Directional Antenna Switching for LEO Satellite Beam Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terminal devices face challenges in communicating effectively with LEO satellites using directional antennas due to the lack of a clear method for beam tracking and satellite detection, resulting in poor communication quality.
Innovation Solution
The terminal device employs multiple directional antennas to search for and communicate with LEO satellites by determining the coverage based on satellite location and elevation angles, using a combination of antennas to enhance search efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an omnidirectional antenna is used for beam tracking with LEO satellites, then the terminal device can communicate with high-speed moving satellites, but the communication quality is poor due to limitations of satellite deployment density and antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the satellite search and communication function into multiple directional antennas, each responsible for specific coverage areas. This segmentation allows the system to maintain directional beam tracking capabilities while covering multiple satellite positions, thereby improving communication quality without sacrificing tracking speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic antenna selection and switching mechanisms that adapt to the high-speed motion of LEO satellites. The terminal device can dynamically switch between different directional antennas based on satellite position and movement, maintaining effective communication while tracking fast-moving satellites.
2Reliability
If a directional antenna is used to optimize LEO satellite communication quality, then communication quality improves, but there is no established method for satellite search and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary satellite position calculations and coverage area determinations before actual satellite search. By pre-computing which directional antenna should cover which satellite based on orbital mechanics and terminal position, the system simplifies the search process and makes directional antenna operation straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the terminal device continuously monitors satellite signals and adjusts antenna selection and beam directions accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to changing satellite positions while maintaining optimal communication quality.
3Productivity
If multiple directional antennas are used to cover different satellite positions, then satellite search efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates only the necessary subset of directional antennas based on current satellite positions and terminal orientation. Rather than continuously operating all antennas, the system selectively activates only those needed for current satellite coverage, reducing power consumption while maintaining search efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic satellite position updates and antenna reconfiguration rather than continuous operation. The system periodically recalculates optimal antenna assignments based on satellite orbital positions and terminal movement, allowing antennas to remain inactive between updates, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A satellite communication method and a terminal device are provided, which relate to the field of communication technologies, to resolve a problem of how the terminal device communicates with a LEO satellite when using a directional antenna. The method may be applied to a terminal device including a first directional antenna and a second directional antenna. The first directional antenna corresponds to first coverage. The second directional antenna corresponds to second coverage. The method includes: The terminal device searches for at least one satellite in a first range by using a first antenna. The first antenna is the first directional antenna, and the first range is the first coverage; or the first antenna is the second directional antenna, and the first range is the second coverage; or the first antenna is the first directional antenna and the second directional antenna, and the first range is the first coverage and the second coverage.