Communication method and communication device

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and a communication device, the method comprising: determining a first time domain symbol, the first time domain symbol comprising N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being null symbols, the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeated sub-symbol sequence, and M and N being positive integers; and sending the first time domain symbol. Based on this, the impedance modulation transmitter can generate and transmit a first time domain symbol, while being compatible with an OFDM framework.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless networks and the evolution of service demands, a massive number of Internet of Things (IoT) nodes exist within these networks. Among them, terminals based on backscatter communication technology have a simple structure, consisting primarily of passive analog devices except for digital control circuits, offering significant advantages in cost and power consumption compared to traditional terminals. However, these terminals are inherently incompatible with current cellular air interface waveforms. Therefore, how to make backscatter communication-based terminals compatible with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) standards is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that enables backscatter communication-based terminal equipment to be compatible with the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) standard.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to a terminal device; that is, the method can be executed by the terminal device. The method can also be executed by components of the terminal device (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, communication module, or processor), and this application does not limit this. The following description primarily uses a terminal device as an example.

[0005] The method may include: determining a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol comprising N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols following the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeating sub-symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers; and transmitting the first time-domain symbol.

[0006] As an example, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may carry information by means of impedance modulation, or in other words, the terminal device may use an impedance modulation transmitter.

[0007] Optionally, the terminal device is a terminal device based on backscattering technology.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first M sub - symbols (or prefix) of the first time - domain symbol sent by the terminal device are empty symbols, and the first time - domain symbol further includes a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence. Based on this, the first time - domain symbol satisfies the OFDM format, and the terminal device can generate and transmit the first time - domain symbol, so that the terminal device can be compatible with the OFDM framework.

[0009] In addition, the above - mentioned technical solution generates the first time - domain symbol by periodically repeating the sub - symbol sequence in the time domain, which can avoid the terminal device from performing frequency - domain processing. Thus, while being compatible with the OFDM framework, the terminal device does not need to perform fast Fourier transform (FFT), reducing the complexity of generating the first time - domain symbol.

[0010] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, including: the N1 - th sub - symbol in the first time - domain symbol is the same as the N2 - th sub - symbol, where M ≤ N1 < N2 < N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1+L, and L is the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0011] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the method may further include: sending or receiving a first piece of information, where the first piece of information indicates the value of M.

[0012] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the method may further include: sending or receiving a second piece of information, where the second piece of information indicates the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device and the network device can determine the characteristics of the first time - domain symbol through signaling interaction. For example, the characteristics of the first time - domain symbol may include the number of empty symbols, the number of sub - symbols in the sub - symbol sequence, or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence, etc. Based on this, it can ensure that the network device demodulates the first time - domain symbol based on the current OFDM framework, or rather, it can ensure that the network device is flexibly compatible with different OFDM frameworks.

[0014] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, before sending the first time - domain symbol seconds without sending a signal, where Δf represents the sub - carrier spacing.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, the M empty symbols of the first time - domain symbol can be sent in the form of not sending a signal when transmitting, so that the terminal device does not need symbol shifting before sending the first time - domain symbol, reducing the complexity of sending the first time - domain symbol.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the periodic repetition number of the sub-symbol sequence is: Where P represents the total number of subcarriers, and Q represents the number of subsymbols included in the subsymbol sequence.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, each of the sub-symbols represents one of L bit sequences, where L is the number of loads used to determine the first time-domain symbol.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can select one of the L loads to represent a sub-symbol of the first time domain symbol by switching, so that the terminal device does not need a digital to analog converter (DAC) and FFT module to transmit the first time domain symbol.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be applied to network devices; that is, it can be executed by the network device itself, or by components of the network device (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, communication module, or processor). This application does not limit the scope of the method. The following description primarily uses a network device as an example.

[0020] The method may include: receiving a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol comprising N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols following the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeating sequence of sub-symbols, where M and N are positive integers.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method may include: receiving a time-domain symbol #A. Here, the time-domain symbol #A may be a time-domain symbol resulting from the superposition of multiple first time-domain symbols.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method may further include: superimposing the last M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol onto the first M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol to obtain a second time-domain symbol; removing the last M sub-symbols of the second time-domain symbol to obtain the third time-domain symbol.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, the network device can perform sub-symbol superposition and removal operations on the first time domain symbol to form a third time domain symbol that can be demodulated by the OFDM framework, thereby enabling the network device to obtain the data information carried by the first time domain symbol.

[0024] Furthermore, the stacking and removal operations can ensure that the time-domain symbols have the properties of circular convolution, thus enabling them to resist multipath just like normal OFDM symbols.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, including: the N1 - th sub - symbol in the first time - domain symbol is the same as the N2 - th sub - symbol, where M ≤ N1 < N2 < N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1 + L, where L is the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method may further include: receiving or sending first information, where the first information indicates the value of M.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method may further include: receiving or sending second information, where the second information indicates the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence is where P represents the total number of sub - carriers, and Q represents the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, each of the sub - symbols represents one of L bit sequences, where L is the number of loads used to determine the first time - domain symbol.

[0030] Regarding the beneficial effects and possible designs of the second aspect, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0031] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a terminal device. The terminal device may be a terminal device based on backscatter technology, and the terminal device may employ an impedance - modulation transmitter. The device may also be a component of the terminal device (such as a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit, or a communication module, or a processor), and this application does not make any limitations in this regard. Hereinafter, it is mainly described by taking the device as a terminal device as an example.

[0032] The device may include: a processing unit, where the processing unit is used to determine a first time - domain symbol, the first time - domain symbol includes N sub - symbols, the first M sub - symbols of the N sub - symbols are empty symbols, and the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers; a transceiver unit, where the transceiver unit is used to send the first time - domain symbol.

[0033] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, including: the N1 - th sub - symbol in the first time - domain symbol is the same as the N2 - th sub - symbol, where M ≤ N1 < N2 < N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1+L, where L is the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0034] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send or receive a first piece of information, and the first piece of information indicates the value of M.

[0035] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to send or receive a second piece of information, and the second piece of information indicates the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence.

[0036] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, no signal is sent in the first seconds before sending the first time - domain symbol, where Δf represents the sub - carrier spacing.

[0037] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence is where P represents the total number of sub - carriers, and Q represents the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0038] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, each of the sub - symbols represents one of L bit sequences, and L is the number of loads used to determine the first time - domain symbol.

[0039] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the device does not include a DAC and an FFT module.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a network device, or a component of a network device (such as a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit, or a communication module, or a processor), and this application does not make any limitations in this regard. Hereinafter, the device being a network device will be mainly used as an example for illustration.

[0041] The device may include: a transceiver unit, where the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first time - domain symbol, the first time - domain symbol includes N sub - symbols, the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are empty symbols, and the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, and M and N are positive integers.

[0042] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the apparatus may further include: a processing unit configured to superimpose the last M sub - symbols of the first time - domain symbol onto the first M sub - symbols of the first time - domain symbol to obtain a second time - domain symbol; the processing unit is further configured to remove the last M sub - symbols of the second time - domain symbol to obtain the third time - domain symbol.

[0043] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the sub - symbols after the first M sub - symbols among the N sub - symbols are a periodically repeated sub - symbol sequence, including: the N1 - th sub - symbol in the first time - domain symbol is the same as the N2 - th sub - symbol, where M≤N1<N2<N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1 + L, where L is the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0044] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive or transmit first information, where the first information indicates the value of M.

[0045] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive or transmit second information, where the second information indicates the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence.

[0046] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the number of periodic repetitions of the sub - symbol sequence is where P represents the total number of sub - carriers, and Q represents the number of sub - symbols included in the sub - symbol sequence.

[0047] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, each sub - symbol represents one of L bit sequences, and L is the number of loads used to determine the first time - domain symbol.

[0048] Fifth aspect, there is provided a communication apparatus, which is configured to perform the method in the first aspect or the second aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules configured to perform the method in the first aspect or the second aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit.

[0049] In one implementation, the apparatus is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device). When the apparatus is a communication device, the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0050] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module for communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment). When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for communication equipment, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0051] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor configured to cause the device to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] Optionally, the at least one processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0053] Optionally, the device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0054] Optionally, the at least one processor is coupled to a memory for storing the computer program or instructions. The memory may be located externally to the device.

[0055] Optionally, the device also includes a communication interface through which the processor reads instructions from memory. This can be understood as the communication interface being coupled to the processor and used to input computer programs or instructions to the processor, or to output information from the processor.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, or if the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved do not contradict their actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, they can be understood as output, input, or other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0057] In one implementation, the device is a communication device (such as a terminal device or a network device).

[0058] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module for communication equipment (such as terminal equipment or network equipment). Optionally, the chip is a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program (e.g., program code) or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods of the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] A ninth aspect provides a communication system, including a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is used to execute the method provided in any implementation of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the method provided in any implementation of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a backscatter transmitter applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first time-domain symbol provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a time-domain symbol #A provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an overlay and removal operation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device generating and sending a first time domain symbol according to an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a network device receiving and processing a first time domain symbol according to an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of ORAN applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0072] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0077] (1) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, implicit instruction, etc. When describing an instruction information as indicating A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, carries the identifier of A, carries B which is associated with A, carries the identifier of B which is associated with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of an instruction information can determine A based on the instruction information, it can be described as the instruction information indicating A, and the specific method of determination is not limited. When it is understood that the instruction information carries A, "instruction" can be replaced with "includes". In this case, a statement such as "send / receive instruction information, the instruction information indicates A" can be replaced with "send / receive A".

[0078] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0079] (2) In this application, the expression " / " is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can mean: A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in a relationship of either "and" or "or"; for example, A and / or B can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to indicate any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and / or C can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A, B and C exist simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0080] (3) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0081] (4) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms 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.

[0082] (5) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2," and "#A" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate in order to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0083] (6) In this application, "predefined" can mean a standard protocol predefined, or it can mean a pre-agreed or pre-negotiated agreement between devices. Here, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include fourth-generation (4G) protocols. thGeneration 4G network, fifth generation (5G) network th This application does not limit the scope to network protocols such as generation (5G), new radio (NR) protocols, 5.5G network protocols, future communication network protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication systems.

[0084] (7) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0085] First, let me introduce the communication system to which this application applies.

[0086] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, and LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as future mobile communication networks. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication.

[0087] As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. Satellite base stations can also communicate with each other. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, high-Earth orbit satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment.

[0088] As an example, V2X communication can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0089] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application uses a device as an example for description.

[0090] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer (P2P), M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) device, target tracking device, aircraft (e.g., drone, helicopter, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), ship, remote control device, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3GPP standard. The device may be a wireless communication unit (RSU), or a device built into the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned device), or other processing devices connected to the wireless modem.

[0091] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or P2P.

[0092] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a terminal device, i.e., the terminal device, can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed in the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0093] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter, master station, auxiliary station, multiple standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, a network-side device in future communication networks, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0094] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0095] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, or DU, or devices including CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes.

[0096] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0097] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. In an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (open RU, O-RU). Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0098] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0099] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0100] The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application is briefly described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0101] Referring to Figure 1, as an example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a next-generation (e.g., future communication network or higher) wireless access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the wireless access network 100. Network elements in the wireless communication system are connected through interfaces (e.g., NG, Xn) or air interfaces.

[0102] When network devices and terminal devices communicate, the network device can manage one or more cells, and a cell can include at least one terminal device. A cell can be understood as an area within the wireless signal coverage range of the network device.

[0103] Figure 1 is just a schematic diagram. The wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0104] With the development of wireless networks and the evolution of business needs, a massive number of IoT nodes exist in the network. These IoT nodes are low-cost and small in size, and generally cannot carry large-capacity batteries, facing the problem of short standby life. One solution to improve standby life is to reduce the node's transmission power consumption, such as reducing the supported frequency bands, reducing the operating speed, and reducing the system bandwidth, but the benefits of these solutions are relatively small.

[0105] One possible implementation is that the terminal device based on backscatter communication technology has a simple structure, consisting mainly of passive analog devices except for digital control circuits. Compared with traditional terminal devices, it has significant advantages in cost and power consumption.

[0106] Referring to Figure 2, as an example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a backscatter transmitter applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0107] As shown in Figure 2, a terminal device based on backscattering technology can consist of two parts. One part is used for energy harvesting, and its main module includes a rectifier, which converts the AC carrier signal into DC power for the terminal device's operation. The other part is used for information transmission, and this part mainly consists of a switch that controls the opening and closing of the circuit. For example, if the information bit is 1, the switch can be in the "off" state, in which case the carrier signal will be reflected back to the network device; if the information bit is 0, the switch is in the "on" state, in which case the carrier signal will not be reflected back to the network device because the reflection circuit is broken. Similarly, this switch can also be two loads with different impedance values. If the information bit is 1, then load 1 is selected; if the information bit is 0, then load 2 is selected. Information is carried based on the different amplitude and phase changes of the electromagnetic wave when passing through different loads.

[0108] More specifically, if the carrier signal is sin(2πft), and the terminal device wants to transmit bit 1, then the reflected signal is 1*a*sin(2πft), where 'a' is the reflection coefficient. Ideally, 'a' = 1, meaning the carrier signal is reflected back to the network device without loss. If the terminal device wants to transmit bit 0, then the reflected signal is 0*a*sin(2πft) = 0, meaning the carrier signal cannot be reflected back to the network device. Generally, a portion of the carrier signal transmitted by the network device (e.g., scale α in Figure 2) is used for energy harvesting to power the terminal device, and another portion (e.g., scale 1-α in Figure 2) is used as the carrier reflected by the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to operate without a battery. Such terminal devices are generally called passive terminals or backscattered terminals. Because these terminal devices typically utilize the different impedances of different loads to change the amplitude and phase of the carrier to carry information, this modulation method is also called impedance modulation (load modulation).

[0109] However, in the impedance modulation transmitter shown in Figure 2, the single-carrier signal generates a single-carrier symbol after passing through the impedance, which is incompatible with the current cellular orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform and cannot be processed through the OFDM framework.

[0110] In view of this, this application proposes that a waveform can be designed so that an impedance-modulated transmitter can generate and transmit the waveform while being compatible with the OFDM framework.

[0111] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the scenarios shown in the above figures, and are not limited thereto.

[0112] Referring to Figure 3, as an example, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. For ease of description, a terminal device and a network device are used as examples for illustrative purposes. The terminal device can be replaced by components of a terminal device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, communication module, or processor), and the network device can be replaced by components of a network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, communication module, or processor). Furthermore, the steps described below as being performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into steps performed by multiple execution entities, which can be logically and / or physically separated. The method 300 shown in Figure 3 may include the following steps.

[0113] S310, the terminal device determines the first time domain symbol.

[0114] The first time-domain symbol includes N sub-symbols. The first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols are empty symbols. The sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols are a periodically repeating sequence of sub-symbols. M and N are positive integers.

[0115] As an example, in this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may carry information by means of impedance modulation, or in other words, the terminal device may use an impedance modulation transmitter.

[0116] Optionally, the terminal device is a terminal device based on backscattering technology.

[0117] As an example, the first time-domain symbol can be understood as a basic building block of a signal in the time domain, or in other words, a signal segment with a defined start and end time. The first time-domain symbol can include a complete signal structure used for information transmission in a communication system.

[0118] Referring to Figure 4, as an example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a first time-domain symbol provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0119] As shown in Figure 4, a complete first time-domain symbol can include N sub-symbols, and each box in Figure 4 can represent one sub-symbol. A sub-symbol can be understood as a constituent unit of the first time-domain symbol, or in other words, a smaller time unit included in the first time-domain symbol, or a shorter signal segment included in the first time-domain symbol.

[0120] It should be understood that sub-symbols may also be called sub-units, etc., and their names do not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0121] As an example, a complete first time-domain symbol can include two parts: a prefix and a body.

[0122] The prefix can consist of several empty symbols, as shown in Figure 4. The prefix is ​​the first M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol, or the prefix is ​​the first M sub-symbols of N sub-symbols, and these first M sub-symbols are empty symbols. The first M sub-symbols can be understood as the M sub-symbols with the earliest time-domain position in the first time-domain symbol, or the M sub-symbols that are sent first in the first time-domain symbol.

[0123] It should be understood that the prefix may also be called a leader or head, and its name does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0124] As an example, an empty symbol can be a sub-symbol in the first time domain symbol that does not carry any information, or in other words, an empty symbol can be understood as a period of time during which the terminal device does not send signals. The empty symbol can also be called any of the following: empty sub-symbol, empty sub-symbol, idle symbol, or zero-information symbol, etc., and its name does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0125] For example, as shown in Figure 4, M = 2, meaning that the prefix portion of the first time-domain symbol includes the two earliest sub-symbols in the time domain. M can also be other positive integers, such as M = 1 or M = 3, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0126] Furthermore, in the first time-domain symbol, the body part may be composed of several sub-symbols, which may or may not include empty symbols, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0127] As an example, please continue to refer to Figure 4. The body part is the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols in the first time domain symbol, or in other words, the body part is the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols out of N sub-symbols. Here, the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols can be understood as the Mth to N-1th sub-symbols in the first time domain symbol (the sub-symbol with the earliest time domain position in the first time domain symbol is denoted as the 0th sub-symbol), or the Mth to N-1th sub-symbols out of N sub-symbols, or the sub-symbols sent after the first M sub-symbols in the first time domain symbol.

[0128] For example, as shown in Figure 4, if M = 2 and N = 11, then the body part can be the 2nd to 10th sub-symbols in the first time-domain symbol. M and N can also be other positive integers, such as M = 3, N = 15, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0129] It should be understood that the body part can also be called the main body part or the core part, etc., and its name does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0130] As an example, the sub-symbols of the ontology are periodic, or in other words, the ontology is a periodically repeating sequence of sub-symbols, or the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols out of N sub-symbols are a periodically repeating sequence of sub-symbols.

[0131] In this context, a sub-symbol sequence can be understood as multiple consecutive sub-symbols in the time domain within the first time-domain symbol. The sub-symbol sequence can carry the data information to be transmitted by the terminal device. For example, X(1), X(2), and X(3) in Figure 4 constitute a sub-symbol sequence.

[0132] Furthermore, the length of each sub-symbol sequence can represent the number of sub-symbols that the first time-domain symbol is intended to transmit. For example, if the first time-domain symbol is designed to transmit 5 sub-symbols, then the length of the sub-symbol sequence that repeats in each period is 5 sub-symbols.

[0133] It should be understood that a sub-symbol sequence may also be called a sub-symbol string, sub-symbol group, or sub-symbol set, etc., and its name does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figure 4, X(1), X(2), and X(3) form a sub-symbol sequence, which can be denoted as sub-symbol sequence #1. That is, sub-symbol sequence #1 includes 3 sub-symbols, occupying one period of the first time-domain symbol body. In Figure 4, the first time-domain symbol includes K sub-symbol sequences #1, meaning the body of the first time-domain symbol consists of 3K sub-symbols. This can also be understood as the first time-domain symbol body being a periodically repeating sub-symbol sequence #1, with the periodic repetition count of sub-symbol sequence #1 being K.

[0135] Optionally, K is a positive integer greater than 1. For example, K equals 3, or 4, or 5, etc.

[0136] As a possible implementation, the N1-th sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is the same as the N2-th sub-symbol, where M≤N1<N2<N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1 + L, and L is the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence.

[0137] For example, continue to refer to FIG. 4. In the first time-domain symbol shown in FIG. 4, L = 3. Assume that N1 = 3. Then the N1 = 3 sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is X(2) in period 1; N2 = 3 + 3 = 6. Then the N2 = 6 sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is X(2) in period 2. It can be seen that the N1-th sub-symbol and the N2-th sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol are the same, both being X(2).

[0138] As an example, the duration of each sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is duration #1, so that the first time-domain symbol can be compatible with the OFDM architecture. The duration of the sub-symbol can be understood as the duration when the terminal device sends the sub-symbol. The duration can also be called the symbol period, etc. Its naming does not limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0139] For example, assume that a conventional OFDM time-domain symbol has 4096 points, the sub-carrier spacing is 15 kHz, and the length of the cyclic prefix (CP) is 16. Then the duration of a conventional OFDM time-domain symbol is Therefore, the first time-domain symbol also needs to last Among them, the prefix lasts The body part lasts Then in the first time-domain symbol, the prefix can include 16 empty sub-symbols, and the duration of each sub-symbol is Assume that the first time-domain symbol wants to transmit 128 sub-symbols. Then the length of each sub-symbol sequence is 128, and the duration of each sub-symbol is And the repetition period is That is, there are 32 groups of repeated sub-symbol sequences in the first time-domain symbol.

[0140] S320, the terminal device sends the first time-domain symbol. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first time-domain symbol.

[0141] As an example, in the embodiments of the present application, the network device can be a BS or a RAN, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0142] In this embodiment, the first M sub-symbols (or prefixes) of the first time-domain symbol transmitted by the terminal device are empty symbols, and the first time-domain symbol also includes a periodically repeating sequence of sub-symbols. Based on this, the first time-domain symbol satisfies the OFDM standard, and the terminal device can generate and transmit the first time-domain symbol, thereby enabling the terminal device to be compatible with the OFDM framework.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first time-domain symbol is generated by the periodic repetition of the sub-symbol sequence in the time domain, which avoids frequency domain processing by the terminal device. Thus, while being compatible with the OFDM framework, the terminal device does not need to perform fast fourier transform (FFT), reducing the complexity of generating the first time-domain symbol.

[0144] It should be noted that the network device receiving the first time-domain symbol sent by the terminal device is only one possible scenario in this application embodiment. In another possible scenario, the network device receives the time-domain symbol #A.

[0145] Among them, the time domain symbol #A can be a time domain symbol formed by superimposing multiple first time domain symbols.

[0146] Referring to Figure 5, as an example, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a time-domain symbol #A provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0147] For example, as shown in Figure 5, each box in Figure 5 can represent one sub-symbol. Boxes with different numbers can represent different sub-symbols, and boxes with the number 0 can represent an empty symbol, which is the prefix part of the first time-domain symbol. In Figure 5, the terminal device continuously transmits the first time-domain symbol #1 and the first time-domain symbol #2 in time. The sub-symbols included in the first time-domain symbol #1 are represented as {0,0,1,2,3,4}, and the sub-symbols included in the first time-domain symbol #2 are represented as {0,0,5,6,7,8}.

[0148] Furthermore, the terminal device can send multiple time-domain staggered first time-domain symbols. For example, in Figure 5, the terminal device sends three time-domain staggered first time-domain symbols #1 and #2.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 5, the network device wants to receive the first time domain symbol #1 sent by the terminal device. What the network device actually receives is the superposition of the three first time domain symbols within the time period occupied by the first time domain symbol #1, that is, the network device actually receives the time domain symbol #A. In Figure 5, the number in the time domain symbol #A can correspond to the sum of the numbers in the three sub-symbols before superposition. For example, the number in the second sub-symbol of the time domain symbol #A is 6, which corresponds to the superposition of the three sub-symbols within the time period of the second sub-symbol of the first time domain symbol #1, that is, 1+2+3.

[0150] As one possible implementation, after receiving the first time-domain symbol or time-domain symbol #A, the network device still needs to perform a first operation to form a time-domain symbol that can be demodulated by the OFDM framework. The following explanation uses the network device receiving the first time-domain symbol as an example.

[0151] As an example, the first operation includes the overlay and removal of sub-symbols.

[0152] Specifically, the first operation may include the following steps:

[0153] Step 1: The network device superimposes the last M sub-symbols of the first time domain symbol onto the first M sub-symbols of the first time domain symbol to obtain the second time domain symbol.

[0154] Referring to Figure 6, as an example, Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a superposition and removal operation provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0155] As an example, if the prefix of the first time-domain symbol has M sub-symbols, then the M sub-symbols at the end of the first time-domain symbol can be copied to the prefix and superimposed.

[0156] For example, as shown in Figure 6, for a first time-domain symbol with a prefix of 2 sub-symbols and a body of a sub-symbol sequence of length 3 repeated periodically K times, after receiving the first time-domain symbol, the network device can copy the last 2 sub-symbols in the time-domain symbol to the sub-symbol position of the prefix and superimpose them to obtain the second time-domain symbol.

[0157] Step 2: The network device removes the last M sub-symbols of the second time domain symbol to obtain the third time domain symbol.

[0158] For example, please refer to Figure 6. The network device removes the two sub-symbols at the end of the second time domain symbol to obtain the third time domain symbol.

[0159] Optionally, the first M sub-symbols of the third time-domain symbol are the same as the last M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol, and the Mth to NM-1th sub-symbols of the third time-domain symbol are the same as the Mth to NM-1th sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol.

[0160] As one possible approach, steps 1 and 2 above can be combined into one step (which can be denoted as step #X). This can also be understood as the network device directly generating the third time domain symbol based on the first time domain symbol, that is, the network device generating the second time domain symbol.

[0161] As an example, in step #X, the network device moves and superimposes the last M sub-symbols of the first time domain symbol onto the first M sub-symbols of the first time domain symbol to obtain the third time domain symbol.

[0162] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can perform sub-symbol superposition and removal operations on the first time domain symbol to form a third time domain symbol that can be demodulated by the OFDM framework, thereby enabling the network device to obtain the data information carried by the first time domain symbol.

[0163] In addition, the first operation can ensure that the time-domain symbol has the property of circular convolution, so that it can be anti-multipath like a normal OFDM symbol.

[0164] The above examples, illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, demonstrate how a terminal device sends a first time-domain symbol to a network device. The following examples, illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, further illustrate the process of the terminal device sending the first time-domain symbol and the network device receiving it.

[0165] Referring to Figure 7, as an example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device generating and transmitting a first time-domain symbol according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 will be described below through steps A1 to A5.

[0166] Step A1, Calculate the prefix time: The terminal device determines the subcarrier spacing Δf and the prefix length M, and obtains the prefix duration as follows:

[0167] Step A2, emit empty sub-symbols: the duration of each sub-symbol is The number of null symbols in the prefix is ​​M. Since the prefix consists entirely of null symbols, it can also be replaced by the fact that the terminal device sends the first time domain symbol before... No signal is sent for 2 seconds.

[0168] In this embodiment, the M empty symbols of the first time domain symbol can be transmitted without signaling, so that the terminal device does not need to move symbols before transmitting the first time domain symbol, thus reducing the complexity of transmitting the first time domain symbol.

[0169] Step A3, Periodic repetition of bit sequence: The terminal device periodically repeats the bit sequence to be transmitted to obtain a periodically repeating bit sequence.

[0170] As an example, suppose the first time-domain symbol needs to transmit a total of Q valid sub-symbols, and the terminal device has L payloads available for handover selection, then the length of the bit sequence transmitted by the terminal device is Q*log2(L).

[0171] Furthermore, the periodic repetition count of the sub-symbol sequence is: Where P represents the total number of subcarriers, and Q represents the total number of valid sub-symbols to be transmitted in the first time-domain symbol, that is, the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence.

[0172] At this point, the terminal device repeats the bit sequence of total length Q*log2(L) to form a sequence of length P*log2(L).

[0173] Step A4, Load Selection: The terminal device groups the bit sequence of length P*log2(L) into log2(L) groups, that is, each group has log2(L) bits. The terminal device selects the load using these log2(L) bits to generate different sub-symbols. This can also be understood as each sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol representing one of L bit sequences (which can be denoted as sub-bit sequences), where L is the number of loads used to determine the first time-domain symbol.

[0174] For example, if L = 4, the four different payloads can be denoted as L1, L2, L3, and L4, and each of these groups can have 2 bits. It can be agreed that the terminal device chooses L1 to represent the sub-bit sequence "00", L2 to represent the sub-bit sequence "01", L3 to represent the sub-bit sequence "10", and L4 to represent the sub-bit sequence "11".

[0175] In this embodiment, the terminal device can select one of the L loads to represent a sub-symbol of the first time domain symbol by switching, so that the terminal device can transmit the first time domain symbol without a digital to analog converter (DAC) and an FFT module.

[0176] Step A5, transmitting sub-symbols: The terminal device transmits different sub-symbols in the air by selecting different payloads, thus completing the repeated transmission of the sub-symbol sequence (Q sub-symbols) in the first time-domain symbol body part. Second-rate.

[0177] Referring to Figure 8, as an example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a network device receiving and processing a first time-domain symbol according to an embodiment of this application. Hereinafter, Figure 8 will be illustrated by steps B1 to B4.

[0178] Step B1, downconversion and tail overlay: After downconversion, the network device obtains one time-domain symbol, copies the tail M (number of sub-symbols in the prefix) sub-symbols of the time-domain symbol to the prefix, and overlays them one-to-one with the sub-symbols of the prefix.

[0179] Step B2, Remove suffix: The network device removes the M symbols at the end of the time domain symbol, leaving P sub-symbols remaining in the time domain symbol.

[0180] It should be understood that for a detailed explanation of steps B1 and B2, please refer to the relevant content in Figure 6, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0181] Step B3, Second Operation: For example, the second operation may include performing FFT, channel equalization, inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), constellation demodulation, etc. on the above P sub-symbols.

[0182] Step B4, removing the period to obtain the bit sequence: After step B3, the network device can obtain a bit sequence of length P*log2(L). The network device takes one period of the bit sequence as the bit sequence required by the network device, or the bit sequence that the terminal device wants to send.

[0183] Referring to Figure 9, as an example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 900 shown in Figure 9 may include the following steps.

[0184] In step C1, optionally, the terminal device sends or receives information #A, and correspondingly, the network device receives or sends information #A. Information #A indicates the subcarrier spacing and / or the total number of subcarriers. Step C1 can also be understood as the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the subcarrier spacing and / or the total number of subcarriers.

[0185] Optionally, in S910, the terminal device sends or receives first information, and correspondingly, the network device receives or sends the first information, which indicates the value of M. S910 can also be replaced by the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the value of M, or in other words, the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the number of null symbols included in the prefix.

[0186] S920, optionally, the terminal device sends or receives second information, and correspondingly, the network device receives or sends the second information, which indicates the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence.

[0187] As an example, the second information indicating the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence can also be understood as the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence, or in other words, the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the number of valid sub-symbols.

[0188] Furthermore, the network device or terminal device can determine the periodic repetition number of the sub-symbol sequence based on the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence (Q as mentioned above) and the total number of subcarriers (P as mentioned above). That is, the network device or terminal device can determine the periodic repetition number of the sub-symbol sequence based on... Calculate the number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence.

[0189] As an example, the second information indicating the periodic repetition number of the sub-symbol sequence can also be understood as the network device and the terminal device agreeing on the periodic repetition number of the sub-symbol sequence.

[0190] Furthermore, the network device or terminal device can determine the number of sub-symbols (Q) included in the sub-symbol sequence based on the periodic repetition count of the sub-symbol sequence and the total number of subcarriers (P mentioned above). That is, the network device or terminal device can determine the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence based on the periodic repetition count of the sub-symbol sequence. Calculate the Q value.

[0191] S930, the terminal device determines the first time domain symbol.

[0192] S940, the terminal device sends a first time domain symbol. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first time domain symbol.

[0193] It should be understood that the specific descriptions of S930 and S940 can be found in the sections on S310 and S320 above, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0194] In this embodiment, the terminal device can determine the characteristics of the first time-domain symbol through signaling interaction with the network device. For example, the characteristics of the first time-domain symbol may include the number of empty symbols, the number of sub-symbols in the sub-symbol sequence, or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence. Based on this, it can be ensured that the network device can complete the demodulation of the first time-domain symbol based on the current OFDM framework, or in other words, it can be ensured that the network device is flexibly compatible with different OFDM frameworks.

[0195] Referring to Figure 10, as an example, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of ORAN applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0196] As an example, the methods described above in conjunction with Figures 3 to 9 can also be applied to the ORAN architecture. The following examples, using steps D1 to D6, illustrate this further.

[0197] In step D1, the CU sends configuration parameters to the DU. These configuration parameters may include the subcarrier spacing, the number of sub-symbols M included in the prefix, or the number of times the sub-symbol sequence repeats periodically.

[0198] In step D2, after receiving the configuration parameters, the DU can generate OFDM symbols to carry the configuration parameters.

[0199] In step D3, the DU sends the OFDM symbol to the RU, and the RU can transmit the OFDM symbol at the corresponding frequency point through upconversion.

[0200] In step D4, the terminal device can obtain configuration parameters according to the methods described in S910 and S920, and determine and send the first time domain symbol according to the methods described in S310 / S930 and S320 / S940.

[0201] In step D5, after the RU receives the first time-domain symbol, it can perform down-conversion and send it to the DU.

[0202] In step D6, DU can perform operations such as tail symbol overlay, tail symbol removal, and FFT on the baseband time domain signal to obtain the final required bit sequence.

[0203] In this embodiment of the application, the characteristics of the first time domain symbol can be determined and the first time domain symbol can be received and demodulated through the cooperation and signaling interaction between the CU, DU and RU.

[0204] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to Figures 3 to 10. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13. It should be understood that the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0205] Referring to Figure 11, as an example, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1110 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing unit 1120 can be used to perform processing, such as determining information bits.

[0206] Optionally, the device 1100 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1120 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0207] In a first possible design, the device 1100 can be the terminal device in the foregoing embodiments, which can implement the steps or processes executed by the terminal corresponding to those in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 can be used to perform operations related to the transmission and reception of the terminal in the above method embodiments (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages), and the processing unit 1120 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the terminal in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transmission and reception (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0208] One possible implementation includes a processing unit 1120, which is used to determine a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol including N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeating sub-symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers; and a transceiver unit 1110, which is used to transmit the first time-domain symbol.

[0209] In a second possible design, the device 1100 can be a network device as described in the foregoing embodiments. This device 1100 can implement the steps or processes performed by the network device corresponding to those described in the method embodiments above. Specifically, the transceiver unit 1110 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations (such as sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the network device described in the method embodiments above, and the processing unit 1120 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the network device described in the method embodiments above, or operations other than transceiver operations (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0210] One possible implementation is a transceiver unit 1110, which is used to receive a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol including N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeating sub-symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers.

[0211] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0212] It should also be understood that the device 1100 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1100 can be specifically the communication device in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the communication device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0213] The apparatus 1100 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by a processor, each performing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in the respective method embodiments.

[0214] In addition, the transceiver unit 1110 described above can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0215] It should be noted that the device in Figure 11 can be the communication device (such as a terminal or network device) in the aforementioned embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0216] Referring to Figure 12, as an example, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1200 includes a processor 1210, which is coupled to a memory 1220. The memory 1220 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1210 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1220, or to read the data stored in the memory 1220, in order to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0217] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1210.

[0218] Optionally, the memory 1220 may be one or more.

[0219] Alternatively, the memory 1220 can be integrated with the processor 1210, or it can be set separately.

[0220] Optionally, as shown in FIG12, the device 1200 further includes a transceiver 1230 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1210 is used to control the transceiver 1230 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0221] As an example, processor 1210 may have the functions of processing unit 1120 shown in FIG11, memory 1220 may have the functions of storage unit, and transceiver 1230 may have the functions of transceiver unit 1110 shown in FIG11.

[0222] As one option, the device 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0223] For example, processor 1210 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1220 to implement the relevant operations of the communication device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0224] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0225] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0226] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0227] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0228] Referring to Figure 13, as an example, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 1300 (or may also be referred to as a processing system) includes logic circuitry 1310 and an input / output interface 1320.

[0229] The logic circuit 1310 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1300. The logic circuit 1310 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1300 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1320 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1300, outputting processed information from the chip system 1300, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1300 for processing.

[0230] As one approach, the chip system 1300 is used to implement operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0231] For example, logic circuit 1310 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal, or a network device) in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 1320 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by a communication device (such as a terminal, or a network device) in the above method embodiments.

[0232] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) performs the above-described methods (such as method 300 or method 900).

[0233] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods described above as performed by a communication device (such as a terminal or a network device). For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as a terminal or a network device) performs the methods described above (such as method 300 or method 900).

[0234] This application also provides a communication system that includes the terminal and / or network device described in the embodiments above. For example, the system includes the terminal and network device described in the embodiments of FIG3 or FIG9.

[0235] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0236] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus 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, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0237] 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 instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) 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 media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0238] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Comprising: Determine a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol comprising N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols in the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeated sub-symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers; Transmit the first time-domain symbol.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols in the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeated sub-symbol sequence includes: The N1-th sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is the same as the N2-th sub-symbol, where M ≤ N1 < N2 < N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1 + L, L being the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Further comprising: Transmit or receive a first piece of information, the first piece of information indicating the value of M.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Further comprising: Transmit or receive a second piece of information, the second piece of information indicating the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before transmitting the first time-domain symbol No signal is transmitted for 1 second, where Δf represents the subcarrier interval.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence is Where P represents the total number of subcarriers, and Q represents the number of subsymbols included in the subsymbol sequence.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each of the sub-symbols represents one of L bit sequences, L being the number of loads used to determine the first time-domain symbol.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Comprising: Receive a first time-domain symbol, the first time-domain symbol comprising N sub-symbols, the first M sub-symbols of the N sub-symbols being empty symbols, and the sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols in the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeated sub-symbol sequence, where M and N are positive integers.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Further comprising: Superimpose the last M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol onto the first M sub-symbols of the first time-domain symbol to obtain a second time-domain symbol; Remove the last M sub-symbols of the second time-domain symbol to obtain a third time-domain symbol.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The sub-symbols after the first M sub-symbols in the N sub-symbols being a periodically repeated sub-symbol sequence includes: The N1-th sub-symbol in the first time-domain symbol is the same as the N2-th sub-symbol, where M ≤ N1 < N2 < N, N1 and N2 are positive integers, and N2 = N1 + L, L being the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, Further comprising: Receive or transmit a first piece of information, the first piece of information indicating the value of M.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Further comprising: Receive or transmit a second piece of information, the second piece of information indicating the number of sub-symbols included in the sub-symbol sequence and / or the number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The number of periodic repetitions of the sub-symbol sequence is Where P represents the total number of subcarriers, and Q represents the number of subsymbols included in the subsymbol sequence.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that, Each of the sub-symbols represents one of L bit sequences, L being the number of loads used to determine the first time-domain symbol.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; or, comprising a module or unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

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