Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

A communication method, a communication device, and a communication system are described. A first communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit that, in a first case, reserves one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals, and, in a second case, reserves no blank period between the two consecutive signals; and a transmitter that transmits the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, wherein the duration of each of the two consecutive signals in the first case is shorter than the duration of each of the two consecutive signals in the second case.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the application date of September 29, 2016, application number 201680087828.2, invention name “Communication method, communication device and communication system”, and applicant being Panasonic Corporation (USA) Intellectual Property. Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system for shortened TTI (sTTI). Background Art

[0003] In the field of wireless communications, end-user radio or wireless terminals, also known as user equipment units (UEs), communicate with radio base stations (RBSs), also known as "eNodeBs" (eNBs), via a wireless network such as a radio access network (RAN). The radio access network (RAN) covers a geographical area divided into cell areas, each of which is served by a radio base station.

[0004] When a UE or eNB transmits a signal, a transition period is required to change the voltage of the signal from a low level to a high level (or from a power-off state to a power-on state), and vice versa. The signal during the transition period may be unstable and have no effect on the receiving unit, and may be considered an unwanted or undesirable signal.

[0005] Based on RAN4 specification TS 36.101, power on and power off require some time, such as 20us. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, this period may be used for the start and end of transmission. Depending on the transmission channel type, it is necessary to within the subframe (the period between the timing for starting the subframe and the timing for ending the subframe, such as Figure 1A ) or outside the subframe (outside the period between the timing for starting a subframe and the timing for ending a subframe, such as Figure 1A The 20µs transition period shown on the right implements the transition time. This transition time of one subframe, defined in RAN4, may interfere with the reception of other subframes because some unwanted or undesirable signals will be generated during the transition time. For a subframe length of 1ms, this effect can be ignored because the transition time only occupies a small ratio.

[0006] However, on the other hand, there is no specific definition or time reserved based on the physical layer specification (RAN1). That is, based on the RAN1 standard, there is no specific transition time reserved within a subframe due to power on and power off for transmitting signals by UE or eNB. From the perspective of the system or base station, subframes are transmitted continuously, such as Figure 1C shown.

[0007] An improved solution is needed for this transition time in the RAN1 standard, especially for the case of shortened TTI (sTTI). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The inventors have found that the absence of a specific time reserved for the transition time under the physical layer standard may not be a problem for a normal TTI, because the duration of a normal TTI is 1ms and relatively longer. And the impact of the transition time on transmission / reception can be ignored. Therefore, it is sufficient to define the sending unit behavior of the UE at the transition time according to the RAN4 specification. However, in the case of a shortened TTI (whose TTI is shortened by more than a threshold, such as 1ms), for example, sending 2 or 7 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) codewords in a downlink subframe, or sending 2, 4 or 7 single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) codewords in an uplink subframe, the unstable level of the voltage of the signal sent from power off to power on or from power on to power off may generate a large amount of unnecessary or undesirable signals at the receiving unit. In the case of only 2 OFDM / SC-FDM codewords with a smaller subcarrier spacing or 14 codewords with a larger subcarrier spacing, the impact of the transition time may be greater because the desired signal will be squeezed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A (top). In addition, assuming that transition time is reserved for both the beginning and the end of the shortened TTI (sTTI) 15, and each transition time requires 20 μs, the ratio of the transition time is shown in Table 1 below. It can be clearly seen from Table 1 that, especially for the case of a 2-symbol sTTI, the transition time ratio on the sTTI is about 30%, which is quite large and may seriously affect the reception performance of the desired signal.

[0009] Table 1

[0010]

[0011] But on the other hand, if the transition time is arranged outside the sTTI, it may interfere with other sTTIs, such as Figure 2BAs shown, the transition time of sTTI 1 will affect the reception of the signal of sTTI 2, and vice versa. The impact of the transition time is greater for the case of a very shortened sTTI. Here, a shortened sTTI can be achieved by reducing the number of OFDM / SC-FDMA symbols sent or increasing the subcarrier spacing. In the latter case, the number of OFDM symbols in the TTI is still, for example, 14, the same as the number of symbols in a normal TTI.

[0012] Based on the above observations and analysis, the inventors propose an improved solution for this transition time in the RAN1 standard, especially for the case of shortened TTI (sTTI).

[0013] In one general aspect, an apparatus at a first node is provided, comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits wireless data or signals to a second node; and a circuit that determines whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by the transmitting unit based on the length of a configured transmission time interval (TTI), wherein the circuit further: determines to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

[0014] In another general aspect, a method performed at a first node is provided, comprising the steps of: sending wireless data or signals to a second node; and determining whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by a sending unit based on the length of a configured transmission time interval (TTI), wherein the steps further comprise: determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

[0015] In another general aspect, a communication system executed at a first node is provided, comprising: one or more processors; a memory coupled to the one or more processors, storing a computer program therein, which, when executed by the one or more processors, performs the following steps: sending wireless data or signals to a second node; and determining whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by a sending unit based on the length of a configured transmission time interval (TTI), wherein the steps further include: determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

[0016] In another general aspect, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit that reserves one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, and does not reserve a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value; and a transmitter that sends the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0017] In another general aspect, a communication method performed at a first communication device is provided, the communication method comprising: reserving one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, and reserving no blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value; and sending two consecutive signals to a second communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0018] In another general aspect, an integrated circuit is provided, comprising: a reservation circuit that controls reserving one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold, and controls not reserving a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold; and a transmission circuit that controls sending the two consecutive signals to a communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0019] In another general aspect, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit that reserves one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, and does not reserve a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold; and a transmitter that transmits the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0020] In another general aspect, a communication method performed at a first communication device is provided, the communication method comprising: in a first case where a subcarrier spacing of two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, reserving one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals; in a second case where a subcarrier spacing of two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, not reserving a blank period between the two consecutive signals; and sending the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0021] In another general aspect, an integrated circuit is provided, comprising: a reservation circuit, which controls reserving one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, and controls not reserving a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold; and a transmission circuit, which controls transmitting the two consecutive signals to a communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0022] In another general aspect, a second communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit that sets one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, and does not set a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value; and a receiver that receives the two consecutive signals from the first communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0023] In another general aspect, a communication method performed at a second communication device is provided, the communication method comprising: in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, setting one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals; in a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value, not setting a blank period between the two consecutive signals; and receiving two consecutive signals from the first communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0024] In another general aspect, a second communication device is provided, comprising: a circuit that sets one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, and does not set a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold; and a receiver that receives the two consecutive signals from the first communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0025] In another general aspect, a communication method performed at a second communication device is provided, the communication method comprising: in a first case where a subcarrier spacing of two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, setting one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals; in a second case where a subcarrier spacing of two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, not setting a blank period between the two consecutive signals; and receiving two consecutive signals from the first communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing of the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0026] In another general aspect, an integrated circuit is provided, comprising: a setting circuit that controls setting one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold, and controls not setting a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold; and a receiving circuit that controls receiving the two consecutive signals from a first communication device, wherein each time length for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

[0027] In another general aspect, an integrated circuit is provided, comprising: a setting circuit that controls setting one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, and controls not setting a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold; and a receiving circuit that controls receiving the two consecutive signals from a communication device, wherein the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1A The concept of a transition period in one subframe specified under the RAN4 specification of 3GPP TS 36.211 is schematically illustrated.

[0029] Figure 1B The concept of transition periods in multiple subframes specified under the RAN4 specification of 3GPP TS 36.211 is schematically illustrated.

[0030] Figure 1C The diagram schematically shows subframes that are transmitted continuously from the perspective of the system or base station.

[0031] Figure 2A Schematically illustrates the impact of transition times of different lengths according to TTI if the transition time is within sTTI.

[0032] Figure 2B Schematically shows the impact of the transition time of sTTI on subsequent sTTI if the transition time is outside sTTI.

[0033] Figure 3 A block diagram of a device at a first node according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagram schematically illustrates the transition time configurations according to different lengths of sTTI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5A The figure schematically shows transition time configurations according to different channel types according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5B The figure schematically shows transition time configurations according to different channel types according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6A The transition time according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown as not being aligned with the symbol / slot boundary of a normal TTI.

[0038] Figure 6B The transition time aligned with the symbol / slot boundary of a normal TTI according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0039] Figure 7 A transition time configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, where a sounding reference signal (SRS) in the sTTI is used for demodulation.

[0040] Figure 8 The configuration of the transition time according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, wherein the start time of the transmission or transition time is controlled by the eNB.

[0041] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe transition time configuration for 4 codewords sTTI with frequency hopping according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0042] Figure 10 The flowchart of the method at the first node according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0043] Figure 11 A block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference Figures 3 to 11 Embodiments of the present invention are described, which relate to communication methods, devices, and systems. As is well known, the present technology can be implemented in many different forms and in different orders, and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the present technology to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present technology is intended to include substitutes, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the present technology. In addition, in the following detailed description of the present technology, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced without these specific details.

[0045] Although the order of steps of the method and the structure of the components are provided herein as examples, they are not limited thereto. The foregoing detailed description of the technology is for illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above guidance, many modifications and variations are possible. The described embodiments were selected in order to best illustrate the principles of the technology and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the technology in various embodiments and various modifications suitable for the specific use intended.

[0046] Figure 3 A block diagram of an apparatus 300 at a first node according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0047] An apparatus 300 at a first node includes: a transmitting unit 301 for transmitting wireless data or signals to a second node; and a circuit 302 for determining, based on a configured transmission time interval (TTI) length, whether to reserve one or more reserved periods between two consecutive data or signals transmitted by the transmitting unit. Circuit 302 further determines to reserve one or more reserved periods between two consecutive data or signals if the configured TTI length is shorter than or equal to a threshold.

[0048] Therefore, in the RAN1 specification, when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, one or more reservation periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, and resource utilization can be optimized for sTTIs of different lengths.

[0049] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The diagram schematically illustrates the transition time configurations according to different lengths of sTTI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 4A As shown, there may be no problem with not having a specific time reserved for the transition time for the slot-level TTI from the physical layer standard (e.g., 2 symbols in one subframe, one symbol for the start transition time and one symbol for the end transition time) because the duration of the slot-level TTI is relatively long. Therefore, for TTIs longer than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 500 μs equals 7 OFDM symbols), no reserved period is reserved between two consecutive data or signals.

[0051] like Figure 4B As shown, for a TTI shorter than a threshold (eg, 500 us equals 7 OFDM symbols), assuming 2 OFDM symbols, a reservation period is reserved between two consecutive data or signals.

[0052] It should be noted that the TTI concept may include a normal TTI having, for example, 1 ms carrying a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing (e.g., specified in 3GPP TS36.211 versions 8-12), and a shortened TTI having a shortened length that is shorter than the length of a normal TTI, as well as any TTI having any length. However, the concept of a shortened TTI having a shortened length that is shorter than the length of a normal TTI is not necessarily equivalent to the concept of a TTI that is shorter than or equal to a threshold defined in the present disclosure, because the threshold may be shorter than, longer than, or equal to the length of a normal TTI. In order to make the solution more comprehensive, a shortened TTI having a shortened length that is shorter than the length of a normal TTI is often referred to as sTTI, but is not limited to this, because a shortened TTI still belongs to a type of TTI.

[0053] Table 2 below schematically shows an example of a transition time configuration for sTTIs of different lengths according to an embodiment. As shown in Table 2, in an embodiment, assuming that one transition time is required for the start of the sTTI and one transition time is required for the end of the sTTI, the effect of the transition time on the 7-symbol sTTI is approximately 8%. The transition time is within the sTTI. The effect of the transition time on the 4-symbol sTTI without frequency hopping is approximately 16%, and the effect on the 4-symbol sTTI with frequency hopping and the 2-symbol sTTI is approximately 28%. Therefore, based on such an analysis, a specific reserved time period should not be reserved for the 7-symbol sTTI and the 4-symbol sTTI without frequency hopping within a subframe. Figure 4A An example of a 7-symbol sTTI is also shown. The UE implements the transition time based on RAN4 requirements. However, in the case of a 2-symbol sTTI, this may interfere with transmissions of other UEs or in another subframe, or affect its own transmission. A specific time should be reserved for the future transition time specified by RAN4. From the perspective of the base station or system, this will result in the two sTTIs being non-adjacent in the time domain.

[0054] Table 2 Transition time configuration for different sTTIs

[0055]

[0056] It should be noted that the concept of "transition time" here generally refers to a specific time defined in RAN4 for the transmitting unit to send a signal, but the concept of "reserved time / period" here, from the perspective of the physical layer standard, generally refers to a specific time reserved between two sTTIs from the system. In RAN4, the transition time reservation is implemented by the UE and is different for different UEs. In the RAN1 specification, there is no processing on the transition time / period, or the eNB / UE assumes that two TTIs or subframes are transmitted continuously, such as Figure 1C shown.

[0057] In an embodiment, the circuit 302 further determines whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals based on at least one of types of the two consecutive data or signals and a power difference between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0058] In an embodiment, circuit 302 is further used to: determine that one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals if the types of the two consecutive data or signals are different; determine that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals if there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals; or, determine that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals if the types of the two consecutive data or signals are different and there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0059] The embodiment may include at least three methods, wherein:

[0060] (1) If two consecutive data or signals are of different types, one or more reservation periods are reserved between the two consecutive data or signals, regardless of whether there is a power difference between the two consecutive data or signals. This approach is effective because only one determination is performed as to whether the types of the two consecutive data or signals are different, and two different types of data (such as an SRS signal and user data) are generally transmitted with different transmission powers.

[0061] (2) If there is no power difference between two consecutive data or signals, regardless of whether the two consecutive data or signals are of different types, one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals; in this case, if there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, there is no need to change the power supply from ON to OFF (or from a high level to a low level) or from OFF to ON (or from a high level to a low level), and therefore, there is no need to reserve one or more reserved periods between the two consecutive data or signals, thereby optimizing resource utilization;

[0062] (3) If two consecutive data or signals are of different types and there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals; in one case, two conditions should be met at the same time: first, the types of the two consecutive data or signals are different, and second, there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals. When the types of the two consecutive data or signals are different, the case where there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals is very rare. However, once there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, it is not necessary to reserve one or more reserved periods between the two consecutive data or signals, thereby optimizing resource utilization.

[0063] Figure 5A The figure schematically shows transition time configurations according to different channel types according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B The following schematically illustrates the transition time configuration according to different channel types according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two figures illustrate the first approach described above, wherein: (1) if two consecutive data or signals are of different types, one or more reserved periods are reserved between the two consecutive data or signals. Figure 5A As shown, since the types of two consecutive data or signals (user data (sTTI) and SRS type data) are different, a 40us reservation period is reserved between the two consecutive data or signals. Figure 5BAs shown in FIG, since two consecutive data or signals (user data (sTTI) are both from the same UE) are of the same type, no reserved period is reserved between the two consecutive data or signals. In this case, the reason is that the user data and SRS have different powers, but there is no difference in power between two sTTIs from the same UE. Therefore, resource utilization is improved because no resources are wasted in transition time.

[0064] Figure 6A The transition time according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown as not being aligned with the symbol / slot boundary of a normal TTI.

[0065] In an embodiment, the circuit 302 further: when one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) symbol boundary of each of the two consecutive data or signals is not aligned with a symbol boundary of other data or signals having a TTI length equal to or longer than a threshold, such as Figure 6A shown.

[0066] Figure 6A An example is shown in which sTTI is not aligned with a traditional symbol or slot boundary within a subframe due to the introduction of transition time. Multiple transition times are reserved between two sTTIs within a subframe. Here, it is assumed that one sTTI includes a symbol for transmitting DMRS and a symbol for transmitting data. Based on the minimum requirements of RAN4, as many sTTIs as possible are arranged within the subframe. In this example, a maximum of 5 sTTIs can be arranged in one subframe. As a result, sTTI resources can be optimized.

[0067] Figure 6B FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a transition time aligned with a symbol / slot boundary of a normal TTI according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] In an embodiment, the circuit 302 further: aligns the OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol boundary of each of two consecutive data or signals with the symbol boundary of the other data or signal having a TTI length equal to or longer than a threshold value, in the case where one or more reserved periods are reserved between the two data or signals, such as Figure 6B shown.

[0069] Figure 6B An example is shown in which the sTTI is precisely aligned with the traditional symbol or slot boundary within a subframe due to the introduction of the transition time. In an embodiment, the circuit 302 further reserves an OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for the reserved period between two consecutive data or signals. Figure 6BAs shown, one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol is used for the transition time, and there is no mutual interference between two adjacent sTTIs. When the symbols are aligned, considering that some normal TTIs may be multiplexed with sTTIs in the frequency domain in the same subframe, inter-carrier interference and UE complexity can be minimized. However, resource utilization may not be optimized because Figure 6A Compared with the case where only 4 sTTIs are arranged in one subframe.

[0070] Figure 7 A transition time configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, where a sounding reference signal (SRS) in the sTTI is used for demodulation.

[0071] In an embodiment, the transmitting unit 301 transmits user data in one data or signal without transmitting a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) when one data or signal in two consecutive data or signals includes a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0072] Figure 7 An example of how SRS signals can be used for demodulation in a sTTI is shown. In a subframe, when the UE transmits SRS, the adjacent sTTI will not transmit DMRS. SRS will be used for demodulation. This behavior helps reduce RS overhead. However, since SRS is not transmitted in every subframe or PRB, which PRB or subframe uses SRS for demodulation depends on the SRS configuration.

[0073] Figure 8 The figure schematically shows a transition time configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the start time of transmission or the transition time is controlled by the eNB.

[0074] In an embodiment, the circuit 302 further causes an eNodeB (eNB) to indicate at least one of a start time of at least one reserved period and a start time of at least one data or signal. Thus, the reserved period configuration may be configured by the eNB.

[0075] Figure 8 An example of the eNB indicating the reservation time of the UE is shown. In the case where the previous sTTI (sTTI 1) has a longer length, considering that the impact on sTTI 1 is small, the reservation time of sTTI 2 can be within sTTI 1. The eNB can indicate the reservation time or start time of the transport block (TB) through specific signaling (for example, downlink control information (DCI) in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH). Another possibility is that the eNB controls the start time or transition time of the transmission through a timing advance indication.

[0076] In the case where the length of the previous sTTI (sTTI 1) is smaller, the reserved time of sTTI 2 does not fall within any sTTI. The eNB indicates the reserved time or the start time of the transmission. In doing so, interference with each other can be avoided.

[0077] In an embodiment, circuit 302 further reserves a reserved period that does not overlap with a reference signal (RS) symbol.

[0078] In an embodiment, when the length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, circuit 302 further performs at least one of the following steps: setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent between consecutive data or signals; setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent before subsequent data or signals are sent; and setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent after subsequent data or signals are sent.

[0079] That is, in the present disclosure, reserving a reserved period means setting one or more reserved periods before and after sending subsequent data or signals, wherein no required or desired data or signals are sent between consecutive data or signals. Thus, inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

[0080] In an embodiment, the required or desired data or signal may be data or signal having a transmission power level higher than a predetermined requirement.

[0081] In an embodiment, the two consecutive data or signals may include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of the TTI.

[0082] In an embodiment, the configured TTI includes at least one of a shortened TTI within one subframe and a TTI spanning one or more subframes.

[0083] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The transition time configuration of 4 codewords sTTI with frequency hopping according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0084] A 4-symbol sTTI with frequency hopping means that the first two symbols are sent first, and then the last two symbols are sent. Figure 9A and Figure 9B Shown with Figure 9AAn example of a 4-symbol sTTI with frequency hopping is shown in FIG. Basically, in this case, the 4-symbol sTTI can reuse the 2-symbol sTTI time pattern; for example, TTI1 sends the first two symbols of the 4-symbol sTTI, and TTI2 sends the last two symbols of the 4-symbol sTTI, but the first two symbols are in different physical resource blocks (PRBs) than the last two symbols, as shown in FIG. Figure 9B shown.

[0085] Therefore, by using the embodiments of the present invention, resource utilization can be optimized and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

[0086] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method 1000 at a first node according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0087] Method 1000 performed at a first node includes the following steps: step S1001, sending wireless data or signals to a second node; step S1002, determining whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by a sending unit based on the length of a configured transmission time interval (TTI), wherein the determination step S1002 further includes: when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals.

[0088] In an embodiment, the determining step S1002 further includes: determining whether one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals based on at least one of the types of the two consecutive data or signals and the power difference between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0089] In an embodiment, determining step S1002 also includes: if the types of two consecutive data or signals are different, determining that one or more reserved periods are reserved between the two consecutive data or signals; if there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, determining that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals; or, if the types of two consecutive data or signals are different and there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, determining that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0090] In an embodiment, determining step S1002 also includes: when one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, the code elements of the two consecutive data or signals are not aligned with the code elements of other data or signals having a length of sTTI longer than or equal to a threshold.

[0091] In an embodiment, determining step S1002 also includes: when one or more reserved time periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, the code element boundary of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) of any one of the two consecutive data or signals is not aligned with the code element of other data or signals having a TTI length longer than or equal to a threshold.

[0092] In an embodiment, the determining step S1002 further includes: reserving one OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol for a reserved period between two consecutive data or signals.

[0093] In an embodiment, the sending step S1001 further includes: when one of two consecutive data or signals includes a sounding reference signal (SRS), sending user data in the one data or signal without sending a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

[0094] In an embodiment, the method 1000 further comprises causing an eNodeB (eNB) to indicate at least one of a start time of at least one reserved period and a start time of at least one data or signal.

[0095] In an embodiment, the determining step S1002 further includes: reserving a reserved period that does not overlap with a reference signal (RS) symbol.

[0096] In an embodiment, when the length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, determining step S1002 further includes performing at least one of the following steps: setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent between consecutive data or signals; setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent before subsequent data or signals are sent; and setting one or more reserved periods in which required or expected data or signals are not sent after subsequent data or signals are sent.

[0097] In an embodiment, the required or desired data or signal is data or signal having a transmission power level above a predetermined requirement.

[0098] In an embodiment, the two consecutive data or signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of the TTI.

[0099] In an embodiment, the configured TTI includes at least one of a shortened TTI within one subframe and a TTI spanning one or more subframes.

[0100] Therefore, by using the embodiments of the present invention, resource utilization can be optimized and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

[0101] It should be noted that the method may perform additional actions and steps by the apparatus described above, so these additional actions and steps are not described here to avoid redundancy.

[0102] Figure 11 A block diagram of a system 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0103] The communication system 1100 executed at the first node includes: one or more processors 1101; a memory 1102 coupled to the one or more processors, in which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by the one or more processors, performs the following steps: sending wireless data or signals to the second node; and determining whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by the sending unit based on the length of the configured transmission time interval (TTI), wherein the determination step further includes: when the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals.

[0104] It should be noted that the steps described above can be performed when the computer program is executed by one or more processors, so a detailed description is omitted here.

[0105] Therefore, by using the embodiments of the present invention, resource utilization can be optimized and inter-subcarrier interference can be reduced.

[0106] In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide at least the following main contents.

[0107] (1) A device at a first node, comprising:

[0108] a transmitting unit, configured to transmit wireless data or signals to a second node; and

[0109] The circuit determines whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by the sending unit based on the length of a configured transmission time interval (TTI).

[0110] Among other things, the circuit also:

[0111] In a case where the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, it is determined to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals.

[0112] (2) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuit further:

[0113] Whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals is determined based on at least one of types of the two consecutive data or signals and a power difference between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0114] (3) The apparatus according to (2), wherein the circuit further:

[0115] If the two consecutive data or signals are of different types, determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between the two consecutive data or signals;

[0116] If there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, determining not to reserve one or more reserved periods between the two consecutive data or signals; or

[0117] If the two consecutive data or signals are of different types and there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, it is determined that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0118] (4) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuit further:

[0119] When one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) codeword boundary of each of the two consecutive data or signals is not aligned with the codeword boundary of other data or signals having a TTI length equal to or longer than a threshold.

[0120] (5) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuit further:

[0121] When one or more reservation periods are reserved between two data or signals, the OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol boundary of each of the two consecutive data or signals is aligned with the symbol boundary of the other data or signal having a TTI length equal to or longer than a threshold.

[0122] (6) The apparatus according to (5), wherein the circuit further:

[0123] One OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol is reserved for a reserved period between two consecutive data or signals.

[0124] (7) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the sending unit:

[0125] In case one of two consecutive data or signals includes a sounding reference signal (SRS), user data is transmitted without transmitting a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) in the one data or signal.

[0126] (8) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuit further:

[0127] An eNodeB (eNB) is caused to indicate at least one of a start time of at least one reserved period and a start time of at least one data or signal.

[0128] (9) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the circuit further:

[0129] A reserved period that does not overlap with a reference signal (RS) symbol is reserved.

[0130] (10) The apparatus according to (1), wherein, if the length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to the threshold, the circuit further performs at least one of the following steps:

[0131] setting one or more reserved periods in which no required or desired data or signals are sent between consecutive data or signals;

[0132] setting one or more reserved periods in which required or desired data or signals are not transmitted before subsequent data or signals are transmitted; and

[0133] One or more reserved periods are set, wherein required or desired data or signals are not sent after subsequent data or signals are sent.

[0134] (11) The apparatus according to (10), wherein the required or desired data or signal is data or signal having a transmission power level higher than a predetermined requirement.

[0135] (12) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the two consecutive data or signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of the TTI.

[0136] (13) The apparatus according to (1), wherein the configured TTI includes at least one of a shortened TTI within one subframe and a TTI spanning one or more subframes.

[0137] (14) A method performed at a first node, comprising the following steps:

[0138] sending wireless data or signals to a second node; and

[0139] Determining whether to reserve one or more reserved periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by the sending unit according to the length of the configured transmission time interval (TTI),

[0140] The determining step further includes:

[0141] In a case where the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, it is determined to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals.

[0142] (15) The method according to (14), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0143] Whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals is determined based on at least one of types of the two consecutive data or signals and a power difference between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0144] (16) The method according to (15), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0145] If the two consecutive data or signals are of different types, determining to reserve one or more reservation periods between the two consecutive data or signals;

[0146] If there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, determining not to reserve one or more reserved periods between the two consecutive data or signals; or

[0147] If the two consecutive data or signals are of different types and there is no power difference between the two consecutive data or signals, it is determined that one or more reserved periods are not reserved between the two consecutive data or signals.

[0148] (17) The method according to (14), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0149] When one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, the code elements of the two consecutive data or signals are not aligned with the code elements of other data or signals having an sTTI length longer than or equal to a threshold.

[0150] (18) The method according to (14), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0151] When one or more reserved periods are reserved between two consecutive data or signals, the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) codeword boundary of any one of the two consecutive data or signals is not aligned with the codeword boundary of other data or signals having a TTI length longer than or equal to a threshold.

[0152] (19) The method according to (18), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0153] One OFDM or SC-FDMA symbol is reserved for a reserved period between two consecutive data or signals.

[0154] (20) The method according to (14), wherein the sending step further comprises:

[0155] In case one of two consecutive data or signals includes a sounding reference signal (SRS), user data is transmitted without transmitting a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) in the one data or signal.

[0156] (21) The method according to (14), wherein the method further comprises:

[0157] An eNodeB (eNB) is caused to indicate at least one of a start time of at least one reserved period and a start time of at least one data or signal.

[0158] (22) The method according to (14), wherein the determining step further comprises:

[0159] A reserved period that does not overlap with a reference signal (RS) symbol is reserved.

[0160] (23) The method according to (14), wherein, when the length of each TTI is shorter than or equal to the threshold, the determining step further comprises performing at least one of the following steps:

[0161] setting one or more reserved periods in which no required or desired data or signals are sent between consecutive data or signals;

[0162] setting one or more reserved periods in which required or desired data or signals are not transmitted before subsequent data or signals are transmitted; and

[0163] One or more reserved periods are set, wherein required or desired data or signals are not sent after subsequent data or signals are sent.

[0164] (24) The method according to (23), wherein the required or desired data or signal is data or signal having a transmission power level higher than a predetermined requirement.

[0165] (25) The method according to (14), wherein the two consecutive data or signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of a TTI, and user data of the TTI.

[0166] (26) The method according to (14), wherein the configured TTI includes at least one of a shortened TTI within one subframe and a TTI spanning one or more subframes.

[0167] (27) A communication system executed at a first node, comprising:

[0168] one or more processors;

[0169] A memory coupled to one or more processors, in which a computer program is stored that, when executed by the one or more processors, performs the following steps:

[0170] sending wireless data or signals to a second node; and

[0171] determining whether to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals sent by the sending unit based on the length of the configured transmission time interval (TTI),

[0172] The determining step further includes:

[0173] In a case where the length of the configured TTI is shorter than or equal to a threshold, it is determined to reserve one or more reservation periods between two consecutive data or signals.

[0174] The present disclosure can be implemented by hardware, software or software in collaboration with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each of the above embodiments can be implemented by an LSI as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be controlled by the LSI. They can form a chip separately, or can form a chip to include some or all of the functional blocks. They can include data input and output coupled thereto. The LSI here can be referred to as IC, system LSI, super LSI or ultra LSI according to the difference in integration. However, the technology realizing integrated circuits is not limited to LSI and can also be realized by using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) that can be programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of the circuit unit inside the LSI can be used.

[0175] Examples of several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings of specific embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or technologies, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it will be readily understood that although the above embodiments have been described with reference to portions of a 3GPP network, embodiments of the present disclosure will also be applicable to similar networks with similar functionality, such as next-generation networks of the 3GPP network.

[0176] Therefore, in particular, the term 3GPP and related terms used in the above description and in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0177] The present disclosure can be realized by hardware, software or software in collaboration with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized by LSI as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment can be controlled by LSI. They can form a chip separately, or can form a chip to include some or all of the functional blocks. They can include data input and output coupled thereto. The LSI here can be referred to as IC, system LSI, super LSI or ultra LSI according to the difference in integration. However, the technology realizing integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and can also be realized by using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, after LSI manufacture, a programmable FPGA (field programmable gate array) or a reconfigurable processor in which the connection and setting of the LSI internal circuit unit can be reconfigured can be used.

[0178] It is worth noting that modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the guidance provided in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Although specific terms may be used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A first communication device, comprising: Circuit, in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, reserving one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals, and In a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is reserved between the two consecutive signals; and a transmitter, transmitting the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

2. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein In the second case, there is no power difference between the two consecutive signals.

3. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein: In a first case, the one or more blank periods are aligned with boundaries of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols of the two consecutive signals.

4. The first communication device according to claim 3, wherein: One or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMA symbol.

5. The first communication device according to claim 1, wherein The two consecutive signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

6. A communication method performed at a first communication device, the communication method comprising: in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, reserving one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals, In a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is reserved between the two consecutive signals; as well as sending two consecutive signals to the second communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein: In the second case, there is no power difference between the two consecutive signals.

8. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein: In a first case, the one or more blank periods are aligned with boundaries of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols of the two consecutive signals.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, wherein: One or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMA symbol.

10. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein: The two consecutive signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

11. An integrated circuit comprising: a reserving circuit configured to control reserving one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, and to control not reserving a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for the two consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value; as well as a sending circuit, controlling the sending of the two consecutive signals to the communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

12. A first communication device, comprising: Circuit, In a first case where the subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, one or more blank periods are reserved between the two consecutive signals, and In a second case where a subcarrier interval between two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is reserved between the two consecutive signals; as well as a transmitter, transmitting the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

13. The first communication device according to claim 12, wherein: In the second case, there is no power difference between the two consecutive signals.

14. The first communication device according to claim 12, wherein: In a first case, the one or more blank periods are aligned with boundaries of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols of the two consecutive signals.

15. The first communication device according to claim 14, wherein: One or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMA symbol.

16. The first communication device according to claim 12, wherein: The two consecutive signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

17. A communication method performed at a first communication device, the communication method comprising: In a first case where a subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, reserving one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals; In a second case where a subcarrier interval between two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is reserved between the two consecutive signals; as well as sending the two consecutive signals to a second communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

18. The communication method according to claim 17, wherein: In the second case, there is no power difference between the two consecutive signals.

19. The communication method according to claim 17, wherein: In a first case, the one or more blank periods are aligned with boundaries of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) symbols of the two consecutive signals.

20. The communication method according to claim 19, wherein: One or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals is one OFDM symbol or one SC-FDMA symbol.

21. The communication method according to claim 17, wherein: The two consecutive signals include at least one of a sounding reference signal (SRS) or a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

22. An integrated circuit comprising: a reservation circuit configured to control, in a first case where a subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, to reserve one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals, and to control, in a second case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, not to reserve a blank period between the two consecutive signals; as well as a sending circuit, controlling the sending of the two consecutive signals to the communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

23. A second communication device comprising: Circuit, in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, setting one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals, and In a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value, no blank period is provided between the two consecutive signals; as well as a receiver receiving the two consecutive signals from the first communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

24. A communication method performed at a second communication device, the communication method comprising: in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, setting one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals; In a second case where each time length for two of the consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value, no blank period is provided between the two consecutive signals; as well as receiving two consecutive signals from a first communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

25. A second communication device comprising: Circuit, In a first case where the subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, one or more blank periods are set between the two consecutive signals, and In a second case where a subcarrier interval between two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is set between the two consecutive signals; as well as a receiver receiving the two consecutive signals from the first communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

26. A communication method performed at a second communication device, the communication method comprising: In a first case where a subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, setting one or more blank periods between the two consecutive signals; In a second case where a subcarrier interval between two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold, no blank period is set between the two consecutive signals; as well as receiving two consecutive signals from a first communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

27. An integrated circuit comprising: A circuit is provided for controlling one or more blank periods to be provided between two consecutive signals in a first case where each time length for two consecutive signals is shorter than a threshold value, and for controlling no blank period to be provided between the two consecutive signals in a second case where each time length for two consecutive signals is longer than or equal to the threshold value; as well as a receiving circuit configured to control reception of the two consecutive signals from the first communication device, Here, each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the first case is smaller than each time length used for the two consecutive signals in the second case.

28. An integrated circuit comprising: Setting a circuit to control setting one or more blank periods between two consecutive signals in a first case where a subcarrier spacing between two consecutive signals is greater than a threshold, and controlling not to set a blank period between the two consecutive signals in a second case where a subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals is less than or equal to the threshold; as well as a receiving circuit for controlling reception of the two consecutive signals from the communication device, The subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the first case is greater than the subcarrier spacing between the two consecutive signals in the second case.

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