Communication methods and apparatuses

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications. Provided are communication methods and apparatuses, which aim to reduce the power consumption of terminal devices. In a communication method, a first communication apparatus comprises a first module and a second module, wherein the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module. The method comprises: a first communication apparatus acquiring first information, the first information being used for determining the function executed by a first module and / or the function executed by a second module; and on the basis of the first information, the first communication apparatus waking up the first module and / or the second module to execute corresponding functions. According to the solution, the function executed by a first module and / or the function executed by a second module are / is indicated by means of first information. Thus, the second module can execute some functions, and the first module can execute some functions, which, compared with the solution in the related art that all functions are executed by the second module, can reduce the number of times that the second module is woken up, so that frequent wake-ups of the second module can be prevented, thereby achieving the aim of saving energy.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on December 15, 2023, with application number 202311736516.8 and application name "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] In R18, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) conducted research on low power (LP) wake-up signals (WUS) with the aim of evaluating the potential for reducing power consumption of terminals equipped with low power radios (LR). Generally speaking, even if a terminal does not send or receive any data, it consumes tens of milliwatts of power, which is called idle power consumption. This idle power consumption is caused by the fact that the terminal must periodically measure and detect potential LP-WUS. Among them, LR will periodically measure and detect LP-WUS, and the main radio (MR) can be turned off when LR is active and searching for potential LP-WUS signals. LR can wake up MR to send and receive data when LP-WUS is detected.

[0005] However, each time the MR is turned on and off, additional energy is consumed. The MR's power amplifier (PA) requires a power ramp when it is turned on, which results in a certain delay and additional power consumption as the power transitions from zero to a steady state. Therefore, frequently waking up the MR is unlikely to achieve energy savings.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to reduce the power consumption of terminal equipment.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be performed by a first communication device or a chip / chip system. The first communication device can be a network device or a terminal device. In the method, the first communication device includes a first module and a second module, and the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module. The first communication device obtains first information, and the first information is used to determine the function performed by the first module and / or the function performed by the second module. Based on the first information, the first communication device wakes up the first module and / or the second module to perform the corresponding function.

[0009] Based on this solution, the first information is used to indicate the function to be executed by the first module and / or the function to be executed by the second module. Therefore, the second module can execute part of the functions, and the first module can execute part of the functions. Compared with the related art in which all functions are executed by the second module, the number of times the second module is awakened can be reduced, thereby avoiding frequent awakening of the second module and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first communication device receives first information, where the first information is carried in a low-power wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

[0011] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be performed by a second communication device or a chip / chip system. The second communication device can be a network device or a terminal device. In this method, the second communication device determines first information, where the first information is used to determine a function performed by a first module of the first communication device and / or a function performed by a second module of the communication device, and the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module. The second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the first information is carried in a low-power wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, when the first information is carried in radio resource control signaling, the first information includes a condition for waking up the second module and / or a condition for waking up the first module.

[0014] Based on the above solution, the base station can use radio resource control signaling to carry the first information, which can save resources occupied by the low-power wake-up signal compared to carrying the first information through the low-power wake-up signal.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the condition for waking up the second module and / or the condition for waking up the first module include one or more of data size, service quality list, or reference signal reception power.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, by using one or more of the data volume, service quality list or reference signal receiving power as the conditions for waking up the second module and / or the conditions for waking up the first module, the requirements of different data volumes, business requirements and channel qualities can be met.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information is determined based on one or more of the following: the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the first module, the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the second module, the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the first module, or the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the second module.

[0018] Based on this solution, by predefining or preconfiguring the correspondence between the cell active period / cell inactive period and the functions performed by the first module / second module, it is not necessary to indicate the first information through additional information, which can save transmission resources.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect and the second aspect, the functions performed by the second module include one or more of the following: activating the uplink function and downlink function of the second module, activating the uplink function of the second module, activating the downlink function of the second module, turning off the reception of the downlink control channel of the second module, activating the sending function of the uplink control channel of the second module, and activating the channel quality measurement function of the second module.

[0020] Based on the above solution, since the functions performed by the second module include one or more of the above, that is, including some of the functions performed by the second module in the related art, the second module will not be awakened frequently, achieving energy saving effect.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first information is used to determine activation of the uplink function of the second module and instruct activation of the downlink function of the first module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of the downlink function of the second module and activation of the uplink function of the first module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of both the uplink and downlink functions of the second module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of both the uplink and downlink functions of the first module.

[0022] Based on the above solution, the first information can be used to determine that the first module and the second module collaboratively perform uplink and downlink functions, which can save energy consumption of the terminal while meeting business needs.

[0023] In a possible implementation of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information is used to determine the function of activating the second module to perform synchronization signal block (synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block, SSB) synchronization, measurement or data reception, and the first information is used to determine the function of activating the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request.

[0024] Based on the above solution, since the second module has high power and large bandwidth, performing SSB synchronization, measurement, or data reception through the second module can improve the accuracy of SSB synchronization, the accuracy of measurement results, and the accuracy of data reception. In addition, since the first module has low power and energy consumption, sending hybrid automatic repeat request feedback information through the first module can reduce terminal energy consumption.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner of the first and second aspects, when the first information is used to determine activation of a function of the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request, the first information further indicates a time domain resource for sending the feedback information.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first information further indicates a first duration for the second module to switch to the first module, where the first duration is less than or equal to a maximum duration required by a hybrid automatic repeat request timer. In one possible scenario, the first information may indicate a duration T for the second module to switch to the first module, and a delay (offset) for the first module to schedule an uplink frame (U frame), where T + offset ≤ the maximum duration required by the hybrid automatic repeat request timer.

[0027] Based on the above solution, since data is received through the second module and feedback information is sent through the first module, the terminal needs to switch from the second module to the first module. Therefore, the configuration of the first duration can be constrained by the above-mentioned first duration and the maximum duration required by the hybrid automatic repeat request timer, and it can be ensured that the sending of feedback information is completed within the duration required by the hybrid automatic repeat request.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information further indicates repeated sending of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback information in the time domain.

[0029] Based on the above solution, since the power of the first module is low and the uplink coverage is poor, the hierarchical gain can be improved by repeatedly sending feedback information in the time domain, thereby improving the accuracy of reception on the network side.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information is used to determine activation of a perception measurement function of the first module and activation of a perception measurement result sending function of the second module.

[0031] Based on the above solution, since the power of the first module is low, the first module can also complete the perception measurement function, which can save the power consumption of the terminal, and since the power of the second module is high, the perception measurement result is sent by the second module, which can increase the possibility of the perception measurement result being accurately received.

[0032] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the perception measurement result is carried in an uplink control channel, and the first information also indicates a resource set of the uplink control channel, where the resource set of the uplink control channel includes the number of time domain symbols, the frequency domain offset, and the cyclic shift size.

[0033] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first information further indicates the operating time of the second module. In a possible example, the first information may indicate the time when the second module is activated and the time when the second module is deactivated, so as to indicate the operating time of the second module.

[0034] Based on the above solution, by indicating the working time of the second module through the first information, the second module can be prevented from being in the active state (awake state) for a long time, thereby saving energy consumption of the terminal.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information further indicates that the signal format of the uplink control channel is format 0 based on a base sequence.

[0036] The signal format of the uplink control channel is format 0 based on a base sequence, which can implement repeated transmission of the uplink control channel in the time domain. Compared with signals using a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) format, the processing is simpler and the power consumption is lower.

[0037] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first information is further used to determine whether, during data retransmission, initially transmitted data uses the first module or the second module, and retransmitted data uses the first module or the second module.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information further indicates the number of retransmissions.

[0039] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first information is used to determine that in data retransmission, the initial transmitted data uses the second module and the retransmitted data uses the first module. The first information also indicates the data header position and the modulation and coding strategy.

[0040] Based on this solution, the initial transmission is performed using the second module, and the retransmission is performed using the first module. Since the second module has high power, the possibility of correct one-time transmission can be increased, and during retransmission, since the energy consumption of the first module is low, the energy consumption of the terminal can be reduced.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect and the second aspect, the first information is used to indicate first configuration information and second configuration information of an uplink reference signal, the first configuration information corresponds to the first module, and the second configuration information corresponds to the second module.

[0042] In a possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the first configuration information includes a first power control factor, a first initial power value, and a first closed-loop power control step size, and the second configuration information includes a second power control factor, a second initial power value, and a second closed-loop power control step size. The first power control factor is different from the second power control factor, the first initial power value is less than the second initial power value, and the first closed-loop power control step size is different from the second closed-loop power control step size.

[0043] Based on the above solution, different SRS configuration information is indicated by the first information, and the terminal can determine the power control formula of the SRS based on the configuration information and the indication of the first information.

[0044] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a first module and a second module, wherein the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module.

[0045] The first module or the second module is configured to obtain first information, where the first information is used to determine a function to be executed by the first module and / or a function to be executed by the second module. The first module is further configured to execute a corresponding function based on the first information, and / or the first module is further configured to wake up the second module based on the first information, whereupon the second module is further configured to execute the corresponding function.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the first module or the second module is further configured to receive first information, where the first information is carried in a low-power wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0048] The processing unit is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to determine a function performed by a first module of the first communication device and / or a function performed by a second module of the communication device, wherein power consumption of the first module is lower than power consumption of the second module. The transceiver unit is configured to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the first information is carried in a low-power wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

[0050] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, when the first information is carried in radio resource control signaling, the first information includes a condition for waking up the second module and / or a condition for waking up the first module.

[0051] In a possible implementation of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the condition for waking up the second module and / or the condition for waking up the first module include one or more of data size, service quality list, or reference signal reception power.

[0052] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information is determined based on one or more of the following: the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the first module, the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the second module, the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the first module, or the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the second module.

[0053] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the functions performed by the second module include one or more of the following: activating the uplink function and downlink function of the second module, activating the uplink function of the second module, activating the downlink function of the second module, turning off the receiving function of the downlink control channel of the second module, activating the sending function of the uplink control channel of the second module, and activating the channel quality measurement function of the second module.

[0054] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information is used to determine activation of the uplink function of the second module and instruct activation of the downlink function of the first module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of the downlink function of the second module and activation of the uplink function of the first module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of both the uplink and downlink functions of the second module. Alternatively, the first information is used to determine activation of both the uplink and downlink functions of the first module.

[0055] In a possible implementation of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information is used to determine the function of activating the second module to perform SSB synchronization, measurement or data reception, and the first information is used to determine the function of activating the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner of the third and fourth aspects, when the first information is used to determine activation of a function of the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request, the first information further indicates a time domain resource for sending the feedback information.

[0057] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information further indicates a first duration for the second module to switch to the first module, where the first duration is less than or equal to a maximum duration required by a hybrid automatic repeat request timer. In one possible scenario, the first information may indicate a duration T for the second module to switch to the first module, and a delay (offset) for the first module to schedule uplink frames (U frames), where T + offset ≤ the maximum duration required by the hybrid automatic repeat request timer.

[0058] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information further indicates repeated sending of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback information in the time domain.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information is used to determine whether to activate a perception measurement function of the first module and to activate a perception measurement result sending function of the second module.

[0060] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the perception measurement results are carried in an uplink control channel, and the first information further indicates a resource set of the uplink control channel, where the resource set of the uplink control channel includes the number of time domain symbols, the frequency domain offset, and the cyclic shift size.

[0061] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information further indicates the operating time of the second module. In a possible example, the first information may indicate the time when the second module is activated and the time when the second module is deactivated, so as to indicate the operating time of the second module.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information further indicates that the signal format of the uplink control channel is format 0 based on a base sequence.

[0063] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information is further used to determine whether, in data retransmission, initially transmitted data uses the first module or the second module, and retransmitted data uses the first module or the second module.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information further indicates the number of retransmissions.

[0065] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first information is used to determine that in data retransmission, the initial transmitted data uses the second module and the retransmitted data uses the first module. The first information also indicates the data header position and the modulation and coding strategy.

[0066] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the first information is used to indicate first configuration information and second configuration information of an uplink reference signal, the first configuration information corresponds to the first module, and the second configuration information corresponds to the second module.

[0067] In a possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the first configuration information includes a first power control factor, a first initial power value, and a first closed-loop power control step size, and the second configuration information includes a second power control factor, a second initial power value, and a fourth closed-loop power control step size. The first power control factor is different from the second power control factor, the first initial power value is less than the second initial power value, and the first closed-loop power control step size is different from the second closed-loop power control step size.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being configured to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor being configured to execute the computer programs or instructions to perform the respective implementation methods of the first and second aspects described above. The memory may be located within or outside the device. The number of processors may be one or more.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to communicate with other devices, and the processor being used to implement the various methods of the first and second aspects above.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a logic circuit and an input / output interface.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device for executing the implementation methods of the first and second aspects above.

[0072] In a ninth aspect, the present application also provides a chip system, comprising: a processor for executing the various implementation methods of the first and second aspects above.

[0073] In a tenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product, comprising computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the implementation methods of the first and second aspects to be executed.

[0074] In the eleventh aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the instruction is executed on a computer, the implementation methods of the first and second aspects mentioned above are implemented.

[0075] The technical effects achieved in the above-mentioned third to eleventh aspects can refer to the technical effects in the first and second aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG2 is a schematic block diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG3 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of DTX / DRX provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG6A is a schematic diagram of time domain resources of a PUCCH carrying HARQ feedback information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG6B is a schematic diagram of repeated PUCCH transmission according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained and illustrated below.

[0089] 1) Low power wake up signal (LP-WUS), which is used in multiple low power communication protocols, such as long range radio (LoRa), Bluetooth or wireless fidelity (WiFi). LP=WUS allows the design and implementation of low power receivers, which helps reduce device power consumption. LP-WUS is very similar to WUS. WUS is based on the traditional Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence and downlink control information (DCI) in formats 2-6 in the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). If WUS is detected, the device will continue to decode the paging message, otherwise it will return to sleep and wait for the next opportunity to receive WUS.

[0090] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to New Radio (NR) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and fifth generation communication systems (5G) and 5G th generation, 5G), and next-generation wireless communication systems, such as 6G, are not restricted here.

[0091] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (such as 110a and / or 110b in FIG1 ) and may also include at least one terminal device (such as at least one of 120a-120j in FIG1 ). The terminal device is connected to the access network device wirelessly, and the access network device is connected to the core network device wirelessly or by wire. Terminal devices and network devices may be connected to each other by wire or by wireless. FIG1 is only a schematic diagram, and the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in FIG1 .

[0092] A network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A network device can be a device in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication capabilities for terminal devices, and is called a RAN device. For example, a network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. It can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, such as a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU here completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete the functions of part of the physical layer or all of the physical layer. For the specific description of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The network device can be a macro base station (such as 110a in Figure 1), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in Figure 1), a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0093] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes implement part of the functions of the base station respectively. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, DU, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0094] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application takes CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0095] A terminal device is a user-side device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a mobile terminal, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home appliance, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal device.

[0096] Network devices and terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; and in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of network devices and terminal devices.

[0097] The roles of network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile network device. To terminal devices 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal device 120i is a network device. However, to network device 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that communication between 110a and 120i occurs via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, communication between 110a and 120i can also occur via an interface protocol between network devices. In this case, 120i is also a network device relative to 110a. Therefore, both network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be referred to as communication devices with network device functionality, while 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be referred to as communication devices with terminal device functionality.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present application, the functions of the network device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes the network device function. The control subsystem that includes the network device function here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart city. The functions of the terminal device may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal device, or by a device that includes the terminal device function. In the following, the example in which the terminal device function is performed by the terminal and the network device function is performed by the base station is described.

[0099] With the development of 5G technology, 5G networks are placing increasingly higher demands on terminal capabilities. This increased demand for terminal capabilities necessitates a corresponding increase in terminal hardware, which inevitably increases terminal power consumption. Compared to LTE terminals, 5G terminals support a maximum power of 29dBm. Under typical services, such as comprehensive web browsing, instant messaging, gaming, or food consumption, 5G terminal communication power consumption increases by an average of over 200% compared to LTE terminals. Terminal battery life is a crucial aspect of user experience and impacts the suitability of 5G terminals or services. Therefore, ensuring the battery life of 5G terminals faces significant challenges, and research on how to reduce 5G terminal power consumption is key to addressing this issue.

[0100] Referring to Figure 2, the terminal may include a low power wake up radio (LR) and a main radio (MR). It will be understood that the LR and MR may be integrated as logical function modules on the same processor (chip), or the LR and MR may be independent processors (chips). The power consumption of the LR is lower than that of the MR. In another example, the bandwidth of the LR is also lower than that of the MR. It should be noted that MR and LR are shown only as exemplary names. The LR may also be referred to as an auxiliary module and the MR may also be referred to as a main module. This application does not make specific limitations. In the embodiment of the present application, the LR is taken as the first module and the MR is taken as the second module as an example for explanation.

[0101] In R18, the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) conducted research on low power (LP) wake-up signals (WUS) with the aim of evaluating the potential for reducing power consumption in 5G terminals equipped with low LR. Generally speaking, even if a 5G terminal does not send or receive any data, it consumes tens of milliwatts of power, which is called idle power consumption. This idle power consumption is caused by the fact that the 5G terminal must periodically measure and detect potential LP-WUS. Among them, LR will periodically measure and detect LP-WUS, and MR can be turned off when LR is active and searching for potential LP-WUS signals. LR can wake up MR to send and receive data when LP-WUS is detected.

[0102] However, each time the MR is turned on and off, additional energy is consumed. The power amplifier (PA) of the MR is turned on with a power ramp, which brings a certain delay and additional power consumption when the power changes from zero to a stable state. For example, when performing radio resource management (RRM) measurements, the LR can receive LP-WUS and wake up the MR to perform RRM measurements. After the measurement is completed, the MR can go to sleep. For another example, after the LR receives LP-WUS, it can wake up the MR to receive and demodulate the signal. In these processes, waking up the MR will generate additional power consumption. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve energy saving by frequently waking up the main module.

[0103] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. In this method, the LP-WUS is used to indicate the functions to be executed by the LR and / or the functions to be executed by the MR. Therefore, the MR can perform some functions, while the LR performs some functions. Compared to the related art in which all functions are performed by the MR, the number of times the MR needs to be woken up can be reduced, thereby avoiding frequent MR wake-ups and achieving energy conservation.

[0104] Refer to Figure 3, which is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which may include the following operations. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first communication device may include a first module and a second module, and the power consumption of the first module is higher than the power consumption of the second module. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first communication device is a terminal and the second communication device is a base station.

[0105] S301: The base station sends first information to the terminal.

[0106] Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first information from the base station.

[0107] The first information may be used to determine the function of the first module and / or the function of the second module. For example, the first information may be used to determine the function of the first module, such as the LR. For another example, the first information may be used to determine the function of the second module, such as the MR. For another example, the first information may be used to determine the functions of the first module and the second module, such as the LR and MR.

[0108] S302: The terminal wakes up the first module and / or the second module and executes corresponding functions.

[0109] For example, if the function of the first module is determined based on the first information, the terminal may wake up the first module to execute the determined function. For another example, if the function of the second module is determined based on the first information, the terminal may wake up the second module to execute the determined function. For another example, if the functions of the first and second modules are determined based on the first information, the terminal may wake up the first and second modules to execute the determined functions.

[0110] It is understandable that the first information may be carried in the LP-WUS, or may be carried in radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or may be determined through implicit indications, which are described below in different situations.

[0111] Case 1: The first information may be carried in the LP-WUS.

[0112] For example, the first module may receive an LP-WUS, which may indicate the functions of the first module and / or the second module. In one possible scenario, the LP-WUS may carry an indicator, namely, first information, to indicate the functions of the first module and / or the second module. The following, in conjunction with Table 1, shows an example of the first information indicating the function of the second module.

[0113] Table 1: Example of first information indicating the function of the second module

[0114] In Table 1, when the value of the first information is 0, it can indicate that the uplink and downlink functions of the second module are activated (or turned on), or it can indicate that the second module is not turned off. For example, when transmitting a large amount of data, it is necessary to turn on both the uplink and downlink of the second module to meet the requirements of high data volume and low latency. In this case, setting the first information to 0 can instruct the terminal to activate the uplink and downlink functions of the second module for large-scale transmission.

[0115] When the value of the first information is 1, it can indicate that the downlink function of the second module is activated (or turned on), or it can indicate that the uplink function of the second module is turned off. For example, when the amount of data is large, the downlink function of the second module needs to be turned on to meet the required quantity. In this case, setting the first information to 1 can instruct the terminal to activate the downlink function of the second module to receive data.

[0116] Optionally, in this case, the first module and the second module can exchange information and collaboratively complete uplink and downlink functions. For example, data can be received through the second module, and data feedback information, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information, can be sent through the first module. After the second module successfully receives and decodes the data, it can notify the first module, and the first module can send an acknowledgment (ACK) to the base station. After the second module fails to receive and decode the data, it can notify the first module, and the first module can send a non-acknowledgement (NACK) to the base station.

[0117] When the value of the first information is 2, it can indicate that the uplink function of the second module is activated (or turned on), or it can indicate that the downlink function of the second module is turned off. For example, when the first module receives a downlink signal and works in a low-power state, such as receiving a perception signal, the uplink coverage is limited due to the low power consumption of the first module. It is necessary to turn on the uplink function of the second module to feedback the measurement results. At this time, setting the first information to 1 can instruct the terminal to activate the uplink function of the second module to complete the feedback.

[0118] In Table 1, turning off the PDCCH receiving function of the second module can be understood as PDCCH not monitoring (monitor) or not blindly detecting PDCCH. Activating the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) sending function of the second module can also be referred to as turning on the PUCCH sending function of the second module. Activating the channel quality measurement function of the second module can be understood as activating the function of the second module to receive the channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) and activating the PUCCH sending function of the second module. The second module can send a channel quality indication (continuous quality improvement, CQI) based on the measurement result of CSI-RS to the base station via PUCCH.

[0119] As can be seen from Table 1, the division rules of the content indicated by the first information can be divided according to uplink or downlink, or according to different channels, or according to different functions. Different division rules have different effects and energy consumption performance. For example, according to uplink or downlink, all uplink or downlink functions can be performed by the second module, which can meet different scenario requirements, such as latency requirements. For another example, according to different channels, all functions of a certain channel can be performed by the second module, which can improve the energy-saving effect compared to dividing according to uplink or downlink. For another example, according to different functions, the second module can only perform the function indicated by the first information, which can maximize the energy-saving effect compared to the previous two division methods.

[0120] It is understandable that the correspondence between the first information and the function of the second module shown in Table 1 is only shown as an example and does not constitute a limitation on the correspondence. In addition, the value of the first information in Table 1 is also shown as an example. In the embodiment of the present application, the first information can also indicate the function of the second module by indicating a function identifier or the like. The first information indicating the function of the first module, indicating the functions of the first module and the second module, etc. below are also shown as examples and will not be repeated.

[0121] In a possible implementation, the first information may indicate the function of the first module. Below, in conjunction with Table 2, an example of the first information indicating the function of the first module is introduced.

[0122] Table 2: Example of first information indicating the function of the first module

[0123] In Table 2, when the value of the first information is 6, it can indicate that the channel quality measurement function of the first module is activated (or turned on). Activating the channel quality measurement function of the first module can be understood as activating the function of the first module to receive CSI RS and activating the PUCCH transmission function of the first module. The first module can send the CSI-RS-based measurement result CQI to the base station through the PUCCH.

[0124] When the value of the first information is 7, it can indicate that the RRM measurement function of the first module is activated (or turned on). Activating the RRM measurement function of the first module can be understood as activating the function of the first module to receive signals from neighboring cells and activating the PUCCH transmission function of the first module. Although the structure of the first module is simple, the first module can complete the measurement of CSI-RS or neighboring cell signals, as well as the PUCCH transmission function, which can save power consumption of the terminal compared to the channel quality measurement function and RRM measurement function performed by the second module.

[0125] When the value of the first information is 8, it indicates that the small data transmission function of the first module is activated (or turned on). The first module has a simple structure, high data processing latency, and low power consumption. Therefore, it is suitable for use in small data transmission (SDT) scenarios with low data volume and insensitivity to latency. Therefore, the first information can be set to 8 to instruct the terminal to activate the first module to send or receive data.

[0126] In Table 2, activating the perception function of the first module can be understood as activating (or turning on) the function of the first module to receive the perception signal and send the perception result. Activating the function of the first module to update the RF-map can be understood as activating (or turning on) the function of the first module to receive the perception signal and process it to obtain the RF-map. In this embodiment of the present application, the RF-map can indicate the following two aspects of information:

[0127] On the one hand, RF-map corresponds to a certain geographical area and is used to indicate the geographical location and size of multiple areas divided within the geographical area. On the other hand, RF-map can indicate the channel quality prediction value of each area in the multiple areas. The geographical area can be an area of ​​a certain range in the real physical world. The multiple areas can be areas obtained by dividing the geographical area in a certain way. In this application, different areas have the same shape, outline, size, radius, and area. Different areas have different geographical locations. There is no overlap between different areas.

[0128] In an embodiment of the present application, the first module and the second module can collaborate to complete uplink and downlink functions. In one possible scenario, when the first information indicates the function of the second module, the function of the first module can be instructed by the second module to the first module. For another example, when the first information indicates the function of the first module, the function of the second module can be instructed by the first module to the second module.

[0129] For example, when the first information indicates the downlink function of the second module, the second module activates the downlink function to receive data. If the data requires ACK / NACK feedback, since the first information indicates the downlink function of the second module, the second module cannot activate the uplink function. The second module can instruct the first module to feedback ACK / NACK for the data. For another example, when the first information indicates the downlink function of the first module, the first module activates the downlink function to receive data. If the data requires ACK / NACK feedback, since the first information indicates the downlink function of the first module, the first module cannot activate the uplink function. The first module can instruct the second module to feedback ACK / NACK for the data.

[0130] For another example, when the first information indicates the downlink function of the second module, the terminal completes SSB synchronization, measurement, and data reception through the downlink function of the second module. The second module can instruct the first module to complete uplink functions, such as sending measurement results, feedback of ACK / NACK of data, etc.

[0131] In another possible case, the first information may indicate the function of the first module and the function of the second module.

[0132] Table 3: Example of first information indicating the function of the first module and the function of the second module

[0133] In Table 3, when the value of the first information is 0, it can indicate that the uplink function and the downlink function of the second module are activated (or turned on), and the first module is not activated or turned off. When the value of the first information is 1, the downlink function of the second module can be activated, and the uplink function of the first module can be activated at the same time, and so on.

[0134] Based on the above scenario 1, the first information can be carried in the LP-WUS and thus can be received by the first module, avoiding the need to wake up the second module to obtain the first information, thereby achieving energy conservation. In addition, the first information can indicate the function of the first module and / or the function of the second module. Compared to the related art in which the second module performs all functions, in the embodiment of the present application, the second module can perform some functions, and the first module can perform some functions. Therefore, frequent wake-up of the second module can be avoided, thereby improving energy conservation.

[0135] Case 2: The first information is carried in RRC signaling.

[0136] For example, the first information may be carried in RRC reconfiguration, RRC connection reestablishment and other signaling, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0137] In case 2, the first information may include a condition for waking up the first module and / or a condition for waking up the second module. For example, the first information may include data volume, quality of service (QoS), or reference signal receive power (RSRP).

[0138] For example, in a downlink scenario, the base station can send the amount of data to be sent to the terminal through the first information, and the terminal can compare the amount of data received with the data amount threshold to determine whether to receive it through the first module or the second module. For example, when the amount of data is less than (or equal to) the data amount threshold, the terminal can determine to wake up the first module and receive the data through the first module. For another example, when the amount of data is greater than (or equal to) the data amount threshold, the terminal can determine to wake up the second module and receive the data through the second module. It can be understood that the data amount threshold can be indicated by the base station, or preconfigured or predefined by the protocol. If the data amount threshold is indicated by the base station, then the data amount threshold can be carried in the first information, or can be sent to the terminal through signaling different from the first information.

[0139] For another example, in a downlink scenario, the base station may determine the latency requirement of the service and send the quality of service, such as the latency requirement, to the terminal. The terminal may compare the latency requirement and the quality of service threshold to determine whether to receive through the first module or the second module. For example, when the latency requirement is greater than (or equal to) the quality of service threshold, the terminal may determine to wake up the first module and receive data through the first module. For another example, when the latency requirement is less than (or equal to) the quality of service threshold, the terminal may determine to wake up the second module and receive data through the second module. It will be understood that the quality of service threshold may be indicated by the base station, or preconfigured, or predefined by the protocol. If the quality of service threshold is indicated by the base station, the quality of service threshold may be carried in the first information, or may be sent to the terminal through signaling different from the first information.

[0140] In the downlink scenario, RSRP can be implemented by referring to the aforementioned quality of service and data volume. The base station can determine the required RSRP and send it to the terminal. The repeated parts will not be repeated here.

[0141] In the uplink scenario, the base station may send one or more of a data volume threshold, a service quality threshold, or an RSRP threshold to the terminal. For example, the base station may send a data volume threshold to the terminal, and the terminal may determine whether to send the data through the first module or the second module based on the amount of data to be sent. For example, when the amount of data is less than (or equal to) the data volume threshold, the terminal may determine to wake up the first module and send the data through the first module. For another example, when the amount of data is greater than (or equal to) the data volume threshold, the terminal may determine to wake up the second module and send the data through the second module.

[0142] In the uplink scenario, the service quality threshold and RSRP threshold can be implemented with reference to the aforementioned data volume threshold, and the repeated parts are not repeated here.

[0143] Based on the above solution, the base station can carry the first information through RRC signaling, which can save resources occupied by LP-WUS compared to carrying the first information through LP-WUS.

[0144] Case 3: The first information is determined based on an implicit indication.

[0145] For example, the protocol predefines or preconfigures one or more of the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the first module, the correspondence between the cell active period and the function performed by the second module, the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the first module, or the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function performed by the second module.

[0146] In case 3, the cell active period may include one or more of cell discontinuous reception (DRX), cell discontinuous transmission (DTX), or connected discontinuous reception (C-DRX). The cell inactive period may include deep sleep.

[0147] That is to say, one or more of the correspondence between DRX and the functions performed by the first module, the correspondence between DRX and the functions performed by the second module, the correspondence between DTX and the functions performed by the first module, the correspondence between DTX and the functions performed by the second module, the correspondence between C-DRX and the functions performed by the first module, or the correspondence between C-DRX and the functions performed by the second module can be predefined or preconfigured by agreement.

[0148] In case 3, the terminal can request the base station to exit the cell active period through UL LP-WUS, such as exiting DRX, DTX, or C-DRX. After exiting the cell active period, the terminal can determine whether to perform the corresponding function based on the first module or the second module based on the above-mentioned correspondence. It is understandable that the functions of the first module and the functions of the second module can be divided according to channels, functions, or uplink and downlink. Please refer to Tables 1 to 3 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0149] Referring to Figure 4, during DRX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the second module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the first module. Alternatively, during DRX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the first module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the second module. For another example, after exiting DRX, that is, during sleep, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the first module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the second module, or after exiting DRX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the second module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the first module. For another example, during DTX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the first module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the second module, or during DTX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the second module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the first module. For another example, after exiting DTX, that is, during sleep, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the first module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the second module, or after exiting DTX, the terminal may perform uplink functions through the second module, and optionally perform downlink functions through the first module.

[0150] Based on scenario 3, by predefining or preconfiguring the correspondence between the cell active period / cell inactive period and the functions performed by the first module / second module, it is no longer necessary to indicate the first information using additional information, thereby saving transmission resources. Furthermore, by defining the cell active period and the cell inactive period, the functions performed by the first module and the second module are compatible with terminals that support DRX, DTX, or C-DRX.

[0151] In the embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned cases 1 to 3 introduce a method for determining the function executed by the first module and / or the function executed by the second module through the first information. Refer to Figure 5, which shows a scenario diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, in the related art, after receiving LP-WUS, the first module will wake up the second module to perform corresponding functions, such as function 1, function 2, function 3 and function 4. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the power consumption of the second module is relatively high. Not only that, in the related art, the first module will wake up the second module every time it receives LP-WUS, causing the second module to be frequently woken up, thereby bringing additional power consumption and poor energy saving effect.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present application, the first information can be used to instruct the second module to turn on some functions, such as function 2. At this time, the first module can be selected to complete the remaining functions, such as function 1. Alternatively, it is also possible to choose to turn on only some functions, such as function 3 and function 4, and turn off the remaining functions. As shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that the power consumption of the second module is lower than that in the related art. In addition, each time the first module receives LP-WUS, it can determine whether it is necessary to wake up the second module based on the first information carried in the LP-WUS, which can effectively avoid the second module from being frequently woken up and improve the energy saving effect.

[0153] The following introduces other contents indicated by the first information in different scenarios.

[0154] Scenario 1: The first information indicates activation of the downlink function of the second module, that is, deactivation of the uplink function of the second module. The uplink function is performed by the first module.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the first information indicates activation of the second module to perform SSB synchronization, measurement, and data reception. Based on the first information or based on an instruction of the second module, the terminal may activate a function of the first module to send HARQ feedback information of the data.

[0156] The terminal can activate the second module to perform SSB synchronization and SSB measurement, thereby accessing the cell. The terminal can receive data from the cell through the second module. If the terminal successfully receives and decodes the data, the terminal can send an ACK through the first module. If the terminal fails to receive and decode the data, the terminal can send a NACK through the first module.

[0157] In one possible example, the first information may further indicate the time domain resources of the PUCCH that carries the HARQ feedback information. For example, the first information may indicate K1 + a first offset to indicate the time domain resources of the PUCCH. Referring to FIG6A , K1 indicates the time domain interval from when the second module receives data carried in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to when it sends an ACK, and the first offset indicates the time domain interval from when the first module is activated to when it sends an ACK, that is, the first offset indicates the duration of the uplink frame (U frame) scheduled by the first module.

[0158] Because the second module is required to complete the uplink function, the uplink coverage is poor and the power is low, so the latency of the HARQ feedback information may be relatively high. If the base station does not receive the HARQ feedback information for a long time, it will send the PDSCH again. In this case, it is necessary to configure the first duration of the second module switching to the first module through the first information, which is less than or equal to the maximum duration required by the HARQ timer. For example, the first duration T + the first offset can be configured through the first information ≤ the maximum duration required by the HARQ timer.

[0159] In one possible scenario, due to the low power consumption and limited coverage of the first module, when using the first module to transmit PUCCH, the signal may not be transmitted to the base station due to power consumption issues. In this case, the first information can be used to configure PUCCH to be repeatedly transmitted in the time domain to enhance coverage. The base station obtains hierarchical gain through multiple receptions. Referring to Figure 6B, the first information can configure the PUCCH format to be format 0 based on the base sequence. The number of repetitions n and the repetition interval T2 can be indicated by the first information.

[0160] In another possible implementation, the first information may instruct the terminal to activate the first module to send uplink data. For example, the first module may carry the uplink data on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmission. Exemplarily, the first information may indicate the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) of the PUSCH. Since the first module has low power consumption, when the first module performs uplink data transmission, a high code rate and a high MCS configuration are generally not required. At this time, the first information may indicate a smaller MCS to transmit uplink data, such as limiting the maximum modulation end to 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).

[0161] In another possible implementation, the first information may instruct the terminal to provide feedback on the channel quality. Optionally, the channel quality measurement function may be performed by the second module. For example, the second module may receive the CSI-RS and perform measurements to obtain measurement results. The first module may generate a CQI based on the measurement results. Exemplarily, the first information may indicate the number of bits used in the table for sending the CQI. For example, the first information may indicate that the CQI table uses fewer bits, such as less than 5 bits for indication. For example, the first information may indicate the use of 2 bits to indicate the CQI.

[0162] Scenario 2: The first information instructs the second module to activate the PUCCH sending function.

[0163] For example, the first module performs sensing measurement functions. Referring to Figure 7 , the terminal can activate the first module for sensing and receive a sensing signal. The terminal receives an LP-WUS, which carries first information instructing the second module to activate the PUCCH transmission function. The terminal can then activate the second module and transmit the sensing results obtained from measuring the sensing signal to the base station via the PUCCH.

[0164] In an example, the first information may further indicate a PUCCH resource set, wherein the PUCCH resource set may include the number of time domain symbols, the frequency domain offset, the cyclic shift size, and the like.

[0165] In another example, the first information may also indicate the operating time of the second module. For example, the first information may indicate the start time and the shutdown time of the second module to indicate the operating time of the second module. For another example, the first information may indicate the start time of the timer and the timer duration, which can be understood as the operating time of the second module. Based on this solution, indicating the operating time of the second module can prevent the second module from being in the awake state for a long time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the terminal.

[0166] In another example, the first information may also indicate that the signal format of the PUCCH is sent using format 0 based on a base sequence, which is simpler to process and has lower power consumption than a signal using a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) format.

[0167] Scenario 3: HARQ retransmission.

[0168] In a HARQ retransmission scenario, the first information may further indicate whether the initial transmission is to be performed using the first module or the second module. The first information may further indicate whether the retransmission is to be performed using the first module or the second module. The first information may further indicate the number of retransmissions. In this method, if the initial transmission is performed using the second module and the retransmission is performed using the first module, the higher power of the second module can increase the likelihood of a correct first-time transmission. Furthermore, the lower power consumption of the first module during retransmission can reduce energy consumption in the terminal.

[0169] In one possible scenario, assuming that the initial transmission is performed by the second module and the retransmission is performed by the first module, the indication information used to instruct the first module or the second module to execute the retransmission can be newly added indication information in the LP-WUS. In another possible scenario, assuming that the initial transmission is performed by the second module and the retransmission is performed by the first module, the indication information used to instruct the first module or the second module to execute the retransmission can reuse existing fields in the LP-WUS, such as the bit indicating the MCS. Since the first module does not need to use a high MCS, one of the bits indicating the MCS can be reused to indicate whether the retransmission is performed by the first module or the second module. The remaining four bits indicate the MCS and are used by the first module to select data modulation.

[0170] In an example, the first information may further indicate a different redundancy version number, and the redundancy version number may indicate a data header position.

[0171] Scenario 4: The first information instructs the second module to activate the SRS sending function.

[0172] For example, the first information may indicate activation of the SRS sending function of the second module. The terminal may activate the second module to use SRS for positioning, or use the SRS channel measurement result and uplink and downlink mutual difference to obtain the downlink channel quality for data demodulation.

[0173] In one possible scenario, the first information may include first configuration information and second configuration information. The first configuration information may be configuration information used to send the SRS via the first module, and the second configuration information may be configuration information used to send the SRS via the second module. The power control formula for the SRS is described below.

[0174] Combined with the power control formula of SRS, the first configuration information may include the first power control factor ɑ SRS,b,f,c (q s ), the first initial power value And the first closed-loop power control step length h b,f,c (i, l). Similarly, the second configuration information may include a second power control factor α SRS,b,f,c (q s ), the second initial power value And the second closed-loop power control step length h b,f,c (i,l).

[0175] It is understandable that, since the power consumption of the first module is lower than that of the second module, the first initial power value may be smaller than the second initial power value. The first closed-loop power control step size is different from the second closed-loop power control step size, and the first power control factor is different from the second power control factor.

[0176] Based on the above solution, different SRS configuration information is indicated by the first information, and the terminal can determine the power control formula of the SRS based on the configuration information and the indication of the first information.

[0177] In one possible scenario, the base station's processing operations may be performed by the CU, and the base station's transceiver operations may be performed by the DU or RU. For example, the CU may determine first information and send the first information to the DU. The DU may send the first information to the terminal, or the DU may send the first information to the RU, which then sends it to the terminal.

[0178] In another possible scenario, the base station's processing operations may be performed by the CU-CP, and the base station's transceiver operations may be performed by the DU or RU. For example, the CU-CP may determine the first information and send the first information to the DU. The DU may send the first information to the terminal, or the DU may send the first information to the RU, which then sends it to the terminal.

[0179] In the O-RAN scenario, the operations performed by the above CU can be performed by the O-CU, the operations performed by the DU can be performed by the O-DU, the operations performed by the RU can be performed by the O-RU, and the operations performed by the CU-CP can be performed by the O-CU-CP.

[0180] Based on the following embodiments, the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application is introduced. Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 800 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the terminal or base station in the above-mentioned various method embodiments. The communication device may include a first module 810 and a second module 820. The first module 810 and the second module 820 can be set independently or integrated. The first module 810 may include a processing unit 811 and a transceiver unit 812. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing unit 811 and the transceiver unit 812 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 811 can read the instructions (code or program) and / or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-mentioned units can be set independently or partially or fully integrated. Similarly, the second module 820 may include a processing unit 821 and a transceiver unit 822. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit.

[0181] Optionally, the transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822) may include a sending unit and a receiving unit, wherein the sending unit may be used to perform all sending operations performed by the communication device 1100, and the receiving unit may be used to perform all receiving operations performed by the communication device 1100.

[0182] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1100 can implement the behaviors and functions of the terminal, etc. in the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, the communication device 800 can be a terminal, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in a terminal. The transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822) can be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the terminal in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, S301 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and / or other processes for supporting the technology described herein; wherein the processing unit 811 (processing unit 821) is used to perform all operations performed by the terminal in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 except for the sending and receiving operations.

[0183] For example, the transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822) is configured to obtain first information, where the first information is used to determine the function executed by the first module and / or the function executed by the second module. The processing unit 811 (processing unit 821) is configured to execute the corresponding function based on the first information.

[0184] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1100 can implement the behaviors and functions of the base station in the above-mentioned method embodiments. For example, the communication device 800 can be a base station, or a component (such as a chip or circuit) used in a base station. The transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822) can be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the base station in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, S8301 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and / or other processes for supporting the technology described herein; wherein the processing unit 811 (processing unit 821) is used to perform all operations except the transceiver operations performed by the base station in the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0185] For example, processing unit 811 (processing unit 821) is configured to determine first information, where the first information is used to determine a function performed by a first module of a first communication device and / or a function performed by a second module of the communication device, and where the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module. Transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822) is configured to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0186] For the operations performed by the processing unit 811 (processing unit 821) and the transceiver unit 812 (transceiver unit 822), reference may be made to the relevant description of the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0187] It should be understood that the processing unit 800 in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and the transceiver unit 800 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component or a communication interface.

[0188] Based on the same concept, as shown in FIG9 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 900. The communication device 900 includes a processor 910. Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a memory 920 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions. The processor 910 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through the instructions stored in the memory 920.

[0189] Based on the same concept, as shown in Figure 10, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 10000, which can be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0190] Communication device 10000 may include at least one processor 1010, coupled to a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within or outside the device. For example, communication device 10000 may also include at least one memory 1020. Memory 1020 stores the necessary computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions, and / or data for implementing any of the aforementioned embodiments. Processor 1010 may execute the computer programs stored in memory 1020 to perform the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0191] The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1010 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1020. The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1030, the processor 1010, and the memory 1020 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0192] The communication device 10000 may also include a transceiver 1030, and the communication device 10000 may exchange information with other devices through the transceiver 1030. The transceiver 1030 may be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device that can be used for information exchange, or may be referred to as a signal transceiver unit. As shown in FIG10 , the transceiver 1030 includes a transmitter 1031, a receiver 1032, and an antenna 1033. In addition, when the communication device 10000 is a chip-type device or circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 10000 may also be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface that can input data (or receive data) and output data (or send data). The processor is an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit, and the processor can determine output data based on the input data.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the communication device 10000 can be applied to a terminal. Specifically, the communication device 10000 can be a terminal or a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing the functions of the terminal in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1020 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs, instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the communication device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1010 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to perform the method performed by the terminal in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the communication device 10000 can be applied to a base station. Specifically, the communication device 10000 can be a base station, or a device capable of supporting a base station in implementing the functions of a base station in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The memory 1020 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs, instructions, and / or data for implementing the functions of the base station in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. The processor 1010 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to perform the method performed by the base station in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0195] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory may also be any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in an embodiment of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data.

[0197] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG11 , an embodiment of the present application further provides another communication device 1100, comprising: a first module 1110 and a second module 1120. The first module 1110 comprises an input / output interface 1111 and a logic circuit 1112; the input / output interface 1111 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 1112; the logic circuit 1112 is configured to execute the code instructions to execute the method executed by the first module in any of the above embodiments. Similarly, the second module comprises an input / output interface 1121 and a logic circuit 1122; the input / output interface 1121 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 1122; the logic circuit 1122 is configured to execute the code instructions to execute the method executed by the second module in any of the above embodiments.

[0198] Optionally, the input / output interface 1111 (input / output interface 1121) may be an interface on a chip, and the logic circuit 1112 (logic circuit 1122) may be one or more processors. Optionally, the one or more processors may be located within or outside the device.

[0199] The following describes in detail the operations performed by the communication device when applied to a terminal or a base station.

[0200] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1100 may be applied to a terminal to execute the method executed by the aforementioned terminal, for example, the method executed by the terminal in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0201] For example, the input / output interface 1111 (input / output interface 1121) is used to obtain first information, which is used to determine the function performed by the first module and / or the function performed by the second module. The logic circuit 1112 (logic circuit 1122) is used to perform the corresponding function based on the first information.

[0202] Since the communication device 1100 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a terminal to implement the above-mentioned terminal execution method, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above-mentioned method embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0203] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1100 may be applied to a base station to execute the method executed by the aforementioned base station, specifically, for example, the method executed by the base station in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

[0204] For example, logic circuit 1112 (logic circuit 1122) is configured to determine first information, where the first information is used to determine a function performed by a first module of a first communication device and / or a function performed by a second module of the communication device, and where the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module. Input / output interface 1111 (input / output interface 1121) is configured to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0205] Since the communication device 1100 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a base station to implement the method executed by the above-mentioned base station, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above-mentioned method embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0206] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device applied to a terminal and at least one communication device applied to a base station. The technical effects that can be achieved can be referred to the above method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Based on the above embodiments, the present application also provides a system. The communication system includes at least one base station and a terminal.

[0208] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions. When the instructions are executed, the method executed by the terminal or the method executed by the base station in any of the above embodiments is implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard drive, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0209] To implement the functions of the communication device shown in Figures 8 to 11 above, embodiments of the present application further provide a chip including a processor for supporting the communication device in implementing the functions of the terminal or base station in the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the chip is connected to or includes a memory, which is used to store computer programs, instructions, and data necessary for the communication device.

[0210] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0211] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by a computer program or instruction. These computer programs or instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0212] These computer programs or instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0213] These computer programs or instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0214] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a communication device, the communication device includes a first module and a second module, the power consumption of the first module is lower than the power consumption of the second module, and the method includes: Acquire first information, where the first information is used to determine a function performed by the first module and / or a function performed by the second module; Based on the first information, the first module and / or the second module is awakened to execute corresponding functions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the first information includes: The first information is received, where the first information is carried in a low power consumption wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

3. A communication method, characterized in that: include: determining first information, where the first information is used to determine a function performed by a first module of the communication device and / or a function performed by a second module of the communication device, wherein power consumption of the first module is lower than power consumption of the second module; The first information is sent to the communication device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first information is carried in a low power consumption wake-up signal or a radio resource control signaling.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that: In the case where the first information is carried in the radio resource control signaling, the first information includes a condition for waking up the second module and / or a condition for waking up the first module.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The condition for waking up the second module and / or the condition for waking up the first module includes one or more of data volume, service quality list or reference signal receiving power.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The first information is determined based on one or more of the following: The correspondence between the cell activity period and the function executed by the first module, the correspondence between the cell activity period and the function executed by the second module, the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function executed by the first module, or the correspondence between the cell inactive period and the function executed by the second module.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The functions performed by the second module include one or more of the following: Activate the uplink function and downlink function of the second module, activate the uplink function of the second module, activate the downlink function of the second module, turn off the receiving function of the downlink control channel of the second module, activate the sending function of the uplink control channel of the second module, and activate the channel quality measurement function of the second module.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first information is used to determine whether to activate the uplink function of the second module and the downlink function of the first module; or, the first information is used to determine whether to activate the downlink function of the second module and the uplink function of the first module; or, the first information is used to determine whether to activate both the uplink function and the downlink function of the second module; or, the first information is used to determine whether to activate both the uplink function and the downlink function of the first module.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first information is used to determine whether to activate a downlink function of the second module and to activate an uplink function of the first module, including: The first information is used to determine the function of activating the second module to perform synchronization signal block SSB synchronization, measurement or data reception, and the first information is used to determine the function of activating the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information is used to determine, when a function of activating the first module to send feedback information of a hybrid automatic repeat request is activated, the first information further indicates a time domain resource for sending the feedback information.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The first information also indicates a first duration for the second module to switch to the first module, where the first duration is less than or equal to a maximum duration required by a hybrid automatic repeat timer.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The first information further indicates to repeatedly send the feedback information of the hybrid automatic repeat request in the time domain.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first information is used to determine whether to activate an uplink function of the second module and to indicate whether to activate a downlink function of the first module, including: The first information is used to determine to activate a perception measurement function of the first module and to activate a perception measurement result sending function of the second module.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The perception measurement result is carried in an uplink control channel. The first information also indicates a resource set of the uplink control channel. The resource set of the uplink control channel includes the number of time domain symbols, the frequency domain offset, and the size of the cyclic shift.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first information also indicates the working time of the second module.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The first information also indicates that the signal format of the uplink control channel is format 0 based on the base sequence of the uplink control channel.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first information is also used to determine, during data retransmission, whether initially transmitted data uses the first module or the second module, and whether retransmitted data uses the first module or the second module.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first information also indicates the number of retransmissions.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The first information is used to determine that in data retransmission, initially transmitted data uses the second module, and retransmitted data uses the first module. The first information also indicates a data header position and a modulation and coding strategy.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first information is used to indicate first configuration information and second configuration information of an uplink reference signal, the first configuration information corresponds to a first module, and the second configuration information corresponds to a second module.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The first configuration information includes a first power control factor, a first initial power value, and a first closed-loop power control step length, and the second configuration information includes a second power control factor, a second initial power value, and a second closed-loop power control step length; The first power control factor is different from the second power control factor, the first initial power value is smaller than the second initial power value, and the first closed-loop power control step length is different from the second closed-loop power control step length.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 5 to 22, or comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 3 to 22.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when called by an electronic device, enable the electronic device to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2, 5 to 22, or enable the electronic device to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 22.

25. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a device for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 5 to 22 and a device for executing the method according to any one of claims 3 to 22.

26. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system comprises: Communication interface; A processor, used to call and run the instruction through the communication interface, so that the device installed with the chip system executes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 2 and 5 to 22, or the device installed with the chip system executes the method as described in any one of claims 3 to 22.

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