Electronic device and method for communicating with satellite

Abstract

An electronic device and a satellite communication method are provided. The electronic device comprises a communication interface and at least one processor. The processor activates satellite communication if the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The processor identifies a location of the electronic device. The processor controls the communication interface to receive location information of the satellite. The processor identifies an elevation angle of the satellite on the basis of the received location information of the satellite. The processor identifies transmission power data corresponding to the identified elevation angle of the satellite among transmission power data according to distances between the satellite and the electronic device, acquired on the basis of elevation angles of the satellite. The processor controls transmission power of the electronic device on the basis of the identified transmission power data.

Description

Electronic devices and methods for communicating with satellites

[0001] Embodiments of this document relate to electronic devices and methods, for example, electronic devices and methods for communicating with satellites.

[0002] With the advancement of electronic devices and communication technologies, electronic devices with communication capabilities can support not only cellular communication but also satellite communication. For example, satellite communication can be based on GlobalStar, Beidou, Starlink, or Iridium. For example, an Iridium-based communication service can utilize 66 satellites orbiting at an altitude of approximately 780 km at a speed of approximately 27,000 km / h. These 66 satellites are evenly spaced across six distinct planes, with 11 satellites in each plane. The six planes are spaced at 31.6 degrees longitude, and the spacing between planes can be approximately 22 degrees. This means that a total of 66 low-orbit satellites can cover the entire Earth. The maximum communication distance between an electronic device and a satellite can be approximately 2,400 km. An electronic device can communicate with a satellite by transmitting a high-power signal to a satellite within the communication range or by amplifying the received signal with low noise.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include a communication interface and at least one processor. The at least one processor may activate satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is lower than or equal to a preset value. The at least one processor may identify a location of the electronic device. The at least one processor may control the communication interface to receive location information of the satellite. The at least one processor may identify an elevation angle of the satellite based on the received location information of the satellite. The at least one processor may identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to a distance between the electronic device and the satellite obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite. The at least one processor may control the transmission power of the electronic device based on the data of the identified transmission power.

[0005] A satellite communication method according to various embodiments of the present document can activate satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value. The method can identify the location of the electronic device. The method can receive location information of the satellite. The method can identify an elevation angle of the satellite based on the received location information of the satellite. The method can identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to a distance between the satellite and the electronic device obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite. The method can control the transmission power of the electronic device based on the data of the identified transmission power.

[0006] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a satellite communication method according to various embodiments of the present document may perform an operation of activating satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is equal to or lower than a preset value. The storage medium may perform an operation of identifying a location of the electronic device. The storage medium may perform an operation of receiving location information of the satellite. The storage medium may identify an elevation angle of the satellite based on the received location information of the satellite. The storage medium may identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to a distance between the satellite and the electronic device obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite, and may perform an operation of controlling the transmission power of the electronic device based on the data of the identified transmission power.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication interface according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams illustrating distance and elevation angle according to the position of a satellite capable of communicating with a terminal device according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating a process for calculating the relationship between the altitude and the distance to the satellite according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing transmission power corresponding to an elevation angle according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are diagrams showing reception gains corresponding to elevation angles according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are diagrams illustrating a method for correcting transmission power and reception gain based on a communication environment according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of communicating with a satellite according to various embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a satellite communication method according to various embodiments.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0019] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0020] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0021] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (120) or the sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134). The non-volatile memory (134) can include at least one internal memory (136) and an external memory (138).

[0022] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0023] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0024] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0025] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0026] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0027] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0028] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0029] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0030] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0031] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0032] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0033] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0034] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0035] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0036] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0037] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0038] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0039] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0040] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) may include a communication interface (190) and a processor (120).

[0043] The communication interface (190) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1) can communicate with terrestrial network-based communication and satellites. For example, terrestrial network-based communication may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi, etc. The communication interface (190) can transmit and receive signals with a base station or a router under the control of the processor (120). Alternatively, the communication interface (190) can transmit a signal with a preset power to a satellite and receive a signal from the satellite with a preset gain under the control of the processor (120).

[0044] The processor (120) can control each component of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can include one or more processors (120). The processor (120) can control the communication interface (190) to communicate with the satellite if the signal strength of the terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value (e.g., communication interruption, poor communication service quality). That is, the processor (120) can activate satellite communication if the signal strength of the terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value.

[0045] The processor (120) can check the power of the electronic device (101). If the power of the electronic device (101) is greater than a preset value, the processor (120) can control the communication interface (190) to communicate with the satellite in a general manner. For example, the preset power value may be set to 40% of the maximum value, but is not limited thereto. A general manner may be a method of transmitting a signal at the maximum transmission power and receiving a signal at the maximum reception gain.

[0046] If the power of the electronic device (101) is less than a preset value, the processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to communicate with the satellite by controlling the transmission power and reception gain. If the power of the electronic device (101) is less than a preset value, the processor (120) may identify the location of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) may identify the location of the electronic device (101) using a global positioning system (GPS). The processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive location information of the satellite based on the identified location of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive location information of the satellite from a satellite gateway (or ground station) via the satellite. The location information of the satellite may include coordinates, a plane, a slot, an elevation angle, and / or an azimuth angle based on the location information of the electronic device (101). The processor (120) can identify the altitude angle of the satellite from the received position information of the satellite.

[0047] The processor (120) can identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among the data of transmission power. The transmission power may be a function of the distance (range) between the satellite and the electronic device (101). For example, when the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) increases, the transmission power may increase, and when the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) decreases, the transmission power may decrease. In addition, since the satellite orbits at a constant height, when the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) increases, the elevation angle may decrease, and when the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) decreases, the elevation angle may increase. Therefore, the elevation angle is related to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101), and the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) may be related to the transmission power. For example, the electronic device (101) may include data of transmission power mapped to an elevation angle based on data of a distance between a satellite and the electronic device (101) related to an elevation angle and data of transmission power related to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the processor (120) may identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite. The processor (120) may control the transmission power of the communication interface (190) based on the data of the identified transmission power. In addition, the processor (120) may decrease the transmission power as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0048] The processor (120) can identify data of a reception gain corresponding to an elevation angle of an identified satellite among data of reception gains. The reception gain may also be a function of the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101). For example, as the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) increases, the reception gain may increase, and as the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) decreases, the reception gain may decrease. As described above, as the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) increases, the elevation angle may decrease, and as the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) decreases, the elevation angle may increase. Therefore, the elevation angle may be related to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101), and the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) may be related to the reception gain. For example, the electronic device (101) may include data of a reception gain mapped to an elevation angle based on data of a distance between a satellite and the electronic device (101) related to an elevation angle and data of a reception gain related to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the processor (120) may identify data of a reception gain corresponding to an elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of a reception gain according to a distance between the satellite and the electronic device acquired based on the elevation angle of the satellite. The processor (120) may control the reception gain of the communication interface (190) based on the data of the identified reception gain. The processor (120) may decrease the reception gain as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0049] Transmission power and reception gain may be affected by the communication environment. For example, the communication environment may be an environment for snow, rain, and / or clouds. The processor (120) may identify the communication environment between the electronic device (101) and the satellite. The processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive information about the communication environment from the satellite gateway via the satellite. The processor (120) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain based on the identified communication environment. As an example, the communication environment may be an environment for snow and / or rain. If the communication environment is an environment for snow and / or rain, the processor (120) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain to a first preset value if the elevation angle is greater than or equal to a first preset angle, and may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain to a second preset value if the elevation angle is less than or equal to the first preset angle. Alternatively, the communication environment may be an environment for clouds. If the communication environment is a cloud environment, the processor (120) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by a preset third value if the identified elevation angle is less than a preset second angle. For example, the first angle may be the same as the second angle or may be a different angle. Alternatively, the third value may be the same as the first or second value.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication interface according to various embodiments.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a communication interface (190) (e.g., the communication interface (190) of FIG. 2) may include a power amplifier (1911), a power management integrated chip (PMIC) (1912-1, 1912-2), a tuner (1913), a low noise amplifier front end module (LFEM) (1914, 1915), and an external low noise amplifier (LNA) (1914-1, 1915-1). The communication interface (190) may be connected to an antenna (197-1, 197-2) (e.g., the antenna module (197) of FIG. 1) and a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 2).

[0052] The power amplifier (1911) can receive voltage from the PMIC (1912-1, 1912-2) and amplify a signal to be transmitted to a satellite or receive a signal from a satellite. The PMIC (1912-1, 1912-2) can supply power to the power amplifier (1911). The communication interface (190) can include a plurality of PMICs (1912-1, 1912-2). The communication interface (190) must transmit a high-power signal to communicate with the satellite. Therefore, the power amplifier (1911) can receive high power from the plurality of PMICs (1912-1, 1912-1). The tuner (1913) can adjust the impedance value of the antenna (197-1, 197-2) so that the antenna (197-1, 197-2) can have an optimal impedance value corresponding to the satellite communication frequency.

[0053] The LFEM (1914, 1915) can amplify a signal received from a satellite, including an LNA. The communication interface (190) can include a plurality of LFEMs (1914, 1915). For example, the electronic device (101) can include a plurality of antennas (197-1, 197-2) for diversity effect. For example, the plurality of antennas (197-1, 197-2) can be a first antenna (197-1) (or, main antenna, primary antenna) and a second antenna (197-2) (or, sub antenna, secondary antenna, diversity antenna). Although two antennas are illustrated in FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) can include three or more antennas. The plurality of antennas (197-1, 197-2) can be electrically connected by an RFFE (RF front end). Each of the plurality of antennas (197-1, 197-2) may be connected to a separate LFEM (1914, 1915). Additionally, the communication interface (190) may include an external LNA (1914-1, 1915-1), which may be connected to each of the plurality of antennas (197-1, 197-2). For example, the first antenna (197-1) may be connected to the first LFEM (1914) and the first external LNA (1914-1), and the first antenna (197-2) may be connected to the second LFEM (1915) and the second external LNA (1915-1).

[0054] The processor (120) can process data to be transmitted into an RF signal and control the RFFE to transmit the signal to the satellite. Alternatively, the processor (120) can process an RF signal received from the satellite and acquire data. In addition, the processor (120) can control the transmission power by controlling the PMIC (1912-1, 1912-2) according to the elevation angle of the satellite. Alternatively, the processor (120) can control the reception gain of the LNA included in the LFEM (1914, 1915) and / or the reception gain of the external LNA (1914-1, 1915-1) when receiving a signal from the satellite.

[0055] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams illustrating distance and elevation angle according to the position of a satellite capable of communicating with a terminal device according to various embodiments.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a first satellite (41) (or a satellite at a first position) 42) and a second satellite (42) (or a satellite at a second position) in orbit are illustrated. The first satellite (41) may be located above a reference point (11), and the second satellite (42) may be located at a point away from the reference point (11). For example, the location of the first satellite (41) may be a location at a minimum distance from which communication with an electronic device (101) is possible. If the altitude of the satellite is about 780 km, the communication distance between the first satellite (41) and the electronic device (101) is about 780 km, and the elevation angle of the first satellite (41) may be 90 degrees. The location of the second satellite (42) may be a maximum distance from which communication with the electronic device (101) is possible. As an example, the communication distance between the second satellite (42) and the electronic device (101) may be about 2465 km, and the elevation angle of the second satellite (42) may be about 8.2 degrees.

[0057] When satellite communication begins, the electronic device (101) can identify its location and receive satellite location information. The satellite location information may include the satellite's elevation and / or azimuth. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can guide the user to face the satellite.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the relationship between the altitude angle according to the position of the satellite with respect to the electronic device (101) is illustrated. The satellites (51, 52, 53) can orbit at an altitude of approximately 780 km. Since the satellites (51, 52, 53) orbit at a constant height, the positions of the satellites can be expressed in terms of azimuth and altitude angle. In particular, if the altitude angle is known, the distance between the satellites (51, 52, 53) and the electronic device (101) can be calculated. The third satellite (53) (or the satellite at the third position) may have a distance from the electronic device (101) of R3 and an altitude angle of θ3, the second satellite (52) (or the satellite at the second position) may have a distance from the electronic device (101) of R2 and an altitude angle of θ2, and the first satellite (51) (or the satellite at the first position) may have a distance from the electronic device (101) of R1 and an altitude angle of θ1. Referring to FIG. 5, it can be seen that R1 < R2 < R3 and θ1 > θ2 > θ3. In other words, as the distance (R) between the terminal device (101) and the satellite increases, the elevation angle (θ) can decrease. In addition, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal with greater power and receive a signal with greater gain as the distance from the satellite (51, 52, 53) increases. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can control the communication interface (190) with greater power as the elevation angle decreases, and can control the communication interface (190) with less power as the elevation angle increases.

[0059] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating a process for calculating the relationship between the altitude and the distance to the satellite according to various embodiments.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6a, a first satellite (61) (or a satellite at a first position) located above a reference point (11) (e.g., a position of an electronic device (101)) and a second satellite (62) (or a satellite at a second position) located at a distance R from the reference point (11) are illustrated.

[0061] As described above, the elevation angle may be an important factor related to the distance between the electronic device (101) and the satellite. The distance between the electronic device (101) and the satellite may be expressed as a function of the elevation angle. For example, the radius of the Earth is approximately 6,400 km, and the satellites (61, 62) may orbit at an altitude of approximately 780 km. Therefore, the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellites (61, 62) may be 7,180 km. If the second satellite (62) is located at the maximum distance at which communication is possible with the electronic device (101), the elevation angle of the second satellite (62) with respect to the location of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the reference point (11)) may be approximately 8.2 degrees, and the distance may be approximately 2,465 km. In this case, the angle with respect to the center of the Earth may be approximately 21.5 degrees.

[0062] For example, if an imaginary circle is drawn with the position of the second satellite (62) as the center and the radius of about 780 km, which is the altitude of the second satellite (62), an imaginary straight line that touches the imaginary circle can be drawn from the reference point (11). In this case, a right triangle can be created between the reference point (11), the point of contact (12) where the imaginary straight line touches the imaginary circle, and the second satellite (62). In the right triangle, the angle at the reference point (11) can be greater than the elevation angle (θ) of the second satellite (62), and the angle added to the elevation angle can be referred to as β. That is, the angle at the reference point (11) of the right triangle can be θ + β. Since the first satellite (62) is located above the reference point (11), the elevation angle can be 90 degrees, β can be 0 degrees, and the distance can be about 780 km.

[0063] FIG. 6B illustrates an enlarged view of the area (1) where the satellites (61, 62) of FIG. 6A are located. Referring to FIG. 6B, the hypotenuse of the right triangle may be the distance between the electronic device (101) and the second satellite (62) of approximately 2465 km, the height may be the orbital height of the second satellite (62) of approximately 780 km, and the angle may be the angle θ + β of the reference point (11). Therefore, by eliminating β using the above-described information, the relationship between the distance and the elevation angle may be calculated.

[0064] The elevation angles (θ) and β of the first satellite (61) and the second satellite (62) may be as follows.

[0065] Satellite 1 (61):

[0066] sin(90) = sin(90 + β) = 1

[0067] θ = 90 degrees, β = 0 degrees

[0068] Second satellite (62):

[0069] sin(8.2 + β) = 780 / 2465 = 0.316

[0070] 8.2 + β = 18.45

[0071] θ = 8.2 degrees, β = 10.25 degrees

[0072] The relationship between θ and β is calculated based on the information of the first satellite (61) and the second satellite (62) from the reference point (11), as follows.

[0073] (θ, β) = 2nd satellite (62) (8.2, 10.25), 1st satellite (61) (90, 0)

[0074] β = (0 - 10.25) / (90 - 8.2))*θ + 11.278

[0075] β = - 0.1253*θ + 11.278 ----- (1)

[0076] Referring to Fig. 6c, the relationship between the distance and the altitude angle between the electronic device (101) located at the reference point (11) and the second satellite (62) is illustrated. Using the altitude of the electronic device (101) and equation (1),

[0077] sin (θ + β) = R / (780 - height)

[0078] Since β = - 0.1253*θ + 11.278

[0079] R = (780 - height) / sin (0.8747*θ + 11.278) ----- (2)

[0080] Therefore, the distance (R) between the electronic device (101) and the satellite can be expressed as a function of the elevation angle (θ), as in Equation (2).

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing transmission power corresponding to an elevation angle according to various embodiments.

[0082] The minimum SNR (Eb / No) for receiving a signal transmitted by an electronic device (101) from a satellite may be approximately 6.1 dB. When the distance between the electronic device (101) and the satellite is the farthest (e.g., approximately 2465 km), considering the minimum SNR and uplink margin of approximately 2.9 dB, the transmission power of the electronic device (101) may be required to be approximately 36.0 dBm. The electronic device (101) can receive position information of the satellite and determine the elevation angle of the satellite.

[0083] The required transmit power may vary depending on the distance between the electronic device (101) and the satellite. For example, at an elevation angle of about 14.73, Eb / No may be about 10.83 dB. Considering an uplink margin equal to 36 dBm of transmit power, the required transmit power may be about 34.2 dBm, and a back-off of about 1.8 dB may be possible. At an elevation angle of about 24.27, Eb / No may be about 13.33 dB. Considering an uplink margin equal to 36 dBm of transmit power, the required transmit power may be about 31.7 dBm, and a back-off of about 4.3 dB may be possible. At an elevation angle of about 46.94, Eb / No may be about 16.85 dB. Considering an uplink margin equal to 36 dBm of transmit power, the required transmit power may be about 28.2 dBm, and a back-off of 7.8 dB may be possible. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the transmission power of the electronic device (101) may exhibit a positive correlation with the distance from the satellite. The uplink margin may increase as the elevation angle increases, and may decrease as the elevation angle decreases.

[0084] The electronic device (101) can store data on transmission power according to altitude and distance in a table. Then, when the electronic device (101) confirms the altitude of the satellite, it can determine the transmission power corresponding to the distance based on the stored table.

[0085] Figures 8a and 8b are diagrams showing receiver gains corresponding to elevation angles according to various embodiments. Figure 8a shows the LNA gain of the primary pass (PRX) and the LNA gain of the diversity pass (DRX) according to elevation angles, and Figure 8b shows the steps of the LNA gain.

[0086] The receiving unit of the electronic device (101) may include a primary path (or main path, first path) and a diversity path (or sub path, second path), as described in FIG. 3. The primary path and the diversity path may each include two stages of cascade LNAs. The electronic device (101) may control the gain of the LNA of the primary path and / or the LNA of the diversity path according to the elevation angle. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may turn off the LNA of the diversity path. That is, the communication interface (190) of the electronic device (101) may include a main receiving amplifier (e.g., LNA of the primary path) and a sub receiving amplifier (e.g., LNA of the diversity path) that amplify a received signal. In addition, the electronic device (101) may turn off the sub receiving amplifier if the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a preset angle.

[0087] When calculating the reception sensitivity (Rx sensitivity) of the electronic device (101), Eb / No for processing a signal received from a satellite can be approximately 5.8 dB. The sensitivity that can be received by the LNA gain of the electronic device (101) can achieve a performance of approximately -121.5 dBm. The electronic device (101) can control the reception performance by adjusting the LNA gain of each primary pass and / or diversity pass. Each LNA can be divided into several stages, and the LNA gain and current can be traded off for each stage. That is, the higher the LNA gain, the greater the current consumption can be.

[0088] For example, at an elevation angle of about 14.73, Eb / No may be about 13.83 dB. The electronic device (101) may maintain the primary LNA gain at G0 and lower the diversity LNA gain to G1. At an elevation angle of about 24.27, Eb / No may be about 16.33 dB. The electronic device (101) may lower the primary LNA gain to G1 and set the diversity LNA gain to G1. At an elevation angle of about 46.94, Eb / No may be about 19.835 dB. The electronic device (101) may maintain the primary LNA gain at G1 and lower the diversity LNA gain to G2. At an elevation angle of about 64.3, Eb / No may be about 21.26 dB. The electronic device (101) can maintain the primary LNA gain at G1 and lower the diversity LNA gain to G4. At an elevation angle of 90.0, Eb / No can be approximately 22.0 dB. The electronic device (101) can maintain the primary LNA gain at G1 and turn off the diversity LNA. The electronic device (101) must satisfy the sensitivity specification of -116.7 dBm. If the electronic device (101) maintains the primary LNA gain at or above G1, it can satisfy the sensitivity specification of -116.7 dBm. Therefore, if the electronic device (101) sets the primary LNA gain to a step of G0 / G1, the diversity LNA gain can be set in various ways, such as G0 to G4, bypass, or off.

[0089] The electronic device (101) can store data on reception gain according to altitude and distance in a table. Then, when the electronic device (101) confirms the altitude of the satellite, it can determine the reception gain corresponding to the distance based on the stored table.

[0090] That is, the data of the transmission power and / or the data of the reception gain can be acquired based on first information about the relationship between the elevation angle of the satellite and the communication distance and second information about the relationship between the communication distance and the transmission power and / or the reception gain. The first information can be acquired based on a first position of the satellite having an elevation angle of 90 degrees with respect to a point, a second position of the satellite having a minimum elevation angle at which satellite communication is possible, a distance between the point and the second position which is a maximum communication distance, and an orbit of the satellite. The acquired data of the transmission power and / or the data of the reception gain can be stored in a table in the electronic device (101).

[0091] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are diagrams illustrating a method for correcting transmission power and reception gain based on a communication environment according to various embodiments.

[0092] The above-described transmit power and receive gain were calculated under clear weather conditions. Transmit power and receive gain may be affected by the communication environment (or weather conditions).

[0093] Referring to Figure 9a, the path between a satellite and a terminal is illustrated as a function of weather. The troposphere is typically approximately 18 km deep, and because there is virtually no air above the troposphere (above the ozone layer), transmission power and reception gain may not be affected by weather. Rain attenuation may occur depending on the frequency and droplet size distribution. That is, the more precipitation and / or the higher the frequency, the more attenuated the signal. For example, a 1.6 GHz signal communicating with an Iridium satellite may be attenuated by approximately 0.0324 dB / km under snow, rain, and / or cloud conditions.

[0094] Under snow, rain, and / or cloud conditions, the signal is attenuated by approximately 0.0324 dB / km. Considering the troposphere of approximately 18 km, the attenuation can be approximately 57 km at an elevation angle of 8.2 degrees between the satellite and the terminal, resulting in a signal attenuation of approximately 2 dB. Furthermore, the signal attenuation can be approximately 1 dB at an elevation angle of 30.8 degrees between the satellite and the terminal. This means that under snow, rain, and / or cloud conditions, the transmit signal and / or receive gain may require compensation of approximately 1 to 2 dB depending on the elevation angle.

[0095] The electronic device (101) can receive information about the communication environment from a satellite gateway via a satellite. Furthermore, the electronic device (101) can compensate for transmission power and / or reception gain based on the received information about the communication environment.

[0096] For example, when the communication environment is an environment for snow and / or rain, the electronic device (101) can compensate for a first value preset for the transmission power and / or the reception gain if the identified elevation angle is equal to or greater than a first preset angle. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) can compensate for a second value preset for the transmission power and / or the reception gain if the identified elevation angle is less than (or equal to) the first preset angle. Alternatively, when the communication environment is an environment for clouds, the electronic device (101) can compensate for a third value preset for the transmission power and / or the reception gain if the identified elevation angle is less than (or equal to) the second preset angle. As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 2 dB when the elevation angle (θ) is 30.8 degrees or less in rainy or snowy weather conditions, and may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 1 dB when the elevation angle exceeds 30.8 degrees. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 1 dB only when the elevation angle is 30.8 degrees or less in cloudy weather.

[0097] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of communicating with a satellite according to various embodiments.

[0098] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0099] According to one embodiment, steps 1005 to 1055 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device (101) may initiate satellite communication (1005) if the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value. When initiating satellite communication, the electronic device (101) may output a notification message to inform the user of the start of satellite communication. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may output a message allowing the user to select whether to initiate satellite communication, and determine whether to perform satellite communication based on the user's selection.

[0101] The electronic device (101) can check the remaining power (1010) and determine whether it is below a preset value (1015). For example, the preset value of the remaining power can be set to 40% of the full-charge power. If the remaining power exceeds the preset value (1015-NO), the electronic device (101) can perform satellite communication in a conventional manner (1020). That is, the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal to the satellite by setting the transmission power to the maximum or receive a signal from the satellite by setting the reception gain to the maximum. If the remaining power is below the preset value (1015-YES), the electronic device (101) can identify the location of the electronic device (1025). For example, the electronic device (101) can identify the location of the electronic device using GPS.

[0102] The electronic device (101) can receive satellite location information and / or communication environment information (1030). For example, the satellite location information may include coordinates, planes, slots, elevation angles, and / or azimuth angles based on the location information of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can identify the satellite's elevation angle from the received satellite location information. The communication environment information may be environmental information regarding snow, rain, and / or clouds. The electronic device (101) can identify the communication environment based on the received communication environment information. The electronic device (101) can receive satellite location information and / or communication environment information from a satellite gateway via a satellite.

[0103] The electronic device (101) can determine whether the weather is clear (1035). If the weather is clear (1035-YES), the electronic device (101) can control the transmission power and / or reception gain according to the elevation angle (1040). For example, the electronic device (101) can store a table of transmission power and / or reception gain mapped to the elevation angle. The electronic device (101) can control the transmission power and / or reception gain based on the identified elevation angle and the stored table.

[0104] The electronic device (101) can determine whether the weather is snowy and / or rainy (1045), if it is not clear (1035-NO). If the weather is snowy and / or rainy (1045-YES), the electronic device (101) can compensate for a first value or a second value based on a preset first angle (1050). For example, the electronic device (101) can compensate for 2 dB in the transmission power and / or reception gain when the elevation angle is 30.8 degrees or less, and can compensate for 1 dB in the transmission power and / or reception gain when the elevation angle is greater than 30.8 degrees.

[0105] If it is not snowy and / or rainy (1045-NO), it may be cloudy. If it is cloudy, the electronic device (101) may determine whether compensation is required based on a preset second angle (1055). For example, if the elevation angle exceeds 30.8 degrees, the electronic device (101) may not compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain. If the elevation angle is 30.8 degrees or less, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 1 dB.

[0106] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a satellite communication method according to various embodiments.

[0107] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0108] According to one embodiment, steps 1110 to 1150 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device (101) may activate (or start) satellite communication if the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value (1110). For example, the communication service may include services such as cellular communication and Wi-Fi. When satellite communication is activated, the electronic device (101) may identify the location of the electronic device (1120). Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may check the power of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may determine whether the remaining power is below a preset value. For example, the preset value may be set to 40% of the full power. If the power of the electronic device (101) exceeds the preset value, the electronic device (101) may perform satellite communication in a conventional manner. If the power of the electronic device (101) is below the preset value, the electronic device (101) may perform satellite communication by controlling the transmission power and / or the reception gain based on the elevation angle of the satellite. The electronic device (101) can determine the elevation angle of the satellite to control the transmission power and / or the reception gain. The electronic device (101) can identify the position of the electronic device (101) to determine the elevation angle of the satellite.

[0110] The electronic device (101) can receive location information of a satellite (1130). For example, the location information may include coordinates, planes, slots, elevation angles, and / or azimuth angles based on the location information of the electronic device (101). At this time, the electronic device (101) can receive information about the communication environment. For example, the information about the communication environment may be environmental information about snow, rain, and / or clouds. The electronic device (101) can receive location information of the satellite and / or information about the communication environment from a satellite gateway via a satellite. The electronic device (101) can identify the communication environment based on the received communication environment information.

[0111] The electronic device (101) can identify the altitude of the satellite based on the received position information of the satellite (1140). The electronic device (101) can identify data on transmission power corresponding to the altitude of the identified satellite among data on transmission power according to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the altitude of the satellite. In addition, the electronic device (101) can control the transmission power of the electronic device (101) based on the data on the identified transmission power (1150). For example, the electronic device (101) can reduce the transmission power as the identified altitude increases.

[0112] In addition, the electronic device (101) can identify data of a reception gain corresponding to the altitude angle of the identified satellite among data of a reception gain according to the distance between the satellite and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the altitude angle of the satellite. Then, the electronic device (101) can control the reception gain of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified reception gain. For example, the electronic device (101) can decrease the reception gain as the identified elevation angle increases. The electronic device (101) can include a plurality of antennas and a plurality of paths. The plurality of paths can include a primary path and a diversity path. The primary path and the diversity path can each include a reception amplifier (e.g., an LNA). When controlling the reception gain, the electronic device (101) can turn off the reception amplifier of the diversity path if the elevation angle is greater than a preset angle.

[0113] The data of the transmission power and / or the data of the reception gain can be acquired based on first information about the relationship between the elevation angle of the satellite and the communication range and second information about the relationship between the communication range and the transmission power and / or the reception gain. The first information can be acquired based on a first position of the satellite having an elevation angle of 90 degrees with respect to a point, a second position of the satellite having a minimum elevation angle at which satellite communication is possible, a distance between the point and the second position being a maximum distance at which communication is possible, and an orbit of the satellite. The acquired data of the transmission power and / or the data of the reception gain can be stored in a table in the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can identify the transmission power and / or the reception gain according to the elevation angle based on the identified elevation angle and the stored table, and control the communication power based on the identified transmission power and / or the reception gain.

[0114] Additionally, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain depending on the communication environment. For example, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 2 dB when the elevation angle is 30.8 degrees or less in rainy or snowy weather conditions, and may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 1 dB when the elevation angle exceeds 30.8 degrees. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may compensate for the transmission power and / or reception gain by 1 dB only when the elevation angle is 30.8 degrees or less in cloudy weather.

[0115] As an embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a communication interface (190) and at least one processor (120). The at least one processor (120) may activate satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is lower than a preset value. The at least one processor (120) may identify a location of the electronic device (101). The at least one processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive location information of the satellite (41, 42). The at least one processor (120) may identify an elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) based on the received location information of the satellite (41, 42). The at least one processor (120) may identify data of transmission power corresponding to the altitude angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to the distance between the satellite (41, 42) and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the altitude angle of the satellite (41, 42). The at least one processor (120) may control the transmission power of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified transmission power.

[0116] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may determine the power of the electronic device (101) after activating the satellite communication. If the power of the electronic device (101) is below a preset value, the at least one processor (120) may control the transmission power based on the elevation angle of the identified satellite.

[0117] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive location information of the satellite (41, 42) from the satellite gateway through the satellite (41, 42).

[0118] As one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may reduce the transmission power as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0119] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may identify data of a reception gain corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite (41, 42) among data of a reception gain according to a distance between the satellite (41, 42) and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42). The at least one processor (120) may control the reception gain of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified reception gain.

[0120] As one embodiment, the at least one processor (120) may decrease the reception gain as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0121] As an example, the communication interface (190) may include a main receiving amplifier (1914) and a sub receiving amplifier (1915) that amplify a receiving signal. The at least one processor (120) may turn off the sub receiving amplifier (1915) if the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a preset angle.

[0122] As an example, at least one of the data of the transmission power and the data of the reception gain may be obtained based on first information about the relationship between the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) and the communication distance obtained based on a first position of the satellite (41) having an elevation angle of 90 degrees with respect to a point, a second position of the satellite (42) having a minimum elevation angle at which satellite communication is possible, a distance between the point and the second position being a maximum distance at which communication is possible, and an orbit of the satellite (41, 42), and second information about the relationship between the communication distance and at least one of the transmission power and the reception gain.

[0123] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may identify a communication environment between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (41, 42). The at least one processor (120) may compensate for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain based on the identified communication environment.

[0124] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may control the communication interface (190) to receive information about the communication environment from the satellite gateway through the satellite (41, 42).

[0125] As one embodiment, the communication environment may include an environment for at least one of snow, rain, and clouds.

[0126] As an example, when the communication environment is an environment for at least one of snow and rain, the at least one processor (120) may compensate for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain with a preset first value if the identified elevation angle is equal to or greater than a preset first angle, and may compensate for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain with a preset second value if the identified elevation angle is less than the preset first angle.

[0127] As an example, when the communication environment is a cloud environment, the at least one processor (120) may compensate for a preset third value for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain if the identified elevation angle is less than a preset second angle.

[0128] As an example, a satellite communication method may activate satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is lower than a preset value (1110). The satellite communication method may identify the location of the electronic device (101) (1120). The satellite communication method may receive location information of the satellite (41, 42) (1130). The satellite communication method may identify an elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) based on the received location information of the satellite (41, 42) (1140). The satellite communication method may identify data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to the distance between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (41, 42) obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42). The satellite communication method may control the transmission power of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified transmission power (1150).

[0129] As an example, the satellite communication method can determine the power of the electronic device (101) after activating the satellite communication.

[0130] As an example, the operation of controlling the transmission power may control the transmission power when the power of the electronic device (101) is below a preset value.

[0131] As an example, the operation of receiving the location information of the satellite (41, 42) may receive the location information of the satellite (41, 42) from the satellite gateway through the satellite (41, 42).

[0132] As one embodiment, the operation of controlling the transmission power may reduce the transmission power as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0133] As an example, the satellite communication method can identify data of a reception gain corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite (41, 42) among data of a reception gain according to a distance between the satellite (41, 42) and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42). The satellite communication method can control the reception gain of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified reception gain.

[0134] As one embodiment, the operation of controlling the reception gain may decrease the reception gain as the identified elevation angle increases.

[0135] As an example, the operation of controlling the reception gain may turn off the sub reception amplifier (1915) among the main reception amplifier (1914) and the sub reception amplifier (1915) that amplify the reception signal if the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a preset angle.

[0136] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0137] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0138] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0140] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and arranged in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0141] The effects of this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), Communication interface (190); and comprising at least one processor (120); At least one processor (120) above, If the signal strength of the terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value, satellite communication is activated, Identifying the location of the above electronic device (101), Controlling the communication interface (190) to receive position information of the satellite (41, 42), Based on the position information of the received satellite (41, 42), the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) is identified, Among the data of transmission power according to the distance between the satellite (41, 42) and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42), the data of transmission power corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite is identified. An electronic device that controls the transmission power of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified transmission power.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that determines the power of the electronic device (101) after activating the satellite communication, and if the power of the electronic device (101) is below a preset value, controls the transmission power based on the elevation angle of the identified satellite.

3. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device controlling the communication interface (190) to receive location information of the satellite (41, 42) through the satellite (41, 42) from the satellite gateway.

4. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that reduces the transmission power as the identified elevation angle increases.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one processor (120) above, Among the data of the reception gain according to the distance between the satellite (41, 42) and the electronic device (101) obtained based on the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42), the data of the reception gain corresponding to the elevation angle of the identified satellite (41, 42) is identified. An electronic device that controls the reception gain of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified reception gain.

6. In paragraph 5, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that reduces the receiving gain as the identified elevation angle increases.

7. In paragraph 5, The above communication interface (190) is It includes a main receiving amplifier (1914) and a sub receiving amplifier (1915) that amplify the receiving signal, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that turns off the sub-receiver amplifier (1915) if the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a preset angle.

8. In paragraph 5, At least one of the data of the above transmission power and the data of the above reception gain, An electronic device obtained based on first information about the relationship between the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) and the communication distance obtained based on a first position of a satellite (41) having an elevation angle of 90 degrees with respect to a point, a second position of a satellite (42) having a minimum elevation angle at which satellite communication is possible, a distance between the point and the second position which is a maximum distance at which communication is possible, and an orbit of the satellite (41, 42), and second information about the relationship between the communication distance and at least one of the transmission power and the reception gain.

9. In paragraph 5, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that identifies a communication environment between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (41, 42) and compensates for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain based on the identified communication environment.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that controls the communication interface (190) to receive information about the above communication environment from the satellite gateway through the satellite (41, 42).

11. In paragraph 9, The above communication environment is, An electronic device comprising an environment for at least one of snow, rain and clouds.

12. In paragraph 11, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that compensates for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain with a first value set in advance if the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a first angle set in advance, and compensates for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain with a second value set in advance if the identified elevation angle is less than or equal to a first angle set in advance, when the identified elevation angle is greater than or equal to a first angle set in advance.

13. In paragraph 11, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that compensates for a preset third value for at least one of the transmission power and reception gain when the identified elevation angle is less than a preset second angle when the above communication environment is a cloud environment.

14. In the satellite communication method, An operation (1110) for activating satellite communication when the signal strength of a terrestrial network-based communication service is below a preset value; An operation (1120) for identifying the location of the electronic device (101); An operation (1130) of receiving location information of the above satellite (41, 42); An operation (1140) of identifying the elevation angle of the satellite (41, 42) based on the position information of the received satellite (41, 42); and A satellite communication method, comprising: an operation (1150) of identifying data of transmission power corresponding to the altitude angle of the identified satellite among data of transmission power according to the distance between a satellite (41, 42) and an electronic device (101) obtained based on the altitude angle of the satellite (41, 42), and controlling the transmission power of the electronic device (101) based on the data of the identified transmission power; 15. In paragraph 14, Further comprising an operation of determining the power of the electronic device (101) after activating the satellite communication; The operation of controlling the above transmission power is as follows: A satellite communication method for controlling the transmission power based on the elevation angle of the identified satellite when the power of the electronic device (101) is below a preset value.

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