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be used when a satellite network needs to be used for communication when cellular communications are weak. In particular, by applying the embodiments of the present invention to a smartphone, the smartphone can support both satellite and cellular communications with minimal increase in the thickness and weight of the smartphone device.

[0064] Satellite communication capabilities are provided in some industrial terminals (e.g., autonomous driving terminals and Internet of Things terminals) to maintain communication via satellite networks when cellular base stations are broken or located in areas not covered by cellular base stations, such as deserts or mountains.

[0065] For example, an industrial terminal supports satellite communication but not cellular communication. Referring to Figure 4, in this example, the industrial terminal includes an SoC, a satellite communication chip, a subscriber identification card 2, and an RF component 2. However, since the SoC in the industrial terminal does not include a modem, it does not include a cellular protocol stack or cellular physical layer, and therefore cannot support cellular communication. The satellite protocol stack communicates with the AP through the AT interface to implement indicator functions related to satellite communication, such as signal strength and switches of the satellite network. It should be understood that the SoC and the satellite communication chip are generally connected by a serial port. Therefore, the AT interface needs to communicate with the AP through the serial port, thereby implementing communication between the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip and the AP in the SoC. The satellite communication chip, subscriber identification card 2, and RF component 2 are configured to implement satellite communication.

[0066] As another example, the industrial terminal supports both satellite and cellular communications. Referring to Figure 5, in this example, the industrial terminal includes an SoC, subscriber identification card 1, RF component 1, a satellite communications chip, subscriber identification card 2, and RF component 2, and the industrial terminal (e.g., the SoC) includes a modem, and therefore includes the cellular protocol stack and cellular physical layer used to support cellular communications. In this way, based on the satellite communications implementation in the example shown in Figure 4, the industrial terminal may further implement cellular communications with APs and modems in the SoC, subscriber identification card 1, and RF component 1.

[0067] In the aforementioned examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, at least an SoC, a satellite communication chip, a subscriber identification card 2, and an RF component 2 are required to implement satellite communication. The satellite communication chip, subscriber identification card 2, and RF component 2 are all additional hardware specifically for satellite communication. All of these hardware components need to occupy space and have a certain weight.

[0068] On the other hand, industrial terminals that support satellite communications generally only need to satisfy the specific requirements of the corresponding industry for satellite communication functionality, and are not subject to the same strict limitations on device thickness and weight as smartphones. For example, industrial terminals can be several tens of millimeters (mm) thick and weigh more than 300 grams (g). Therefore, it is feasible to equip an industrial terminal with the necessary satellite communication chip, a subscriber identification card 2, and an RF component 2 to support satellite communications in order to enable the industrial terminal to support satellite communications.

[0069] However, unlike industrial terminals, smart terminals (especially smartphones) require not only more devices to support more functions, but also have higher requirements regarding device thickness and weight. For example, smartphones generally have a thickness of less than 10 mm and a weight of less than 200 g. As a result, it is difficult to implement satellite communications with minimal increase in the device thickness and weight differences of smart terminals.

[0070] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 5, separate slots must be provided for subscriber identification card 1 and subscriber identification card 2. Subscriber identification card 1 and subscriber identification card 2 cannot be mixed. For example, if the terminal provides slot 1 for subscriber identification card 1 and slot 2 for subscriber identification card 2, subscriber identification card 1 cannot be inserted into slot 2, and subscriber identification card 2 cannot be inserted into slot 1. In this way, the user is required to insert the subscriber identification cards (e.g., subscriber identification card 1 and subscriber identification card 2) precisely into their corresponding slots. To achieve this objective, the terminal may further mark each slot corresponding to a subscriber identification card to guide the user to insert the subscriber identification card precisely into the corresponding slot. For example, "Cellular Card" may be marked at the location of slot 1, instructing the insertion of a cellular card (e.g., subscriber identification card 1) into slot 1, and "Satellite Card" may be marked at the location of slot 2, instructing the insertion of a satellite card (e.g., subscriber identification card 2) into slot 2. In this way, the difficulty of precisely placing subscriber identification cards can be reduced to some extent, but the arbitrary placement of subscriber identification cards still cannot be achieved.

[0071] However, in existing smart devices that support dual cards, the most basic function is achieving the optional placement of subscriber identification cards. For example, a user can place any subscriber identification card in any slot and still achieve normal communication. Clearly, the example in Figure 5 cannot satisfy the aforementioned requirements for a smartphone.

[0072] Based on this, referring to Figure 6A, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile terminal. The terminal includes an SoC, a satellite communications chip, RF component 1, RF component 2, and a subscriber identification card 3. The satellite communications chip includes a satellite physical layer, but the satellite protocol stack within the satellite communications chip (shown by lines in Figure 6A) has been moved to the AP (shown by solid lines in Figure 6A) within the SoC.

[0073] It is important to understand that satellite protocol stack code is generally stored in double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory. Furthermore, since the satellite protocol stack requires a large amount of code, the DDR becomes large. In this case, a conventional satellite communication chip (illustrated in Figure 2) requires a large amount of DDR for the satellite protocol stack code. If the satellite protocol stack within the satellite communication chip is moved to the AP as shown in Figure 6A, the amount of DDR required in the satellite communication chip can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the DDR within the satellite communication chip can be trimmed to a smaller size to reduce the size of the satellite communication chip. Moreover, the AP has sufficient DDR to store the satellite protocol stack code. Therefore, moving the satellite protocol stack to the AP does not result in an increase in the size of the AP.

[0074] In the terminal shown in Figure 6A, the satellite protocol stack within the AP interacts with RF component 2 through the satellite physical layer within the satellite communication chip to implement the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals during satellite communication.

[0075] Furthermore, in the terminal shown in Figure 6A, the Modem further includes a cellular communication protocol. Additionally, the subscriber identification card 3 is enabled for both cellular and satellite communication services. The satellite communication protocol within the AP interacts with the subscriber identification card 3 via the cellular protocol stack within the Modem so that the satellite protocol stack can read the identifier of the subscriber identification card 3 (e.g., International Mobike Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI)) during cellular communication and perform card authentication. In this way, the existing communication connection between the cellular protocol stack within the Modem and the subscriber identification card 3 may be used to facilitate interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3, thereby eliminating the need to add another subscriber identification card 3 to implement satellite communication. It should be understood that when cellular and satellite communication share the subscriber identification card 3, there is no need to distinguish between satellite and cellular cards, so the subscriber identification card 3 can be placed in either slot.

[0076] Furthermore, in the terminal shown in Figure 6A, the Modem includes a cellular physical layer. During cellular communication, the cellular protocol stack within the Modem may interact with RF component 1 via the cellular physical layer to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals during cellular communication. In addition, the cellular protocol stack within the Modem may interact with subscriber identification card 3 so that the cellular protocol stack can obtain the identifier of subscriber identification card 3 and perform card authentication during cellular communication.

[0077] In summary, the terminal shown in Figure 6A can implement satellite communications based on the cellular communications implementation by adding a satellite communications processor that does not include a satellite protocol stack, adding RF component 2, and configuring the satellite protocol stack at the AP. Compared to a satellite communications chip that includes a satellite protocol stack, a satellite communications processor that does not include a cellular protocol stack is significantly smaller. Therefore, the size of the additional hardware can be reduced. Furthermore, since satellite communications and cellular communications can share the subscriber identification card 3, the amount of additional hardware can be reduced to some extent. Thus, satellite communications can be implemented with minimal increase in the device thickness and weight of the terminal.

[0078] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, cellular communication uses RF component 1 for transmitting and receiving signals, and satellite communication uses RF component 2 for transmitting and receiving signals. These two are independent of each other. Therefore, a terminal can use satellite communication simultaneously with cellular communication. For example, while the cellular network is being used to access the internet, the satellite network can be used to make phone calls or send text messages.

[0079] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6B, the AP further includes satellite communications management. Satellite communications management is used to manage communications of the satellite protocol stack.

[0080] Communication within the satellite protocol stack includes communication between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack within the modem. For example, the satellite protocol stack obtains the IMSI from the subscriber identification card 3 via the cellular protocol stack and performs card authentication. Under the management of satellite communication administration, commands from the satellite protocol stack, such as reading the IMSI and sending authentication requests, are parsed and encapsulated, and then forwarded to the cellular protocol stack for further interaction with the subscriber identification card 3. In this way, data transmission between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack is implemented, and interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3 becomes possible.

[0081] Furthermore, communication within the satellite protocol stack includes communication between the satellite protocol stack and applications. For example, a satellite call request initiated by a phone (application) within an application is sent to the satellite protocol stack for processing. Another example is when the satellite protocol stack needs to send the signal strength of the satellite network to the application for display. The aforementioned data transmission between the higher-layer application and the satellite protocol stack can be implemented through satellite communication management.

[0082] For example, the aforementioned terminal may be a smartphone, tablet, notebook computer, smart wearable device, or industrial terminal that needs to support both cellular and satellite communications. The specific form of the aforementioned terminal is not particularly limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0083] It should be noted that the aforementioned satellite protocol stack, satellite physical layer, cellular protocol stack, and cellular physical layer may be purely software modules, or they may be modules combining software and hardware. This is not particularly limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the hardware structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the terminal is used as an example to represent a smartphone. The terminal may include a processor 210, a satellite communication processor 211 (e.g., a satellite communication chip), internal memory 221, a charge management module 230, a power management module 231, a battery 232, antennas 1, 2, and 3, a mobile communication module 251 (e.g., RF component 1), a satellite communication module 252 (e.g., RF component 2), a wireless communication module 253, an audio module 270, a speaker 270A, a receiver 270B, a microphone 270C, a headset jack 270D, a sensor module 280, a display screen 294, a subscriber identification card 3 (e.g., a SIM card) interface 295, and the like.

[0085] It should be understood that the schematic structure of this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation to smartphones. In other embodiments, a smartphone may have more or fewer components than those shown, some components may be combined, some components may be separated, or components may be arranged in different ways. The components shown may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0086] The processor 210 may include one or more processing units. For example, the processor 210 may include AP (e.g., satellite protocol stack), GPU, image signal processor (ISP), controller, memory, video codec, digital signal processor (DSP), modem (e.g., including cellular protocol stack and cellular physical layer), neural network processing unit (NPU), etc. Different processing units may be independent devices or may be integrated into one or more processors. The processor 210 may be an SoC.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor 210 may include one or more interfaces. These interfaces 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 identification card 3 (e.g., a SIM card) interface, and a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

[0088] The satellite communication processor 211 is communicably connected to the AP of the processor 210 for communication between the AP's satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer of the satellite communication processor 211.

[0089] The charging management module 230 is configured to receive a charging input from a charger. The charger may be a wireless charger or a wired charger. The power management module 231 is configured to connect to the battery 232, the charging management module 230, and the processor 210. The power management module 231 receives input from the battery 232 and / or the charging management module 230 and supplies power to the processor 210, internal memory 221, external memory, display screen 294, camera 293, wireless communication module 253, etc.

[0090] The wireless communication function of a smartphone can be implemented by antennas 1, 2, 3, a mobile communication module 251, a satellite communication module 252, a wireless communication module 253, an AP, a modem, a satellite communication chip, etc. Antennas 1, 2, and 3 are configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic wave signals.

[0091] The mobile communication module 251 (e.g., the RF component 1 described above) can provide a solution for cellular communication (e.g., 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G) applied to smartphones. The mobile communication module 251 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 251 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 1, perform processing such as filtering and amplification on the received electromagnetic waves, and send the processed electromagnetic waves to a modem for demodulation. The mobile communication module 251 can further amplify the signal modulated by the modem and convert the amplified signal into electromagnetic waves that pass through antenna 1 for radiation.

[0092] The satellite communication module 252 (for example, the RF component 2 described above) can provide a solution for satellite communication applied to smartphones. The mobile communication module 252 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The satellite communication module 252 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 2, process the received electromagnetic waves such as filtering and amplification, and send the processed electromagnetic waves to the satellite communication chip and AP for further processing. The satellite communication module 252 can further amplify the signals processed by the AP and satellite communication chip and convert the amplified signals into electromagnetic waves that pass through antenna 2 for radiation.

[0093] The satellite communication module 252 and the satellite communication processor 211 can be independent of each other. Alternatively, the satellite communication module 252 may be partially encapsulated within the satellite communication processor 211. For example, the RFIC of the satellite communication module 252 may be encapsulated within the satellite communication processor 211.

[0094] The wireless communication module 253 can provide solutions for wireless communication, including 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) technology, infrared (IR) technology, etc., applicable to smartphones. The wireless communication module 253 may be one or more devices incorporating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 253 receives electromagnetic waves with the antenna 3, performs frequency modulation and filtering on the electromagnetic wave signal, and transmits the processed signal to the processor 210. The wireless communication module 253 may further receive a signal to be transmitted from the processor 210, perform frequency modulation and amplification on the signal to be transmitted, and convert the processed signal to be transmitted into electromagnetic waves that pass through the antenna 3 for radiation.

[0095] The AP may output an audio signal using an audio device (speaker 270A, receiver 270B, etc.), or it may display an image or video using a display screen 294.

[0096] With a GPU, 294-inch display screen, AP, etc., the smartphone implements display functions such as displaying the switching between satellite and cellular communications, and displaying application interfaces for various applications such as phone calls and text messages.

[0097] The internal memory 221 may be configured to store program code that the computer can execute. Executable program code includes instructions. The processor 210 executes the instructions stored in the internal memory 221 to perform various functional applications and data for the smartphone. The internal memory 221 may include a program storage area and a data storage area.

[0098] The smartphone may implement audio functions, such as music playback or recording, through an audio module 270, speaker 270A, receiver 270B, microphone 270C, headset jack 270D, application processor, etc. In some embodiments, during a phone call using a cellular or satellite network, the smartphone may collect the user's voice using the microphone 270C and play back the voice of another person through the speaker 270A, receiver 270B, or a headset connected to the headset jack 270D.

[0099] The SIM card interface 295 is configured to connect to a SIM card. A smartphone may have 1 to N SIM card interfaces 295. A SIM card may be inserted into or plugged into the SIM card interface 295 so as to be separated from the smartphone. A smartphone may support one or more SIM card interfaces. The SIM card interface 295 may support nano-SIM cards, micro-SIM cards, SIM cards, etc. Multiple cards may all be inserted into the same SIM card interface 295. Multiple cards may be the same type or different types. The SIM card interface 295 may be compatible with different types of SIM cards. The SIM card interface 295 may also be compatible with external storage cards. The smartphone interacts with the network through the SIM card to implement functions such as phone calls and data communication. In some embodiments, the smartphone uses an eSIM, or embedded SIM card. The eSIM card may be embedded in the smartphone and cannot be separated from the smartphone.

[0100] The AP software system in the aforementioned terminal may use a layered architecture, an event-driven architecture, a microkernel architecture, a microservices architecture, or a cloud architecture. In embodiments of this application, the fact that the AP is a layered architecture Android system is used as an example to describe the software structure of the terminal.

[0101] Figure 8 is a diagram of the software architecture of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the satellite protocol stack is configured in the AP rather than the satellite communication chip. Specifically, a layered architecture can divide the AP's software into several layers, each with a clear role and function. The layers communicate with each other via a software interface. In some embodiments, the Android system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: the Application layer, the Application framework layer, the Hardware abstraction layer (HAL), and the Kernel layer.

[0102] It is important to understand that the AP layering in Figure 8 is just one example. In actual implementation, the AP software may contain more or fewer layers. For example, a system library may be included between the application framework layer and the hardware abstraction layer.

[0103] The application layer may include a set of application packages that require support for a network (including cellular networks, satellite networks, etc.), such as applications like telephone, text messaging, browser, chat application, and video player.

[0104] It should be noted that applications such as telephones and text messages can perform communication services (i.e., making phone calls, sending text messages, etc.) with the support of cellular or satellite networks. In other words, telephones can be classified into satellite phones and cellular phones, and text messages can be classified into satellite text messages and cellular text messages. Therefore, in specific implementations, a terminal may further include two telephone applications: satellite phones and cellular phones, and two text message applications: satellite text messages and cellular text messages. This helps distinguish the required network type from the application running in the foreground. For example, if the application running in the foreground is satellite text messaging, in response to a user action confirming the sending of a text message, the terminal may decide to send the text message using the satellite network.

[0105] Indeed, actual implementation is not limited to this. In another specific implementation, telephone and text messaging may not need to be further subdivided; that is, telephone and text messaging are each a single application. In this implementation, the terminal may determine the required network type based on the network currently turned on by the terminal or the network configured by the user for the application. For example, in response to a user action confirming the sending of a text message, the terminal may decide to send the text message using the currently turned-on cellular network. In another example, in the text messaging settings, the network used to send text messages may be set to a satellite network. In this case, in response to a user action confirming the sending of a text message, the terminal may decide to send the text message using the satellite network.

[0106] In some embodiments, the application layer further includes satellite applications and cellular applications.

[0107] Cellular applications are used to provide display information about cellular networks.

[0108] For example, a cellular application may provide information about the cellular network signal strength in the status bar. For instance, a cellular application may provide the signal strength shown in prompt 9011 on interface 901 shown in Figure 9.

[0109] As another example, a cellular application may provide information about whether the cellular network is on or off. For example, in response to a user operation of swiping down from top to bottom on interface 901 shown in Figure 9, the mobile phone may display interface 902 shown in Figure 9. Interface 902 includes a cellular network switch 9021. The cellular application may provide corresponding status information about whether switch 9021 is on or off. If the cellular application provides an on state, switch 9021 may indicate that the cellular network is on. If the cellular application provides an off state, switch 9021 may indicate that the cellular network is off.

[0110] As another example, a cellular application may provide information about cellular network settings in a settings application. For example, in response to a user tap on the application icon 9013 of a settings application on interface 901 shown in Figure 9, the mobile phone may display interface 903 shown in Figure 9, which includes cellular network settings 9031. The cellular application may provide various types of information that are displayed after setting 9031 has been entered.

[0111] Satellite applications are used to provide display information about satellite networks.

[0112] For example, satellite applications can provide information about the signal strength of a satellite network.

[0113] As another example, a satellite application may provide information about whether the satellite network is on or off. For example, in response to a user operation of swiping down from top to bottom on interface 901 shown in Figure 9, the mobile phone may display interface 902 shown in Figure 9. Interface 902 includes a satellite network switch 9022. The satellite application may provide corresponding status information about whether switch 9022 is on or off. If the satellite application provides an on state, switch 9022 may indicate that the satellite network is on. If the satellite application provides an off state, switch 9022 may indicate that the satellite network is off.

[0114] As another example, a satellite application may provide information about satellite network settings in a settings application. For instance, in response to a user tap on the application icon 9013 of a settings application on interface 901 shown in Figure 9, the mobile phone may display interface 903 shown in Figure 9, which includes satellite network settings 9032. The satellite application may provide various types of information that are displayed after the settings 9032 has been entered.

[0115] Furthermore, the cellular application may receive further user operations to turn the cellular network on or off, such as receiving a user tap on a cellular switch (e.g., cellular switch 9021 on interface 902). In response to an operation to turn the cellular network on or off, the cellular application may request the lower layer to turn the cellular network on. The satellite application may also receive further user operations to turn the satellite network on or off, such as receiving a user tap on a cellular switch (e.g., cellular switch 9022 on interface 902). In response to an operation to turn the satellite network on or off, the cellular application may request the lower layer to turn the satellite network on.

[0116] Indeed, in a broad sense, applications such as telephones and text messages that can implement communication services (i.e., making phone calls, sending text messages, etc.) through the support of cellular networks may be alternatively called cellular applications. However, in this specification, cellular applications are primarily used to describe applications that provide information about cellular networks. Furthermore, applications such as telephones and text messages that can implement communication services (i.e., making phone calls, sending text messages, etc.) through the support of satellite networks may be alternatively called satellite applications. However, in this specification, satellite applications are primarily used to describe applications that provide information about satellite networks.

[0117] The application framework layer provides an application programming interface (API) and programming framework for applications within the application layer. The application framework layer includes several predefined functions. For example, the application framework layer may include a notification manager, window manager, resource manager, content manager, view system, etc.

[0118] A hardware abstraction layer can provide a unified interface for calling higher-layer applications while concealing the specific implementation details of hardware drivers within the kernel layer. Higher-layer applications can implement corresponding functionality by calling the interface provided by the hardware abstraction layer, without needing to know the specific implementation details of hardware drivers within the kernel layer.

[0119] In some embodiments, the satellite protocol stack is configured within the AP's hardware abstraction layer. Specifically, the satellite protocol stack runs as an independent process within the hardware abstraction layer. It should be noted that when the terminal is started, the initialization (init) process starts the process corresponding to the satellite protocol stack during initialization, and this process may be configured as a daemon process. In this way, even if the process corresponding to the satellite protocol stack terminates abnormally, it can be automatically restarted. For details regarding the satellite protocol stack, please refer to the previous explanation; further details will not be provided again individually.

[0120] Since the satellite protocol stack resides in the hardware abstraction layer, communication between the satellite protocol stack and higher-layer applications must traverse three layers: the application layer, the application framework layer, and the hardware abstraction layer. Based on this, in specific implementations, to facilitate communication between the satellite protocol stack and higher-layer applications, satellite communication management may further include satellite communication management 1, which is configured in the application framework layer, and satellite communication management 2, which is configured in the hardware abstraction layer. The following explanation will primarily focus on this perspective.

[0121] Satellite Communication Management 1 is configured within the application framework layer and provides interface management functions for satellite communication services to higher-layer applications. For example, when using a satellite network to send a text message, the user needs to input the recipient's number and the text message content into the text message (application). After receiving the operation to send a text message, the text message (application) can call the text message transmission interface of Satellite Communication Management 1 to encode the text message content. For example, the UCS2 encoding scheme is used to encode Chinese characters, and the 7-bit encoding scheme is used to encode English characters.

[0122] Furthermore, Satellite Communication Management 1 can also perform processes that do not need to be known by higher-layer applications (such as satellite applications). For example, Satellite Communication Management 1 may calculate the angle between the satellite beam and the beam of the terminal's antenna (e.g., Antenna 1 mentioned above) based on Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and signals captured by associated sensors, and determine a satellite alignment strategy, such as the direction and angle of rotation, based on the calculated angle. Finally, Satellite Communication Management 1 may feed the satellite alignment strategy back to the satellite application, which may prompt the user to rotate the terminal. In this example, the satellite application does not need to be aware of the process of calculating and determining the satellite alignment strategy. This process is performed entirely by Satellite Communication Management 1.

[0123] Furthermore, Satellite Communication Management 2 is configured in a hardware abstraction layer. Satellite Communication Management 2 can communicate with Satellite Communication Management 1. For example, Satellite Communication Management 2 may receive data processed by Satellite Communication Management 1, such as encoded text message content. As another example, Satellite Communication Management 2 may further transmit data to Satellite Communication Management 1, such as the signal strength of the satellite network.

[0124] Furthermore, satellite communication management 1 may communicate with the satellite protocol stack. For example, the satellite protocol stack may receive data such as text message content from satellite communication management 2. Alternatively, the satellite protocol stack may further transmit data such as satellite network signal strength to satellite communication management 2.

[0125] Furthermore, the satellite communication management 2 may include a card authentication proxy to perform data transmission between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack to implement the transmission of data related to card authentication during satellite communication. For example, the card authentication proxy can forward a request from the satellite protocol stack to the cellular protocol stack to obtain the identifier of subscriber identification card 3, and the card authentication proxy can return the identifier read by the cellular protocol stack to the satellite protocol stack. In another example, the card authentication proxy can forward an authentication request from the satellite protocol stack to the cellular protocol stack, and the card authentication proxy can return the authentication response received by the cellular protocol stack to the satellite protocol stack.

[0126] In some embodiments, the application framework layer may further include a cellular framework, and the hardware abstraction layer may further include a cellular HAL. It should be understood that the cellular framework and cellular HAL are used for interaction between the higher-layer application and the Modem during cellular communication. This is not described in detail herein.

[0127] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer may include display drivers, camera drivers, audio drivers, and so on.

[0128] In some embodiments, the kernel layer further includes a serial port driver. It should be understood that the SoC and the satellite communication chip are connected by hardware lines, which are typically connected in the form of serial ports, such as a UART interface or a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). In this case, the serial port driver configured in the kernel layer may be used to drive the serial port to implement data transmission 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: read, write, and control. 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.

[0129] At this point, it should be noted that communication between the satellite communication chip and the SoC is performed via a serial port, and in the SoC, the serial port driver is generally configured in the AP's kernel layer. This means that communication between the satellite communication chip and the SoC must pass through the AP's kernel layer. It can be seen that by configuring the satellite protocol stack in the AP rather than the Modem, communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer can be facilitated. For example, if the satellite protocol stack is configured in the Modem, communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer must traverse the Modem, AP, and satellite communication chip, but this cannot be directly implemented through communication between the AP and the satellite communication chip.

[0130] Furthermore, the operating system running on the AP (e.g., the Android system) is open source, making it relatively easy for device manufacturers to add new software modules to the operating system. However, the operating system running on the modem (e.g., a Real-time operating system, RTOS) is not currently open source. To add new software modules to the operating system, device manufacturers need to interact and cooperate with modem manufacturers. In other words, improving the modem is far more difficult than improving the AP. Therefore, it is also easier to configure a satellite protocol stack on the AP.

[0131] While examples of how the satellite protocol stack is configured in the AP are described herein for illustrative purposes, in practice the satellite protocol stack may alternatively be configured in the Modem. This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0132] Referring still to Figure 8, the terminal's software architecture further includes the modem's software configuration, and the RTOS runs on the modem. Unlike the Android system running on the AP, the RTOS is a single-task operating system that can only handle one process at a time. However, the Android system can handle multiple processes at once.

[0133] Generally, a Modem includes a cellular protocol stack and a cellular physical layer. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the cellular protocol stack is used not only for cellular communication but also for interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3 during satellite communication. For example, the cellular protocol stack may read the identifier of the subscriber identification card 3 and return the identifier to the satellite protocol stack (e.g., via satellite communication management 2). As another example, the cellular protocol stack may return an authentication response to the satellite protocol stack (e.g., via satellite communication management 2).

[0134] In some embodiments, the Modem further includes a card driver (not shown). The card driver may be used for interaction between the cellular protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3. For example, the cellular protocol stack may read the identifier of the subscriber identification card 3 via the card driver, the cellular protocol stack may send an authentication response to the subscriber identification card 3 via the card driver, and the subscriber identification card 3 may return an authentication response, etc., to the cellular protocol stack via the card driver.

[0135] In some embodiments, the Modem further includes an RF interface module (not shown). The RF interface module is used for interaction between the cellular physical layer and RF component 1. In specific implementations, the RF interface module includes a baseband interface unit (BBIU). For example, the cellular physical layer transmits uplink voice data to RF component 1 via the RF interface module, and the uplink voice data is ultimately transmitted via an antenna. Furthermore, RF component 1 transmits downlink voice data to the cellular physical layer via the RF interface module, and the downlink voice data is ultimately reproduced by a device such as a speaker, receiver, or headset.

[0136] Still referring to Figure 8, the terminal's software architecture further includes a satellite physical layer in the satellite communication chip. The satellite physical layer can communicate individually with the satellite protocol stack and RF component 2 within the AP. For example, the satellite physical layer may receive data such as text message content from the satellite protocol stack (e.g., via a serial port driver). As another example, the satellite physical layer may further transmit data such as downlink voice data or text message data to the satellite protocol stack (e.g., via a serial port driver).

[0137] By using the software architecture shown in Figure 8, the satellite protocol stack within the satellite communication chip is moved to the AP. In this case, there is no need to place an excessively large DDR in the satellite protocol stack to store the code of the satellite protocol stack. This reduces the size of the satellite communication chip, and thereby reduces the size of the additional hardware required to perform satellite communication. Furthermore, communication of the satellite protocol stack is managed by configuring satellite communication management in the AP. Satellite communication management can manage not only communication between the satellite protocol stack and higher-layer applications, but also communication between the satellite protocol stack and the cellular protocol stack, thereby enabling interaction with the subscriber identification card 3 via the cellular protocol stack. In this way, cellular and satellite communication can share the same subscriber identification card 3.

[0138] The following describes examples of communication methods between various modules related to the implementation of satellite communications in the software architecture shown in Figure 8. Modules related to the implementation of satellite communications include applications such as satellite applications and telephone applications, satellite communications management (including satellite communications management 1 and satellite communications management 2), a satellite protocol stack, a satellite physical layer, and a cellular protocol stack.

[0139] The layers within the AP communicate with each other via software interfaces. The satellite communication management 2 and satellite protocol stack, both located in the hardware abstraction layer, can communicate with each other using inter-process communication methods such as sockets or message queues. In other words, after the satellite protocol stack is moved to the AP, the AT interface takes the form of a socket or message queue.

[0140] Satellite communication management 2 communicates with the cellular protocol stack in the Modem via a newly added first logical channel between the AP and the Modem. It should be understood that multiple logical channels may be virtualized within a single physical channel to implement data transmission with different functions. Since data related to the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the card, such as IMSI and authentication responses, needs to be transmitted during satellite communication between the AP and the Modem, the first logical channel may be newly added to the physical channel between the AP and the Modem to support data transmission between the AP's satellite communication management 2 and the cellular protocol stack in the Modem.

[0141] It is important to understand that when a first logical channel is added, it may be implemented using an interface that is compatible with the type of SoC. For example, if the SoC is a chip from manufacturer A, and the AP and Modem within the chip from manufacturer A communicate with each other via interface a, then a set of interface a may be added to implement the first logical channel. Another example is if the SoC is a chip from manufacturer B, and the AP and Modem within the chip from manufacturer B communicate with each other via interface b, then a set of interface b may be added to implement the first logical channel.

[0142] Indeed, other logical channels may be further virtualized in the physical channel between the AP and the Modem. For example, a logical channel for transmitting cellular communication data may be virtualized instead.

[0143] The satellite protocol stack, cellular protocol stack, and card driver interact in a request-response format. In this case, after a request (e.g., a request to read the identifier of subscriber identification card 3, or an authentication request) is ultimately sent to subscriber identification card 3 via the satellite protocol stack, cellular protocol stack, and card driver, a response to the request (e.g., the identifier or authentication result) may be returned to the satellite protocol stack based on the original transmission path of the request. In this way, during satellite communication, the cellular protocol stack can accurately return the response from subscriber identification card 3 to the satellite communication and ultimately to the satellite protocol stack, preventing inaccurate transmission to the cellular physical layer.

[0144] The satellite protocol stack can invoke a serial port driver to drive the serial port between the SoC and the satellite communications chip in order to carry out communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer.

[0145] By using the aforementioned communication method, the following multiple communication paths can be established: communication path (1), communication path (2), communication path (3), and communication path (4).

[0146] Based on the multiple communication paths shown in Figure 8, the following describes the communication process of the terminal provided in the embodiment of the present invention in combination with the following procedures 1 and 1.

[0147] Procedure 1: Turn on the satellite network, i.e., access the satellite network.

[0148] After receiving an operation to turn on the satellite network, the terminal begins executing procedure 1 to access the satellite network. For example, a mobile phone may display interface 1001, shown in Figure 10, which includes a switch 10011 for the satellite network. In this case, the switch 10011 for the satellite network is in the off state (indicated in the figure by a non-bold icon and text). The operation to turn on the satellite network may be a tap operation on the switch for the satellite network, which is in the off state. In this case, in response to the user's tap operation on the off switch 10011, the mobile phone may begin executing the procedure to turn on the satellite network. Furthermore, after the satellite network is turned on, the mobile phone may display interface 1002, shown in Figure 10, which includes a switch 10021 for the satellite network. However, in this case, the switch 10021 for the satellite network is in the on state (indicated in the figure by a bold icon and text), and the satellite network signal strength is indicated on interface 1002 by icon 10022.

[0149] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, in Procedure 1, by using communication path (1), the satellite application can interact with the satellite protocol stack, as shown in the interactions between the satellite application and satellite communication management (e.g., satellite communication management 1) and the satellite protocol stack in S1001-S1108 and S1137-S1139 in Figures 11A and 11B. After the satellite protocol stack is activated, by using communication path (2), interactions between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network can be implemented during network discovery, RRC connection establishment, and registration, as shown in the interactions between the satellite protocol stack and satellite physical layer and RF component 2 in S1109-S1136 in Figures 11A and 11B. Furthermore, by using the communication path (3), an interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3 can be implemented during registration, as shown in the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and satellite communication management (e.g., satellite communication management 2) and the cellular protocol stack and the subscriber identification card 3 in S1109 to S1136 of Figures 11A and 11B.

[0150] Specifically, the procedure for a terminal to access a satellite network includes the following steps:

[0151] S1101: The satellite application receives an event to turn on the satellite network.

[0152] For example, an event that turns on the satellite network may be a user tap on the satellite network switch 10011 on interface 1001 shown in Figure 10.

[0153] Indeed, the events that turn on the satellite network are not limited to those shown in Figure 10. As another example, the terminal may have a physical button to turn on the satellite network, and the event that turns on the satellite network may be a turn-on operation performed by the user on the physical button. Alternatively, the event that turns on the satellite network may be an event such as the user inputting a pre-configured voice 1 (e.g., "Turn on satellite network"). Alternatively, the event that turns on the satellite network may be an event that detects the conditions for turning on the satellite network (e.g., a cellular network signal).

[0154] S1102: The satellite application notifies satellite communications management to turn on the satellite network.

[0155] S1103: Satellite communications management receives a notification to turn on the satellite network.

[0156] S1104: Satellite communication management acquires the terminal's position and attitude, and calculates the angle between the terminal's antenna and the satellite based on the position and attitude.

[0157] For example, satellite communications management may acquire GPS signals to determine the terminal's location. Furthermore, satellite communications management may acquire gyroscope signals to determine the terminal's attitude.

[0158] S1105: If the angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, satellite communications management generates a satellite alignment strategy that conforms to the angle.

[0159] It's important to understand that satellite alignment refers to the process of adjusting the terminal's attitude to change the direction of the antenna so that the antenna's beam center aligns with the satellite. Therefore, a satellite alignment strategy is information that guides the user to change the terminal's attitude. For example, a satellite alignment strategy includes the direction and angle of rotation.

[0160] If the angle exceeds a predetermined angle, it indicates a large discrepancy between the beam center of the terminal's antenna and the line connecting the satellite and the terminal. In this case, the terminal's attitude needs to be adjusted to reduce the discrepancy between the antenna's beam center and the line connecting the satellite and the terminal.

[0161] S1106: Satellite communications management sends the satellite alignment strategy to the satellite application.

[0162] S1107: The satellite application displays the satellite alignment strategy.

[0163] After the satellite application displays the satellite alignment strategy, the user can adjust the terminal's attitude based on the satellite alignment strategy. For example, the adjustment may be made based on the rotation direction and rotation angle within the satellite alignment strategy.

[0164] It should be noted that for specific implementation details regarding the calculation of angles, generation of a suitable satellite alignment strategy, and adjustment of the terminal's attitude based on the satellite alignment strategy, please refer to relevant materials on satellite alignment. This is not described in detail in this application.

[0165] It should be noted that after the user adjusts the terminal's orientation, the satellite communication management may recalculate the angle between the terminal's antenna and the satellite based on the position and new orientation. If the angle is greater than a previously set angle, a new satellite alignment strategy may be generated to guide the user to perform satellite alignment. In other words, steps S1104 to S1107 described above may be performed consecutively after S1103.

[0166] However, if the angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, it indicates that the terminal's antenna is aligned with the satellite. In this case, S1108 and subsequent steps may continue to perform the steps for accessing the satellite network.

[0167] S1108: If the angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, satellite communications management sends a command to the satellite protocol stack to enable the satellite protocol stack.

[0168] For example, satellite communications management may send a command to enable the satellite protocol stack by calling the interface that enables the satellite protocol stack in satellite communications management.

[0169] S1109: The satellite protocol stack is enabled.

[0170] After the satellite protocol stack is enabled, satellite network discovery (also called network discovery) and RRC connection establishment can be implemented through communication between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. It should be understood that the satellite protocol stack must pass through the satellite physical layer, RF component 2, and the antenna before it can finally implement communication with the satellite network. The satellite protocol stack can implement communication with the satellite physical layer by calling the serial port driver interface. The satellite physical layer and RF component 2 can each implement communication with the satellite physical layer and RF component 2 by calling the RF interface module, respectively.

[0171] For example, the network discovery process involves the satellite protocol stack sending a network discovery request to the satellite physical layer. After the satellite physical layer receives the network discovery request, RF component 2 becomes active. For example, an RF driver is controlled to turn on the RF component's receive path (called the RF receive path). It should be understood that the RF component 2's transmit path (called the RF transmit path) is generally only turned on when information needs to be transmitted and can remain off for the time being. After RF component 2 is active, it may receive system messages from the satellite network via its antenna. RF component 2 then transmits the system messages to the satellite physical layer. The satellite physical layer demodulates the system messages and, after successful demodulation, feeds back a demodulation success message to the satellite protocol stack. This example only illustrates a portion of the network discovery process. The actual network discovery process is not limited to this.

[0172] As an example, the RRC connection establishment process includes the satellite protocol stack initiating a Random Access Channel (RACH) to the satellite physical layer after receiving a demodulation success message. The RACH is ultimately sent to the satellite network sequentially through the satellite physical layer, RF component 2, and the antenna. After receiving the RACH, the satellite network may return an access response in a Random Access Response window. In this case, RF component 2 may receive the access response via the antenna. The access response may ultimately be returned to the satellite protocol stack sequentially through RF component 2 and the satellite physical layer. This example only illustrates a portion of the RRC connection establishment process. The actual RRC connection establishment process is not limited to this.

[0173] After network discovery and RRC connection establishment are complete, the process proceeds to registration. During registration, the satellite network needs to recognize the identity of subscriber identification card 3 and perform authentication (called card authentication) against the subscriber identification card. The following mainly describes the two steps of identity recognition and card authentication during registration in order to explain the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and subscriber identification card 3.

[0174] Specifically, identity recognition includes the following S1110-S1118.

[0175] S1110: The satellite protocol stack sends a read request to satellite communications management to read the identifier of subscriber identification card 3.

[0176] The identifier is used to uniquely identify subscriber identification card 3. For example, the identifier may be an IMSI or Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) number.

[0177] Furthermore, the transmission of card interaction data, such as the read request in S1110 and subsequent identifiers, authentication requests, and authentication results, between the satellite protocol stack and satellite communication management (e.g., satellite communication management 2), is implemented via inter-process communication.

[0178] S1111: Satellite communications management sends a read request to the cellular protocol stack.

[0179] Satellite communications may parse and encapsulate the read request before forwarding it to the cellular protocol stack.

[0180] Card interaction data such as the read request in S1111 and subsequent identifiers, authentication requests, and authentication results may be transmitted between the satellite communication management and the cellular protocol stack via a first logical channel within the physical channel between the AP and the Modem.

[0181] S1112: The cellular protocol stack sends a read request to subscriber identification card 3.

[0182] The cellular protocol stack can transmit card interaction data, such as the read request and identifier in S1112, and subsequent authentication requests and authentication results, via the card driver using the subscriber identification card 3.

[0183] S1113: Subscriber identification card 3 returns the identifier to the cellular protocol stack.

[0184] S1114: The cellular protocol stack returns an identifier to satellite communications management.

[0185] S1115: Satellite communications management returns an identifier to the satellite protocol stack.

[0186] S1116: The satellite protocol stack sends an identifier to the satellite physical layer.

[0187] Interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite physical layer can be implemented by a serial port driver that drives a serial port (e.g., UART or SPI).

[0188] In steps S1110 to S1116, the satellite protocol stack reads the identifier of subscriber identification card 3 from subscriber identification card 3 in real time. However, in reality, the terminal may have the identifier of subscriber identification card 3 stored in memory. For example, when the insertion of subscriber identification card 3 is detected, the terminal may obtain and store the identifier of subscriber identification card 3. In this case, steps S1110 to S1116 can be replaced by the satellite protocol stack obtaining the identifier of subscriber identification card 3 from a pre-configured storage location.

[0189] S1117: The satellite physical layer sends an identifier to RF component 2.

[0190] S1118: RF component 2 sends an identifier to the satellite network.

[0191] RF component 2 transmits an identifier to the satellite network via the antenna.

[0192] After receiving an identifier, the satellite network may perform identity verification on subscriber identification card 3 based on the identifier. For example, the satellite network searches for the currently received identifier among the identifiers authorized to access the network. If the currently received identifier belongs to the identifiers authorized to access the network, identity verification is successful. If the currently received identifier does not belong to the identifiers authorized to access the network, identity verification fails.

[0193] If identity recognition fails, the satellite network delivers an identity recognition failure message, which can ultimately be fed back to the satellite application via the antenna, RF component 2, satellite physical layer, satellite protocol stack, and satellite communications management. The satellite application then displays a prompt indicating that identity recognition failed.

[0194] Furthermore, card authentication includes the following S1119-S1132.

[0195] S1119: RF component 2 receives an authentication request from the satellite network, where the authentication request carries a matching value.

[0196] After identity verification is successful, the satellite network may deliver an authentication request, which carries a matching value such as a preset value or a random number.

[0197] S1120: RF component 2 sends an authentication request to the satellite physical layer.

[0198] S1121: The satellite physical layer sends an authentication request to the satellite protocol stack.

[0199] S1122: The satellite protocol stack sends an authentication request to satellite communications management.

[0200] S1123: Satellite communications management sends an authentication request to the cellular protocol stack.

[0201] S1124: The cellular protocol stack sends an authentication request to subscriber identification card 3.

[0202] S1125: Subscriber identification card 3 calculates the matching value in the authentication request in order to obtain the authentication result.

[0203] The subscriber identification card 3 may calculate a matching value after receiving an authentication request. For example, the subscriber identification card 3 may use a built-in verification algorithm to calculate the matching value in order to obtain an authentication result.

[0204] S1126: Subscriber identification card 3 sends the authentication result to the cellular protocol stack.

[0205] S1127: The cellular protocol stack sends the authentication result to satellite communications management.

[0206] S1128: Satellite communications management sends the authentication result to the satellite protocol stack.

[0207] S1129: The satellite protocol stack constructs an Authentication response message based on the authentication result.

[0208] The authentication response message is a message that can be fed back to the satellite network and carries the authentication result.

[0209] S1130: The satellite protocol stack sends an authentication response message to the satellite physical layer.

[0210] S1131: The satellite physical layer sends an authentication response message to RF component 2.

[0211] S1132: RF component 2 sends an authentication response message to the satellite network.

[0212] After receiving the authentication response message, the satellite network may parse the authentication result. Alternatively, the satellite network may use a pre-configured verification algorithm to calculate a matching value to obtain a standard authentication result.

[0213] If the built-in verification algorithm of subscriber identification card 3 is the same as a pre-configured verification algorithm, for example, if both are hash algorithms, then the authentication result calculated by subscriber identification card 3 (i.e., the authentication result parsed by subscriber identification card 3) must be the same as the standard authentication result. If the built-in verification algorithm is different from the pre-configured verification algorithm, then the authentication result calculated by subscriber identification card 3 (i.e., the authentication result parsed by subscriber identification card 3) will be different from the standard authentication result. Based on this, the satellite network can compare the parsed authentication result with the standard authentication result. If the two are the same, authentication is successful; if they are different, authentication is unsuccessful.

[0214] If authentication fails, the satellite network will deliver an authentication failure message, which may ultimately be fed back to the satellite application via the antenna, RF component 2, satellite physical layer, satellite protocol stack, and satellite communications management. The satellite application will then display a prompt indicating that authentication failed.

[0215] If authentication is successful, the satellite network may deliver an authentication success message to the satellite protocol stack, as specifically shown in S1133 to S1135 below.

[0216] S1133: RF component 2 receives an authentication success message from the satellite network.

[0217] S1134: RF component 2 sends an authentication success message to the satellite physical layer.

[0218] S1135: The satellite physical layer sends an authentication success message to the satellite protocol stack.

[0219] After successful authentication, the satellite protocol stack and satellite network may continue to perform subsequent registration procedures, and after registration is complete, the satellite network may send a registration authorization message to the satellite protocol stack to indicate successful access to the satellite network. Thus, the satellite protocol stack may receive the registration authorization message, as shown in S1136.

[0220] S1136: The satellite protocol stack receives a registration permission message.

[0221] S1137: The satellite protocol stack sends a registration permission message to satellite communications management.

[0222] S1138: Satellite communications management sends a registration permission message to the satellite application.

[0223] S1139: The satellite application updates the satellite network information to the ON state.

[0224] In some embodiments, to facilitate the user's identification of satellite network signal strength, after receiving a registration permission message, the satellite protocol stack may further report the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer to a higher-layer application (e.g., a desktop application or satellite application) sequentially via satellite communication management. The higher-layer application can then display the signal strength. It should be understood that as the network environment changes, the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer may change. Therefore, the satellite protocol stack may continuously report the signal strength measured by the satellite physical layer to the higher-layer application. In this way, the higher-layer application can display the signal strength in real time.

[0225] For example, after the satellite network is turned on, the mobile phone may display interface 1002 as shown in Figure 10. The switch 10021 for the satellite network on interface 1002 is in the ON state, indicating that the satellite network is on. Furthermore, prompt 10022 on the status bar prompts that the satellite network signal strength is 3 bars.

[0226] After accessing the satellite network using Procedure 1 described above, the terminal may use the satellite network to make phone calls, send text messages, send Internet of Things short messages, etc. In this specification, the use of the satellite network to make phone calls (i.e., Procedure 2 described below) is used primarily as an example to illustrate the use of the satellite network.

[0227] Procedure 2: Telephone procedure, which involves using a satellite network to make a phone call.

[0228] After receiving a call initiation operation from the user, the terminal may begin executing procedure 2. For example, after the satellite network is turned on, the mobile phone may display interface 1201 as shown in Figure 12. Interface 1201 is a dial interface. Interface 1201 includes call history 12011 and a dial pad 12012. The call initiation operation may be a tap operation in which the user enters a number on the dial pad and then taps a dial button 12013 on the dial pad 12012. Alternatively, the call initiation operation may be a selection operation (e.g., a tap operation) by the user on the call history 12011.

[0229] Indeed, the call initiation procedure is not limited to that shown in Figure 12. For example, the call initiation procedure could alternatively be the user entering voice command 3 (e.g., "Call Tom"). Alternatively, the call initiation procedure could be the user tapping a shortcut key on the dial pad (e.g., the emergency shortcut key is the number "0").

[0230] The terminal may display a calling interface in response to a call initiation operation. The calling interface includes information about the other party (e.g., number, location, and name) and a calling prompt. For example, the calling interface is interface 1202 shown in Figure 12, where the text "Tom" on interface 1202 is the name of the other party and "Calling" is the calling prompt.

[0231] After the telephone control plane and telephone user plane are established, a voice call can be initiated. In this case, the mobile phone may display interface 1203, as shown in Figure 12. Interface 1203 includes a call timer "00:00" indicating that a call has been initiated.

[0232] Referring to Figure 13, in Procedure 2, by using communication path (4), the telephone application can interact with the satellite protocol stack, as shown in the interaction between the telephone application and satellite communication management (e.g., satellite communication management 2) and the satellite protocol stack in S1301-S1303 of Figure 13. By using communication path (2), the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network can be implemented between RRC connection establishment, identity identification and authentication of subscriber identification card 3, as shown in the interaction between the satellite protocol stack, satellite physical layer and RF component 2 in S1304-S1312 of Figure 13. Furthermore, by using communication path (3), the interaction between the satellite protocol stack and subscriber identification card 3 can be implemented between identity identification and authentication of subscriber identification card 3.

[0233] Specifically, the telephone procedure includes the following steps:

[0234] S1301: When the satellite network is on, the phone application receives the user's call initiation command.

[0235] S1302: The satellite application sends telephone commands to satellite communications management.

[0236] For example, a satellite application might call a telephone interface provided by satellite communications management (e.g., satellite communications management 1) to send telephone commands to satellite communications management.

[0237] S1303: Satellite communications management sends telephone commands to the satellite protocol stack.

[0238] Prior to the phone call, RRC connection establishment must also be performed between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. Furthermore, after RRC connection establishment is complete, identity verification and authentication must be performed on subscriber identification card 3. For specific details on how to perform RRC connection establishment, please refer to the explanation of Procedure 1 above, as further details will not be provided again individually.

[0239] After identity verification and card authentication are complete, the telephone control plane and telephone user plane need to be further established between the satellite protocol stack and the satellite network. For example, the process of establishing the telephone control plane involves the satellite protocol stack initiating a telephone command, which is then sequentially sent to the satellite network via the satellite physical layer, RF component 2, and antenna. After the telephone command is sent to the satellite network, the satellite network may sequentially return a telephone response to the satellite protocol stack via the antenna, RF component 2, and satellite physical layer.

[0240] After the telephone control plane and telephone user plane are established, a voice call can be initiated. For example, after the telephone control plane and telephone user plane are established, the satellite protocol stack may feed back a call initiation message to the telephone application, for example, via satellite communication management. After receiving the call initiation message, the telephone application may indicate the start of the call timer. For example, the telephone application may display interface 1203 shown in Figure 12, which includes a call timer "00:00" indicating that a call has been initiated.

[0241] For example, after the telephone control plane and telephone user plane are established, the satellite protocol stack may call the audio driver interface in the kernel layer to activate an audio device (e.g., an audio capture device or an audio playback device).

[0242] S1304: The satellite protocol stack receives the uplink voice acquired by the audio acquisition device.

[0243] For example, an audio acquisition device first sends the acquired uplink voice to a DSP for processing, and the DSP then transmits the processed uplink voice to the satellite protocol stack via inter-core communication.

[0244] The audio capture device may be the device's microphone, or a microphone connected to the device's headset, etc.

[0245] S1305: The satellite protocol stack encodes the uplink voice in order to receive the encoded uplink signal.

[0246] S1306: The satellite protocol stack sends the uplink signal to the satellite physical layer.

[0247] S1307: The satellite physical layer sends the uplink signal to RF component 2.

[0248] S1308: RF component 2 sends the uplink signal to the satellite network.

[0249] RF component 2 can transmit uplink signals to the satellite network via an antenna in order to transmit uplink signals to the other user via the satellite network.

[0250] S1309: RF component 2 receives downlink signals from the satellite network.

[0251] For example, RF component 2 may receive downlink signals from a remote user transmitted via a satellite network through its antenna.

[0252] S1310: RF component 2 sends the downlink signal to the satellite physical layer.

[0253] S1311: The satellite physical layer sends the downlink signal to the satellite protocol stack.

[0254] S1312: The satellite protocol stack decodes the downlink signal to obtain decoded downlink voice for playback by an audio playback device.

[0255] For example, a satellite protocol stack may transmit downlink voice to an audio playback device.

[0256] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a chip system. As shown in Figure 14, the chip system 1400 (e.g., SoC) includes at least one processor (e.g., an application processor AP and a baseband processor Modem) and at least one interface circuit 1402. The processor 1401 and the interface circuit 1402 may be connected to each other by lines. For example, the interface circuit 1402 may be configured to receive signals from other devices (e.g., the memory of a terminal). As another example, the interface circuit 1402 may be configured to transmit signals to other devices (e.g., the processor 1401). For example, the interface circuit 1402 may read an instruction stored in memory and transmit the instruction to the processor 1401. Once the instruction is executed by the processor 1401, the terminal can be made to perform the steps in the embodiments described above.

[0257] Certainly, the chip system may further include other discrete devices. This is not particularly limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0258] The embodiment further provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed by a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the steps or functions in the method embodiment described above.

[0259] The embodiment further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the steps or functions in the method embodiment described above.

[0260] Furthermore, embodiments of the present application further provide an apparatus, which may specifically be a chip, component, or module. The apparatus may include a connected processor and memory. The memory is configured to store computer executable instructions. When the apparatus is in operation, the processor executes the computer executable instructions stored in the memory, causing the chip to perform the steps or functions in the method embodiments described above.

[0261] The chip systems, computer-readable storage media, computer program products, or devices provided in the embodiments may be configured to perform the corresponding methods described above. Therefore, for the beneficial effects that can be achieved, please refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods described above. Further details are not described again individually.

[0262] From the above description of implementation, a person skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for convenience and for the sake of conciseness, only the division of the functional modules described above is given as an example for illustrative purposes. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions may be assigned to different functional modules as needed and performed by those functional modules. That is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to perform all or some of the above-mentioned functions.

[0263] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided herein, the disclosed apparatus and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the apparatus described are merely examples. For example, the division of modules or units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, other divisions may be used. For example, multiple units or components may be coupled or integrated with other apparatuses, or some features may be ignored or not performed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be implemented by using some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be implemented in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0264] Units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and parts shown as units may be one or more physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed in multiple different places. Some or all units may be selected according to the actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

[0265] Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically independently, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0266] When an integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a separate product, the integrated unit may be stored on a readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented essentially, or in part with respect to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored on a storage medium and includes several instructions for instructing a device (single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or processor to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash disk, removable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0267] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are intended solely to illustrate the technical solution of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application is described above with reference to public embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that they can modify or make equivalent substitutions to the technical solution of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this application.

[0268] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310724427.5, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 13, 2023, with the title of the invention being "CHIP SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND MOBILE TERMINAL," and the prior Chinese Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. It is a chip system, It includes an application processor AP and a baseband processor Modem, wherein 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, wherein the first protocol stack module communicates individually with the first physical layer and the subscriber identification card to perform cellular communication. The AP or Modem includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communications. The chip system is configured to communicate individually with the subscriber identification card and the satellite communication processor in order to perform satellite communication. The chip system communicating with the subscriber identification card includes the second protocol stack module communicating with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. The chip system communicating with the satellite communications processor includes the second protocol stack module communicating with the second physical layer module for satellite communications within the satellite communications processor. Chip system.

2. The AP includes a hardware abstraction layer, and the second protocol stack is configured in the hardware abstraction layer. The chip system according to claim 1.

3. The hardware abstraction layer further includes a first communication management module, the first communication management module is configured to assist the second protocol stack module in communicating with the first protocol stack module, The second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. The second protocol stack module communicates with the first protocol stack module through the first communication management module so that the second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. The chip system according to claim 2.

4. The second protocol stack module communicates with the first communication management module using an inter-process communication method. The chip system according to claim 3.

5. A first logical channel is established between the AP and the Modem, and the first communication management module communicates with the first protocol stack through the first logical channel. The chip system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. 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 assist the second communication management module in communicating with the second protocol stack module, and the second communication management module is configured to assist satellite applications in the application layer in communicating with the first communication management module. The satellite application within the application layer communicates with the first communication management module through the second communication management module. The second communication management module communicates with the second protocol stack module through the first communication management module. The chip system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The AP is connected to the satellite communication processor via a serial port, and the AP includes a first driver, the first driver being a serial port driver. The second protocol stack module communicating with the second physical layer module means that The second protocol stack module communicates with the second physical layer module by calling the first driver, The chip system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The AP includes a kernel layer, and the first driver is configured in the kernel layer. The chip system according to claim 7.

9. The chip system is a system-on-a-chip SoC, and the AP and the Modem are incorporated into the SoC. The chip system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The satellite communications processor does not include the second protocol stack module. The chip system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aforementioned chip system, The first physical layer module communicates with the first radio frequency RF component to transmit and receive cellular signals in order to perform cellular communication, The second physical layer module communicates with the second radio frequency (RF) component to transmit and receive satellite signals in order to perform satellite communications. It is further composed of The chip system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication method applicable to a chip system, The chip system includes an application processor AP and a baseband processor Modem, wherein the AP is communicably connected to the Modem, the Modem includes a first protocol stack module for cellular communications and a first physical layer module for cellular communications, and the AP includes a second protocol stack module for satellite communications. The first protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card, and the first protocol stack module communicates with the cellular network through the first physical layer to perform cellular communication. The second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module, and the second protocol stack module communicates with the satellite network through a second physical layer module for satellite communications in the satellite communications processor to perform satellite communications. Communication method.

13. The second protocol stack module communicates with the satellite network through the second physical layer module for satellite communications within the satellite communications processor. In response to the initiation of a call, the second protocol stack module transmits 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. The method according to claim 12.

14. The second protocol stack module communicates with the subscriber identification card through the first protocol stack module. Before the commencement of the aforementioned telephone call and after the completion of the establishment of a Radio Resource Control RRC connection in response to the first event, the second protocol stack module transfers an authentication request from the satellite network to the subscriber identification card via the first protocol stack module, the authentication request is used to verify the identity of the subscriber identification card, and the first event is used to trigger the turning on of the satellite network. The second protocol stack module receives an authentication result from the subscriber 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. The second protocol stack module transmits the authentication result to the satellite network through the second physical layer module, The second protocol stack module receives an authentication success message from the satellite network through the second physical layer module, The method according to claim 13.

15. A chip system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Subscriber identification card interface, Includes a satellite communications processor, The chip system is individually and communicably connected to the subscriber identification card interface and the satellite communication processor, and the subscriber identification card interface is used for inserting the subscriber identification card. Mobile device.

16. The system further includes a first radio frequency RF component and a second radio frequency 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 the satellite communications processor for transmitting and receiving satellite signals. The mobile terminal according to claim 15.

Images