Beam-Hopping Satellite Synchronization via Reference Signal Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam-hopping satellite systems face challenges in synchronizing data frames with beam-switching time plans, leading to potential corruption of user data frames during switching events and inefficient capacity utilization due to misalignment of transmission times with beam coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing super frames with a beam-switching time plan by transmitting a reference super frame, determining its sequence and time difference, and using a control loop mechanism involving a modulator, satellite, and reference terminal to adjust transmission times and adapt the beam-switching time plan for precise synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam-hopping satellite systems use dynamic beam switching to enable flexible communication and adapt to changing traffic demands, then system adaptability and communication efficiency are improved, but synchronization between data frame transmission and beam switching becomes difficult, leading to data frame corruption and capacity utilization inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting a reference signal before the actual data transmission to establish synchronization. The reference signal is sent in advance to allow the ground station to determine the correct timing for data frame transmission relative to beam switching events, ensuring that data frames are transmitted during the correct beam coverage period without corruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the ground station determine timing information from the received reference signal and use this feedback to adjust the transmission timing of subsequent data frames. The ground station calculates the time difference between receiving the reference signal and the expected beam switching time, then uses this information to synchronize data transmission with the beam-hopping schedule
2Ease of operation
If the system transmits data frames without precise synchronization to beam switching events, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but data frame corruption occurs during switching events and capacity utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal is transmitted in advance of data frames to establish the timing relationship between data transmission and beam switching. This preliminary action allows the ground station to calculate the exact timing offset and ensure data frames are transmitted during the correct beam coverage period, maximizing capacity utilization without complicating the overall transmission process
3Device complexity
If the beam switching time plan is not synchronized with data frame transmission timing, then system complexity is reduced, but data frames may be corrupted during switching events
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the reference signal reception to determine the precise timing relationship between data transmission and beam switching. The ground station calculates the time difference based on when the reference signal was received relative to the expected beam switching time, and uses this feedback information to synchronize data frame transmission, ensuring integrity without requiring complex synchronization mechanisms at the satellite end
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides a method for synchronizing a plurality of super frames to a beam switching time plan defining a plurality of dwell times, the beam switching time plan scheduling a switching between at least two beams which are transmitted using a high-altitude platform or a satellite, wherein each beam covers a respective service area so as to forward a respective data frame to the respective service area via the respective beam; wherein each super frame comprises a data frame to be forwarded by the satellite to the respective service area.