Satellite Terminal Frequency Hopping Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SATCOM systems face challenges in allowing mobile terminals to enter and move within a satellite network without prior knowledge of the satellite spot configuration, which can be reconfigured during a mission, and existing solutions either increase costs or require complex initial planning.

Innovation Solution

A process and system that enable a mobile terminal to synchronize with a satellite network using at least two frequency jumping laws, allowing the terminal to identify slots and communicate with hub modems without prior knowledge of the spot configuration, thereby simplifying the entry process and reducing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal implements two reception chains to detect adjacent spots, then the terminal can enter and move within the satellite network, but the cost increases by a ratio of two

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal mobilityVSAvoidreception chain multiplication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency hopping process into two distinct laws: a first frequency hopping law for initial access and synchronization, and a second frequency hopping law for slot identification and communication. This segmentation allows the terminal to use a single reception chain while achieving the same functionality that previously required two separate reception chains, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining terminal mobility capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces frequency hopping laws as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the terminal and the satellite network. Instead of requiring the terminal to directly detect and track multiple spot configurations through multiple reception chains, the frequency hopping laws provide a structured intermediary framework that guides the terminal through the network entry and mobility process using a single reception chain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the terminal has a priori knowledge of the geometric configuration of each spot, then the uplink handover can be performed, but the initial planning becomes very significant and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink handover capabilityVSAvoidinitial planning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining frequency hopping laws that encode the necessary spot configuration information. Instead of requiring complex real-time calculations and a priori knowledge during operation, the frequency hopping laws are established in advance to guide the terminal through slot identification and hub communication, thereby enabling uplink handover while significantly reducing initial planning complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from geometric configuration data (which requires complex spatial understanding) to frequency hopping law parameters (which are simpler temporal sequences). By transforming the problem from spatial geometry to frequency-time domain parameters, the system enables uplink handover capability while reducing the complexity of initial planning and terminal knowledge requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the spots become smaller and more numerous in the same area, then the network coverage is improved, but the solutions become less flexible and harder to modify when configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the frequency hopping laws adaptable and modifiable. The system allows the frequency hopping sequences to be dynamically adjusted when spot configurations change, enabling the network to accommodate smaller, more numerous spots while maintaining flexibility. The frequency hopping laws can be reconfigured without requiring fundamental system changes, allowing easy adaptation to varying spot densities and distributions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3732800B1Method and system for inserting a terminal into a satellite network
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 THALES SA
  • EP3732800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3732800B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for configuring the insertion of a mobile terminal A into a satellite network, comprising at least the following steps: during a first access, the terminal A uses a slot determined according to the frequency jump rule and a variate for emitting one's indenfier, and then goes into listening mode; it then receives an allocation, the radio resource and the frequency jump rule to be used, by a modem hub that has received the maximum power of the at least one signal emitted by at least one terminal of the satellite network.