Synchronization method and apparatus

Abstract

A synchronization method and apparatus are applied to a receiving node. The method comprises: obtaining wireless frame data from a sending node, the wireless frame data being carried on a wireless frame, and the wireless frame data comprising a synchronization signal; searching for the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data on the wireless frame, and determining position information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data. The position information is used to indicate a time-frequency position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame. According to the position information of the synchronization signal and a frame structure of the wireless frame, a time calibration parameter of the receiving node is determined, and according to the time calibration parameter and a local clock of the receiving node, the local clock of the receiving node is calibrated, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a synchronization method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The synchronization process refers to the process by which a mobile terminal obtains the time and frequency of data transmitted from the wireless network, and it is a prerequisite for the mobile terminal to access the network. Through the synchronization process, the mobile terminal can obtain the time and frequency information of data transmitted from the network. In this way, the mobile device can accurately receive data transmitted from the network based on this time and frequency information.

[0003] Typically, mobile devices can synchronize with the network in terms of time and frequency using the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, GPS synchronization requires the mobile device to calculate the phase difference between the GPS and the base station, and needs to readjust when the GPS signal changes. In other words, GPS synchronization is relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On one hand, a synchronization method is provided, applied to a receiving node. The method includes: acquiring radio frame data from a transmitting node, the radio frame data being carried on a radio frame, the radio frame data including a synchronization signal; searching for the synchronization signal in the radio frame data on the radio frame to determine the location information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame data. This location information is used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame; determining time calibration parameters for the receiving node based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the radio frame; and calibrating the local clock of the receiving node based on the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the transmitting node.

[0005] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "searching for synchronization signals in wireless frame data on a wireless frame and determining the position information of synchronization signals in wireless frame data" may specifically include: performing downsampling search on the wireless frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame; and determining the position information of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame.

[0006] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "downsampling search of wireless frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame" may specifically include: downsampling search of wireless frame data according to a preset step size, and detecting whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal, wherein different sampling points have different frequency domain positions in the wireless frame; if the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point includes a signal, and the signal strength value of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, then the starting position of the synchronization signal is determined according to the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame.

[0007] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "detecting whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal" may specifically include: determining whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data of the sampling point.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes: if the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point does not contain a signal, then switching the frequency point and detecting whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point.

[0009] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "determining the starting position of the synchronization signal based on the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame" may specifically include: determining the signal strength values ​​of multiple frequency points adjacent to the sampling point, taking the frequency point with the largest signal strength value as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal, and determining the starting position of the synchronization signal based on the time-frequency information of the frequency point.

[0010] In some embodiments, the receiving node includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a processor. The method further includes: encapsulating wireless frame data with a local clock and transmitting the encapsulated data to the processor, so that the processor preprocesses the encapsulated wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the local clock of the receiving node receiving the wireless frame data.

[0011] In some embodiments, a radio frame includes at least one candidate time-frequency position that is periodically distributed and used to carry a synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units in a subframe.

[0012] In some embodiments, the radio frame is an NR radio frame or an LTE radio frame.

[0013] On the other hand, a synchronization device is provided. It is applied to a receiving node. The synchronization device includes an acquisition unit and a processing unit.

[0014] The acquisition unit is configured to acquire radio frame data from the transmitting node. The radio frame data is carried on a radio frame and includes a synchronization signal.

[0015] The processing unit is configured to: search for synchronization signals in the radio frame data on the radio frame to determine the location information of the synchronization signals in the radio frame data. The location information of the synchronization signals is used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signals on the radio frame.

[0016] The processing unit is also configured to determine the time calibration parameters of the receiving node based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame.

[0017] The processing unit is also configured to calibrate the local clock of the receiving node according to the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: perform downsampling search on the radio frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame; and determine the position information of the synchronization signal on the radio frame based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: perform downsampling search on the wireless frame data according to a preset step size, and detect whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal, wherein different sampling points have different frequency domain positions in the wireless frame; if the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point includes a signal, and the signal strength value of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, then determine the starting position of the synchronization signal according to the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data of the sampling point.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: if the radio frame data corresponding to the sampling point does not contain a signal, switch the frequency point and detect whether there is a signal in the radio frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: determine the signal strength values ​​of multiple frequency points adjacent to the sampling point, take the frequency point with the largest signal strength value as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal, and determine the starting position of the synchronization signal based on the time domain information of the frequency point.

[0023] In some embodiments, the receiving node includes an FPGA and a processor. The FPGA is configured to encapsulate wireless frame data with a local clock and transmit the encapsulated data to the processor. The processor is configured to preprocess the encapsulated wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the local clock received by the receiving node.

[0024] In some embodiments, a radio frame includes at least one candidate time-frequency position that is periodically distributed and used to carry a synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units in a subframe.

[0025] In some embodiments, the radio frame is an NR radio frame or an LTE radio frame.

[0026] In another aspect, a synchronization device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the synchronization method of the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0027] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0028] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0029] In another aspect, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), the computer program causes the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc. involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a receiving node according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a heterodyne receiver according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a zero-IF receiver according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a bandwidth intermediate frequency receiver according to some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a low-intermediate frequency receiver according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a data processing unit according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a data processing unit according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a data processing unit according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a data processing unit according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of an FPGA according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a clock data generation unit according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of a data acquisition module according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of a data packaging module according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of a communication module according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of a synchronization signal according to some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 17 Here is a flowchart of a synchronization method according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of a wireless frame according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 19 Here is a flowchart of a synchronization method according to some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of a synchronization device according to some embodiments;

[0051] Figure 21 This is a structural diagram of a synchronization device according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0053] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific feature or characteristic may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0055] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0056] "At least one of A, B and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B or C", both including the following combinations of A, B and C: only A, only B, only C, combinations of A and B, combinations of A and C, combinations of B and C, and combinations of A, B and C.

[0057] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0058] As used herein, depending on the context, the term “if” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “when”, “in the event of”, “in response to determination”, or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “if it is determined that…” or “if [the stated condition or event] is detected” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “in the event of determination that…”, “in response to determination that…”, “when [the stated condition or event] is detected”, or “in response to the detection of [the stated condition or event]”.

[0059] The use of “applies to” or “configured to” in this article implies an open and inclusive language that does not preclude applicability to or configuration to devices that perform additional tasks or steps.

[0060] In addition, the use of “based on” implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions “based on” one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0061] To ensure that the terminal can correctly receive data / information sent by the network device, the terminal can synchronize with the network device through methods such as GPS synchronization, baseband synchronization, and envelope detection synchronization.

[0062] However, GPS synchronization is a complex and costly process. For example, when the terminal is a relay device (also known as a repeater), if the relay device's location changes, it needs to recalculate the phase difference between the GPS signal and the network device and perform the synchronization process again. In some cases, if no GPS signal is received, synchronization with the network device is impossible.

[0063] Baseband synchronization is also relatively expensive. While envelope detection synchronization is cheaper, it has lower interference resistance.

[0064] Therefore, this application provides a synchronization method applied to a receiving node. The receiving node may include an FPGA and a processor. The receiving node encapsulates local clock and radio frequency data via the FPGA and transmits it to a data processing unit. After receiving the encapsulated data, the processor performs a synchronization point search, determines time calibration parameters, and returns the time calibration parameters to the FPGA. Upon receiving the time calibration parameters, the FPGA can update its configured synchronization information, for example, updating the time information in the synchronization information. Thus, subsequent receiving nodes can accurately receive data from the network side based on the updated synchronization information.

[0065] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the receiving node can also be referred to as a receiving device, receiving end, signal receiving device, etc. The receiving node can be a mobile device, or a relay device or relay system.

[0066] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 A communication system is provided as an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include a sending node and a receiving node. The sending node and the receiving node are communicatively connected.

[0068] A transmitting node can be used to send downlink signals. For example, a transmitting node is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. For example, a transmitting node can be a network device, a small cell base station, a wireless access point, a transmission receive point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), or any other type of access node.

[0069] Receiving nodes can include relay devices or terminal devices. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, or computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. They can also be virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in smart cities, smart homes, vehicle terminals, etc.

[0070] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to any communication system that supports communication. The communication system can be a 3GPP high-frequency wireless communication system, such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, an evolved LTE (eLTE) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as a new radio (NR) system, a new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems, such as a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system. It can also be a non-3GPP communication system, and there is no limitation.

[0071] It should be noted that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication systems and the emergence of other communication systems, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0072] In one example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a receiving node is shown. The receiving node may include a transceiver antenna, a radio frequency unit, a data processing unit, and a communication unit.

[0073] Transceiver antennas can be used to receive and transmit signals. For example, they can receive downlink signals from the network side and forward them to the user side. Transceiver antennas can be single antennas, multiple antennas, array antennas, etc.

[0074] The radio frequency unit can be used to adjust the received signal. For example, it can adjust the frequency of the received signal.

[0075] In one example, the radio frequency (RF) unit may include an RF front-end and an RF transceiver. The RF front-end may be used to filter and amplify RF signals. The RF transceiver may be used to receive and transmit RF signals. For example, the RF transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be used to receive RF signals, and the transmitter may be used to transmit RF signals. The RF unit may also include a local oscillation circuit. The local oscillation circuit may be used to generate a carrier signal.

[0076] The aforementioned receivers may include heterodyne receivers (also known as superheterodyne receivers), zero-IF receivers, wideband IF receivers, low-IF receivers, etc. These various receivers will be described in detail below.

[0077] 1-1. Heterodyne receiver.

[0078] In this configuration, the heterodyne receiver can mix the received signal with its locally generated oscillation signal to adjust the received signal to a fixed intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The heterodyne receiver can automatically adjust the frequency of its locally generated oscillation signal based on the new received frequency. This ensures that the IF signal frequency remains constant.

[0079] For example, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a heterodyne receiver provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 As shown, this heterodyne receiver can include multiple components, such as an antenna, pre-filter, low-noise amplifier, intermediate frequency filter, mixer, channel filter, variable gain amplifier, in-phase quadrature (IQ) demodulator, high-pass filter, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The connection method of these multiple components can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, no further details will be provided.

[0080] 1-2. Zero-IF receiver.

[0081] The zero-IF receiver, also known as a direct-conversion receiver, zero-difference receiver, or synchronization receiver, directly demodulates the radio frequency modulated carrier to the baseband frequency. The signal within is directly detected, and the carried information is recovered. The zero-IF receiver can generate a synchronization detection signal with the same or similar frequency as the received signal using a local oscillator. This synchronization detection signal is then used to adjust the frequency of the received signal to obtain a signal at a preset frequency.

[0082] For example, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a zero-IF receiver provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the zero-IF receiver may include multiple components, such as an antenna, a pre-filter, a low-noise amplifier, an IQ demodulator, a variable gain amplifier, a high-pass filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. The connection method of these multiple components can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, no further details will be provided.

[0083] 1-3. Bandwidth intermediate frequency receiver.

[0084] The bandwidth intermediate frequency (IF) receiver is a dual-conversion architecture. It first converts the radio frequency signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) (the first stage), and then down-converts the IF signal back to the baseband signal (the second stage).

[0085] For example, Figure 5 This application illustrates a bandwidth intermediate frequency (IF) receiver according to an embodiment of the present application. The bandwidth IF receiver may include multiple devices, such as an antenna, a pre-filter, a low-noise amplifier, an IQ demodulator, a variable gain amplifier, a high-pass filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. The multiple devices can be connected in the following manner: Figure 5 As shown, no further details will be provided.

[0086] 1-4. Low-frequency receiver.

[0087] Among them, the low-intermediate frequency receiver can be used to convert the frequency of the radio frequency signal to the low-intermediate frequency, and then convert it into a baseband signal in the digital domain.

[0088] For example, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a low-intermediate frequency receiver provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the low-IF receiver may include multiple components, such as an antenna, a pre-filter, a low-noise amplifier, an IQ demodulator, a variable gain amplifier, a high-pass filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. The connection method of these multiple components can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, no further details will be provided.

[0089] It should be noted that the receiver described above is merely exemplary, and other types of receivers may also be used, which will not be elaborated upon. In this embodiment, the transmitter may adopt the same architecture as the receiver. For example, the transmitter may include a heterodyne transmitter, a zero-IF transmitter, a bandwidth IF transmitter, a low-IF transmitter, etc. Of course, the transmitter may also adopt a different architecture than the receiver. For example, if the receiver is a heterodyne receiver, the transmitter may be a heterodyne transmitter or a zero-IF transmitter, without limitation.

[0090] The above Figure 2 The data processing unit in the system can be used for signal processing. In some examples, the data processing unit adopts a digital signal processing (DSP) chip + FPGA architecture, an FPGA + ARM architecture, an FPGA + Central Processing Unit (CPU) architecture, or a system-on-chip (SOC) architecture. These architectures of the data processing unit will be described below.

[0091] 2-1. DSP+FPGA architecture.

[0092] The DSP+FPGA architecture can include a DSP, an FPGA, and corresponding circuitry. The DSP and FPGA can be connected via a local bus. For example, ... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a DSP+FPGA architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This DSP+FPGA architecture may include power supply circuits, reset circuits, joint test action group (JTAG) circuits, memory circuits, interface circuits, clock circuits, etc.

[0093] Power supply circuits can be used to power the system / chip. Reset circuits can be used for system reset. Clock circuits can be used to provide the crystal clock signal. JTAG circuits can be used to provide program download and debugging functions. Storage circuits can be used to store FPGA data (such as initialization data). Interface circuits can be used to provide multiple types of interfaces. For example, these may include Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Double Data Rate (DDR) interfaces, etc.

[0094] 2-2. FPGA+ARM architecture.

[0095] The FPGA+ARM architecture can include an FPGA, an ARM processor, and corresponding circuitry. The ARM and FPGA can be connected via a local bus, for example... Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an ARM+FPGA architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This ARM+FPGA architecture may include power supply circuits, reset circuits, JTAG circuits, memory circuits, interface circuits, clock circuits, etc. The specific functions of the circuits are described in section 2-1 above and will not be repeated here.

[0096] 2-3. FPGA+CPU architecture.

[0097] The FPGA+CPU architecture can include an FPGA, a CPU, and corresponding circuitry. The CPU and FPGA can be connected via a local bus, for example... Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an FPGA+CPU architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This FPGA+CPU architecture may include power supply circuits, reset circuits, JTAG circuits, memory circuits, interface circuits, clock circuits, etc. The specific functions of the circuits are described in section 2-1 above and will not be repeated here.

[0098] 2-4. SOC architecture.

[0099] In this context, the SOC architecture can be a chip composed of an FPGA and an ARM / CPU, possessing the functions of both an FPGA and a processor. For example, ... Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a System-on-a-Chip (SOC) architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. This SOC architecture may include power supply circuits, reset circuits, JTAG circuits, memory circuits, interface circuits, clock circuits, etc. The specific functions of the circuits are described in section 2-1 above and will not be repeated here.

[0100] It should be noted that the above architecture is only an example, and the data processing unit can also adopt other architectures without restriction.

[0101] The above Figure 2 The communication unit in the relay device can be used for signal transmission (such as radio frequency signals, 5th generation (5G) signals) between the front and back ends. In some instances, the communication unit can use optical communication, Ethernet communication, wireless-fidelity (WIFI) communication, etc., to transmit signals. These methods are described below.

[0102] 3-1. Optical communication.

[0103] Optical communication refers to the transmission of signals using optical modules and optical fibers. An optical module is an optoelectronic device capable of photoelectric and electro-optical conversion. The transmitting end of an optical module converts electrical signals into optical signals, and the receiving end converts optical signals back into electrical signals. Based on different packaging forms, optical modules can include small form pluggable (SFP), SFP+, gigabit interface converters (GBIC), etc.

[0104] 3-2. Ethernet communication.

[0105] Ethernet is a computer local area network (LAN) technology. Details about Ethernet's physical layer wiring, electronic signals, and media access layer protocols can be found in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.3 standard.

[0106] 3-3. WIFI communication.

[0107] WiFi is a wireless local area network technology, and the radio wave frequency bands of WiFi can include 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 60 GHz, etc.

[0108] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the FPGA can be used to generate clock data, acquire RF data from the ADC and RF transceiver, and package / pack RF data and clock data.

[0109] In one example, such as Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an FPGA provided in an embodiment of this application. The FPGA includes a data acquisition module, a clock data generation module, a data encapsulation module, and a communication module.

[0110] The clock data generation module can be used to generate a local clock (or time data). The local clock can be in the form of standard time, pulse per second (PPS), or 5 milliseconds (ms) / 10 ms / 20 ms.

[0111] In one example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the clock data generation module includes a clock interface, a reset interface, a setting interface, a clock input interface, and a clock output interface.

[0112] The data acquisition module is mainly used to acquire data from the ADC or RF transceiver.

[0113] In one example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the data acquisition module may include a clock interface, a reset interface, an interface (such as JESD204), an output valid interface, and a packet data interface.

[0114] The data packaging module is primarily used to encapsulate / packet time data and collected data point-to-point. Point-to-point means that one data point corresponds to one time. For example, it can encapsulate / packet received wireless frame data and the local clock at the time the wireless frame data was received, point by point.

[0115] In one example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the data packaging module may include a clock interface, a reset interface, an input valid interface, a time data interface, a data acquisition interface, an output valid interface, and a packaged data interface.

[0116] The communication module is mainly used to transmit packaged / packed data to the processor via the local bus.

[0117] In one example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the communication module may include a clock interface, a reset interface, an input valid interface, a data interface, a bus interface, etc.

[0118] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, when the data processing unit is an SOC architecture, data can be transmitted in the form of direct memory access (DMA) or directly in memory.

[0119] In this embodiment, the processor is mainly used to determine the location information of the synchronization point by searching for synchronization signals. The synchronization signal can be a synchronization signal block (SSB) signal. The SSB signal can include primary synchronization signals (PSS), secondary synchronization signals (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0120] PSS / SSS is primarily used for downlink synchronization by the terminal. Examples include clock synchronization, radio frame synchronization, and symbol synchronization. PSS / SSS can also be used by the terminal to obtain the cell's identity (ID).

[0121] In one example, such as Figure 16 As shown, in the time domain, PBCH and PSS / SSS occupy four orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (OFDM symbols 0 to 3). In the frequency domain, PBCH and PSS / SSS occupy 20 resource blocks (RBs), which is 240 subcarriers (subcarriers 0 to 239). Specifically, the positions of PBCH and PSS / SSS in the frequency domain can be set as needed.

[0122] The following is combined Figure 1 The communication system shown illustrates the synchronization method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0123] like Figure 17 The image shows a synchronization method provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The receiving node is shown. This method may include steps S1701 to S1704.

[0124] S1701. Obtain wireless frame data from the transmitting node.

[0125] The sending node can be Figure 1The transmitting node in the process. Radio frame data can also be called radio frequency data or synchronization data. Radio frame data includes synchronization signals. This radio frame data can be carried on a radio frame. This radio frame can be an NR radio frame or an LTE radio frame.

[0126] In one example, the radio frame may include at least one periodically distributed candidate time-frequency position for carrying a synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols (such as OFDM symbols) and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units (such as subcarriers) in a subframe.

[0127] For example, such as Figure 18 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an NR radio frame provided in an embodiment of this application. The radio frame includes subframe 0 and subframe 1. Each subframe includes two time slots. Each time slot may include 14 OFDM symbols (0-13 in the diagram correspond to one OFDM symbol each). The radio frame may also include multiple subcarriers (subcarrier 1 to subcarrier 28). The radio frame is also used to carry other signals. For example, it is also used to carry the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), and uplink (UL) (sounding reference signal (SRS)).

[0128] Figure 18 In this context, the candidate time-frequency position can be the time-frequency position occupied by the SSB. For example, it can include OFDM symbols 2 to 6, OFDM symbols 8 to 11, and subcarriers 13 to 17 in time slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.

[0129] In one possible implementation, combining Figure 2 The receiving node can receive wireless frame data from the transmitting node via its transceiver antenna. After receiving the wireless frame data, the receiving node can encapsulate it with a local clock using an FPGA to obtain encapsulated wireless frame data. The encapsulated wireless frame data can include multiple subframe data and the local clock corresponding to each subframe data. For example, combined with... Figure 18 The wireless frame structure is shown. The encapsulated wireless frame data may include the data carried by subframe 0 and the local clock when subframe 0 is received, the data carried by subframe 1 and the local clock when subframe 1 is received.

[0130] The local clock can refer to the clock generated by the receiving node when it receives wireless frame data. For example, ... Figure 11 As shown, after receiving wireless frame data, the FPGA can obtain the corresponding local clock from the clock data generation unit. The FPGA then encapsulates the received wireless frame data and the local clock before transmitting them to the processor. Upon receiving the encapsulated wireless frame data, the processor can decompose it to obtain the wireless frame data and the corresponding local clock.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to reduce the interference of noise signals on the wireless frame data, the receiving node can filter the wireless frame data after receiving it from the transmitting node to filter out other noise signals in the wireless frame data.

[0132] S1702. Search for the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data on the wireless frame to determine the location information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data.

[0133] The location information of the synchronization signal can be used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame. For example, the location information of the synchronization signal can include the time-domain symbol and frequency-domain element of the synchronization signal on the radio frame. The time-domain symbol can refer to the OFMD symbol of the radio frame, and the frequency-domain element can refer to the subcarrier of the radio frame.

[0134] In one example, the receiving node can downsample the radio frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame, and determine the position information of the synchronization signal on the radio frame based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame.

[0135] For example, a receiving node can downsample and search the wireless frame data according to a preset step size, and detect whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point contains a signal. Here, a sampling point can also be called a frequency point. Different sampling points have different time-frequency positions in the wireless frame. One frequency point can correspond to a frequency range. One wireless frame data can include multiple frequency points. The preset step size can refer to the number of frequency points. In this way, the receiving node can sample multiple frequency points according to the preset step size and detect whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point contains a signal, reducing the number of frequency points that need to be detected, thus reducing the computational load on the receiving node.

[0136] Specifically, for each sampling point, the receiving node can determine whether the wireless frame data corresponding to that sampling point includes / carries a signal based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data. The envelope information can be used for synchronization detection. For details, please refer to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0137] In one example, if the wireless frame data corresponding to a sampling point does not contain a signal, the receiving node can switch frequencies and continue to detect whether the wireless frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point contains a signal. For example, if the current frequency point is frequency point 1, and the receiving node detects that the wireless frame data corresponding to frequency point 1 does not contain a signal, the receiving node can sample the wireless frame data according to a preset step size to obtain the next frequency point (such as frequency point 2) for frequency point 1. The receiving node can continue to detect the wireless frame data corresponding to frequency point 2. If the wireless frame data corresponding to frequency point 2 does not contain a signal, the receiving node can continue to detect the next frequency point for frequency point 2 until it detects wireless frame data containing a signal.

[0138] In another example, after the receiving node detects radio frame data that includes a signal, it can detect whether the radio frame data includes a synchronization signal (such as a PSS signal).

[0139] For example, the receiving node can calculate the signal strength value of each of the multiple frequency points adjacent to the given frequency point (or sampling point), and take the frequency point with the highest signal strength value as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal. In this way, the receiving node can determine multiple frequency domain units (i.e., subcarriers) in a pre-configured radio frame that match the frequency corresponding to the given frequency point.

[0140] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the frequency spacing of the subcarriers in the wireless frame is pre-configured, and different subcarriers correspond to different frequencies. Therefore, the receiving node can determine the frequency corresponding to each subcarrier based on the pre-configured wireless frame configuration information (such as frequency spacing, number of time slots, etc.).

[0141] Furthermore, after determining the subcarrier corresponding to the synchronization signal in the radio frame, the receiving node can use the start time of detecting the multiple subcarriers as the start time domain position of the synchronization signal.

[0142] In this way, the receiving node can determine the location information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame based on the time domain and frequency domain positions of the synchronization signal.

[0143] S1703. Determine the time calibration parameters of the receiving node based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame.

[0144] The time calibration parameter can be used to calibrate the local clock of the receiving node.

[0145] In one example, after determining the candidate location information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame, the receiving node can determine the receiving node's time calibration parameters based on the frame structure of the radio frame.

[0146] The receiving node can pre-configure the frame structure of the wireless frame. In this way, the receiving node can determine the candidate position information (including time domain position and frequency domain position) of the synchronization signal in the pre-configured wireless frame based on the frame structure of the wireless frame.

[0147] It should be noted that in practical applications, when the wireless frame data is affected by other signals, there may be a discrepancy between the time when the receiving node receives the wireless frame data from the sending node and the reserved / pre-configured receiving time.

[0148] In one example, after determining the candidate time-frequency information of the synchronization signal in a pre-configured radio frame, the receiving node can determine the time-domain information (i.e., theoretical time) of the synchronization signal in the radio frame based on the candidate location information of the synchronization signal. Thus, the receiving node can determine the time calibration parameters of the synchronization signal based on the time-domain information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame and the local clock (i.e., the actual time) corresponding to that radio frame.

[0149] For example, the receiving node can use the time-domain information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame as a time calibration parameter.

[0150] In another example, the receiving node can determine the time calibration parameters based on the difference between the time-domain information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame and the local clock when the radio frame data is received.

[0151] S1704. Based on the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node, calibrate the local clock of the receiving node.

[0152] The local clock of the receiving node can refer to the clock signal received by the receiving node when it receives wireless frame data.

[0153] In one example, when the time calibration parameter is the time domain information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame, the receiving node can determine the difference between the time calibration parameter and the receiving node's local clock, and calibrate the receiving node's local clock based on the difference.

[0154] In another example, when the time calibration parameter is the difference between the time domain information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame and the local clock when the radio frame data is received, the receiving node can calibrate its local clock based on this difference, thus enabling the receiving node to synchronize with the transmitting node.

[0155] In one application scenario, combined with Figures 7-10 The architecture of any receiving node. After determining the time calibration parameters, the processor (DSP, ARM, CPU) can return the time calibration parameters to the FPGA via the local bus. After receiving the time calibration parameters, the FPGA can calibrate its local clock according to the time calibration parameters.

[0156] based on Figure 17 The technical solution shown allows the receiving node to perform a synchronization point search on the wireless frame carrying the data after acquiring it, in order to determine the location information of the synchronization signal included in the wireless frame data. Thus, the receiving node can determine its time calibration parameters based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame. These time calibration parameters are then used to calibrate the local clock, ensuring synchronization between the receiving and transmitting nodes. Compared to GPS synchronization, the technical solution provided in this application does not require calculating the phase difference between GPS and the base station, reducing the workload of the receiving node and improving synchronization accuracy.

[0157] The following uses the receiving node as the relay device, and the relay device includes a combination of Figure 9 The method provided in this application embodiment will be described using the architecture shown as an example.

[0158] like Figure 19 As shown, the method provided in the embodiments of this application may include S1901 to S1910.

[0159] S1901, the FPGA acquires the wireless frame data and the local clock that received the wireless frame data, and encapsulates the wireless frame data and the local clock to obtain the encapsulated wireless frame data.

[0160] S1902, the FPGA transmits the packaged wireless frame data to the CPU. Correspondingly, the CPU receives the packaged wireless frame data.

[0161] S1903: The CPU splits the packaged wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the corresponding local clock.

[0162] In this context, the CPU splitting the encapsulated wireless frame data can refer to the CPU separating the encapsulated wireless frame data from the local clock. In this way, the local clock corresponding to each frame data in the multiple frames of the wireless frame data can be obtained.

[0163] S1904. The CPU processes the wireless frame data to obtain the processed wireless frame data.

[0164] Processing the wireless frame data can include filtering the wireless frame data.

[0165] S1905, The CPU performs a preliminary search on the processed wireless frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal included in the wireless frame data.

[0166] The starting position of the synchronization signal refers to the starting position of the synchronization signal in the radio frame.

[0167] In one example, the CPU performs a preliminary search on the processed radio frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal. For example, the CPU can downsample the processed radio frame data to reduce the computational load. The CPU can then filter the processed radio frame data again and extract its envelope information. The CPU checks whether this envelope information includes a signal. If it does, the CPU checks whether the radio frame data includes a PSS signal.

[0168] Specifically, the CPU's detection of whether the wireless frame data includes a PSS signal can include: for each sampling point, calculating the signal strength value of the wireless frame data corresponding to that sampling point. If the signal strength value is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the CPU can determine that the wireless frame data corresponding to that sampling point includes a PSS signal; if the signal strength value is less than the preset threshold, the CPU can determine that the wireless frame data corresponding to that sampling point does not include a PSS signal.

[0169] If the wireless frame data corresponding to a sampling point does not include a PSS signal, the CPU can switch frequencies until a sampling point including a PSS signal is detected. If the wireless frame data corresponding to a sampling point includes a PSS signal, the CPU can calculate the signal strength of frequencies adjacent to that sampling point and use the location information of the sampling point with the largest signal strength value as the starting position of the synchronization signal.

[0170] S1906. At the starting position of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame, the CPU performs a point-by-point search of the wireless frame to determine the specific position information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame.

[0171] In one example, the CPU can perform correlation calculations on the synchronization signal near the sampling point with the highest signal strength (such as adjacent frequency points) to obtain the frequency point with the highest signal strength near that sampling point. In this way, the CPU can use the location of the frequency point with the highest signal strength as the specific location information of the synchronization signal in the radio frame.

[0172] S1907. The CPU determines the timing information of the synchronization signal based on the specific location information of the synchronization signal.

[0173] Specifically, the CPU can determine the frame data in which the synchronization signal resides based on its specific location information within the radio frame. Based on multiple frame data points in S1903 and their corresponding local clocks, the CPU can determine the local clock corresponding to the synchronization signal.

[0174] S1908: The CPU calculates the time calibration parameters based on the time information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame.

[0175] S1909, the CPU sends time calibration parameters to the FPGA. Correspondingly, the FPGA receives the time calibration parameters from the CPU.

[0176] The S1910 and FPGA calibrate the local clock according to the time calibration parameters to synchronize the relay equipment with the network equipment.

[0177] For details regarding S1909 and S1910, please refer to the descriptions of S1703 and S1904 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] based on Figure 19 The technical solution involves the relay device packaging the local clock and wireless frame data simultaneously into the processor, and then performing synchronization point search on the processor side. This effectively reduces the complexity of the FPGA program and also enables the implementation of complex synchronization algorithms, thereby improving synchronization accuracy.

[0179] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be referenced or learned from each other. For example, the same or similar steps, method embodiments, system embodiments and device embodiments can be referenced from each other without limitation.

[0180] This application embodiment can divide the synchronization device into functional modules or functional units according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module or functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or in software functional modules or functional units. The module or unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0181] like Figure 20 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of a synchronization device provided in an embodiment of this application. The synchronization device is applied to a receiving node and includes an acquisition unit 2001 and a processing unit 2002.

[0182] Acquisition unit 2001 is configured to acquire radio frame data from the transmitting node. The radio frame data is carried on a radio frame and includes a synchronization signal.

[0183] Processing unit 2002 is configured to: search for synchronization signals in the radio frame data on the radio frame to determine the location information of the synchronization signals in the radio frame data. The location information of the synchronization signals is used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signals on the radio frame.

[0184] The processing unit 2002 is also configured to determine the time calibration parameters of the receiving node based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame.

[0185] The processing unit 2002 is also configured to: calibrate the local clock of the receiving node according to the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.

[0186] In some embodiments, the processing unit 2002 is specifically configured to: perform downsampling search on the radio frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame; and determine the position information of the synchronization signal on the radio frame based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the radio frame.

[0187] In some embodiments, the processing unit 2002 is specifically configured to: perform downsampling search on the wireless frame data according to a preset step size, and detect whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal, wherein different sampling points have different frequency domain positions in the wireless frame; if the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point includes a signal, and the signal strength value of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, then determine the starting position of the synchronization signal according to the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame.

[0188] In some embodiments, the processing unit 2002 is specifically configured to: determine whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data of the sampling point.

[0189] In some embodiments, the processing unit 2002 is further configured to: if the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point does not contain a signal, switch the frequency point and detect whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point.

[0190] In some embodiments, the processing unit 2002 is specifically configured to: determine the signal strength values ​​of multiple frequency points adjacent to the sampling point, take the frequency point with the largest signal strength value as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal, and determine the starting position of the synchronization signal based on the time domain information of the frequency point.

[0191] In some embodiments, the receiving node includes an FPGA and a processor. The FPGA is configured to encapsulate wireless frame data with a local clock and transmit the encapsulated data to the processor. The processor is configured to preprocess the encapsulated wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the local clock received by the receiving node.

[0192] In some embodiments, a radio frame includes at least one candidate time-frequency position that is periodically distributed and used to carry a synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units in a subframe.

[0193] In some embodiments, the radio frame is an NR radio frame or an LTE radio frame.

[0194] When implemented in hardware, the acquisition unit 2001 in this embodiment can be integrated onto the communication interface, and the processing unit 2002 can be integrated onto the processor. Specific implementation methods are as follows: Figure 21 As shown.

[0195] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of another possible structure of the synchronization device involved in the above embodiments is shown. The communication device includes a processor 2102 and a communication interface 2103. The processor 2102 is used to control and manage the operation of the device, for example, executing the steps performed by the processing unit 2002, and / or performing other processes of the technology described herein. The communication interface 2103 is used to support communication between the device and other network entities, for example, executing the steps performed by the acquisition unit 2001. The device may also include a memory 2101 and a bus 2104, the memory 2101 being used to store the device's program code and data.

[0196] The memory 2101 may be a memory in the device, and the memory may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0197] The processor 2102 described above can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, 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 implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0198] Bus 2104 can be an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 2104 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 21 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0199] Figure 21 The device in the middle can also be a chip. The chip includes one or more processors 2102 and a communication interface 2103.

[0200] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 2105, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor 2102. A portion of the memory 2105 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0201] In some implementations, memory 2105 stores elements such as execution modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof.

[0202] In this embodiment of the application, the corresponding operation is executed by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory 2105 (the operation instructions can be stored in the operating system).

[0203] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) storing computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform a synchronization method as described in any of the embodiments above.

[0204] For example, the aforementioned computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in this disclosure may represent one or more devices for storing information and / or other machine-readable storage media. The term "machine-readable storage media" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0205] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program product, for example, stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in the above embodiments.

[0206] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program. When executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), the computer program causes the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in the above embodiments.

[0207] The beneficial effects of the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, and computer program are the same as the beneficial effects of the synchronization methods described in some of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0208] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0209] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0210] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0211] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A synchronization method applied to a receiving node, the method comprising: Acquire wireless frame data from the transmitting node, the wireless frame data being carried on a wireless frame, the wireless frame data including a synchronization signal; Based on the pre-configured configuration information of the wireless frame, the frequency corresponding to each subcarrier in the wireless frame is determined, and based on the frequency corresponding to each subcarrier, the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data is searched on the wireless frame to determine the position information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data; the position information of the synchronization signal is used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame. The time calibration parameters of the receiving node are determined based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame. The local clock of the receiving node is calibrated according to the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of searching for synchronization signals in the wireless frame data on the wireless frame to determine the location information of the synchronization signals in the wireless frame data includes: The wireless frame data is downsampled and searched to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame. The position information of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame is determined based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The step of downsampling and searching the wireless frame data to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame includes: The wireless frame data is downsampled and searched according to a preset step size, and it is detected whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal. Different sampling points have different frequency domain positions in the wireless frame. If the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point includes a signal, and the signal strength value of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, then the starting position of the synchronization signal is determined according to the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The detection of whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal includes: Based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data at the sampling point, determine whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The method further includes: If the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point does not contain a signal, then the frequency point is switched, and it is detected whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein, Determining the start position of the synchronization signal based on the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame includes: The signal strength values ​​of multiple frequency points adjacent to the sampling point are determined, and the frequency point with the largest signal strength value is taken as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal. The starting position of the synchronization signal is determined according to the time-frequency information of the frequency point.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The receiving node includes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and a processor, and the method further includes: The FPGA encapsulates the wireless frame data and the local clock, and transmits the encapsulated data to the processor, so that the processor preprocesses the encapsulated wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the local clock received by the receiving node.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The wireless frame includes at least one candidate time-frequency position that is periodically distributed. The candidate time-frequency position is used to carry the synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units in a subframe.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The radio frame is a New Radio (NR) radio frame or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio frame.

10. A synchronization device applied to a receiving node, the device comprising an acquisition unit and a processing unit; The acquisition unit is configured to acquire wireless frame data from the transmitting node, the wireless frame data being carried on a wireless frame and including a synchronization signal. The processing unit is configured to: determine the frequency corresponding to each subcarrier in the wireless frame according to the pre-configured configuration information of the wireless frame, and search for the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data on the wireless frame based on the frequency corresponding to each subcarrier to determine the position information of the synchronization signal in the wireless frame data; the position information of the synchronization signal is used to indicate the time-frequency position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame. The processing unit is further configured to: determine the time calibration parameters of the receiving node based on the location information of the synchronization signal and the frame structure of the wireless frame; The processing unit is further configured to: calibrate the local clock of the receiving node according to the time calibration parameters and the local clock of the receiving node, so that the receiving node is synchronized with the sending node.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured as follows: The wireless frame data is downsampled and searched to determine the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame. The position information of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame is determined based on the starting position of the synchronization signal on the wireless frame.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured as follows: The wireless frame data is downsampled and searched according to a preset step size, and it is detected whether the wireless frame data corresponding to each sampling point includes a signal. Different sampling points have different frequency domain positions in the wireless frame. If the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point includes a signal, and the signal strength value of the signal is greater than a preset threshold, then the starting position of the synchronization signal is determined according to the time-frequency position of the sampling point in the wireless frame.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured as follows: Based on the envelope information of the wireless frame data at the sampling point, determine whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The processing unit is further configured to: If the wireless frame data corresponding to the sampling point does not contain a signal, then the frequency point is switched, and it is detected whether there is a signal in the wireless frame data corresponding to the switched frequency point.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein, The processing unit is specifically configured as follows: The signal strength values ​​of multiple frequency points adjacent to the sampling point are determined, and the frequency point with the largest signal strength value is taken as the frequency point corresponding to the synchronization signal. The starting position of the synchronization signal is determined according to the time domain information of the frequency point.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein, The receiving node includes an FPGA and a processor; The FPGA is configured to encapsulate the wireless frame data with the local clock and transmit the encapsulated data to the processor. The processor is configured to preprocess the encapsulated wireless frame data to obtain the wireless frame data and the local clock of the receiving node receiving the wireless frame data.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein, The wireless frame includes at least one candidate time-frequency position that is periodically distributed. The candidate time-frequency position is used to carry the synchronization signal. One candidate time-frequency position corresponds to a plurality of consecutive time-domain symbols and a plurality of consecutive frequency-domain units in a subframe.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10-17, wherein, The radio frame is either an NR radio frame or an LTE radio frame.

19. A synchronization device, comprising: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run computer programs or instructions to implement the synchronization method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the synchronization method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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