Satellite Beam Hopping Configuration for Seamless Terminal Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges in providing seamless coverage due to limited satellite hardware resources and large propagation losses, leading to reduced beam coverage and inefficient beam hopping mechanisms for terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A satellite communication method that utilizes beam hopping information, including parameters such as dwell time, start offset, and cycle periodicity, to improve communication between terminal devices and satellite systems, optimizing beam hopping mechanisms for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a satellite uses a large-scale antenna array to generate a formed beam with larger gain to overcome large propagation loss, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the coverage of a single beam is reduced and the quantity of beam positions is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beam hopping where the satellite periodically switches between multiple beam positions to cover different geographic areas. The beam hopping mechanism uses periodic time-division multiplexing to sequentially illuminate different regions, ensuring that each area receives adequate signal strength during its designated time slot while maintaining overall wide coverage across the satellite's service region.
2Area of stationary object
If the satellite transmits multiple beams to cover more beam positions, then the coverage is improved, but the quantity of beams that can be simultaneously transmitted is limited by hardware resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic beam switching where the satellite sequentially activates different antenna arrays and beam forming networks in time-division manner. Each beam position is served during specific time intervals, allowing the satellite to cover multiple geographic areas with limited hardware by rapidly switching between configurations rather than maintaining all beams simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam hopping mechanism dynamically adjusts the active beam configuration based on current service requirements and terminal device locations. The satellite can adaptively change beam directions, widths, and illumination patterns in real-time, optimizing the use of limited hardware resources to serve varying spatial and temporal communication demands across the coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If beam hopping is used to provide services for terminal devices on different beams, then the coverage is improved, but the communication timing and resource allocation become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of beam hopping parameters including beam switching timing, dwell time for each beam position, and resource allocation patterns. The satellite and terminal devices exchange and store beam hopping configuration information in advance, allowing them to anticipate and prepare for upcoming beam switches, thereby simplifying real-time communication by eliminating the need for complex dynamic negotiations during active transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communication method and apparatus includes: a second communication apparatus that sends a configuration message and a first communication apparatus that obtains the configuration message. The configuration message includes beam hopping (BH) information corresponding to a first bandwidth part (BWP). Therefore, the first communication apparatus performs communication based on the BH information corresponding to the first BWP, or the second communication apparatus performs communication based on the BH information corresponding to the first BWP. According to this method, a beam hopping communication mechanism in satellite communication can be effectively improved.