Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, wherein the method comprises: obtaining a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, a first time unit of the first cell, and a second time unit of the second cell, wherein the first time unit is used for communication within the first cell, and the second time unit is used for communication within the second cell; and determining the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the minimum time unit of the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, and the second subcarrier spacing. The above method can effectively guarantee uplink transmission performance, for example, effectively increase uplink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, thereby facilitating meeting flexible and variable business volume and / or communication requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] The fifth-generation (5G) communication system can support the coexistence of multiple service types, such as URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication), eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), and mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communication). This will lead to flexible and varied service volumes and high coverage requirements.

[0003] For example, 5G technology supports a variety of subcarrier spacings to support diverse services and scenarios. The time units used for service transmission based on these various subcarrier spacings may be of the same or different lengths, meaning their boundaries may not be perfectly aligned. Therefore, further research is needed to address the challenges of flexible and changing service volumes and high coverage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method and apparatus for improving the performance of uplink transmission to meet the communication needs of flexible and changeable business volume and / or high coverage requirements.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method that can be applied to a communication device, which can be a terminal device or a chip within a terminal device. Alternatively, the method can be applied to a communication device, which can be a network device or a chip within a network device. In this method, the communication device obtains the offset of time units within different cells. Alternatively, the communication device obtains at least one subcarrier spacing and at least one time unit, and determines the offset of time units within different cells based on the subcarrier spacing and time unit.

[0006] In one possible design, the terminal device (the internal chip of the terminal device) receives the above-mentioned offset from the network device (the internal chip of the network device); or, the network device sends the above-mentioned offset to the terminal device.

[0007] In one possible design, the communication device determines the offset of the time unit in cell 1 and cell 2 based on the time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing and the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2.

[0008] In one possible design, the communication device determines the offset of the time units in cell 1 and cell 2 based on the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2 and the minimum value of the time units in cell 1 and cell 2.

[0009] By adopting the above method, the terminal device or network device effectively ensures the alignment of time units in different cells and the transmission performance in multiple cells by offsetting the time units in different cells. For example, it can effectively increase the uplink and downlink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink and downlink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, so as to meet the flexible and changeable business volume and / or communication needs with high coverage requirements.

[0010] In one possible design, the communication device obtains a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, a first time unit of the first cell, and a second time unit of the second cell; and determines an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0011] Exemplarily, the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined according to the minimum time unit of the first time unit and the second time unit, and the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0012] Exemplarily, the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined according to the larger value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, and the time unit corresponding to the larger subcarrier spacing.

[0013] Optionally, the offset between the first and second time units may be an offset value and an offset direction between the first time unit and the second unit.

[0014] In one possible design, the communication device obtains a first cyclic shift of a first cell and a second cyclic shift of a second cell, and determines an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift, and the second cyclic shift.

[0015] Further, a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell are obtained, and an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined based on the smaller value of the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift, and the second cyclic shift.

[0016] In one possible design, a communications device obtains a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, and a reference subcarrier spacing, and determines an offset between a first time unit of the first cell and a second time unit of the second cell based on the first subcarrier spacing of the first cell, the second subcarrier spacing of the second cell, and a reference time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes: obtaining the first cyclic shift of the first cell and the second cyclic shift of the second cell, and determining the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the reference time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0018] Further, a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell are obtained, and an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined according to the reference time unit, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device having the functions of implementing the communication device involved in the first aspect above. For example, the device includes a module or unit or means (means) corresponding to the terminal device or network device executing the steps involved in the first aspect above. The functions or units or means can be implemented through software, or through hardware, or the corresponding software can be implemented through hardware.

[0020] In one possible design, the device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, and the functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit may correspond to the steps performed by the terminal device or network device involved in the first aspect above.

[0021] In one possible design, the device includes a processor and may also include a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to send and receive signals, and the processor executes program instructions to complete the method executed by the terminal device or network device in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0022] The device may further include one or more memories coupled to the processor. The one or more memories may be integrated with the processor or may be separated from the processor, which is not limited in this application.

[0023] In one possible design, the memory stores the necessary computer program instructions and / or data to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device involved in the first aspect. The processor can execute the computer program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method performed by the terminal device or network device in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect.

[0024] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-readable instructions are stored. When a computer reads and executes the computer-readable instructions, the computer executes the method in any possible design of the first aspect above.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product. When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the computer executes the method in any possible design of the first aspect above.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which is connected to a memory and is used to read and execute a software program stored in the memory to implement the method in any possible design of the first aspect above.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising a terminal device in any possible design of the above-mentioned first aspect and a network device in any possible design of the above-mentioned first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is another network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is another network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the time slot lengths of NCP and ECP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 A flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 An example of a time slot structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an example of aligning symbols using NCP in the time domain corresponding to different SCSs provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the time domain structure of the SCS combined with the CP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the time domain structure of the SCS combined with the CP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the time domain structure of the SCS combined with the CP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 11 A flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 12 A possible exemplary block diagram of the apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0044] First, some of the terms used in the embodiments of the present application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0045] (1) Terminal device: It can be a wireless terminal device that can receive network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (such as a radio access network, RAN). The terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or called a "cellular" phone, mobile phone), a computer and a data card. For example, it can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers (Pads), computers with wireless transceiver functions, and other devices. A wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station (remotestation), an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a subscriber station (SS), a customer premises equipment (CPE), a terminal, a user equipment (UE), a mobile terminal (MT), etc. A terminal device may also be a wearable device or a next-generation communication system, for example, a terminal device in a 5G communication system or a terminal device in a future-evolved public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0046] (2) Network equipment: It is a device in a wireless network. For example, a network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal to a wireless network, which can also be called a base station. At present, some examples of RAN equipment are: a new generation base station (gNodeB) in a 5G communication system, a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP). In addition, in a network structure, a network device can include a centralized unit (CU) node, a distributed unit (DU) node, or a RAN device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, in other possible cases, the network device may be another device that provides wireless communication functions for the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device. For ease of description, in the embodiments of this application, the device that provides wireless communication functions for the terminal device is referred to as the network device.

[0047] (3) Frame structure parameters: refers to the parameters (numerology) adopted by the communication system. For example, it can refer to a series of physical layer parameters in the air interface. One BWP can correspond to one numerology. Among them, the NR system can support multiple numerologies, and multiple numerologies can be used simultaneously. Numerology can include one or more of the following parameter information: subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix (CP) information, time unit information, bandwidth, etc. The CP information can include CP length and / or CP type. For example, the CP can be a normal CP (NCP) or an extended CP (ECP). The time unit is used to represent the time unit in the time domain, such as a sampling point, symbol, mini-slot, slot, subframe or radio frame, etc. The time unit information can include the type, length or structure of the time unit, etc. For example, the numerology can include subcarrier spacing and CP, as shown in Table 1. Table 1 shows the numerologies currently supported by the NR system and defined by subcarrier spacing and CP:

[0048] Table 1

[0049] μ <![CDATA[Subcarrier spacing = 2 μ ·15 (kHz)]]> CP Type 0 15 Normal 1 30 conventional 2 60 Regular or extended 3 120 conventional 4 240 conventional

[0050] Among them, μ is used to determine the subcarrier spacing. For example, when μ = 0, the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz, and when μ = 1, the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz. Taking the subcarrier spacing as an example, if the terminal supports subcarrier spacing of 15kHz and 30kHz, the network device can allocate a BWP with a subcarrier spacing of 15KHz and a BWP with a subcarrier spacing of 30KHz to the terminal. The terminal can switch to different BWPs to transmit signals according to different scenarios and business requirements. When the terminal supports multiple BWPs, the numerologies corresponding to different BWPs can be the same or different.

[0051] The subcarrier spacing can be an integer greater than or equal to 0. For example, it can be 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz, 480 kHz, etc. The subcarrier spacing is the spacing between the center positions or peak positions of two adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. For example, the subcarrier spacing in the LTE system is 15 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing in the NR system can be 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, or 120 kHz, etc.

[0052] It should be noted that for NR in independent networking, the subcarrier spacing corresponding to the frequency bands of 6 GHz and below includes 15 kHz, 30 kHz, and 60 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the synchronization signal block is 15 kHz or 30 kHz. The subcarrier spacing corresponding to the frequency bands above 6 GHz includes 120 kHz and 60 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the synchronization signal block is 120 kHz or 240 kHz. It can be understood that the above-mentioned frequency bands of 6 GHz and below can be called low frequency or frequency 1 (frequency 1, FR1), and the specific frequency range can be 450 MHz–6000 MHz, and the frequency bands above 6 GHz can be called high frequency or frequency 2 (frequency 2, FR2), and the specific frequency range can be 24250 MHz–52600 MHz.

[0053] It should be pointed out that in LTE (Long Term Evolution) and NR (new radio), the cell is a high-level concept, and the carrier is a physical layer concept. There is a corresponding relationship between the cell and the carrier. For example, in LTE, a cell can be configured to include a pair of uplink and downlink carriers, or only one downlink carrier. In NR, a cell can be configured to include a pair of uplink and downlink carriers, or only one downlink carrier, or one downlink carrier, an uplink carrier, and a supplementary uplink carrier (SUL). Because of the corresponding relationship between the carrier and the cell, a carrier belongs to a cell, and the corresponding carrier can be found after the cell is configured; and vice versa. Therefore, the concepts of cell and carrier are not strictly distinguished in the present invention, and the two can be used interchangeably without causing confusion.

[0054] Exemplarily, the embodiments provided in the present application are applicable to multi-cell scenarios, such as carrier aggregation scenarios or dual-connectivity scenarios. The so-called multi-cell scenario is to aggregate two or more component carriers (CCs) together to support a larger transmission bandwidth. The above carriers can be provided by one or more base stations. The component carrier can also be referred to as a carrier. For example, a multi-cell may include a primary cell (PCell), a secondary cell (SCell), or a primary secondary cell (PSCell). Specifically, a Pcell may be a cell in which a terminal communicates with a base station when an initial connection is established, or a cell during RRC connection or reconfiguration, or determined by a base station or a terminal during a handover process, and is mainly used to implement RRC communication between the base station and the terminal. An Scell may be a cell newly added by a base station to provide services to a terminal during RRC reconfiguration. For example, communication between an Scell and a terminal can be mainly used for service-related communication, and does not involve RRC communication.

[0055] The master cell group (MCG) and the secondary cell group (SCG) are concepts under dual connectivity (DC). It can be simply understood that the group where the cell where the UE first initiates random access is located is the MCG. If dual connectivity is not performed, there is no concept of MCG and SCG. Or it can be understood that if dual connectivity is not performed, then the cell group corresponds to the MCG. Under the MCG, there may be many cells, among which there is a cell used to initiate initial access, which is called PCell. As the name suggests, PCell is the most "main" cell in the MCG. The PCell under the MCG and the SCell under the MCG are combined through carrier aggregation (CA) technology. The primary component carrier (PCC) is the CC corresponding to the PCell, and the secondary component carrier (SCC) is the CC corresponding to the Scell. Similarly, there will be a most important cell under the SCG, namely the PSCell, which can also be simply understood as the cell that initiates initial access under the SCG. The PSCell under SCG and the SCell under SCG are also connected through CA technology.

[0056] It can be understood that the present application can also be used in communication scenarios of sidelink communication. The communication scenario may include a network device and one or more terminal devices (such as terminal device 1 and terminal device 2). The network device and terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can perform data transmission through air interface resources, and data transmission between terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can be performed through sidelink resources. Taking uplink transmission as an example, the data channel for uplink data transmission between the network device and terminal device 1 or terminal device 2 can be carried in an uplink (uplink, UL) carrier (such as the first UL carrier). The data channel for data transmission between terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 can be carried in an SL carrier. In one example, the SL carrier can be a UL carrier (such as a second UL carrier), and the first UL carrier and the second UL carrier can be the same carrier.

[0057] The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and subsequent associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC.

[0058] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to define the order, timing, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the terms "first information" and "second information" are used only to distinguish different information and do not indicate a difference in priority or importance between the two pieces of information.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the terminal device 130 can access the wireless network to obtain services of the external network (such as the Internet) through the wireless network, or communicate with other devices through the wireless network, such as communicating with other terminal devices. The wireless network includes a radio access network (RAN) device (or network device) 110 and a core network (CN) device 120, wherein the RAN device 110 is used to access the terminal device 130 to the wireless network, and the CN device 120 is used to manage the terminal device and provide a gateway for communicating with the external network. It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices in the communication system shown is for illustration only, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. In actual applications, the communication system may further include more terminal devices 130 , more RAN devices 110 , and other devices.

[0060] A CN may include multiple CN devices 120. Figure 1 When the network architecture shown is applicable to a 5G communication system, the CN device 120 may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity, or a user plane function (UPF) entity. Figure 1 When the network architecture shown is applicable to an LTE communication system, the CN device 120 may be a mobility management entity (MME) and a serving gateway (S-GW).

[0061] Figure 2 This is another network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the network architecture includes CN equipment, RAN equipment, and terminal equipment. The RAN equipment includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device, wherein the baseband device can be implemented by one node or multiple nodes, and the radio frequency device can be implemented independently from the baseband device, or integrated in the baseband device, or partially remote and partially integrated in the baseband device. For example, in an LTE communication system, the RAN equipment (eNB) includes a baseband device and a radio frequency device, wherein the radio frequency device can be remotely arranged relative to the baseband device, for example, the remote radio unit (RRU) is remotely arranged relative to the BBU.

[0062] The communication between RAN equipment and terminal equipment follows a certain protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure may include the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer. The user plane protocol layer structure may include the functions of the PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. In one possible implementation, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer may also be included above the PDCP layer.

[0063] The RAN device can implement the functions of the protocol layers such as RRC, PDCP, RLC and MAC by one node, or can implement the functions of these protocol layers by multiple nodes. For example, in an evolutionary structure, the RAN device can include CU and DU, and multiple DUs can be centrally controlled by one CU. Figure 2 As shown, CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layers of the wireless network, for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above protocol layers are set in CU, and the functions of the protocol layers below PDCP, such as the RLC layer and MAC layer, are set in DU.

[0064] This protocol layer division is merely an example. Division can also be performed at other protocol layers, such as the RLC layer, where functions at and above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while functions at layers below the RLC layer are located in the DU. Alternatively, division can be performed within a specific protocol layer, such as where some functions at the RLC layer and functions at layers above the RLC layer are located in the CU, while the remaining functions at the RLC layer and functions at layers below the RLC layer are located in the DU. Furthermore, division can be performed in other ways, such as by latency, where functions that require processing time to meet latency requirements are located in the DU, while functions that do not require latency requirements are located in the CU.

[0065] In addition, the radio frequency device can be remote and not placed in the DU, or can be integrated in the DU, or partly remote and partly integrated in the DU, without any limitation here.

[0066] Figure 3 This is another network architecture diagram applicable to the embodiment of this application. Figure 2 The network architecture shown, Figure 3 The control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) of the CU can also be separated and implemented as different entities, namely the CP CU entity (ie, CU-CP entity) and the UP CU entity (ie, CU-UP entity).

[0067] In the above network architecture, the signaling generated by the CU can be sent to the terminal device through the DU, or the signaling generated by the terminal device can be sent to the CU through the DU. The DU can directly encapsulate the signaling through the protocol layer and transparently transmit it to the terminal device or CU without parsing it. In the following embodiments, if the transmission of such signaling between the DU and the terminal device is involved, then the sending or receiving of the signaling by the DU includes this scenario. For example, the signaling of the RRC or PDCP layer will eventually be processed as the signaling of the PHY layer and sent to the terminal device, or converted from the received signaling of the PHY layer. Under this architecture, the signaling of the RRC or PDCP layer can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or sent by the DU and the RF loader.

[0068] above Figure 1 、 Figure 2 or Figure 3The network architecture shown can be applicable to communication systems of various radio access technologies (RAT), for example, an LTE communication system, a 5G (or a new radio (NR) communication system), or a transition system between an LTE communication system and a 5G communication system. The transition system can also be called a 4.5G communication system, and of course, it can also be a future communication system. The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of the communication network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0069] The apparatus in the following embodiments of the present application may be located in a terminal device or a network device, depending on the functions it implements. When the above CU-DU structure is adopted, the network device may be a CU node, a DU node, or a RAN device including a CU node and a DU node.

[0070] Based on the above Figure 1 、 Figure 2 or Figure 3 In the network architecture shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method for improving transmission performance to meet the communication needs of flexible and changeable business volume and / or high coverage requirements.

[0071] In wireless communication systems based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, abbreviated as OFDM, Chinese: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), a design of adding a cyclic prefix (CP) to the symbol is adopted to combat inter-symbol interference caused by channel multipath. The greater the multipath delay spread, the longer the CP needs to be. For a subcarrier spacing, in order to meet the delay spread requirements of different scenarios, two CP types can be used: normal CP (NCP) or extended CP (ECP). NCP and ECP are two CP types with different lengths. ECP is longer than NCP and has a higher CP overhead.

[0072] In data transmission, as the user channel delay spread changes, the requirements for CP types may vary, so flexible configuration between different CP types is required. Figure 4As shown in the figure, the subcarrier spacing corresponding to different cells is 30kHz and 60kHz respectively. The granularity of the time unit is taken as an example of a time slot. Since the time slots of different CP types occupy different time lengths, the time slots in the frame cannot be aligned, and thus normal communication in different cells cannot be achieved.

[0073] In various embodiments of the present application document, the concepts of time slot alignment between two cells include the following: the starting position of time slot 0 corresponding to the low subcarrier spacing in multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary corresponding to the high subcarrier spacing, or the starting position of time slot 0 corresponding to the subcarrier spacing of the primary cell / primary and secondary cells in multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary of the subcarrier spacing corresponding to the secondary cell. Alternatively, the starting position of each time slot corresponding to the low subcarrier spacing in multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary corresponding to the high subcarrier spacing. Alternatively, the starting position of each time slot corresponding to the subcarrier spacing of the primary cell / primary and secondary cells in multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary of the subcarrier spacing corresponding to the secondary cell. If the subcarrier spacing of multiple cells is the same and the CP types are the same or different, the concept of time slot alignment can be considered as: the starting position of time slot 0 corresponding to the subcarrier spacing and CP of the primary cell / primary and secondary cells in the multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary of the subcarrier spacing and CP corresponding to the secondary cell; or, the starting position of time slot 0 corresponding to the subcarrier spacing and CP of the secondary cell in the multiple cells is aligned with the time slot boundary of the subcarrier spacing and CP corresponding to the primary cell / primary and secondary cells.

[0074] Exemplarily, time slot 0 is the first time slot in each system frame, the start position of the time slot is aligned with the start position of the system frame, and the duration of the time slot is related to the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot. Alternatively, time slot 0 is the first time slot in each subframe, the start position of the time slot is aligned with the start position of the subframe, and the duration of the time slot is related to the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot.

[0075] Exemplarily, the method provided by an embodiment of the present application may include: obtaining the offset of time units in different cells. Alternatively, obtaining at least one subcarrier spacing and at least one time unit, and determining the offset of time units in different cells based on the above subcarrier spacing and time unit. One way is that the terminal device receives the above offset from the network device; or the network device sends the above offset to the terminal device. Among them, the technical solution for the network device to determine the offset can be described with reference to the following. Another way is to determine the offset of the time units of cell 1 and cell 2 based on the time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing and the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2. Yet another way is to determine the offset of the time units of cell 1 and cell 2 based on the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2 and the minimum value of the time units in cell 1 and cell 2. Optionally, the above offset can be the time unit offset between carriers in cell 1 and cell 2. By adopting the above method, the terminal equipment or network equipment effectively ensures the alignment of time units between cells and the transmission performance in multiple cells by offsetting the time units in different cells. For example, it can effectively increase the uplink and downlink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink and downlink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, so as to meet the flexible and changeable business volume and / or communication needs with high coverage requirements.

[0076] The technical solution of this application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] The present application provides a communication method. Figure 5 , is the flow chart corresponding to this method. In the following introduction, this method is applied to Figure 1 The network architecture shown is taken as an example. In addition, the method can be executed by a first communication device, wherein the first communication device can be a network device or a communication device that can support the network device to implement the functions required by the method, and of course it can also be other communication devices, such as a chip or a chip system. Alternatively, the method can be executed by a second communication device, wherein the second communication device can be a terminal device or a communication device that can support the terminal device to implement the functions required by the method, and of course it can also be other communication devices, such as a chip or a chip system. For ease of introduction, in the following, the method is executed by a network device or a terminal device as an example, that is, the first communication device is a network device and the second communication device is a terminal device as an example. If this embodiment is applied to Figure 1 The network architecture shown below is used to perform Figure 5 The network device of the embodiment shown may be Figure 1 The network device (or RAN device) in the system architecture shown in FIG. Figure 5 The terminal device of the embodiment shown can be Figure 1Terminal devices in the network architecture shown.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flow chart corresponding to the communication method provided in Example 1 of this application, such as Figure 5 Shown, including:

[0080] 501. Obtain a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, a first time unit of the first cell, and a second time unit of the second cell.

[0081] It is understood that the first time unit can be used for communication between a terminal device or a network device in a first cell, and the second time unit can be used for communication between a terminal device or a network device in a second cell. The communication includes sending or receiving signaling, messages, services or data.

[0082] Accordingly, the execution subject of the above-mentioned acquisition action can be a terminal device or a network device. Optionally, the above-mentioned acquisition method can be predefined, or the network device and the terminal device can interact through messages or signaling. For example, the network device indicates the above-mentioned at least one subcarrier interval or at least one time unit to the terminal device in one or more messages; or, the terminal device receives one or more messages from the network device, and the above-mentioned messages indicate at least one subcarrier interval or at least one time unit. For another example, the terminal device can know the above-mentioned at least one subcarrier interval or at least one time unit according to the pre-definition without receiving the instruction of the network device.

[0083] Furthermore, the message or signaling sent by the network device to the terminal device may be high-layer information, such as a broadcast message, a system message, a downlink message during the access process, a radio resource control (RRC) signaling, a media access control (MAC CE), or a physical layer control signaling. Alternatively, the message or signaling may be physical layer downlink control information (DCI), etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0084] Exemplarily, a time unit refers to a unit corresponding to a time unit. The time unit refers to a time unit or a scheduling unit in the time domain for information transmission, and the time unit contains an integer number of symbols in the time domain. For example, the time unit can refer to a subframe, a time slot, a radio frame, a mini slot (mini slot or sub slot), multiple aggregated time slots, multiple aggregated subframes, symbols, etc. It can also refer to a transmission time interval (English: Transmission Time Interval, abbreviated: TTI), which is not limited in this application. Among them, one or more time units of a time unit can contain an integer number of time units of another time unit in the time domain, or the length of one or more time units of a time unit in the time domain is equal to the sum of the lengths of the time units of an integer number of another time unit, for example, a mini slot / time slot / subframe / radio frame contains an integer number of symbols, a time slot / subframe / radio frame contains an integer number of micro slots, a subframe / radio frame contains an integer number of time slots, a radio frame contains an integer number of subframes, etc. There may also be other examples, which are not limited in this application.

[0085] In this application, time units can be distinguished, marked or counted by indexing, identifying or other means.

[0086] Exemplarily, the first time unit corresponds to the first subcarrier spacing, and the second time unit corresponds to the second subcarrier spacing. When the type of time unit is different, the number of the first time unit or the second time unit is different. For example, when the time unit is a subframe, the first time unit and the second time unit are both 1ms. For another example, when the time unit is a time slot, the first time unit or the second time unit can correspond to one or more time slots of different lengths. For example, if the first subcarrier spacing is 60kHz NCP, the first time unit may contain two time slots of different lengths; if the second subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, the second time unit contains a time slot of one length.

[0087] 502. Determine an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit according to the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0088] Accordingly, the execution subject of the above-mentioned determination action may be a terminal device or a network device.

[0089] Exemplarily, the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined according to the minimum time unit of the first time unit and the second time unit, and the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0090] Alternatively, the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit is determined according to a larger value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, and a time unit corresponding to the larger subcarrier spacing.

[0091] It can be understood that, taking the time unit as a time slot as an example, the minimum time unit is the smaller of the time lengths occupied by the first time slot and the second time slot. For example, if the first time slot is 0.5ms and the second time slots are 0.251ms and 0.249ms, then the smallest time slot is 0.249ms.

[0092] In this embodiment, one possibility is to first determine the subcarrier spacing to be selected based on the size of the first and second subcarrier spacings. Subsequently, the smaller value of the first time slot and the second time slot is determined based on the subcarrier spacing to be selected, and the offset of the first and second time slots is obtained by combining the subcarrier spacing to be selected and the smaller value of the time slot. Another possibility is to first determine the smaller of the first time slot and the second time slot, and then determine the subcarrier spacing to be selected in the first and second subcarrier spacing, and then obtain the offset of the first and second time slots. Using the above method, the terminal device or network device effectively ensures the time unit alignment between cells and the transmission performance in multiple cells by offsetting the time units in different cells. For example, it can effectively increase the uplink and downlink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink and downlink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, so as to meet the flexible and changeable business volume and / or communication requirements with high coverage requirements.

[0093] Alternatively, the offset between the first and second time units may be an offset value and an offset direction between the first and second time units. For example, a forward or rightward offset indicates an offset in a direction in which time increases or advances, and a backward or leftward offset indicates an offset in a direction in which time decreases or regresses. Similarly, a positive offset indicates an offset in a direction in which time increases, and a negative offset indicates an offset in a direction in which time decreases.

[0094] Optionally, the granularity of the offset value may be a subframe, a time slot, or may refer to a radio frame, a mini-time slot, a symbol, a sampling point, etc.

[0095] Specifically, the granularity of the offset value may be the unit used when calculating the offset value between the first time unit and the second time unit. Taking the time slot as the granularity of the offset value as an example, the second time unit is the first time unit shifted forward or backward by 2 time slots in the time domain. Specifically, when the second time slot moves forward or right by 2 time slots relative to the first time slot, the second time slot is located in front of or to the right of the first time slot in the time domain, and there are 2 time slots between the first time slot and the second time slot. Correspondingly, the first time slot is located behind or to the left of the second time slot. It will be understood that the offset value may be an integer multiple or non-integer multiple of the above-mentioned granularity. For example, the second time slot may also be offset by 2.5 time slots relative to the first time slot, which is not limited in this application.

[0096] Optionally, this embodiment further includes: obtaining a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell, and determining the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit according to the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift, and the second cyclic shift. Exemplarily, the first time unit is determined according to the first subcarrier spacing and the first cyclic shift, and the second time unit is determined according to the second subcarrier spacing and the second cyclic shift. For example, if the first subcarrier spacing is 60kHz and the first cyclic shift is NCP, then the first time unit is 0.251ms and 0.249ms, and if the second subcarrier spacing is 60kHz and the second cyclic shift is ECP, then the second time unit is 0.25ms. For another example, if the first subcarrier spacing is 30kHz and the first cyclic shift is NCP, then the first time unit is 0.5ms, and if the second subcarrier spacing is 15kHz ECP and the second cyclic shift is ECP, then the second time unit is 0.5ms.

[0097] Furthermore, the first cyclic shift of the first cell and the second cyclic shift of the second cell can be obtained, and the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit can be determined based on the smaller value of the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0098] In this application, cyclic shift includes normal cyclic prefix (NCP) and extended cyclic prefix (ECP), which mainly refers to the CP types with different overheads for the above two CPs. For example, the ECP overhead is greater than the NCP, and for the same seed carrier interval, the CP length of the ECP is greater than the CP length of the NCP. This application uses the NCP or ECP of LTE or 5G as an example. When the lengths of the NCP and ECP are different from those in the examples of the present invention, they are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0099] In this application, unless otherwise specified, an NCP symbol means that the CP type of the symbol is NCP, and an ECP symbol means that the CP type of the symbol is ECP. An NCP time slot or a time slot is NCP means that all symbols in the time slot are NCP symbols, and an ECP time slot or a time slot is ECP means that all symbols in the time slot are ECP symbols. A time slot consists of an integer number of symbols. For example, the cyclic shift of a cell or a carrier is ECP, which means that the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum or maximum value in the subcarrier interval corresponding to the BWP configured in the cell or carrier is ECP, and the cyclic shift of a cell or a carrier is NCP, which means that the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum or maximum value in the subcarrier interval corresponding to the BWP configured in the cell or carrier is NCP. If the CP type corresponding to the minimum or maximum value in the subcarrier interval corresponding to the configured BWP in a cell or carrier includes ECP and NCP, then a rule can be predefined, such as predefining the CP corresponding to the cell or carrier as NCP or predefining the CP corresponding to the cell or carrier as ECP.

[0100] The subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the LTE (long term evolution) system is 15kHz, and it supports a maximum bandwidth of 20MHz. A basic time is defined in the communication system, which is Ts, and can also be called the sampling time. Ts = 1 / (SCS×FFT Size), where FFT Size is the size of the FFT (fast Fourier transform), which can also be understood as the number of samples of useful symbols for each OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) symbol. OFDM symbols can be simply referred to as symbols, and each symbol includes a CP and a useful symbol. The FFT Size corresponding to the LTE system with a 20MHz bandwidth is 2048, and the Ts corresponding to the LTE system is equal to 1 / (15000×2048) = 1 / 30720000 seconds.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure 1, the duration of the LTE system frame is 10ms, the duration of the subframe Tsubframe is 1ms, the duration of each time slot is 0.5ms, and each time slot includes several OFDM symbols. The LTE system uses two types of cyclic prefix (CP), one is the normal cyclic prefix (NCP) and the other is the extended cyclic prefix (ECP). Figure 6As shown in Figure 1, when NCP is used, each time slot of the LTE system includes 7 symbols. Of these 7 symbols, the CP duration Tcp of the first symbol is equal to 160×Ts, the CP duration Tcp of the remaining 6 symbols is equal to 144×Ts, and the useful symbol duration Tu of each symbol is equal to 2048×Ts. When NCP is used, the CP overhead of the LTE system is approximately 6.67%. Figure 6 As shown in Figure 1, when ECP is used, each time slot in the LTE system consists of six symbols. The CP duration Tcp-e of each symbol is equal to 512 × Ts, and the useful symbol duration Tu of each symbol is equal to 2048 × Ts. When ECP is used, the CP overhead of the LTE system is 20%. ECP can meet the needs of scenarios with high latency, but it consumes more system overhead than NCP.

[0102] As the latest communication system, the NR (new radio) system can support multiple SCSs. That is, one SCS or multiple SCSs can exist at the same time in the NR system, or multiple SCSs can exist at different times. The NR system supports switching between different SCSs, that is, the NR system can switch the currently used SCS to another SCS. The SCS of the NR system is 2n×15kHz, where n is an integer. In the NR system, 15kHz is generally used as the reference SCS.

[0103] The NR system also uses NCP and ECP. When the NR system uses NCP, it can consider different SCSs to achieve alignment in the time domain. Figure 7 As shown, the two NCP symbols corresponding to SCS = 30 kHz are aligned in the time domain with the one NCP symbol corresponding to SCS = 15 kHz; the two NCP symbols corresponding to SCS = 60 kHz are aligned in the time domain with the one NCP symbol corresponding to SCS = 30 kHz; and the two NCP symbols corresponding to SCS = 120 kHz are aligned in the time domain with the one NCP symbol corresponding to SCS = 60 kHz. That is, when the SCS is not less than 15 kHz, when NCP is used, the duration of the 2n symbols corresponding to SCS = 2n × 15 kHz is equal to the duration of one symbol corresponding to SCS = 15 kHz. That is, the duration of the 2n symbols using NCP is proportionally compressed (scalable) relative to the duration of the one NCP symbol corresponding to the reference SCS, and the duration of the CP of the 2n symbols using NCP is also proportionally compressed relative to the duration of the CP of the one NCP symbol corresponding to the reference SCS. In the scenario of using ECP, it is possible to consider proportionally compressing the ECP symbols corresponding to SCS=15KHz to obtain ECP symbols corresponding to other SCSs. The CP overhead is 20%, which is large and leads to low transmission efficiency.

[0104] Therefore, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present application realizes normal communication between different cells and terminal devices by determining the offset values between different time units.

[0105] Table 1 lists the corresponding relationships between several time units for the LTE system. For example, with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, the number of time slots in a subframe is 2, and the sampling point Ts is 15360. When the CP type is NCP, the number of symbols in a time slot is 7; when the CP type is ECP, the number of symbols in a time slot is 6.

[0106]

[0107] As shown in Table 2, for the NR system, the corresponding relationships of several time units are also listed. The NR system also introduces T C The concept of time domain is used to represent the time unit, T C =1 / (f max ·N f ), where f max =480·10 3 Hz, N f =4096. Constant κ = T S / T C , where T S =1 / (f ref ·N f,ref ),f ref =15·10 3 Hz, N f,ref =2048. Therefore, the time slot length in one subframe of the 15KHz NCP in Table 2 can be (144+2048)*14+16*2=30720Ts, or ((144+2048)*14+16*2)*κ*T C =30720T S When κ is used in this invention to represent the offset length, it will be multiplied by T by default. C .

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] Optionally, the following describes several possibilities for example, where the first cell is a primary cell or a primary secondary cell, the second cell is a secondary cell, the first subcarrier spacing is the minimum or maximum subcarrier spacing corresponding to the BWP configured in the first cell, the first cyclic shift is the cyclic shift corresponding to the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing is the minimum or maximum subcarrier spacing corresponding to the BWP configured in the second cell, and the second cyclic shift is the cyclic shift corresponding to the second subcarrier spacing:

[0111] 1. When the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing are both 60 kHz, the first cyclic shift is ECP, and the second cyclic shift is NCP, the above offset value is M*(16Ts+NL)+n*(L+8Ts). Wherein, M is the number of time zones, N is the number of second time units of the second cell within the time zone, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the smaller value between the first time unit of the first cell and the second time unit of the second cell, the cyclic shift corresponding to the smaller value is the second cyclic shift, n represents the number of second units outside the time zone, and Ts is the sampling point; or,

[0112] When the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing are both 60 kHz, the first cyclic shift is NCP, and the second cyclic shift is ECP, the offset value is M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) or M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L-8Ts)), where M is the number of time regions, N is the number of first time units of the first cell within the time region, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the smaller value of the first time unit of the first cell and the second time unit of the second cell, the cyclic shift corresponding to the smaller value is the first cyclic shift, n represents the number of the first time units exceeding the time region, and Ts represents the sampling point. For example, n represents the number of the first time units that exceed an integer multiple of the time region.

[0113] 2. When at least one of the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift is ECP, the offset value is M*NL+nL, where M is the number of time zones, N is the number of smaller values between the time units of the first cell and the time units of the second cell within the time zone, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the smaller value, the cyclic shift corresponding to the smaller value is ECP, and n represents the number of minimum time units exceeding the first time units and the second time units within the time zone. For example, n represents the number of minimum time units exceeding the first time units and the second time units that are an integer multiple of the time zone.

[0114] 3. When the first subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, the second subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz, the first cyclic shift is NCP, and the second cyclic shift is ECP, the offset value is M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts) or M*(NL+16Ts)+nL, where M is the number of time zones, N is the number of first time units of the first cell within the time zone, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the smaller value between the first time unit of the first cell and the second time unit of the second cell, the cyclic shift corresponding to the smaller value is the first cyclic shift, n represents the number of the first time units exceeding the time zone, and Ts represents the sampling points. For example, n represents the number of the first time units exceeding an integer multiple of the time zone.

[0115] It is understood that N, L, M, and n are all non-negative integers. When n is zero, the formulas for offset values in this application may be considered to be non-existent. For example, n represents the number of first time units or second time units that exceed an integer multiple of the time zone.

[0116] Exemplarily, a starting position of the first first time unit and a starting position of the first second time unit in the time zone are aligned with a starting position of the time zone.

[0117] Furthermore, the time length of the above-mentioned time zone can be 0.5ms, or an integer multiple of 0.5ms. In this embodiment, taking the time unit time slot as an example, the time slots of different cells meet the end-to-end alignment in the time zone. For example, there are a time slots of 0.5ms in the primary cell and b time slots of 0.5ms in the secondary cell, then the total time length of the above-mentioned a first time slots is the same as the total time length of the b second time slots. Alternatively, the starting position of the first of the a first time slots in the time domain is aligned with the starting position of the first of the b first time slots in the time domain, and is aligned with the starting position of the time zone, and the ending position of the last of the a first time slots in the time domain is aligned with the ending position of the last of the b second time slots in the time domain, and is aligned with the ending position of the time zone. The value of n can be the difference between the total time slot length and the length of the time zone, divided by the length of a single time slot.

[0118] The following examples list several implementation solutions in combination with specific scenarios.

[0119] The first one, such as Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the SCS of the primary cell and the secondary cell are both 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0120] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be understood as the LTE carrier and the secondary cell can be understood as the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms corresponding to the ECP is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms corresponding to the NCP is 1, and the length of each time slot is 1ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. Alternatively, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to indicate the offset direction and offset value. Specifically, positive M*NL+nL means that the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is offset to the right by M*NL+nL sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL means that the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is offset to the left by (M*NL+nL) sampling points. Wherein, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of the shortest time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms. For example, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the shortest time slot are 15kHz and ECP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained according to predefined rules.

[0121] The second type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 30 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is ECP and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0122] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be understood as the LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be understood as the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots in the ECP 1ms is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots in 1ms corresponding to the NCP is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL, where the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. For example, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to express it, such as positive M*NL+nL indicates a rightward shift of (M*NL+nL) sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL indicates a leftward shift of (M*NL+nL) sampling points. Where M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating a time duration of M 0.5 ms; N is the number of time slots within a 0.5 ms time slot; and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within a 0.5 ms time slot. In this implementation, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to these time slots are 15 kHz and ECP, or 30 kHz and NCP.

[0123] The third type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is ECP and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0124] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be considered the LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be considered the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots within the ECP 1ms is 2, and each time slot is 0.5ms long. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms is 4, with the first and third time slots being 16 more samples than the second and fourth time slots. The first to fourth time slots can be understood as being arranged based on the time slot usage or time sequence in the time domain. The following defines two cases for different offset directions: The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a rightward offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a leftward offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Among them, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M times 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms. In this embodiment, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the above time slots are 60kHz and NCP, and correspond to the lengths of the second and fourth time slots within 1ms. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts generally needs to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0125] The fourth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0126] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be considered an LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be considered an NR carrier. In this scenario, the primary cell has a slot length of 0.5ms, with two slots within 1ms. For the secondary cell, the ECP corresponds to four slots within 1ms, each 0.25ms long. The slot offset of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL, where the unit of the offset is sampling points, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or messages. For example, the offset direction can be expressed as positive or negative M*NL+nL. Specifically, a positive M*NL+nL indicates a rightward offset of M*NL+nL sampling points, while a negative M*NL+nL indicates a leftward offset of M*NL+nL sampling points. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest slot within 0.5ms. For example, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and ECP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through a predefined rule.

[0127] The fifth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0128] The primary cell corresponding to the 15kHz NCP can be an LTE carrier or an NR carrier. If it is an LTE carrier, the time slot length is 0.5ms, and there are two time slots in 1ms. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier, the number of time slots in 1ms is 4, and the length of each time slot is 0.25ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL, where the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. For example, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to indicate the offset direction. Specifically, positive M*NL+nL indicates a rightward offset of M*NL+nL sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL indicates a leftward offset of M*NL+nL sampling points. Wherein, M is an integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating that there are M 0.5 ms time navigation degrees, N is the number of time slots within 0.5 ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5 ms, and the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to this time slot are 60 kHz and ECP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained according to predefined rules.

[0129] Another possibility is that when the primary cell is an NR carrier, the time slot length is 1ms, and there is 1 time slot in 1ms. At this time, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is the same as that of the primary cell in this scenario where the primary cell is an LTE carrier, and will not be described in detail in this article.

[0130] The sixth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 30 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0131] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 30kHz NCP is an NR carrier with two time slots in 1ms, with the first time slot being 16Ts longer than the second. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier with four time slots in 1ms, each 0.25ms long.

[0132] At this time, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL, where the unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. Alternatively, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to indicate the offset amount and offset direction. For example, positive M*NL+nL indicates a right offset of M*NL+nL sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL indicates a left offset of M*NL+nL sampling points. Among them, M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, and the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60 and kHz ECP. Among them, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0133] The seventh type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 30 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0134] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 30kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each 0.5ms long. The secondary cell corresponding to the 15kHz ECP is an LTE carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each 0.5ms long.

[0135] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell indicates a right offset, which can be represented by a positive M*NL+nL; or, if it is a left offset, it can be represented by a negative M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset value is a sampling point, where M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms. The subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 30kHz and NCP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0136] The eighth type, such as Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0137] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with four time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The secondary cell corresponding to the 15kHz ECP is an LTE carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each of which is 0.5ms long. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); or, if it is a left offset, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. The unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. Among them, M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained by predefined rules.

[0138] Ninth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0139] The tenth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0140] Eleventh, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 30 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0141] Type 12: The SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0142] The following describes an implementation solution for any of the ninth to twelfth scenarios:

[0143] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. For example, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to indicate the offset direction. Specifically, positive M*NL+nL indicates a right offset of M*NL+nL sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL indicates a left offset of M*NL+nL sampling points. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, and the SCS and CP types corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and ECP.

[0144] Thirteenth, such as Figure 10 As shown in FIG, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0145] The primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier with 4 time slots in 1ms, where each time slot is 0.25ms long. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP is an NR carrier with 4 time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The following describes four possible solutions:

[0146] 1. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be represented by negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)); if it is a right offset, it can be represented by positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)).

[0147] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5 ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5 ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5 ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60 kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5 ms. In this embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0148] 1a. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a left offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); if it is a right offset, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL.

[0149] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0150] 2. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, and the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and ECP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0151] 2a. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a left offset, can be represented by M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)); if it is a right offset, it can be represented by negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L-8Ts)).

[0152] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5 ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5 ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5 ms. The subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60 kHz and ECP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0153] Fourteenth, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0154] The primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with 4 time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier, with 4 time slots in 1ms, and each time slot is 0.25ms long. The following describes four possible solutions:

[0155] 1. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)); if it is a right offset, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L-8Ts)).

[0156] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and ECP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0157] 1a. The timeslot offset value of the carrier of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell, and if it is offset to the left, it can be expressed as M*NL+nL; if it is offset to the right, it can be expressed as M*NL+nL.

[0158] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and ECP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0159] 2. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); if it is a right offset, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL.

[0160] Among them, the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and NCP, n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms, and when offset to the left, 16Ts is added only when n is greater than zero. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0161] 2a. The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a left shift, can be represented by negative M*(NL+16Ts) +(n(L+8Ts)); if it is a right shift, it can be represented by positive M*(NL+16Ts) +(n(L+8Ts)).

[0162] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. In this embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0163] Fifteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 120 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0164] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed as (NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Among them, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms. In this embodiment, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the above time slots are 120kHz and NCP. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts generally needs to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0165] Sixteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 120 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0166] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+nL; or, if offset to the right, it can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of a left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0167] Seventeenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 120 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0168] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as (NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Among them, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms. In this embodiment, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the above time slots are 120kHz and NCP. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts generally needs to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0169] Eighteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 120 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0170] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+nL; or, if it is offset to the left, it can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the shortest time slot within 0.5ms, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the time slot are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of a left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0171] Optionally, the primary cell mentioned above may also be a primary secondary cell (PScell).

[0172] Figure 11 The following is an exemplary flow chart of another communication method provided by the present application, including:

[0173] 1101. Obtain a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, and a reference subcarrier spacing.

[0174] Furthermore, the reference time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier interval can be obtained. The acquisition of the first subcarrier and the second subcarrier can refer to the above description and will not be repeated here. The reference subcarrier interval or reference time unit can be obtained through network interaction or pre-definition. As for the terminal device, it can receive the reference subcarrier interval or reference time unit indicated by the network device; or, receive the reference subcarrier interval indicated by the network device, and then determine its corresponding reference time unit based on the reference subcarrier interval, or vice versa, where the reference time unit can be the shortest time slot length corresponding to the reference subcarrier interval in the time region described above. The starting position of the first of the first time units and the starting position of the first of the second time units in the time region are aligned with the starting position of the time region.

[0175] Optionally, the time zone is 0.5ms. Furthermore, the terminal device or network device can determine the reference subcarrier spacing according to the high frequency (FR2) or the low frequency (FR1). For example, when the frequency is high, the reference subcarrier spacing is 120KHz; when the frequency is low, the reference subcarrier spacing is 60KHz. Exemplarily, the reference subcarrier spacing has a default cyclic prefix type. For example, a normal CP type or an extended CP type, the length of the reference time unit is determined according to the reference subcarrier spacing and the CP type corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing. In the embodiment of the present application, the cyclic prefix corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing is NCP as an example. For example, the reference subcarrier spacing is 60kHz, the default CP type is NCP, then the reference time unit is the shortest time slot length 0.249ms between the time slots 0.251ms and 0.249ms.

[0176] 1102. Determine an offset between a first time unit and a second time unit according to a first subcarrier spacing, a second subcarrier spacing, and a reference time unit corresponding to a reference subcarrier spacing.

[0177] As described above, the execution subject of the above-mentioned determination action can be a terminal device or a network device.

[0178] It can be understood that the terms in this embodiment, such as subcarrier spacing, offset, time unit, etc., their definitions, functions, application scenarios, usage methods, etc. can be referred to the previous description and will not be repeated here.

[0179] By adopting the above method, the terminal device or network device effectively ensures the alignment of time units in different cells and the transmission performance in multiple cells by offsetting the time units in different cells. For example, it can effectively increase the uplink and downlink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink and downlink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, so as to meet the flexible and changeable business volume and / or communication needs with high coverage requirements.

[0180] Optionally, this embodiment also includes: obtaining a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell, and determining the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the reference time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0181] Furthermore, a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell may be obtained, and an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit may be determined according to the reference time unit, the first cyclic shift, and the second cyclic shift.

[0182] The following examples list several implementation solutions in combination with specific scenarios.

[0183] It can be understood that when at least one of the carriers in the primary and secondary cells is located in FR2, the reference SCS is 120kHz; when the carriers of the primary and secondary cells are both in FR1, the reference SCS is 60kHz, and the CP type corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing is NCP or ECP. The following takes NCP as an example.

[0184] In the first type, the SCS of both the primary cell and the secondary cell is 15 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is ECP and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0185] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be understood as the LTE carrier and the secondary cell can be understood as the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms corresponding to the ECP is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms corresponding to the NCP is 1, and the length of each time slot is 1ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. Alternatively, positive and negative M*NL+nL are used to indicate the offset direction and offset value. Specifically, positive M*NL+nL means that the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is offset to the right by M*NL+nL sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL means that the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is offset to the left by (M*NL+nL) sampling points. Wherein, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of the shortest time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. For example, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained by predefined rules.

[0186] The second type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 30 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is ECP and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0187] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be considered an LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be considered an NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots within the ECP 1ms is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots within the NCP 1ms is 2, and the length of each time slot is 0.5ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*NL+nL, where the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or messages. For example, it can be expressed as positive or negative M*NL+nL. For example, positive M*NL+nL indicates a right offset by (M*NL+nL) sampling points, and negative M*NL+nL indicates a left offset by (M*NL+nL) sampling points. Where M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms; and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. In this implementation, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60 kHz and NCP.

[0188] The third type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is ECP and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0189] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be considered the LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be considered the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the number of time slots within the ECP 1ms is 2, and each time slot is 0.5ms long. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots within 1ms is 4, with the first and third time slots being 16 more samples than the second and fourth time slots. The first to fourth time slots can be understood as being arranged based on the time slot usage or time sequence in the time domain. The following defines two cases for different offset directions: The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a rightward offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a leftward offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Among them, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. In this embodiment, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time slot are 60kHz and NCP. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0190] The fourth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0191] LTE supports 15kHz ECP, so the primary cell can be understood as the LTE carrier, and the secondary cell can be understood as the NR carrier. In this scenario, for the primary cell, the time slot length is 0.5ms, and there are two time slots in 1ms. For the secondary cell, the number of time slots in 1ms corresponding to the ECP is 4, and the length of each time slot is 0.25ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)), where the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or messages. For example, the offset direction is indicated by positive or negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)). Specifically, positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a right shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points, and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a left shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M times 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. For example, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP. In an embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through a network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0192] The fifth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0193] The primary cell corresponding to the 15kHz NCP can be an LTE carrier or an NR carrier. If it is an LTE carrier, the time slot length is 0.5ms, and there are two time slots in 1ms. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier, the number of time slots in 1ms is 4, and the length of each time slot is 0.25ms. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)), where the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. For example, positive and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) are used to indicate the offset direction. Specifically, positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a right shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points, and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a left shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points. Among them, M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating that there are M 0.5ms time navigation degrees, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, and the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP. In an embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0194] Another possibility is that when the primary cell is an NR carrier, the time slot length is 1ms, and there is 1 time slot in 1ms. At this time, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell is the same as that of the primary cell in this scenario where the primary cell is an LTE carrier, and will not be described in detail in this article.

[0195] The sixth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 30 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0196] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 30kHz NCP is an NR carrier with two time slots in 1ms, with the first time slot being 16Ts longer than the second. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier with four time slots in 1ms, each 0.25ms long.

[0197] In this case, the timeslot offset value of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)), where the unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or a message. Alternatively, positive and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) are used to indicate the offset amount and offset direction. For example, positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a rightward shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points, and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a leftward shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points. M is an integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5 ms. N is the number of time slots within a 0.5 ms time unit. L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. The subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60 and kHz NCP. M can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained using predefined rules.

[0198] The seventh type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 30 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz, wherein the CP type of the primary cell is NCP and the CP type of the secondary cell is ECP.

[0199] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 30kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each 0.5ms long. The secondary cell corresponding to the 15kHz ECP is an LTE carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each 0.5ms long.

[0200] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell indicates a right offset, which can be represented by a positive M*NL+nL; or, if it is a left offset, it can be represented by a negative M*NL+nL. The unit indicating the offset value is a sampling point, where M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, and the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP. In the embodiment of the present application, M can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0201] The eighth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz, wherein the CP type in the primary cell is NCP and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0202] In this scenario, the primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with four time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The secondary cell corresponding to the 15kHz ECP is an LTE carrier, with two time slots in 1ms, each of which is 0.5ms long. The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); or, if it is a left offset, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. The unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. Among them, M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0203] Ninth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0204] The tenth type is that the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0205] Eleventh, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 30 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0206] Type 12: The SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is also ECP.

[0207] The following describes an implementation solution for any of the ninth to twelfth scenarios:

[0208] The timeslot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)). The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by signaling or message. For example, positive and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) are used to indicate the offset direction. Specifically, positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a rightward shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points, and negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) indicates a leftward shift of M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) sampling points. Where M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M times 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, and the SCS and CP types corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP.

[0209] Thirteenth, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. Among them, the CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0210] The primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier with 4 time slots in 1ms, where each time slot is 0.25ms long. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP is an NR carrier with 4 time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The following describes four possible solutions:

[0211] 1. The carriers of the primary cell and the secondary cell are both in FR1. The timeslot offset value of the carrier of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be represented by negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)); if it is offset to the right, it can be represented by positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)).

[0212] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5 ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5 ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5 ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60 kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5 ms. In this embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0213] 1a. The carriers of the primary cell and the secondary cell are both in FR1. The timeslot offset value of the carrier of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); if it is offset to the right, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL.

[0214] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0215] 2. At least one of the primary cell and the secondary cell carrier is in FR2. The timestamp offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left shift, can be represented by negative M*(2NL+16Ts)+(n(2L+8Ts)); if it is shifted to the right, it can be represented by positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)).

[0216] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0217] 2a. At least one of the primary cell and the secondary cell carrier is in FR2. The timestamp offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a left shift, can be expressed as M*(2NL+16Ts)+(2nL+16Ts); if it is a right shift, it can be expressed as M*(2NL+16Ts)+2nL.

[0218] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0219] Fourteenth, the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is also 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0220] The primary cell corresponding to the 60kHz NCP can be an NR carrier, with 4 time slots in 1ms, where the first and third time slots are 16Ts longer than the second and fourth time slots. The secondary cell corresponding to the 60kHz ECP is an NR carrier, with 4 time slots in 1ms, and each time slot is 0.25ms long. The following describes four possible solutions:

[0221] 1. The carriers of the primary cell and the secondary cell are both in FR1. The timeslot offset value of the carrier of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts); if it is offset to the left, it can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL.

[0222] Among them, the unit indicating the offset is the sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP, n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms, and when offset to the left, 16Ts is added only when n is greater than zero. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0223] 1a. The carriers of the primary cell and the secondary cell are both in FR1. The timeslot offset value of the carrier of the secondary cell relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left shift, can be represented by negative M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)); if it is shifted to the right, it can be represented by positive M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)).

[0224] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated using additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 60kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. In this embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device by the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0225] 2. At least one of the primary cell and the secondary cell carrier is in FR2. The timestamp offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(2NL+16Ts)+(2nL+16Ts); if it is a left offset, it can be expressed as M*(2NL+16Ts)+2nL.

[0226] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0227] 2a. At least one of the primary cell and the secondary cell carrier is in FR2. The timestamp offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, indicating a left shift, can be represented by negative M*(2NL+16Ts)+(n(2L+8Ts)); if it is shifted to the right, it can be represented by positive M*(2NL+16Ts)+(n(2L+8Ts)).

[0228] The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling or messages. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation of the left offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts is generally required to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0229] Fifteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 60 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 120 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0230] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed as (NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Wherein, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. The subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts generally needs to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0231] Sixteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 120 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 60 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0232] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a left offset, can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+nL; or, if it is offset to the right, it can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of a left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0233] Seventeenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 120 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 15 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is NCP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is ECP.

[0234] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as (NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). Alternatively, the time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed as M*(NL+16Ts)+nL. Wherein, M is a positive integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms; N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, and L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit. The subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP. n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the implementation scheme of the right offset, when n is greater than 0, 16Ts generally needs to be added. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0235] Eighteenth type: the SCS of the primary cell is 15 kHz, and the SCS of the secondary cell is 120 kHz. The CP type in the primary cell is ECP, and the CP type in the secondary cell is NCP.

[0236] The time slot offset value of the secondary cell carrier relative to the primary cell, and indicating a right offset, can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+nL; or, if it is offset to the left, it can be expressed by M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts). The unit indicating the offset is a sampling point, and the offset direction can be indicated by additional signaling. M is an integer multiple of 0.5ms, indicating a time length of M 0.5ms, N is the number of time slots within 0.5ms, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the reference time unit, the subcarrier spacing and CP type corresponding to the reference time unit are 120kHz and NCP, and n is the number of time slots less than 0.5ms. For the case of a left offset, generally when n is greater than 0, 16Ts will be added to the offset value calculation formula. In the embodiment of the present application, M and n can be sent to the terminal device through the network device, and L can be obtained through predefined rules.

[0237] Optionally, the primary cell mentioned above may also be a primary secondary cell (PScell).

[0238] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between the network device and the terminal device. It is understandable that in order to implement the above functions, the network device or the terminal device may include a hardware structure and / or software module that performs the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art should easily appreciate that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0239] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device and the network device can be divided into functional units according to the above method examples. For example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0240] In the case of an integrated unit, Figure 12 A possible exemplary block diagram of the device involved in the embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 12 As shown, apparatus 1200 may include a processing unit 1202 and a communication unit 1203. Processing unit 1202 is used to control and manage the operations of apparatus 1200. Communication unit 1203 is used to support communication between apparatus 1200 and other devices. Optionally, communication unit 1203 is also referred to as a transceiver unit and may include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, each configured to perform receiving and transmitting operations. Apparatus 1200 may also include a storage unit 1201 for storing program code and / or data of apparatus 1200.

[0241] The apparatus 1200 may be a terminal device or network device as described in the above embodiments, or may be a chip disposed within the terminal device or network device. The processing unit 1202 may support the apparatus 1200 in executing the actions of the terminal device or network device described in the above method examples. Alternatively, the processing unit 1202 may primarily execute the internal actions of the terminal device or network device described in the method examples, and the communication unit 1203 may support communication between the apparatus 1200 and other devices.

[0242] Specifically, in one embodiment, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is configured to obtain offsets of time units within different cells. Alternatively, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is configured to obtain at least one subcarrier spacing and at least one time unit; and the processing unit 1202 is configured to determine the offset based on the subcarrier spacing and the time unit.

[0243] In one possible design, when apparatus 1200 is a terminal device or a chip within the terminal device, communication unit 1203 or processing unit 1202 is configured to receive offsets of time units within different cells from a network device. Alternatively, when apparatus 1200 is a network device or a chip within the network device, communication unit 1203 or processing unit 1202 is configured to send offsets of time units within different cells to the terminal device.

[0244] In one possible design, processing unit 1202 is used to determine the offset of the time unit in cell 1 and cell 2 based on the time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing and the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2.

[0245] In one possible design, processing unit 1202 is used to determine the offset of the time unit in cell 1 and cell 2 based on the subcarrier spacing of cell 1 and cell 2 and the minimum value of the time unit in cell 1 and cell 2.

[0246] In one possible design, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is configured to obtain a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, a first time unit of the first cell, and a second time unit of the second cell. The processing unit 1202 is configured to determine an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0247] Exemplarily, the processing unit 1202 is configured to determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit according to the minimum time unit of the first time unit and the second time unit, and the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing.

[0248] Exemplarily, the processing unit 1202 is configured to determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on a larger value of the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing, and a time unit corresponding to the larger subcarrier spacing.

[0249] Specifically, in another embodiment, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is used to: obtain a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell; the processing unit 1202 is used to determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0250] In one possible design, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is used to: obtain a first cyclic shift of the first cell and a second cyclic shift of the second cell; the processing unit 1202 is used to: determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the smaller value of the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0251] In one possible design, processing unit 1202 or communication unit 1203 is configured to obtain a first subcarrier spacing of the first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of the second cell, and a reference subcarrier spacing. Processing unit 1202 is configured to determine an offset between a first time unit of the first cell and a second time unit of the second cell based on the first subcarrier spacing of the first cell, the second subcarrier spacing of the second cell, and a reference time unit corresponding to the reference subcarrier spacing.

[0252] Exemplarily, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is used to: obtain the first cyclic shift of the first cell and the second cyclic shift of the second cell; the processing unit 1202 is used to: determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the reference time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0253] Exemplarily, the processing unit 1202 or the communication unit 1203 is used to: obtain the first cyclic shift of the first cell and the second cyclic shift of the second cell; the processing unit 1202 is used to: determine the offset between the first time unit and the second time unit based on the reference time unit, the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift.

[0254] It can be understood that the terms in this embodiment, such as subcarrier spacing, offset, time unit, etc., their definitions, functions, application scenarios, usage methods, etc. can be referred to the previous description and will not be repeated here.

[0255] By adopting the above method, the terminal device or network device effectively ensures the alignment of time units in different cells and the transmission performance in multiple cells by offsetting the time units in different cells. For example, it can effectively increase the uplink and downlink transmission opportunities or effectively avoid uplink and downlink transmission errors caused by poor channel quality, so as to meet the flexible and changeable business volume and / or communication needs with high coverage requirements.

[0256] It should be noted that the division of units (modules) in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. The functional modules in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing module, or each module may exist physically alone, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules.

[0257] If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium can be various media that can store program code, such as a memory.

[0258] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a device structure is provided. The device 1300 includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320, and a transceiver 1330. In one example, the device 1300 can implement Figure 12 The functions of the device 1200 are shown, in particular, Figure 12 The functions of the communication unit 1203 shown in the figure can be implemented by a transceiver, the functions of the processing unit 1202 can be implemented by a processor, and the functions of the storage unit 1201 can be implemented by a memory. In another example, the apparatus 1300 can be a terminal device or a network device in the above method embodiment. The apparatus 1300 can be used to implement the method corresponding to the terminal device or the network device described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0259] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For ease of explanation, Figure 14 Only the main components of the terminal device are shown. Figure 14As shown, the terminal device 1400 includes a processor 1401, a memory 1402, a control circuit 1403, an antenna 1404, and an input / output device 1405. The terminal device 1400 can be applied to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 or Figure 3 In the system architecture shown, the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment are executed.

[0260] Processor 1401 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data, for example, to control the terminal device to perform the actions described in the above method embodiments. Memory 1402 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Control circuit 1403 is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. Control circuit 1403 and antenna 1404, collectively referred to as a transceiver, are primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices 1405, such as a touch screen, display, keyboard, etc., are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0261] When the terminal device is powered on, processor 1401 reads the software program stored in memory 1402, interprets and executes the software program's instructions, and processes the software program's data. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, processor 1401 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits it as electromagnetic waves via antenna 1404. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal via the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to processor 1401. Processor 1401 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0262] Those skilled in the art will understand that for ease of explanation, Figure 14 Only one memory 1402 and processor 1401 are shown. In an actual terminal device, there may be multiple processors 1401 and memories 1402. The memory 1402 may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0263] As an optional implementation, the processor 1401 may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data. Figure 14The processor 1401 in the figure integrates the functions of the baseband processor and the central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected through technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and a terminal device can include multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected through various buses. The baseband processor can also be expressed as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be expressed as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor 1401, or it can be stored in the memory 1402 in the form of a software program, and the processor 1401 executes the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0264] Figure 14 The terminal device 1400 shown is capable of Figure 5 or Figure 11 The illustrated method embodiment involves various processes of a terminal device. The operations and / or functions of the various modules in the terminal device 1400 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0265] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 15 As shown, the network device 1500 includes one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 1510 and one or more baseband units (BBU) 1520. The RRU 1510 can be called a communication unit. Figure 12 The communication unit 1203 in the figure corresponds to the communication unit 1203. Optionally, the communication unit can also be called a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and can include at least one antenna 1511 and a radio frequency unit 1512. The RRU 1510 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals, for example, for sending information to terminal devices. The BBU 1510 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the base station. The RRU 1510 and BBU 1520 can be physically arranged together or physically separated, that is, a distributed base station.

[0266] The BBU 1520 is the control center of the base station, which can also be called a processing module. Figure 12The processing unit 1202 in the embodiment corresponds to the baseband processing unit 1202, which is mainly used to perform baseband processing functions such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spread spectrum, etc. For example, the BBU (processing module) can be used to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment, for example, to generate the above information.

[0267] In one example, the BBU 1520 can be composed of one or more single boards, and multiple single boards can jointly support a wireless access network with a single access standard (such as an LTE network), or can separately support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The BBU 1520 also includes a memory 1521 and a processor 1522. The memory 1521 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 1522 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment. The memory 1521 and the processor 1522 can serve one or more single boards. That is, a memory and a processor can be set separately on each single board. Alternatively, multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can also be set on each single board.

[0268] Figure 15 The network device 1500 shown is capable of implementing Figure 5 or Figure 11 The illustrated method embodiment involves various processes of a network device. The operations and / or functions of the various modules in network device 1500 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, detailed description is omitted here.

[0269] During implementation, each step of the method provided in this embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in a processor or by software instructions. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor.

[0270] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiment of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or the instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processing (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof; it can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of DSP and microprocessors, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0271] It is understood that the memory or storage unit in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0272] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted via the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it may also be an optical medium, such as a DVD; it may also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD).

[0273] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or operated by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or the design of any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, alternatively, the general-purpose processor can also be any traditional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. The processor can also be implemented by a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration to implement.

[0274] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embedded in hardware, software units executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software units can be stored in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. For example, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can be provided in an ASIC, which can be provided in a terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can also be provided in different components in the terminal device.

[0275] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0276] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described with reference to specific features, it is apparent that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present application as defined by the appended claims and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire a first subcarrier spacing of a first cell, a second subcarrier spacing of a second cell, a first time unit of the first cell, and a second time unit of the second cell, where the first time unit is used for communication within the first cell, and the second time unit is used for communication within the second cell; Acquire a first cyclic shift of a first cell and a second cyclic shift of a second cell; Determine an offset between the first time unit and the second time unit according to a minimum time unit between the first time unit and the second time unit, the first subcarrier spacing, the second subcarrier spacing, the first cyclic shift, and the second cyclic shift; The first cell is a primary cell, the second cell is a secondary cell, the first subcarrier spacing and the second subcarrier spacing are both 60 kHz, and determining the offset specifically includes: When the first cyclic shift is ECP and the second cyclic shift is NCP, the value of the offset is M*(16Ts+NL)+n*(L+8Ts), where M is the number of time regions, N is the number of second time units in the time region, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the minimum time unit between the first time unit and the second time unit, the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum time unit is the second cyclic shift, n represents the number of second units exceeding the time region, and Ts is the sampling point; or When the first cyclic shift is NCP and the second cyclic shift is ECP, the value of the offset is M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L+8Ts)) or M*(NL+16Ts)+(n(L-8Ts)), where M is the number of time regions, N is the number of first time units in the time region, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the minimum time unit between the first time unit and the second time unit, the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum time unit is the first cyclic shift, n represents the number of the first time units exceeding the time region, and Ts is the sampling point.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first cell is a primary cell, and the second cell is a secondary cell. Determining the offset specifically includes: At least one of the first cyclic shift and the second cyclic shift is ECP, and a value of the offset is M*NL+nL, where M is the number of time regions, N is the number of minimum time units in the first time unit and the second time unit within the time region, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the minimum time unit, the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum time unit is ECP, and n represents the number of minimum time units of the first time unit and the second time unit exceeding the time region.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first cell is a primary cell, the second cell is a secondary cell, the first subcarrier spacing is 60 kHz, and the second subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz. Determining the offset specifically includes: When the first cyclic shift is NCP and the second cyclic shift is ECP, the offset value is M*(NL+16Ts)+(nL+16Ts) or M*(NL+16Ts)+nL, where M is the number of time regions, N is the number of first time units in the time region, L is the number of sampling points corresponding to the minimum time unit between the first time unit and the second time unit, the cyclic shift corresponding to the minimum time unit is the first cyclic shift, n represents the number of the first time units exceeding the time region, and Ts is the sampling point.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A starting position of the first first time unit and a starting position of the first second time unit in the time zone are aligned with a starting position of the time zone.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The time length of the time zone is 0.5 milliseconds or an integral multiple of 0.5 milliseconds.

6. A device, characterized in that The apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the instructions are executed, the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A terminal device, characterized in that: Comprising the device as claimed in claim 6.

8. A network device, characterized in that: Comprising the device as claimed in claim 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The method comprises instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that When the method is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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