SSB configuration method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides an SSB configuration method and a communication device. The method comprises: an access network device sending downlink control information (DCI) to a terminal, the DCI indicating an SSB transmission configuration of a first cell; and the terminal receives the SSB in the first cell according to the SSB transmission configuration. Therefore, based on the method, the SSB transmission configuration of the cell can be dynamically indicated through the DCI, so that the SSB transmission configuration can be updated in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an SSB configuration method and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] The synchronization signal block (SSB), also known as the synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block, includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast channel (PBCH). When a terminal moves within the system, it continuously performs cell search and measurements based on the SSB to achieve initial access and mobility management. In existing technologies, when the SSB transmission configuration needs to be updated, the access network equipment can reconfigure the SSB transmission configuration via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an SSB configuration method and communication device, which facilitates timely updates to the SSB transmission configuration.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an SSB configuration method. This method can be applied to the terminal side, for example, it can be implemented by the terminal or a communication module / processing module within the terminal, or a circuit or chip within the terminal responsible for communication functions. The method includes: receiving downlink control information (DCI) from an access network device, the DCI indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a first cell; and receiving an SSB in the first cell according to the SSB transmission configuration.

[0005] As can be seen, based on the method described in the first aspect, the SSB transmission configuration of the cell can be dynamically indicated through DCI, which is beneficial for timely updating of the SSB transmission configuration.

[0006] In one possible embodiment, the DCI also indicates whether the first cell is activated. Based on this possible embodiment, cell activation can be dynamically indicated via the DCI, which facilitates timely updates to the cell's activation status.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the DCI includes a first block and a second block, the first block indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a first cell and the second block indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a second cell. In this possible embodiment, by indicating the SSB transmission configuration of different cells using different blocks, the SSB transmission configuration of multiple cells can be indicated more flexibly.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the first block includes a first indication field and a second indication field. The first indication field is used to indicate the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell, and the second indication field is used to indicate whether the first cell is activated. In this possible embodiment, by using different indication fields to indicate the SSB transmission configuration and activation of the cell, the indication of the SSB transmission configuration and activation of the cell can be performed more flexibly.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, a first signaling message from the access network device may also be received, which indicates the start position of the first block in the DCI. Based on this possible embodiment, it is beneficial for the terminal to accurately determine the bit position of the first block in the DCI.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the SSB transmission configuration includes an SSB transmission cycle configuration and / or an SSB transmission pattern configuration.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the SSB is either a cell definition-synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) or a non-cell definition-synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

[0012] If the SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration is a CD-SSB, idle or inactive legacy terminals may receive this CD-SSB. If the network does not support random access by idle or inactive legacy terminals based on this CD-SSB, errors may occur when idle or inactive legacy terminals attempt random access based on this CD-SSB. Legacy terminals refer to terminals that do not support SSB transmission configuration indicated via DCI. To avoid affecting random access by idle or inactive legacy terminals, the following two possible implementation methods are available:

[0013] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0014] Here, the MIB associated with the CD-SSB refers to the MIB carried in the PBCH of that CD-SSB. After receiving the MIB associated with the CD-SSB, a traditional terminal in an idle or inactive state will not perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the first parameter in that MIB. Therefore, the CD-SSB transmitted according to the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration is prevented from affecting the random access of traditional terminals in an idle or inactive state.

[0015] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0016] By ensuring that the center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid, it is possible to prevent idle or inactive traditional terminals from receiving the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration, thereby preventing the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration from affecting the random access of idle or inactive traditional terminals.

[0017] If the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI transmits a CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state may receive this CD-SSB. If the network does not support random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on this CD-SSB, errors may occur when a new terminal in an idle or inactive state attempts to access the network based on this CD-SSB. A new terminal refers to a terminal that supports SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI. To avoid affecting the random access of new terminals in an idle or inactive state, the following four possible implementation methods can be used:

[0018] 1) The Master System Information Block (MIB) associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0019] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0020] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0021] 4) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0022] If the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI transmits a CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state may receive this CD-SSB. If the network supports random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on this CD-SSB, there are three possible implementation methods:

[0023] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access is allowed based on the CD-SSB.

[0024] 2) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0025] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting the DCI, and this time interval T is the time interval between the time the DCI is received and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. Considering that the terminal needs a certain amount of time to parse and process the DCI, there is a time interval T between the time the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. That is, the time interval T can also be understood as the time the terminal takes to parse and process the DCI. Based on this possible embodiment, it is beneficial to accurately determine the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is carried within the PDCCH in the common search space. That is, the DCI is a cell-level DCI. Based on this possible embodiment, it is not necessary to send DCI signaling to each terminal separately to indicate the SSB transmission configuration, which helps to save signaling overhead.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is scrambled using a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), and the scrambled RNTI indicates that the DCI is used to indicate the SSB transport configuration. That is, the format or function of the DCI can be indicated by the scrambled RNTI.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, a second signaling message may also be received from the access network device, which indicates the offset between the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration corresponding to the first cell and the SSB transmission start time. Based on this possible embodiment, it is beneficial for the terminal to accurately determine the SSB transmission start time.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an SSB configuration method. This method can be applied to the network side, for example, it can be implemented by network-side access network equipment, modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within the access network equipment, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network equipment's functions. In this method: Downlink Control Information (DCI) is sent to the terminal, the DCI indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a first cell; and an SSB corresponding to the SSB transmission configuration is sent in the first cell.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the DCI also indicates whether the first cell is activated.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the DCI includes a first block and a second block, the first block indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a first cell and the second block indicating the SSB transmission configuration of a second cell.

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the first block includes a first indication field and a second indication field, the first indication field being used to indicate the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell, and the second indication field being used to indicate whether the first cell is activated.

[0034] In one possible embodiment, a first signaling message may also be sent to the terminal, which indicates the starting position of the first block in the DCI.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the SSB transmission configuration includes an SSB transmission cycle configuration and / or an SSB transmission pattern configuration.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the SSB is either a cell definition-synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) or a non-cell definition-synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

[0037] To avoid affecting random access of traditional terminals in idle or inactive states, the following two possible implementation methods can be adopted:

[0038] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0039] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0040] To avoid affecting the random access of new terminals in idle or inactive states, the following four possible implementation methods can be used:

[0041] 1) The Master System Information Block (MIB) associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0042] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0043] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0044] 4) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0045] If the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI transmits a CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state may receive this CD-SSB. If the network supports random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on this CD-SSB, there are three possible implementation methods:

[0046] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access is allowed based on the CD-SSB.

[0047] 2) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0048] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting the DCI, and the time interval T is the time interval between the time the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. Considering that the terminal needs a certain amount of time to parse and process the DCI, there is a time interval T between the time the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. That is, the time interval T can also be understood as the time the terminal takes to parse and process the DCI.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is carried in the PDCCH within the public search space.

[0051] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is scrambled using an RNTI, the RNTI of which indicates that the DCI is used to indicate the SSB transport configuration. That is, the format or function of the DCI can be indicated by the RNTI of the scrambled DCI.

[0052] In one possible embodiment, a second signaling may also be sent to the terminal, which indicates the offset between the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration corresponding to the first cell and the SSB transmission start time.

[0053] The beneficial effects in the second aspect can be found in the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0054] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that has the functions of implementing the first or second aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or second aspect described above. These modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0055] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including an interface circuit and one or more processors. The one or more processors are coupled to a memory. The memory stores part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first or second aspect. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or second aspect. The interface circuit is used to implement the communication functions within the communication device and / or the communication functions between the communication device and other devices or components.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0057] In one possible embodiment, the communication device may further include the memory.

[0058] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, or a communication / processing module within a terminal, or a chip within a terminal responsible for communication functions. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication device may be an access network device, or a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within an access network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0059] Fifthly, this application provides a communication system including a terminal and an access network device. The terminal can perform the method described in the first aspect above, and the access network device can perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when read and executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible embodiments of the first or second aspect described above.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible embodiments of the first or second aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 10 provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of carrier aggregation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of an SSB burst set provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an SSB configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a DCI structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a DCI structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a time interval T provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an offset value provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first below:

[0073] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 10 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 10 may also include data network (DN) 300.

[0074] RAN100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, a 6th generation (6G) radio access system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. RAN100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN). RAN can also be referred to as an access network (AN).

[0075] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminals access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication systems, a next-generation base station in 6G mobile communication systems, or a base station in future mobile communication systems. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1 110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0076] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminals achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes or integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU) or an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0077] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0078] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0079] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0080] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0081] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0082] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0083] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0084] In the embodiments of this application, the time-domain symbol can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol or a discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) symbol. Unless otherwise specified, the symbols in the embodiments of this application refer to time-domain symbols.

[0085] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, PDSCH and PDCCH are just examples of downlink data channel and downlink control channel, respectively. In different systems and different scenarios, data channel and control channel may have different names, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0086] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. These explanations are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a disclosure or specific limitation of the technical solution of this application.

[0087] I. SSB

[0088] SSB includes PSS, SSS, and PBCH. As a terminal moves within the system, it continuously performs cell search and measurement based on the SSB to achieve initial access and mobility management. NR supports two types of SSBs: Cell-Defining SSB (CD-SSB) and Non-Cell-Defining SSB (NCD-SSB).

[0089] The CD-SSB's PBCH carries the master information block (MIB). The MIB carries configuration information for the control-resource set (CORESET) 0 and configuration information for the listening timing of the type 0 physical downlink control channel common search space set (Type 0-PDCCH CSS). The main function of CORESET 0 is to define the time and frequency resources of the Type 0-PDCCH CSS and its listening timing. The terminal can search for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) based on CORESET 0 and Type 0-PDCCH CSS. This PDCCH is used to schedule the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying the system information block 1 (SIB1). The terminal receives SIB1 based on the PDCCH, thereby obtaining the minimum system messages required to access the wireless network system. In other words, the CD-SSB can be used for random access by the terminal.

[0090] The NCD-SSB does not carry CORSET 0 configuration information; its primary purpose is radio resource management (RRM). Terminals can obtain RRM measurement results by measuring reference signals in the CD-SSB or NCD-SSB to support terminal mobility management. In other words, the CD-SSB can be used for both random access and RRM, while the NCD-SSB can be used for RRM.

[0091] II. Carrier Aggregation

[0092] NR employs carrier aggregation (CA) technology to increase the transmission bandwidth for individual users. Specifically, carrier aggregation integrates multi-frequency resources, combining spectrum resources in the same or different frequency bands for use by terminals, thereby improving overall network resource utilization and enhancing user experience. In general, CA can aggregate two or more component carriers (CCs) together to support greater transmission bandwidth.

[0093] For example, such as Figure 2aAs shown, carrier frequencies F1 of cell 1, F2 of cell 2, and F3 of cell 3 are aggregated for use by the terminal. Cell 1 is the primary cell (PCell), and cells 2 and 3 are secondary cells (SCells). A PCell is the cell where the terminal establishes an initial connection, re-establishes an RRC connection, or is the primary cell designated during mobile handover. The carrier element corresponding to the PCell is called the primary component carrier (PCC).

[0094] An SCell is a cell added during RRC reconfiguration to provide additional radio resources. The carrier element corresponding to an SCell is called a secondary component carrier (SCC). It's important to note that primary and secondary cells are user-level concepts. A terminal's primary cell can be another terminal's primary or secondary cell, and a terminal's secondary cell can be another UE's primary or secondary cell.

[0095] III. Serving Cell

[0096] For a terminal in connected state, if the terminal is not configured with a CA, it has only one serving cell. For a terminal in connected state, if the terminal is configured with a CA, both PCell and SCell belong to the terminal's serving cells.

[0097] IV. Downlink Control Information (DCI)

[0098] The DCI is carried in the PDCCH. The DCI can be a cell-level DCI, indicating cell-level information. For example, a cell-level DCI can be scrambled using the System Information Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI), Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier (P-RNTI), or Random Access Radio Network Temporary Identifier (RA-RNTI). Alternatively, the DCI can be a terminal-level DCI, indicating terminal-level information. For example, a terminal-level DCI can be scrambled using the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), Configured Scheduling Radio Network Temporary Identifier (CS-RNTI), or Semi-Persistent Channel State Information Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SP-CSI-RNTI).

[0099] V. RRC Status

[0100] RRC connected state: An RRC connection has been established between the terminal and the access network device.

[0101] RRC idle state: No RRC connection has been established between the terminal and the access network device.

[0102] RRC inactive state: Terminals in this state suspend data processing, but the access network equipment still maintains the terminal's context information. Simply put, the air interface state of a terminal in the RRC inactive state is similar to that in the RRC idle state, but from the core network side, the terminal in the RRC inactive state is still in the connection management (CM) connected state.

[0103] VI. SSB Sudden Events

[0104] NR supports a wide range of carrier frequencies, but high-frequency carriers suffer from significant transmission loss, necessitating beamforming to increase the transmission distance of wireless signals. Since each beam covers a limited angle, NR uses beam scanning to cover the entire cell's service area. Beam scanning refers to transmitting physical channels or reference signals using beams from different directions at different times. A cell typically requires multiple SSBs to complete one beam scan. The SSBs required to complete one beam scan form an SSB burst set. For example, ... Figure 2b As shown, within one SSB cycle, the access network device can send multiple SSBs, and the multiple SSBs within one SSB cycle form an SSB burst set.

[0105] VII. Synchronization Raster

[0106] Because 5G system bandwidth often reaches 100MHz, and even 400MHz at higher frequencies, far exceeding the system bandwidth of 4G (maximum 20MHz), if the synchronization signal were placed at the center of the carrier like in 4G, and the terminal searched at a granularity of 100kHz, the time required would be extremely long and power-consuming. Therefore, 5G no longer places the SSB at the center of the carrier, but rather at a finite set of possible locations within each frequency band, called a "synchronization grid." The terminal only needs to search for the SSB on these sparse synchronization grids, resulting in much faster speeds.

[0107] VIII. Subcarrier Spacing

[0108] Subcarrier spacing refers to the interval between the center or peak positions of two adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain. For example, the subcarrier spacing in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system is 15 kHz, while the subcarrier spacing in an NR system can be 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, or 120 kHz, etc.

[0109] To facilitate timely updates to the SSB transmission configuration, embodiments of this application provide an SSB configuration method and a communication device.

[0110] The SSB configuration method and communication device will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses a terminal and access network equipment as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be implemented by a communication / processing module in the terminal or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication / processing functions. Similarly, the method executed by the access network equipment in this application can also be implemented by a module (e.g., circuit, chip, or chip system) in the access network equipment, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network equipment.

[0111] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an SSB configuration method provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein:

[0112] 301. The access network device sends a DCI to the terminal, which indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell. Accordingly, the terminal can receive the DCI.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal can receive the DCI in a connected state.

[0114] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is a terminal-level DCI, that is, the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of a terminal's cell.

[0115] DCI can indicate the SSB transmission configuration of one or more cells for a terminal. These one or more cells can be the serving cells of the terminal.

[0116] For example, suppose the terminal has only one serving cell, which is cell 1. The DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of cell 1.

[0117] For example, suppose a terminal is configured with CA and has two 3-serving cells, PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. The DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of one or more of these cells. For instance, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration for both PCell 1 and SCell 1. Or, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration for PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2.

[0118] In another possible embodiment, the DCI is a cell-level DCI, meaning the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of one or more terminals' cells. For example, the DCI can be carried in the PDCCH within the common search space. Thus, one or more terminals can detect the DCI by blindly detecting the common search space.

[0119] The DCI can indicate the SSB transmission configuration of one or more cells corresponding to one or more terminals. These one or more cells can be the serving cells of the one or more terminals.

[0120] For example, suppose terminal 1 has only one serving cell, which is cell 1. Terminal 2 also has only one serving cell, which is also cell 1. DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of cell 1.

[0121] For example, suppose terminal 1 has three serving cells: PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. Terminal 2 also has three serving cells: PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. The DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of one or more of these cells. For instance, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. Or, for example, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of both PCell 1 and SCell 2.

[0122] For example, suppose terminal 1 has two serving cells, PCell 1 and SCell 1, and terminal 2 has two serving cells, PCell 1 and SCell 2. The DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of one or more of the cells PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. For instance, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of PCell 1, SCell 1, and SCell 2. Or, the DCI can indicate the SSB transport configuration of PCell 1, or even the SSB transport configuration of SCell 1 / SCell 2.

[0123] In this embodiment of the application, when DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of multiple cells, the cell sending DCI can be PCell among the multiple cells, or any one of the multiple cells. This embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0124] In this embodiment, the DCI size can be configured via RRC signaling, or it can be configured via other signaling methods; this embodiment does not impose any limitations. Optionally, the payload size of the DCI does not exceed 140 bits.

[0125] In one possible embodiment, the DCI also indicates whether the first cell is activated. When the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of multiple cells, it can indicate activation for some or all of those cells. Activated cells can transmit data, while inactive cells cannot. Based on this possible embodiment, cell activation can be dynamically indicated via the DCI, which facilitates timely updates to cell activation status.

[0126] For example, DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 of cell 1 and indicates whether cell 1 is activated, and DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 of cell 2, and DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 of cell 3.

[0127] For example, DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 of cell 1 and indicates whether cell 1 is activated, DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 of cell 2 and indicates whether cell 2 is activated, and DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 of cell 3.

[0128] For example, DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 of cell 1 and indicates whether cell 1 is activated, DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 of cell 2 and indicates whether cell 2 is activated, and DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 of cell 3 and indicates whether cell 3 is activated.

[0129] In one possible embodiment, the DCI includes a first block and a second block. The first block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of a first cell, and the second block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of a second cell. If the DCI also indicates the SSB transmission configuration of more cells, it includes more blocks, with different blocks indicating the SSB transmission configuration of different cells. That is, when the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of multiple cells, it includes multiple blocks, each corresponding one-to-one with a specific cell. Each block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the cell it corresponds to. When a cell serves multiple terminals, the multiple terminals blindly detect the DCI and parse the same block to obtain the SSB transmission configuration of that cell. In this possible embodiment, indicating the SSB transmission configuration of different cells using different blocks allows for more flexible indication of the SSB transmission configuration of multiple cells.

[0130] For example, suppose the DCI indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 for cell 1, SSB transmission configuration 2 for cell 2, and SSB transmission configuration 3 for cell 3. Figure 4 As shown, the DCI includes three blocks: block 1 indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 for cell 1, block 2 indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 for cell 2, and block 3 indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 for cell 3.

[0131] In one possible embodiment, the first block includes a first indication field and a second indication field. The first indication field indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell, and the second indication field indicates whether the first cell is activated. Optionally, other blocks in the DCI may also include a first indication field and a second indication field, where the first indication field of a block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the cell corresponding to that block, and the second indication field indicates whether the cell corresponding to that block is activated. In this possible embodiment, using different indication fields to indicate the SSB transmission configuration and activation of the cell provides greater flexibility in these indications.

[0132] For example, consider the DCI's configuration and activation instructions for SSB transmission across multiple cells. Figure 5 As shown, the DCI includes three blocks: Block 1 includes a first indication field 1 and a second indication field 1; Block 2 includes a first indication field 2 and a second indication field 2; and Block 3 includes a first indication field 3 and a second indication field 3. The first indication field 1 indicates the SSB transmission configuration 1 of cell 1, and the second indication field 1 indicates whether cell 1 is active. The first indication field 2 indicates the SSB transmission configuration 2 of cell 2, and the second indication field 2 indicates whether cell 2 is active. The first indication field 3 indicates the SSB transmission configuration 3 of cell 3, and the second indication field 3 indicates whether cell 3 is active.

[0133] Optionally, multiple SSB transmission configurations corresponding to the cell can be pre-configured on the terminal. For example, multiple SSB transmission configurations corresponding to the cell can be pre-configured on the terminal via RRC signaling, or the protocol can pre-define multiple SSB transmission configurations corresponding to the cell. Subsequently, the DCI can indicate the SSB transmission configuration of the cell using an index indicating the SSB transmission configuration. Optionally, the number of bits in the first indication field in the DCI depends on the number of types of SSB transmission configurations. If the network side configures N types of SSB transmission configurations, then the number of bits in the first indication field in the DCI is log2(N).

[0134] For example, suppose cell 1 has four SSB transmission configurations: {SSB transmission configuration 1, SSB transmission configuration 2, SSB transmission configuration 3, and SSB transmission configuration 4}. The first indicator field 1 can include two bits. When the bit value of the first indicator field 1 is 00, it indicates that cell 1's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 1. When the bit value of the first indicator field 1 is 01, it indicates that cell 1's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 2. When the bit value of the first indicator field 1 is 10, it indicates that cell 1's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 3. When the bit value of the first indicator field 1 is 11, it indicates that cell 1's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 4. The second indicator field 1 can include one bit. When the bit value of the second indicator field 1 is 0, it indicates that cell 1 is not active. When the bit value of the second indicator field 1 is 1, it indicates that cell 1 is active. The indication principle of the first and second indicator fields for other cells is the same and will not be elaborated here.

[0135] In another possible embodiment, the first block may also include only one indication field, which indicates both the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell and whether the first cell is activated. Optionally, other blocks in the DCI may also include only one indication field, which indicates both the SSB transmission configuration of the cell corresponding to the block and whether the cell corresponding to the block is activated.

[0136] For example, suppose the first cell has two SSB transmission configurations: {SSB transmission configuration 1, SSB transmission configuration 2}. The first block can include two bits. When the bit value of the first block is 00, it indicates that the first cell's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 1, and indicates that the first cell is active. When the bit value of the first block is 01, it indicates that the first cell's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 1, and indicates that the first cell is not active. When the bit value of the first block is 10, it indicates that the first cell's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 2, and indicates that the first cell is active. When the bit value of the first block is 11, it indicates that the first cell's SSB transmission configuration is SSB transmission configuration 2, and indicates that the first cell is not active. The indication principle for the blocks corresponding to other cells is the same, and will not be elaborated here.

[0137] In one possible embodiment, the SSB transmission configuration includes an SSB transmission period configuration and / or an SSB transmission pattern configuration. The SSB transmission period configuration is used to configure the transmission period of the SSB. For example, the SSB transmission period can be 2ms, 5ms, 10ms, or 20ms, etc. The SSB transmission pattern configuration is used to configure the pattern of SSB transmission. The SSB transmission pattern is the distribution pattern of SSBs within a period, that is, the distribution pattern of SSBs with concentrated SSB bursts within a period.

[0138] In this embodiment, there are two possible implementations for how the terminal can accurately determine the bit position of the first block in the DCI:

[0139] 1) The access network device may also send a first signaling message to the terminal, which indicates the start position of the first block in the DCI. Accordingly, the terminal may also receive the first signaling message.

[0140] The first signaling may include, but is not limited to, RRC signaling, MAC-CE signaling, etc. Optionally, the first signaling is sent through the first cell. Optionally, if the DCI also indicates the SSB transmission configuration of other cells of the terminal, the access network device also sends signaling to the terminal through the other cells to indicate the start position of the block corresponding to the other cell in the DCI, and the terminal can receive the signaling accordingly.

[0141] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, the DCI includes three blocks: Block 1 indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 for cell 1, Block 2 indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 for cell 2, and Block 3 indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 for cell 3. Cells 1 through 3 are all cells belonging to terminal 1. The access network device can send RRC signaling 1 to terminal 1 through cell 1, indicating that the start position of Block 1 in the DCI is bit 0. The access network device can send RRC signaling 2 to terminal 1 through cell 2, indicating that the start position of Block 2 in the DCI is bit 30. The access network device can send RRC signaling 3 to terminal 1 through cell 3, indicating that the start position of Block 3 in the DCI is bit 60. Assuming a block has 30 bits, terminal 1 can determine that Block 1 includes bits 0 through 29, Block 2 includes bits 30 through 59, and Block 3 includes bits 60 through 89.

[0142] Optionally, if the number of bits in each block is not fixed, the first signaling also indicates the number of bits in the first block. For example, RRC signaling 1 also indicates that block 1 has 30 bits, RRC signaling 2 also indicates that block 3 has 30 bits, and RRC signaling 3 also indicates that block 3 has 30 bits. Alternatively, RRC signaling 1 also indicates that block 1 has 10 bits, RRC signaling 2 also indicates that block 3 has 20 bits, and RRC signaling 3 also indicates that block 3 has 30 bits.

[0143] 2) The terminal sorts the blocks corresponding to the cells in ascending (or descending) order of cell index. Based on the sorting result of the blocks corresponding to the cells and the number of bits in the blocks, the terminal can determine the bit position of the block corresponding to the cell in the DCI.

[0144] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the DCI includes three blocks: Block 1 indicates SSB transmission configuration 1 for cell 1, Block 2 indicates SSB transmission configuration 2 for cell 2, and Block 3 indicates SSB transmission configuration 3 for cell 3. Cells 1 through 3 are all cells belonging to terminal 1. Terminal 1 sorts the blocks corresponding to the cells in ascending order of their cell indices. Based on the sorting result, terminal 1 determines that Block 1 for cell 1 precedes Block 2 for cell 2, and Block 2 for cell 2 precedes Block 3 for cell 3. Assuming a block has 30 bits, the terminal can determine that Block 1 includes bits 0 through 29, Block 2 includes bits 30 through 59, and Block 3 includes bits 60 through 89. Optionally, if the number of bits in each block is not fixed, the access network device can also indicate the number of bits in each block via signaling.

[0145] In one possible embodiment, the SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration can be a CD-SSB or an NCD-SSB.

[0146] If the SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration is a CD-SSB, idle or inactive legacy terminals may receive this CD-SSB. If the network does not support random access by idle or inactive legacy terminals based on this CD-SSB, errors may occur when idle or inactive legacy terminals attempt random access based on this CD-SSB. Legacy terminals refer to terminals that do not support SSB transmission configuration indicated via DCI. To avoid affecting random access by idle or inactive legacy terminals, the following two possible implementation methods are available:

[0147] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0148] In the entirety of this application, the MIB associated with a CD-SSB refers to the MIB carried in the PBCH of that CD-SSB. After receiving the MIB associated with a CD-SSB, a traditional terminal in an idle or inactive state will not perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the first parameter in that MIB. Therefore, the CD-SSB transmitted according to the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration is prevented from affecting the random access of traditional terminals in an idle or inactive state.

[0149] For example, the first parameter can be an existing parameter in the MIB, such as cellBarred. The value of cellBarred can be {barred, not barred}. When cellBarred is valued as barred, it indicates that random access to CD-SSBs transmitted based on the above SSB transmission configuration is prohibited. When cellBarred is valued as not barred, it indicates that random access to CD-SSBs transmitted based on the above SSB transmission configuration is permitted. Of course, the first parameter can also be a parameter with other names, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0150] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0151] By ensuring that the center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid, it is possible to prevent idle or inactive traditional terminals from receiving the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration, thereby preventing the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration from affecting the random access of idle or inactive traditional terminals.

[0152] If the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI transmits a CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state may receive this CD-SSB. If the network does not support random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on this CD-SSB, errors may occur when a new terminal in an idle or inactive state attempts to access the network based on this CD-SSB. A new terminal refers to a terminal that supports SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI. To avoid affecting the random access of new terminals in an idle or inactive state, the following four possible implementation methods can be used:

[0153] 1) The Master System Information Block (MIB) associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0154] For a detailed description of the specific implementation of this embodiment 1), please refer to the description of the above embodiment 1) in order to avoid affecting the random access of traditional terminals in the idle or inactive state, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] 2) The center frequency of the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration is located outside the frequency set of the synchronization grid.

[0156] For a detailed description of the implementation method 2), please refer to the above description of implementation method 2) in order to avoid affecting the random access of traditional terminals in the idle or inactive state, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0158] In the entirety of this application's embodiments, SIB1 associated with CD-SSB refers to SIB1 received by the terminal based on the MIB carried in the PBCH of that CD-SSB. After receiving the MIB associated with CD-SSB, a traditional terminal in idle or inactive state will not perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the first parameter in the MIB. Furthermore, after receiving the MIB associated with CD-SSB, a new terminal in idle or inactive state can further receive SIB1 based on the MIB. A new terminal in idle or inactive state will not perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the second parameter in SIB1. In other words, in this embodiment 3), a total of two control switches are set, namely the first parameter and the second parameter. The first parameter in the MIB is used to control traditional terminals in idle or inactive state not to perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the SSB transmission configuration. Since traditional terminals cannot parse the second parameter in SIB1, the second parameter in SIB1 is used to control new terminals in idle or inactive states from performing random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration. Therefore, this embodiment 3) avoids the CD-SSB transmitted by the above SSB transmission configuration from affecting the random access of traditional terminals in idle or inactive states and new terminals.

[0159] For example, the second parameter can be a newly added parameter in SIB1. For instance, the name of the second parameter could be cellBarredNES-R19, and the value of cellBarredNES-R19 could be {barred, not barred}. When the value of cellBarredNES-R19 is barred, it indicates that random access to CD-SSBs transmitted based on the above SSB transmission configuration is prohibited. When the value of cellBarredNES-R19 is not barred, it indicates that random access to CD-SSBs transmitted based on the above SSB transmission configuration is allowed. Of course, the second parameter can also be a parameter with other names; this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0160] 4) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited.

[0161] Based on this implementation method 4), the CD-SSB transmitted by the above-mentioned SSB transmission configuration is avoided from affecting the random access of traditional terminals in idle or inactive states as well as new terminals.

[0162] If the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI transmits a CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state may receive this CD-SSB. If the network supports random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on this CD-SSB, there are three possible implementation methods:

[0163] 1) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, which is configured to indicate that random access is allowed based on the CD-SSB.

[0164] After a new terminal in an idle or inactive state receives the MIB associated with the CD-SSB, it performs random access based on the first parameter in the MIB and the CD-SSB transmitted according to the SSB transmission configuration described above. Therefore, based on this embodiment 1), it is possible to support new terminals in an idle or inactive state to perform random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the SSB transmission configuration described above.

[0165] 2) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0166] After receiving the MIB associated with the CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state can further receive SIB1 based on the MIB. The new terminal in the idle or inactive state performs random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the second parameter in SIB1 and the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration. Therefore, based on this embodiment 2), it is possible to support random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration.

[0167] 3) The MIB associated with the CD-SSB transmitted in the above SSB transmission configuration includes a first parameter, and the SIB1 associated with the CD-SSB includes a second parameter. The first parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is prohibited, and the second parameter is configured to indicate that random access based on the CD-SSB is allowed.

[0168] After receiving the MIB associated with the CD-SSB, a new terminal in an idle or inactive state can further receive SIB1 based on the MIB. The new terminal in the idle or inactive state performs random access based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the second parameter in SIB1 and the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration. Therefore, based on this embodiment 3), it is possible to support random access by a new terminal in an idle or inactive state based on the CD-SSB transmitted according to the aforementioned SSB transmission configuration.

[0169] In one possible embodiment, the DCI is scrambled using an RNTI, the RNTI of which indicates that the DCI is used to indicate the SSB transport configuration. That is, the format or function of the DCI can be indicated by the RNTI of the scrambled DCI.

[0170] In one possible embodiment, the time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting the DCI, and this time interval T is the time interval between the time when the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. Based on this possible embodiment, it is advantageous to accurately determine the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration.

[0171] Considering that the terminal needs a certain amount of time to parse and process the DCI, there is a time interval T between the time the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration. In other words, the time interval T can also be understood as the time the terminal spends parsing and processing the DCI. After the terminal receives the DCI, the SSB transmission configuration indicated by the DCI takes effect, and the access network device begins to send SSBs according to the SSB transmission configuration indicated in the DCI. Optionally, this time interval T can be in units of time slots, meaning that the time interval T can be one or more time slots. Alternatively, the time interval T can also be in units of other time units, such as symbols. For example, taking a time interval T as one time slot as an example... Figure 6 As shown, the terminal receives the DCI at time t1, and the SSB transmission configuration takes effect at time t2, with a time slot between time t1 and time t2.

[0172] The time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting DCI. For example, as shown in Table 1 below, when the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting DCI is 15kHz, the time interval T is T1. When the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting DCI is 30kHz, the time interval T is T2. When the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting DCI is 60kHz, the time interval T is T3. The correspondence between the time interval T and the subcarrier spacing of the cell transmitting DCI can be predetermined by the protocol or configured in advance by the access network equipment in the terminal via signaling; this embodiment of the application does not impose such limitations.

[0173] Table 1

[0174] Time interval T Subcarrier spacing T1 15kHz T2 30kHz T3 60kHz

[0175] In one possible embodiment, the access network device may further send a second signaling message to the terminal, which indicates the offset between the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration corresponding to the first cell and the SSB transmission start time. Accordingly, the terminal can receive this second signaling message. Based on this possible embodiment, it is beneficial for the terminal to accurately determine the SSB transmission start time.

[0176] The second signaling can be RRC signaling or other signaling, and this embodiment does not limit the specific signaling. The second signaling can be transmitted through the first cell. Optionally, the offset value is in symbols, that is, the offset value can be one or more symbols. Alternatively, the offset value can also be in other time units, such as time slots. For example, taking an offset value of 5 symbols as an example... Figure 7 As shown, the terminal receives the DCI at time t1, and the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell takes effect at time t2. There is a one-slot interval between time t1 and time t2. The SSB transmission start time of the first cell is t3. The offset between time t2 and time t3 is 5 symbols. Knowing the offset between the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration and the SSB transmission start time of the first cell, the terminal can determine the SSB transmission start time based on this offset.

[0177] 302. The access network equipment sends an SSB corresponding to the SSB transmission configuration in the first cell. Accordingly, the terminal can receive the SSB in the first cell according to the SSB transmission configuration.

[0178] It can be seen that, based on Figure 3 The described method can dynamically indicate the SSB transmission configuration of a cell through DCI, which is beneficial for timely updating of the SSB transmission configuration.

[0179] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the access network device and terminal include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0180] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal or access network device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 One of the terminals 120a-120j shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The access network device 110a or 110b shown can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a terminal or access network device.

[0181] like Figure 8As shown, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 3 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functions of the terminal device or access network device.

[0182] When the communication device 800 is used to implement Figure 3 The terminal device functions as shown in the method embodiment:

[0183] The transceiver unit 820 is used to receive downlink control information (DCI) from the access network equipment, the DCI indicating the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell; the transceiver unit 820 is also used to receive SSB in the first cell according to the SSB transmission configuration.

[0184] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit 820 is further configured to receive a first signaling from the access network device, the first signaling being used to indicate the start position of the first block in the DCI.

[0185] When the communication device 800 is used to implement Figure 3 When the access network device functions as shown in the method embodiment:

[0186] The transceiver unit 820 is used to send downlink control information (DCI) to the terminal, and the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell; the transceiver unit 820 is also used to send an SSB corresponding to the SSB transmission configuration in the first cell.

[0187] In one possible embodiment, the transceiver unit 820 is further configured to send a first signaling to the terminal, the first signaling being used to indicate the starting position of the first block in the DCI.

[0188] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0189] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0190] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figure 3 In the method shown, the processor 910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 820.

[0191] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a terminal device, the terminal device chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal device chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal device, which is sent to the terminal device by the access network device; or, the terminal device chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the terminal device, which is sent to the access network device by the terminal device.

[0192] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to an access network device, the access network device module implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The access network device module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the access network device; this information is sent by the terminal device to the access network device. Alternatively, the access network device module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the access network device; this information is sent by the access network device to the terminal device. Here, the access network device module can be the baseband chip of the access network device, or it can be a DU or other modules. The DU here can be a DU under an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0193] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0194] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit, or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0195] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, the ASIC can reside in a network device or a terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal device.

[0196] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0197] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0198] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0199] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a synchronization signal block (SSB), characterized in that, The method includes: Receive downlink control information (DCI) from the access network equipment, wherein the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell; Receive SSB in the first cell according to the SSB transmission configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DCI also indicates whether the first cell should be activated.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The DCI includes a first block and a second block, wherein the first block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell and the second block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the second cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first block includes a first indication field and a second indication field. The first indication field is used to indicate the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell, and the second indication field is used to indicate whether the first cell is activated.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first signaling from the access network device, the first signaling being used to indicate the start position of the first block in the DCI.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The SSB transmission configuration includes SSB transmission cycle configuration and / or SSB transmission pattern configuration.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The SSB is either a cell definition-synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) or a non-cell definition-synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell that transmits the DCI, and the time interval T is the time interval between the time when the DCI is received and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The DCI is carried in the PDCCH within the public search space.

10. A method for configuring a synchronization signal block (SSB), characterized in that, The method includes: Send downlink control information (DCI) to the terminal, wherein the DCI indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell; In the first cell, an SSB corresponding to the SSB transmission configuration is sent.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The DCI also indicates whether the first cell should be activated.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The DCI includes a first block and a second block, wherein the first block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell and the second block indicates the SSB transmission configuration of the second cell.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first block includes a first indication field and a second indication field. The first indication field is used to indicate the SSB transmission configuration of the first cell, and the second indication field is used to indicate whether the first cell is activated.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: A first signaling message is sent to the terminal, the first signaling message being used to indicate the start position of the first block in the DCI.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The SSB transmission configuration includes SSB transmission cycle configuration and / or SSB transmission pattern configuration.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The SSB is either a cell definition-synchronization signal block (CD-SSB) or a non-cell definition-synchronization signal block (NCD-SSB).

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The time interval T is related to the subcarrier spacing of the cell that transmits the DCI. The time interval T is the time interval between the time when the terminal receives the DCI and the effective time of the SSB transmission configuration.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The DCI is carried in the PDCCH within the public search space.

19. A communication apparatus comprising a module for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or comprising a module for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices. The processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 through logic circuits or executable code instructions, or the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18 through logic circuits or executable code instructions.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

22. A computer program product, comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or when the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, they implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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