Beam scanning apparatus, antenna array determination method, and satellite communication system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a beam scanning apparatus, an antenna array determination method, and a satellite communication system. The beam scanning apparatus comprises an antenna module, wherein the antenna module comprises S antenna arrays, S being an integer greater than 1; and a coverage area of a satellite communication system is divided into S sub-areas according to quadrants, and each antenna array is used for performing beam scanning on one sub-area.

Description

Beam scanning device, antenna array determination method and satellite communication system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on August 11, 2023, with application number 202311016988.6 and invention name “Beam scanning device, antenna array determination method and satellite communication system”. The entire contents of the Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a beam scanning device, an antenna array determination method, and a satellite communication system. Background Art

[0004] Currently, operational and deployed satellites typically employ different spot beamforming methods and applications to provide global communications coverage for different physical areas on the ground. In related technologies, satellite communication systems typically employ analog or fully digital phase shifting techniques to phase-shift the beams. These systems then form a number of high-gain spot beams across their antenna arrays or sub-arrays, achieving high-gain spot beams for services in designated areas within the coverage area of ​​a single satellite.

[0005] With the development of satellite communication systems, the need to provide better global communications requires enhanced single-satellite coverage. This means that satellite communication systems need to achieve wider-angle beam scanning. However, most current satellite communication systems use single-array antennas for beam scanning, which is difficult to achieve with single-array antennas.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect, a beam scanning device is provided for use in a satellite communication system, comprising: an antenna module, wherein the antenna module comprises S antenna arrays, where S is an integer greater than 1; wherein the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system is divided into S sub-areas by quadrant, and each antenna array is used to perform beam scanning on a sub-area.

[0008] In a second aspect, a method for determining an antenna array is provided, which is applied to a satellite communication system, including: obtaining location information of a user device and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas, wherein the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants; determining a target sub-area from the S sub-areas based on the location information of the user device and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, wherein the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user device; and providing communication services for the user device using a target antenna array, wherein the target antenna array is an antenna array for beam scanning the target sub-area.

[0009] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement the method described in the second aspect.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. When the instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to execute the method described in the second aspect.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, a satellite communication system is provided, comprising the beam scanning device as described in the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0013] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a beam scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing how a scanning area of ​​a satellite communication system is divided into four sub-areas and corresponding antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the scanning coverage area of ​​four antenna arrays according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a beam scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a transceiver module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a sub-array unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a beam scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a beam scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of regional coverage when a satellite moves relative to a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna array determination device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to help those skilled in the art better understand the technical solutions of this application, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of this application in conjunction with the drawings of one or more embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] The terms "first," "second," and the like in this application and the claims are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate so that this application can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the term "and / or" in this application and the claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the connected objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0027] Satellite communication systems are non-terrestrial communication systems that typically employ analog or fully digital phase-shifting techniques to phase-shift beams. These techniques then form multiple high-gain spot beams through antenna arrays or subarrays to deliver high-gain spot beams to specific areas within the coverage area of ​​a single satellite. However, the system architectures corresponding to these two phase-shifting techniques typically utilize single-array antennas for multi-beam scanning, which has a limited scanning angle and cannot achieve wider beam scanning angles.

[0028] In related technologies, satellite communication systems can use multi-array antennas for multi-beam scanning, thereby achieving beam scanning at a wider angle. However, this beam scanning method is characterized by the sub-array antennas performing single-beam one-dimensional scanning or fixed-point beam coverage. Although large-angle beam scanning can be achieved, due to the one-dimensional scanning or fixed-point beam scanning of the sub-array antennas, when users move at high speed perpendicular to the direction of satellite movement, they are limited by the scanning angle of the sub-array antenna units, resulting in frequent beam hopping and switching, which reduces system performance.

[0029] The embodiments of the present application provide a beam scanning device, an antenna array determination method, and a satellite communication system. By dividing the scanning airspace to be covered by the satellite communication system into S sub-areas by quadrant, and using S antenna arrays to independently scan each of the S sub-areas, the beam scanning angle of the satellite communication system can be effectively increased, thereby enhancing the overall coverage area of ​​the satellite communication system. In addition, because the S sub-areas are divided by quadrants, and each antenna array can independently scan a sub-area, beam scanning in two dimensions can be achieved for any antenna array, resulting in a larger scanning range. In this way, when providing communication services to user devices through the S antenna arrays, the problem of frequent beam hopping switching can be avoided regardless of the direction in which the user device moves relative to the satellite communication system, thereby improving system performance.

[0030] It should be noted that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are applicable not only to satellite communication systems, but also to other non-terrestrial communication systems, active antenna unit (AAU) base stations, phased array systems, and other systems that use antennas for beam scanning. The embodiments of the present application are described using satellite communication systems as an example.

[0031] The following describes in detail the technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beam scanning device according to an embodiment of the present application. The beam scanning device 10 shown in FIG1 can be applied to a satellite communication system. The beam scanning device 10 includes an antenna module 11, which includes S antenna arrays, namely, antenna array 1, antenna array 2, ..., antenna array S. The scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system can be divided into S sub-areas by quadrant, namely, sub-area 1, sub-area 2, ..., sub-area S. Each antenna array is used to independently perform beam scanning on a sub-area, i.e., antenna array 1 can independently perform beam scanning on sub-area 1, antenna array 2 can independently perform beam scanning on sub-area 2, ..., antenna array S can independently perform beam scanning on sub-area S.

[0033] The aforementioned division of the satellite communication system's scanning area into S sub-areas by quadrant may also be performed by dividing the satellite communication system's scanning area into S two-dimensional sub-areas by two-dimensional quadrants. Each two-dimensional sub-area may be rectangular, circular, or other in shape, without specific limitation, so long as the S two-dimensional sub-areas can cover the satellite communication system's beam scanning area. Each antenna array may perform independent beam scanning in its corresponding two-dimensional sub-area in a two-dimensional direction. This increases the beam scanning angle and beam scanning range compared to one-dimensional scanning, thereby achieving wider-angle beam scanning.

[0034] It should be noted that the number S of antenna arrays included in the antenna module, that is, the number S of sub-areas obtained by dividing the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system by quadrants, is an integer greater than 0. Figure 1 only uses S greater than 2 as an example for illustration.

[0035] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the number S of the antenna arrays, that is, the number S of the sub-areas, may be equal to 4. n , n is an integer greater than 0. That is, the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system can be divided into 4 quadrants n sub-regions and use 4 n Each antenna array performs independent beam scanning on each sub-area.

[0036] Taking n = 0 as an example, as shown in Figure 2, the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system can be divided into four sub-areas by quadrant: Sub-area 1, Sub-area 2, Sub-area 3, and Sub-area 4. These four sub-areas are independently scanned by antenna arrays 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In the X-direction, the beam scanning range of a single array is 0 to θ°, and in the Y-direction, the beam scanning range of a single array is 0 to ψ°. Thus, the maximum scanning range of the entire system in the X-direction is 2θ°, and the maximum scanning range in the Y-direction is 2ψ°. Compared to one-dimensional scanning, although the scanning angle of a single array antenna in a single direction is reduced, from the perspective of the entire system, a larger scanning angle can be achieved.

[0037] It should be noted that when n is greater than or equal to 2, that is, the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system is divided into 16 sub-areas or more sub-areas by quadrant, although a larger angle beam scanning can be achieved, due to the increase in the number of sub-areas, the number of beam hopping switches will increase during the movement of the user equipment relative to the satellite communication system, thereby increasing the complexity of the system. Therefore, if there are no special requirements, the value of n can be preferably 1, that is, the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system is divided into 4 sub-areas by quadrant, and 4 antenna arrays are used to perform independent beam scanning on these 4 sub-areas respectively.

[0038] Optionally, at least two of the S sub-areas may overlap. This allows the satellite communication device to predict the location of the user device in the overlapping area when the user device moves into the overlapping area, thereby switching the antenna array and adjusting the beamforming, thereby providing more stable communication services for the user device. The specific size of the overlapping area can be determined based on actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0039] For example, if the scanning area of ​​a satellite communication system is divided into four sub-areas, each of these four areas can have overlapping areas. As shown in Figure 3, the coverage area of ​​each antenna array can be a circular area. The coverage area 1 of antenna array 1 overlaps with the coverage areas of other antenna arrays. The same applies to antenna arrays 2, 3, and 4, which also overlap with the coverage areas of other antenna arrays.

[0040] The beam scanning device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include, in addition to the antenna module, a beam flow processing module, a first data flow processing module, a second data flow processing module, and an S-group transceiver module. Please refer to Figure 4. In Figure 4, the beam flow processing module 41 is connected to the first data flow processing module 42, the first data flow processing module 42 is connected to the S-group transceiver module 43, and the S-group transceiver module 43 is connected to the antenna module 11. In addition, the beam flow processing module 41 is also connected to the second data flow processing module 44, and the second data flow processing module 44 is connected to the S-group transceiver module 43. Among them, the beam flow processing module 41, the first data flow processing module 42, the S-group transceiver module 43 and the antenna module 11 can jointly realize downlink communication, or the beam flow processing module 41, the second data flow processing module 44, the S-group transceiver module 43 and the antenna module 11 can jointly realize uplink communication.

[0041] The following describes downlink communication and uplink communication respectively.

[0042] In downlink communication, N beam streams can be processed in sequence by the beam stream processing module and the first data stream processing module to obtain M groups of signals. Each group of signals includes Q sub-signals. The S groups of transceiver modules are used to route the Q sub-signals in each group of signals to different antenna arrays of the antenna module. The antenna array performs downlink beam scanning to achieve downlink communication.

[0043] The N beam streams can be provided by the baseband data side, and the specific number may be related to the number of steerable beams required by the satellite communication system. For example, in downlink communication, if the satellite communication system requires N steerable beams, then the corresponding baseband data side must provide at least N beam streams.

[0044] When processing N beam streams, the beam stream processing module may perform digital encoding on the N beam streams. After digital encoding, the N beam streams may be divided into M data streams, each of which is obtained by weighting the N beam streams. N is an integer greater than 1, and M is an integer greater than or equal to N. For example, if N is 16, M can be 64.

[0045] After the beam stream processing module processes M data streams, the first data stream processing module may process the M data streams to obtain M groups of signals. Each data stream may correspond to a group of signals, and each group of signals may include Q sub-signals, where Q is an integer greater than 1.

[0046] When the first data stream processing module processes M data streams, the processing methods may include multiple, and accordingly, the structure of the first data stream processing module may also include multiple. Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first data stream processing module may include M digital-to-analog converter (DAC) modules, M radio frequency modules, M power splitter modules, and M phase shifter modules, each DAC module being connected to an RF module, each RF module being connected to a power splitter module, each power splitter module being connected to a phase shifter module, and each phase shifter module including Q phase shifters. When the first data stream processing module processes M data streams, for each data stream, the data stream may be processed sequentially by a DAC module, an RF module, a power splitter module, and Q phase shifters in a phase shifter module to obtain Q sub-signals, which constitute a group of signals. In this way, for the M data streams, after being processed by the M DAC modules, M radio frequency modules, M power splitter modules, and M phase shifter modules in the first data stream processing module, M corresponding groups of signals may be obtained.

[0047] Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the first data stream processing module may include M groups of phase shifting modules, M groups of DAC modules, and M groups of RF modules, each group of phase shifting modules including Q phase shifters, each group of DAC modules including Q DAC modules, each group of RF modules including Q RF modules, each phase shifter connected to a DAC module, and each DAC module connected to a RF module. When the first data stream processing module processes the M data streams, for each data stream, the data stream may be sequentially processed by the Q phase shifters in a group of phase shifting modules, the Q DAC modules in a group of DAC modules, and the Q RF modules in a group of RF modules to obtain a group of signals including Q sub-signals. In this way, for the M data streams, after being processed by the M groups of phase shifting modules, the M groups of DAC modules, and the M groups of RF modules in the first data stream processing module, corresponding M groups of signals may be obtained.

[0048] After the first data stream processing module obtains M groups of signals, S groups of transceiver modules can route the M groups of signals to S antenna arrays. Specifically, for each group of signals in the M groups of signals, the S groups of transceiver modules can route the Q sub-signals in the group of signals to different antenna arrays. Optionally, Q can be greater than or equal to S. When Q is greater than S, each group of transceiver modules can be used to route at least one sub-signal in the M groups of signals to an antenna array. When Q is equal to S, each group of transceiver modules can be used to route each sub-signal in the M groups of signals to an antenna array. For example, if Q is equal to 8 and S is equal to 4, each group of transceiver modules can route each two sub-signals in the M groups of signals to an antenna array. If Q is equal to 4 and S is equal to 4, each group of transceiver modules can route each sub-signal in the M groups of signals to an antenna array.

[0049] Optionally, each group of transceiver modules may include multiple transceiver modules, and in downlink communication, each transceiver module may route one or more sub-signals to an antenna array. The number of transceiver modules included in each group of transceiver modules may be determined based on actual conditions and is not specifically limited here. Optionally, if Q is equal to S, the number of transceiver modules included in each group of transceiver modules may be M, so that one transceiver module may route one sub-signal to an antenna array. For example, if Q and S are both equal to 4, assuming that M groups of signals are 64 groups of signals, each group of transceiver modules may include 64 transceiver modules, and each group of transceiver modules is used to route one sub-signal in each of the 64 groups of signals (a total of 64 sub-signals) to an antenna array, and each transceiver module may route one sub-signal of the 64 sub-signals to an antenna array.

[0050] Optionally, for each group of transceiver modules, the operating modes of the multiple transceiver modules included therein can be the same. Among them, the operating modes of the multiple transceiver modules can be time-sharing and frequency-same, or time-sharing and frequency-division, or simultaneous frequency-division. As shown in Figure 5. Figure 5(a) is a structural schematic diagram of the transceiver module under time-sharing and frequency-same, and Figure 5(b) is a structural schematic diagram of the transceiver module under time-sharing and frequency-division or simultaneous frequency-division. Based on the structure shown in Figure 5(a), the transceiver module can realize a time-sharing and frequency-same communication mode. Based on the structure shown in Figure 5(a), the transceiver module can realize a time-sharing and frequency-division or simultaneous frequency-division communication mode. Among them, TX in Figure 5 represents transmission and RX represents reception.

[0051] Optionally, each antenna array may include multiple subarray units. In downlink communications, when each group of transceiver modules routes multiple subsignals to an antenna array, it may route the multiple subsignals to different subarray units of the antenna array, and each subarray unit may be used to process one or more subsignals. The number of subarray units in each antenna array can be determined based on actual conditions and is not specifically limited here. Each subarray unit may include T amplitude modulation and phase modulation modules and T subarray unit arrays, where T is an integer greater than 0. As shown in Figure 6. An antenna array may include Q subarray units, each subarray unit including T amplitude modulation and phase modulation modules and T subarray unit arrays (each black square shown in Figure 6 represents a subarray unit array).

[0052] The above details how the beam flow processing module, the first data flow processing module, the S group transceiver module, and the antenna module perform signal processing in the downlink communication scenario. The following details how the beam flow processing module, the second data flow processing module, the S group transceiver module, and the antenna module perform signal processing in the uplink communication scenario.

[0053] In uplink communications, any antenna array in the antenna module can receive signals sent by user equipment through beam scanning. Specifically, each antenna array includes multiple subarray units, each of which can be used for signal reception. The structure of each subarray unit can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 and will not be repeated here.

[0054] After the S antenna arrays receive signals sent by the user equipment, the S transceiver modules can generate Q groups of signals based on the signals received by the S antenna arrays. Each group of signals includes M sub-signals. The Q groups of signals are sequentially processed by the second data stream processing module and the beam stream processing module to obtain N beam streams. Q, M, and N are the same as the Q and M described above for downlink communication and are not repeated here. When the S transceiver modules generate the Q groups of signals, each group of transceiver modules can generate a group of signals based on the signals received by one antenna array. Specifically, each group of transceiver modules can include multiple transceiver modules, each of which can generate one or more sub-signals based on the signals received by one antenna array. The sub-signals generated by the multiple transceiver modules constitute a group of signals. The operating mode and structure of each transceiver module can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 and are not repeated here. After the S transceiver modules generate the Q groups of signals, the second data stream processing module can process the Q groups of signals to obtain M data streams. Each sub-signal in the Q groups of signals can generate a corresponding data stream, so the Q groups of signals can generate M data streams. The M data streams can be processed by the beam stream processing module to obtain N beam streams.

[0055] When the second data stream processing module processes the Q group of signals, the processing methods may include multiple, and accordingly, the structure of the second data stream processing module may also include multiple. Optionally, in one possible implementation, the second data stream processing module may include M analog-to-digital converter (ADC) modules, M radio frequency modules, M power splitter modules, and M phase shifter modules, each ADC module is connected to an RF module, each RF module is connected to a power splitter module, each power splitter module is connected to a phase shifter module, and each phase shifter module includes Q phase shifters. When the second data stream processing module processes the Q group of signals, each sub-signal in the Q group of signals (a total of Q sub-signals) can be processed in sequence by Q phase shifters in a phase shifter module (one phase shifter can process one sub-signal), a power splitter module, a radio frequency module, and an ADC module to obtain a data stream. In this way, for Q groups of signals, after being processed by the M phase shift modules, M power division modules, M radio frequency modules and M ADC modules in the second data stream processing module, corresponding M data streams can be obtained.

[0056] Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the second data stream processing module may include M groups of phase shifting modules, M groups of ADC modules, and M groups of RF modules. Each group of phase shifting modules includes Q phase shifters, each group of ADC modules includes Q DAC modules, and each group of RF modules includes Q RF modules. Each phase shifter is connected to an ADC module, and each ADC module is connected to an RF module. When the second data stream processing module processes Q groups of signals, each sub-signal in the Q groups of signals (a total of Q sub-signals) can be processed sequentially by a group of RF modules, a group of ADC modules, and a group of phase shifters to obtain a corresponding data stream. Each RF module, each DAC module, and each phase shifter is used to process a sub-signal. In this way, for the Q groups of signals, after being processed by the M groups of phase shifting modules, M groups of ADC modules, and M groups of RF modules in the second data stream processing module, M corresponding data streams can be obtained.

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the above-mentioned beam flow processing module, first data flow processing module, second data flow processing module, S groups of transceiver modules and S antenna arrays, please refer to Figures 7 and 8.

[0058] The beam scanning device shown in Figure 7 includes a beam stream processing module, a first data stream processing module, a second data stream processing module, S transceiver modules, and S antenna arrays. The first data stream module includes M DAC modules, M RF modules, M power splitter modules, and M phase shifter modules, each of which includes Q phase shifters. The second data stream processing module includes M ADC modules, M RF modules, M power splitter modules, and M phase shifter modules, each of which includes Q phase shifters. Here, Q can be illustrated as equal to S.

[0059] In downlink communication, the baseband data side provides N beam streams. The N beam streams are digitally encoded and processed by the beam stream processing module and then divided into M data streams (M≥N). Each data stream is obtained by weighting the N beam streams. The M data streams reach the M RF modules through M DAC modules, and then are processed by M power division modules and M phase shift modules to obtain M groups of signals, each of which includes Q sub-signals. The i-th (1=1, 2, ..., Q) sub-signal in the M groups of signals is routed to different sub-array units of the i-th antenna array (not shown in Figure 7) through the i-th transceiver module. These signals are modulated by the antenna array through amplitude and phase modulation to form different beams, and the area covered by the antenna array is scanned. The other antenna arrays are similar.

[0060] In uplink communications, after receiving signals from user equipment (UE), the S antenna arrays are processed by multiple transceiver modules to produce Q groups of signals, each consisting of M sub-signals. The j-th (j = 1, 2, ..., M) sub-signal in each Q group is processed sequentially by the j-th phase shift module, the j-th power splitter module, the j-th RF module, and the j-th ADC module to produce a data stream, resulting in M ​​data streams. These M data streams are then processed by the beam processing module to produce N beam streams.

[0061] The beam scanning device shown in Figure 8 includes a beam flow processing module, a first data flow processing module, a second data flow processing module, S groups of transceiver modules, and S antenna arrays. The first data flow module includes M groups of phase shift modules, M groups of DAC modules, and M groups of RF modules. Each group of phase shift modules includes Q phase shifters, each group of DAC modules includes Q DAC modules, and each group of RF modules includes Q RF modules. The second data flow module includes M groups of phase shift modules, M groups of ADC modules, and M groups of RF modules. Each group of phase shift modules includes Q phase shifters, each group of ADC modules includes Q ADC modules, and each group of RF modules includes Q RF modules. Here, Q can be explained by taking it as equal to S as an example.

[0062] In downlink communication, the baseband data side provides N beam streams. After digital encoding and processing by the beam stream processing module, the N beam streams are divided into M data streams (M≥N), and each data stream is obtained by weighting the N beam streams. The M data streams are processed in turn by M groups of phase shift modules, M groups of DAC modules and M groups of RF modules to obtain M groups of signals, each group of signals includes Q sub-signals. The i-th (1=1, 2, ..., Q) sub-signal in the M groups of signals is routed to different sub-array units of the i-th antenna array (not shown in Figure 8) through the i-th transceiver module. These signals are modulated by the antenna array in amplitude and phase to form different beams, and the area covered by the antenna array is scanned. The other antenna arrays are similar.

[0063] In uplink communications, after receiving signals from user equipment (UE), the S antenna arrays are processed by multiple transceiver modules to produce Q groups of signals, each consisting of M sub-signals. The jth (j = 1, 2, ..., M) sub-signal in each Q group is processed sequentially by the jth RF module, the jth ADC module, and the jth phase shift module to produce a data stream, resulting in M ​​data streams. These M data streams are then processed by the beam processing module to produce N beam streams.

[0064] Based on the beam scanning device provided in the embodiment of the present application, since the scanning airspace required to be covered by the satellite communication system can be divided into S sub-areas by quadrant, and S antenna arrays are used to independently scan the S sub-areas, the beam scanning angle of the satellite communication system can be effectively increased, thereby enhancing the overall coverage area of ​​the satellite communication system. In addition, since the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing the quadrants, and each antenna array can independently scan a sub-area, beam scanning in two dimensions can be achieved for any antenna array, resulting in a larger scanning range. In this way, when providing communication services to user devices through S antenna arrays, regardless of the direction in which the user device moves relative to the satellite communication system, the problem of frequent beam hopping switching can be avoided, thereby improving system performance.

[0065] FIG9 is a flow chart of a method for determining an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application. The method for determining an antenna array shown in FIG9 can be used in a satellite communication system. The method for determining an antenna array shown in FIG9 can include the following steps.

[0066] S902: Acquire location information of the user equipment and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas. The S sub-areas are obtained by dividing the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants.

[0067] When providing communication services to user equipment, the satellite communication system can obtain the location information of the user equipment. The location information here can be the absolute location information of the user equipment (such as geographic location information), or it can be the relative location information of the user equipment relative to the satellite communication system, which is not specifically limited here. When obtaining the location information of the user equipment, the satellite communication system can also obtain the location information corresponding to its scanning area. In an embodiment of the present application, the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system can be divided into S sub-areas according to the quadrant. When the satellite communication system obtains the location information corresponding to its scanning area, it can obtain the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas. Wherein, S is an integer greater than 1. Optionally, S can be equal to 4 n , n is an integer greater than 0.

[0068] S904: Determine a target sub-area from the S sub-areas according to the location information of the user equipment and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, where the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user equipment.

[0069] The location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user device, indicating that the user device is located within the area corresponding to the target sub-area. After obtaining the location information of the user device and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, the satellite communication system can determine which sub-area the user device is located within based on this location information and determine that sub-area as the target sub-area. For example, if the user device is located within the area corresponding to sub-area 1, sub-area 1 can be determined as the target sub-area.

[0070] S906: Use a target antenna array to provide communication services for the user equipment, where the target antenna array is an antenna array used to perform beam scanning on the target sub-area.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, when a satellite communication system divides its scanning area into S sub-areas by quadrant, an antenna array can be used to perform independent beam scanning for each sub-area. Thus, when providing services to user equipment, after determining a target sub-area from among the S sub-areas, the antenna array used for beam scanning the target sub-area can be used as the target antenna array, and the target antenna array can be used to provide services to the user equipment.

[0072] It should be noted that at least two of the S sub-areas may overlap. When determining the target sub-area, a user device may be located in the overlapping area of ​​two or more sub-areas. In this case, the two or more sub-areas corresponding to the overlapping area can be determined as target sub-areas. When providing communication services to the user device, the antenna array corresponding to the appropriate sub-area can be selected to provide service to the user device, while reducing beam hopping switching.

[0073] It should also be noted that in actual application scenarios, both the user device and the satellite communication system are in motion, meaning that the user device's location information and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-regions are variable. Therefore, after using a target antenna array to provide communication services to a user, the satellite communication system can continue to obtain the user device's location information and the location information of each of the S sub-regions, and flexibly adjust the antenna array providing communication services to the user device based on this location information, thereby providing better communication services to the user device.

[0074] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the movement trajectory of the user equipment may be predicted, and the antenna array providing communication services to the user equipment may be dynamically adjusted according to the predicted movement trajectory. Specifically, the following steps may be included:

[0075] Obtain multiple location information of user devices;

[0076] Predicting a movement trajectory of a user device based on multiple location information of the user device;

[0077] Dynamically adjust the antenna array that provides communication services to the user equipment based on the predicted movement trajectory of the user equipment.

[0078] The multiple locations of the user device may be multiple locations of the user device within a specified time period. The specified time period may be determined based on actual needs and is not specifically limited here. For example, for a user device moving at high speed, the specified time period may be one minute, i.e., multiple locations of the user device within one minute are obtained. For a user device moving at low speed, the specified time period may be half an hour, i.e., multiple locations of the user device within half an hour are obtained.

[0079] After obtaining multiple location information of the user device, the movement trajectory of the user device can be predicted based on the location information. There are many methods for predicting the movement trajectory. For details, please refer to the specific implementation in the relevant technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0080] After predicting the user device's trajectory, the user device's location at a future time t can be determined based on the trajectory. This location information is then compared with the location information of the S sub-regions to determine the sub-region within which the user device will be located at that time t. The antenna array corresponding to that sub-region is then used as the target antenna array for that time t. As time t approaches, the antenna array can be switched to the predetermined target antenna array corresponding to that time t. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the antenna array based on the predicted trajectory, thereby providing better communication services for the user device.

[0081] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the movement of the satellite communication system relative to the user equipment. In Figure 10, the process of the satellite communication system providing communication services to the user equipment can be described as follows.

[0082] Assume that the user device is at point A in Figure 10, and the satellite moves from point B to point C. Initially at point B, assuming that antenna array 1's spot beam signal quality corresponding to point A is the best, antenna array 1's beam 1 provides signal coverage and tracks and locates the user device's position P1 (x1, y1, z1), records the time T1, and simultaneously updates antenna array 1's beamforming parameters to maintain optimal channel quality. When the satellite moves at high speed to another point, and its coverage area relative to the user device changes, assuming it moves into the overlapping coverage area of ​​antenna array 1 and other array antennas, antenna array 1 can still provide communication services to the user device, track and locate the user device's position Pn (xn, yn, zn), record the time Tn, and simultaneously adjust antenna array 1's beamforming parameters to maintain optimal channel quality. Using the user device's location information obtained by the system at different times, the system can intelligently infer the user device's possible trajectory and continuously iteratively correct this trajectory. Based on the relative motion trajectory of the user device and the satellite, the relative position of the user device can be predicted in advance in the overlapping area of ​​array coverage, and other antenna arrays can promptly adjust the beam shaping parameters within their own array planes to take over antenna array 1 and continue to provide services to the user device.

[0083] The antenna array determination method provided in the embodiment of the present application can divide the scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into S sub-areas by quadrant, and each sub-area is independently scanned by an antenna array. Therefore, the beam scanning angle can be increased. When providing services to user equipment, the service interruption caused by beam hopping switching can be reduced, thereby improving system performance.

[0084] The foregoing description describes specific embodiments of the present application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in an order different from that described in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying drawings do not necessarily require the specific order shown or the sequential order to achieve the desired results. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0085] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG11 , at the hardware level, the electronic device includes a processor, and optionally also includes an internal bus, a network interface, and a memory. The memory may include a memory, such as a high-speed random access memory (RAM), and may also include a non-volatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as at least one disk storage device. Of course, the electronic device may also include hardware required for other services.

[0086] The processor, network interface, and memory can be interconnected via an internal bus, such as an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus. These buses can be classified as address buses, data buses, and control buses. For ease of illustration, FIG11 uses only one bidirectional arrow, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0087] The memory is used to store programs. Specifically, the program may include program code, which includes computer operating instructions. The memory may include internal memory and non-volatile memory, and provides instructions and data to the processor.

[0088] The processor reads the corresponding computer program from the non-volatile memory into the internal memory and then runs it, forming a determination device for the antenna array at the logical level. The processor executes the program stored in the memory and is specifically used to perform the following operations:

[0089] Obtaining location information of a user device and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas, where the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing a scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants;

[0090] determining a target sub-area from the S sub-areas according to the location information of the user equipment and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, where the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user equipment;

[0091] A target antenna array is used to provide communication services for the user equipment, where the target antenna array is an antenna array used to perform beam scanning on the target sub-area.

[0092] The method performed by the antenna array determination device disclosed in the embodiment shown in FIG11 of the present application can be applied to a processor or implemented by a processor. The processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc.; it can also be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0093] The electronic device can also execute the method of FIG9 and realize the function of the antenna array determination device in the embodiment shown in FIG8 , which will not be described in detail in this application.

[0094] Of course, in addition to software implementation, the electronic device of this application does not exclude other implementation methods, such as logic devices or a combination of software and hardware, etc. That is to say, the execution subject of the following processing flow is not limited to each logic unit, but can also be hardware or logic devices.

[0095] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs include instructions. When executed by a portable electronic device including multiple application programs, the instructions enable the portable electronic device to perform the method of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , and are specifically configured to perform the following operations:

[0096] Obtaining location information of a user device and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas, where the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing a scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants;

[0097] determining a target sub-area from the S sub-areas according to the location information of the user equipment and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, where the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user equipment;

[0098] A target antenna array is used to provide communication services for the user equipment, where the target antenna array is an antenna array used to perform beam scanning on the target sub-area.

[0099] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an antenna array determination device 120 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG12 , in a software implementation, the antenna array determination device 120 may include: an acquisition module 121, a determination module 122, and a communication module 123, wherein:

[0100] An acquisition module 121 acquires location information of a user equipment and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas, wherein the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing a scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants;

[0101] a determination module 122, which determines a target sub-area from the S sub-areas based on the location information of the user equipment and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, wherein the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user equipment;

[0102] The communication module 123 uses a target antenna array to provide communication services for the user equipment, where the target antenna array is an antenna array used to perform beam scanning on the target sub-area.

[0103] Optionally, the acquisition module 121 is further configured to acquire multiple location information of the user equipment;

[0104] The determining module 122 is further configured to predict a movement trajectory of the user equipment based on the plurality of location information;

[0105] The communication module 123 is further configured to dynamically adjust the antenna array providing communication services to the user equipment according to the predicted movement trajectory of the user equipment.

[0106] The antenna array determination device 120 provided in the present application can also execute the method of Figure 9 and realize the functions of the antenna array determination device 120 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which will not be repeated in this application.

[0107] The present invention also provides a satellite communication system including the beam scanning device provided in the present invention. This beam scanning device enables the satellite communication system to achieve wider-angle beam scanning, reducing service interruptions caused by beam hopping when providing services to user equipment, thereby improving system performance.

[0108] In short, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

[0109] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments may be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products having certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, the computer may be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a cellular phone, a camera phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a combination of any of these devices.

[0110] Computer-readable media includes permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory computer-readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0111] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0112] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiment is generally similar to the method embodiment, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the partial description of the method embodiment.

Claims

1. A beam scanning device, applied to a satellite communication system, comprising: An antenna module, wherein the antenna module includes S antenna arrays, where S is an integer greater than 1; The scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system is divided into S sub-areas according to quadrants, and each antenna array is used to perform beam scanning on a sub-area.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein S=4 n , n is an integer greater than 0.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two of the S sub-areas have overlapping areas.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a beam flow processing module, a first data flow processing module, a second data flow processing module and S groups of transceiver modules, wherein: The beam stream processing module is connected to the first data stream processing module, the first data stream processing module is connected to the S group transceiver modules, and the S group transceiver modules are connected to the antenna module; in downlink communication, N beam streams are processed by the beam stream processing module and the first data stream processing module in sequence to obtain M groups of signals, each group of signals includes Q sub-signals; the S group of transceiver modules are used to route the Q sub-signals in each group of signals to different antenna arrays; or, The beam stream processing module is connected to the second data stream processing module, the second data stream processing module is connected to the S group transceiver module, and the S group transceiver module is connected to the antenna module; in uplink communication, the S group transceiver module is used to generate Q groups of signals according to the signals received by the S antenna arrays, each group of signals includes M sub-signals; the Q group of signals are processed by the second data stream processing module and the beam stream processing module in sequence to obtain N beam streams; Wherein, N is an integer greater than 1, M is an integer greater than or equal to N, and Q is an integer greater than 1.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein Q=S; In downlink communication, each group of transceiver modules is used to route each sub-signal in the M groups of signals to an antenna array; or, In uplink communication, each group of transceiver modules is used to generate a group of signals according to a signal received by an antenna array.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein each group of transceiver modules comprises a plurality of transceiver modules; In downlink communication, each transceiver module is used to route one or more sub-signals to an antenna array; or, In uplink communication, each transceiver module is used to generate one or more sub-signals based on a signal received by an antenna array.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the working modes of the multiple transceiver modules are time-division and same-frequency, time-division and frequency-division, or simultaneous frequency-division.

8. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each antenna array comprises a plurality of sub-array units; in, Each sub-array unit includes T amplitude modulation and phase modulation modules and T sub-array unit arrays, where T is an integer greater than 0.

9. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first data stream processing module comprises M DAC modules, M RF modules, M power division modules and M phase shift modules; each DAC module is connected to a RF module, each RF module is connected to a power division module, each power division module is connected to a phase shift module, and each phase shift module comprises Q phase shifters; or, The first data stream processing module includes M groups of phase shift modules, M groups of DAC modules and M groups of RF modules; each group of phase shift modules includes Q phase shifters, and each group of DAC modules includes Q DAC modules; each group of RF modules includes Q RF modules, each phase shifter is connected to a DAC module, and each DAC module is connected to an RF module.

10. The device according to claim 4, wherein the second data stream processing module comprises M ADC modules, M RF modules, M power division modules and M phase shift modules; each ADC module is connected to a RF module, each RF module is connected to a power division module, each power division module is connected to a phase shift module, and each phase shift module comprises Q phase shifters; or, The second data stream processing module includes M groups of phase shift modules, M groups of ADC modules and M groups of RF modules; each group of phase shift modules includes Q phase shifters, each group of ADC modules includes Q ADC modules, each group of RF modules includes Q RF modules, each phase shifter is connected to an ADC module, and each ADC module is connected to an RF module.

11. A method for determining an antenna array, applied to a satellite communication system, comprising: Acquire location information of a user device and location information corresponding to each of S sub-areas, wherein the S sub-areas are obtained by dividing a scanning area of ​​the satellite communication system into quadrants; Determine a target sub-area from the S sub-areas according to the location information of the user equipment and the location information corresponding to each of the S sub-areas, wherein the location information of the target sub-area matches the location information of the user equipment; A target antenna array is used to provide communication services for the user equipment, where the target antenna array is an antenna array used to perform beam scanning on the target sub-area.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Acquire multiple location information of the user equipment; Predicting a movement trajectory of the user equipment according to the multiple pieces of location information; Dynamically adjust the antenna array that provides communication services to the user equipment according to the predicted movement trajectory of the user equipment.

13. An electronic device, comprising: processor; a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; The processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 12.

15. A satellite communication system, comprising the beam scanning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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