Satellite Communication Beam Acquisition via Trajectory Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
User terminals face challenges in accurately interpreting satellite messages due to environmental factors, leading to increased workload and inefficiency in beam scanning, especially in low earth orbit satellite communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and device that utilize a baseband module to determine the need for target beams and generate satellite trajectory information estimates, enhancing beam acquisition and tracking by reducing unnecessary beam searches and improving signal transmission confidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user terminal performs full beam scanning to acquire satellite communication signals, then the beam acquisition coverage is improved, but the workload of the baseband module and radio frequency module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary satellite trajectory prediction using TLE data and GPS information before beam scanning. This preliminary action provides advance knowledge of satellite position and beam direction, allowing the terminal to pre-calculate expected beam parameters and reduce the scope of required scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces exhaustive mechanical beam scanning with a prediction-based approach using orbital mechanics calculations. By substituting the brute-force scanning mechanism with physics-based trajectory prediction, the system reduces computational workload while maintaining acquisition coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user terminal performs full beam scanning without GPS or TLE information, then the system can operate independently, but the search time and system efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains satellite TLE (Two-Line Element) information in advance, which contains orbital parameters. This preliminary data allows the terminal to predict satellite trajectory and beam directions without performing exhaustive scanning, significantly reducing search time while maintaining independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces TLE information and GPS data as intermediary elements that mediate between the terminal and satellite. These intermediaries carry orbital and positional information that enable the terminal to calculate beam parameters directly, acting as a bridge that eliminates the need for time-consuming full scans.
3Productivity
If GPS information or TLE information is used to reduce beam scanning, then the search efficiency is improved, but the accuracy deteriorates due to environmental factors such as rain or thunder
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors signal acquisition results and compares predicted beam parameters with actual received signals. When environmental factors cause deviations, the feedback mechanism allows the terminal to adjust and refine beam selection, maintaining accuracy despite inaccuracies in predicted trajectory information.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on predicted trajectory information, the system performs partial beam scanning around the predicted direction. This excessive action—scanning a limited area around the calculated beam position—compensates for prediction inaccuracies caused by environmental factors while maintaining overall efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If the user terminal continuously updates satellite trajectory information, then the beam tracking accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system updates satellite trajectory information periodically rather than continuously. By calculating beam parameters at regular intervals based on satellite orbital period and communication session duration, the terminal maintains adequate tracking accuracy while significantly reducing computational frequency and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the update frequency of trajectory information based on satellite motion speed, beam width, and communication requirements. When the satellite is in a stable position or during steady-state communication, updates are reduced. Updates are intensified only when trajectory changes significantly or during acquisition phases, optimizing the balance between accuracy and energy use.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a communication device and a communication method. The communication method includes: determining whether there exists a current need to decide at least one target beam to determine whether to receive a satellite payload communication signal from a satellite payload by the at least one target beam; and determining whether a current satellite trajectory information is expired to decide whether to generate a current satellite trajectory information estimate. The user terminal controls its antenna to communicate with the satellite payload.