Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can be applied to a non-terrestrial communication network (NTN), such as a satellite communication system. The method comprises: a first communication apparatus receives a secondary synchronization signal, and performs synchronization on the basis of the secondary synchronization signal. The secondary synchronization signal is determined on the basis of one or more of a cell identifier, a first number, and a first frame number. The first number is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of one sub-block of a main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of a radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411855779.5, filed on December 14, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] In narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) scenarios supported by non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, a synchronization signal transmission mechanism is defined to match the frequency division duplex (FDD) mode. As illustrated in Figure 1, one row represents an 80ms period, corresponding to 8 radio frames. The narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of each of the 8 radio frames, while the narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) is transmitted on subframe 9 of the even-numbered frames (radio frames 0, 2, 4, and 6). Based on this, the terminal device can determine the frame boundary of a radio frame by detecting the NPSS, and further determine the radio frame containing the NSSS and the frame boundary of the 80ms period by detecting the NSSS, thereby achieving synchronization between the terminal device and the network.

[0005] However, for time division duplex (TDD) mode, there is currently no defined mechanism for transmitting synchronization signals. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can be matched with TDD mode to realize the synchronization of terminal equipment and network.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device, or a device within the terminal device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuitry or chip responsible for communication functions, such as a modem).

[0008] A modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core, a chip system, or a processor, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal functions. The communication method includes: receiving a secondary synchronization signal, the secondary synchronization signal being determined based on one or more of a cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal; and performing synchronization based on the secondary synchronization signal.

[0009] The above scheme is matched to TDD mode and designs the generation and transmission of auxiliary synchronization signals to facilitate the location of the frame boundary of the TDD frame period, and can realize the synchronization between terminal devices and the network in TDD mode.

[0010] In one possible design, the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal can be a radio frame within a TDD frame period, with the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the downlink subframe of that radio frame. Optionally, the TDD frame period corresponds to a 90ms period, and each consecutive 10ms segment within the 90ms period constitutes a radio frame. A radio frame includes 10 subframes, with each subframe corresponding to 1ms. A radio frame includes at least one type of subframe: downlink subframe, special subframe, and uplink subframe. Optionally, when the number of downlink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called a downlink radio frame; when the number of uplink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called an uplink radio frame.

[0011] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and not based on the first frame number. Optionally, only one secondary synchronization signal is included in a TDD frame period. This design reduces the transmission resource allocation for the secondary synchronization signal, eliminates the need to distinguish the radio frame in which the secondary synchronization signal belongs by the frame number, and allows the frame boundary of the TDD frame period to be located based on a single secondary synchronization signal, thereby reducing the number of blind detections corresponding to the secondary synchronization signal and lowering detection complexity.

[0012] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number. Optionally, a TDD frame period includes multiple secondary synchronization signals. This design distinguishes the position of the radio frame occupied by the secondary synchronization signal within the TDD frame period by the frame number, increasing the success rate of blind detection, facilitating the location of frame boundaries in the TDD frame period, and the reception of other information within the TDD frame period.

[0013] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0014] Where A is a constant, and n f Let A be the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in a TDD frame period.

[0015] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0016] Wherein, B is a constant, and n f Here, B is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period.

[0017] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number. Optionally, the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies multiple consecutive TDD frame periods, and these multiple consecutive TDD frame periods include at least one secondary synchronization signal. This design distinguishes the position of the radio frame occupied by the secondary synchronization signal within the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods by the frame number. Based on the radio frame occupied by the secondary synchronization signal, the frame boundary of a certain TDD frame period within the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods can be determined, thereby determining the frame boundaries of the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods, facilitating the reception of the remaining information within the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods.

[0018] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0019] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Here, Y is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity.

[0020] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal... f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0021] In n f satisfy hour, or,

[0022] In n f satisfy: hour,

[0023] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Let C be the first frame number, and let C be a constant. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity. C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

[0024] In one possible design, the above method further includes receiving the main information block (MIB) after synchronization according to the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second communication device. The second device can be a network device, or a device within the network device (e.g., a module, communication module, circuit or chip responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core), chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device's functions. The communication method includes: determining a secondary synchronization signal based on one or more of a cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmissions of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal; and transmitting the secondary synchronization signal.

[0026] In one possible design, the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal can be a radio frame within a TDD frame period, with the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the downlink subframe of that radio frame. Optionally, the TDD frame period corresponds to a 90ms period, and each consecutive 10ms segment within the 90ms period constitutes a radio frame. A radio frame includes 10 subframes, with each subframe corresponding to 1ms. A radio frame includes at least one type of subframe: downlink subframe, special subframe, and uplink subframe. Optionally, when the number of downlink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called a downlink radio frame; when the number of uplink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called an uplink radio frame.

[0027] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and the secondary synchronization signal is not determined based on the first frame number. Optionally, only one secondary synchronization signal is included in a TDD frame period.

[0028] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number. Optionally, a TDD frame period may include multiple secondary synchronization signals.

[0029] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0030] Where A is a constant, and n f Let A be the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in a TDD frame period.

[0031] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0032] Wherein, B is a constant, and n f Here, B is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period.

[0033] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number. Optionally, repeated transmission of a sub-block of the primary information block occupies multiple consecutive TDD frame periods, and the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods include at least one secondary synchronization signal.

[0034] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0035] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Here, Y is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity.

[0036] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal... f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0037] In n f satisfy hour, or,

[0038] In n f satisfy: hour,

[0039] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Let C be the first frame number, and let C be a constant. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity. C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

[0040] In one possible design, the above method further includes: sending the main information block (MIB).

[0041] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which may be referred to as a first communication device. The first communication device may be a terminal device, or a device, module, or chip within the terminal device, or a device compatible with the terminal device. In one design, the first communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the first communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, the communication module including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Optionally, the communication module may also be described as a transceiver module or transceiver unit, and the processing module may also be described as a processing unit. Optionally, when the first communication device is a chip within a terminal device, the communication module may also be described as an input / output circuit or communication interface for performing input operations (corresponding to receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to transmitting operations); the processing module may also be described as a processor, such as an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0042] A communication module is used to receive a secondary synchronization signal, which is determined based on one or more of a cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal.

[0043] The processing module is used to perform synchronization based on the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0044] In one possible design, the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal can be a radio frame within a TDD frame period, with the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the downlink subframe of that radio frame. Optionally, the TDD frame period corresponds to a 90ms period, and each consecutive 10ms segment within the 90ms period constitutes a radio frame. A radio frame includes 10 subframes, with each subframe corresponding to 1ms. A radio frame includes at least one type of subframe: downlink subframe, special subframe, and uplink subframe. Optionally, when the number of downlink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called a downlink radio frame; when the number of uplink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called an uplink radio frame.

[0045] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and the secondary synchronization signal is not determined based on the first frame number. Optionally, only one secondary synchronization signal is included in a TDD frame period.

[0046] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number. Optionally, a TDD frame period may include multiple secondary synchronization signals.

[0047] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0048] Where A is a constant, and n f Let A be the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in a TDD frame period.

[0049] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0050] Wherein, B is a constant, and n f Here, B is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period.

[0051] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number. Optionally, repeated transmission of a sub-block of the primary information block occupies multiple consecutive TDD frame periods, and the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods include at least one secondary synchronization signal.

[0052] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0053] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Here, Y is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity.

[0054] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal... f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0055] In n f satisfy hour, or,

[0056] In n f satisfy: hour,

[0057] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Let C be the first frame number, and let C be a constant. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity. C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

[0058] In one possible design, the above method further includes receiving the main information block (MIB) after synchronization according to the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0059] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which may be referred to as a second communication device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a device, module, or chip within a network device, or a device compatible with a network device. In one design, the second communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. In one design, the second communication device may include a processing module and a communication module, the communication module including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. Optionally, the communication module may also be described as a transceiver module or transceiver unit, and the processing module may also be described as a processing unit. Optionally, when the first communication device is a chip in a terminal device, the communication module may also be described as an input / output circuit or communication interface for performing input operations (corresponding to receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to transmitting operations); the processing module may also be described as a processor, such as an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0060] The processing module is configured to determine a secondary synchronization signal based on one or more of the cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal.

[0061] The communication module is used to send the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0062] In one possible design, the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal can be a radio frame within a TDD frame period, with the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the downlink subframe of that radio frame. Optionally, the TDD frame period corresponds to a 90ms period, and each consecutive 10ms segment within the 90ms period constitutes a radio frame. A radio frame includes 10 subframes, with each subframe corresponding to 1ms. A radio frame includes at least one type of subframe: downlink subframe, special subframe, and uplink subframe. Optionally, when the number of downlink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called a downlink radio frame; when the number of uplink subframes in a radio frame is greater than 5, the radio frame can be called an uplink radio frame.

[0063] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and the secondary synchronization signal is not determined based on the first frame number. Optionally, only one secondary synchronization signal is included in a TDD frame period.

[0064] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number. Optionally, a TDD frame period may include multiple secondary synchronization signals.

[0065] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0066] Where A is a constant, and n f Let A be the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in a TDD frame period.

[0067] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0068] Wherein, B is a constant, and n f Here, B is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period.

[0069] In one possible design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number. Optionally, repeated transmission of a sub-block of the primary information block occupies multiple consecutive TDD frame periods, and the multiple consecutive TDD frame periods include at least one secondary synchronization signal.

[0070] In one possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0071] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Here, Y is the first frame number, and mod represents the modulo operator. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity.

[0072] In another possible implementation of this design, the parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal... f The following relationship must be satisfied:

[0073] In n f satisfy hour, or,

[0074] In n f satisfy: hour,

[0075] Wherein, Y is a constant, and n f Let C be the first frame number, and let C be a constant. Optionally, Y is equal to the first quantity. C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

[0076] In one possible design, the communication module is also used to send the main information block (MIB).

[0077] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and when the device is running, the at least one processor executes the computer programs or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods as described in the first aspect or embodiments of the first aspect above, or to perform the methods as described in the second aspect or embodiments of the second aspect above.

[0078] In a sixth aspect, this application provides another communication device, comprising: a logic circuit and an input / output interface; wherein the input / output interface can be understood as an interface circuit, and the logic circuit can be used to run code instructions to perform the methods of the first aspect or embodiments thereof, or to perform the methods of the second aspect or embodiments thereof.

[0079] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or to perform a method as described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0080] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect or embodiments of the first aspect, or to perform the methods described in the second aspect or embodiments of the second aspect.

[0081] Ninthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or performing the methods described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0082] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a terminal device and a satellite, the communication system being configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, or to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0083] For the technical effects that can be achieved by the second to tenth aspects mentioned above, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the first aspect or the corresponding possible design scheme in the first aspect. This application will not repeat them here. Attached Figure Description

[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the transmission of synchronization signals in an FDD mode;

[0085] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system;

[0086] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a non-terrestrial communication system;

[0087] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G satellite communication system;

[0088] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the wireless frame distribution in a TDD frame period;

[0089] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 7 is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signals in the TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 8A is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signal in TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0092] Figure 8B is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signals in the TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0093] Figure 9 is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signals in the TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0094] Figure 10 is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signal in TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0095] Figure 11A is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signals in the TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0096] Figure 11B is one of the schematic diagrams of the transmission of synchronization signals in the TDD mode provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0097] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 13 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0099] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] The at least one item mentioned in the embodiments of this application refers to one or more items. Multiple items refer to two...

[0101] (Item) or two (items). "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe objects in the embodiments of this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the objects from each other.

[0102] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It should be noted that in embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any method or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in embodiments of this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0103] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various wireless communication systems, such as: 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, future evolution communication systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), internet of things (IoT) communication, narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) communication, or other communication scenarios. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems. The NTN system can be an NTN system integrated with 4G, 5G, and any future generation of communication systems, such as NR-NTN, IoT-NTN, etc. The NTN communication system can be, for example, a satellite communication system, and can also include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and other aerial access network equipment; this application does not limit this.

[0104] In a communication system, a network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "network element" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc. This application describes the concept of a network element. For example, a communication system may include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device. Furthermore, it is understood that if the communication system includes multiple terminal devices, these devices can also exchange signals; that is, both the sending network element and the receiving network element can be terminal devices.

[0105] Referring to Figure 2, which is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, the wireless communication system includes a wireless access network 100. The wireless access network 100 can be a future wireless access network or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) wireless access network. One or more communication devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) within the wireless access network 100. Optionally, Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram; the wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 2.

[0106] Optionally, in practical applications, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices (also known as access network devices) or multiple communication devices simultaneously. A network device may serve one or more communication devices simultaneously. A communication device may also access one or more network devices simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit the number of communication devices and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0107] In this context, a network device can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. A network device can also be an access device that allows communication devices to wirelessly connect to the wireless communication system; for example, a network device can be a base station. Base stations can broadly encompass various names like those listed below, or be interchangeable with them, such as: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), access network equipment in an open radio access network (O-RAN), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master MeNB, auxiliary SeNB, multi-mode radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, radio node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) node, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) node, positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entity, or a combination thereof. Network equipment can also refer to communication modules, modems, or chips installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. Network equipment can be a satellite (or satellite base station) or a high altitude platform station (HAPS), or base station equipment mounted on a satellite / HAPS. The satellite can include at least one of the following: a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite or a non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellite. A non-geostationary earth orbit satellite can include at least one of the following: a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite. There are no limitations here. Network equipment can also be a gateway station (or ground station, earth station, signaling station, gateway, or gateway station).Network equipment can also be mobile switching centers, devices that function as base stations in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, network-side equipment in future networks, and devices that function as base stations in future communication systems. Network equipment can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments in this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0108] Network equipment can be fixed or mobile. For example, base stations 110a and 110b are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception in one or more cells from communication equipment 120. The helicopter or drone 120i shown in Figure 2 can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station 120i. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120i) can be configured as a communication device to communicate with base station 110b.

[0109] In this embodiment, the communication device used to implement the above-mentioned network access function can be a network device, a network device with partial network access function, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of network access function, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in a network device or used in conjunction with a network device. In the method of this embodiment, the example described is a network device used to implement the network device function.

[0110] Communication equipment can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. Communication equipment can be used to connect people, objects, and machines. Communication equipment can communicate with one or more core networks via network devices. Communication equipment can also be a communication module with satellite communication capabilities, a satellite phone or its components, or a satellite communication terminal, such as a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) (commonly referred to as a VSAT terminal), a portable station, a fixed station, a vehicle-mounted or airborne satellite communication terminal, etc. It should be understood that a satellite communication terminal can act as a micro base station to further provide data interfaces to accessed user equipment. Communication equipment includes handheld devices with wireless connectivity, other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, or vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Communication equipment can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Communication equipment 120 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), end-to-end (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.Examples of communication equipment 120 include: 3GPP standard user equipment (UE), fixed equipment, mobile equipment, handheld devices, wearable devices, cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers, smart books, vehicles, satellites, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, target tracking devices, drones, helicopters, aircraft, ships, remote control devices, smart home devices, industrial equipment, personal communication service (PCS) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, tablets, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smartwatches, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, wireless terminals in self-driving systems, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, and smart city applications. Wireless terminals in cities include smart gas pumps, terminal devices on high-speed trains, and wireless terminals in smart homes, such as smart speakers, smart coffee machines, and smart printers. Communication equipment 120 can be wireless devices in the above scenarios or devices used to install on wireless devices, such as communication modules, modems, or chips in the aforementioned devices. Communication equipment can also be called a terminal, terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. Communication equipment can also be communication equipment in future wireless communication systems. Communication equipment can be used in dedicated network equipment or general-purpose equipment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific equipment form used in the communication equipment.

[0111] Optionally, the communication device can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signals between UEs in V2X, D2D, or P2P, etc. As shown in Figure 2, cellular phone 120a and car 120b communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phone 120a communicates with smart home device 120e without relaying communication signals through base station 110b.

[0112] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of the communication device can be a terminal device, or a terminal device having some of the functions of the above-mentioned communication device, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the functions of the above-mentioned communication device, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the communication device is described as a terminal device or UE.

[0113] Based on the description of the terrestrial communication system architecture shown in Figure 2, an example of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application is provided. NTN includes nodes such as satellite networks, high-altitude platforms, and drones, and has significant advantages such as global coverage, long-distance transmission, flexible networking, convenient deployment, and no geographical limitations. It has been widely used in various fields such as maritime communication, positioning and navigation, disaster relief, scientific experiments, video broadcasting, and Earth observation. Terrestrial 5G networks and satellite networks are integrated, complementing each other's strengths, to jointly form a globally seamless, integrated sea, land, air, space, and ground communication network, meeting users' ubiquitous and diverse service needs. In the embodiments of this application, NTN communication is exemplified by satellite communication, or more specifically, the NTN communication system is exemplified by a satellite system. NTN communication includes IoT-NTN and NR-NTN. IoT-NTN mainly supports satellite IoT services for low-complexity eMTC and NB-IoT terminals; NR-NTN utilizes 5G NR to achieve direct connection between satellites and smart terminals.

[0114] As shown in Figure 3, the NTN communication system includes a satellite 201 and a terminal device 202. The explanation of the terminal device 202 can be found in the descriptions of terminal devices 101 to 106 above. The satellite 201 can also be referred to as a high-altitude platform, a high-altitude aircraft, or a satellite base station. In relation to the NTN communication system and the terrestrial network communication system, the satellite 201 can be considered as one or more network devices in the terrestrial network communication system architecture. The satellite 201 provides communication services to the terminal device 202, and the satellite 201 can also connect to core network equipment. The structure and functions of the network device 201 can also be found in the description of the network device 201 above. The communication method between the satellite 201 and the terminal device 202 can also be found in the description in Figure 2 above. Further details are omitted here. The solutions in this embodiment can also be directly applied to terrestrial communication networks, or with slight modifications as conceived by those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0115] Taking 5G as an example, a 5G satellite communication system architecture is shown in Figure 4. Ground terminal equipment accesses the network through the 5G New Radio interface, while 5G base stations are deployed on satellites and connected to the ground core network via wireless links. Simultaneously, wireless links exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. The devices and interfaces in Figure 4 are described below:

[0116] 5G Core Network: This network handles user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing, and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Function (UPF) network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0117] Ground station: Responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations and the 5G core network.

[0118] 5G New Radio: The wireless link between a terminal and a base station.

[0119] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0120] NG interface: The interface between 5G base stations and 5G core networks, mainly used for exchanging signaling such as NAS of the core network and user service data.

[0121] The technical terms used in the embodiments of this application are explained below. These explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0122] (1) TDD frame period

[0123] The NTN system supports two frame structures: Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structures. The TDD frame structure is shown in Table 1. A TDD frame can be understood as a radio frame, with a length of 10ms and a total of 10 subframes, each 1ms long. Further, these 10 subframes include special subframes and ordinary subframes. Special subframes can also be described as GP subframes, divided into three time slots: downlink pilot slot (DwPTS), guard period (GP), and uplink pilot slot (UpPTS). Ordinary subframes are further divided into uplink subframes (UL subframes) and downlink subframes (DL subframes). Uplink subframes are used to transmit uplink control signaling and service data, while downlink subframes are used to transmit downlink control signaling and service data. In Table 1, D represents a downlink subframe, U represents an uplink subframe, and S represents a special subframe.

[0124] Table 1

[0125] Optionally, if the number of downlink subframes in a radio frame's 10 subframes is greater than 5, the radio frame can be understood as a downlink radio frame. In special cases, all 10 subframes in a downlink radio frame are downlink subframes. Correspondingly, if the number of uplink subframes in a radio frame's 10 subframes is greater than 5, the radio frame can be understood as an uplink radio frame. In special cases, all 10 subframes in an uplink radio frame are uplink subframes.

[0126] In one possible implementation, a TDD frame cycle in IoT-NTN includes 9 radio frames, and the duration of a TDD frame cycle is 90ms. The radio frames in a TDD frame cycle are divided into downlink radio frames (or DL ​​frames), guard interval frames (GP frames), or uplink radio frames (UL frames). For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), a TDD frame cycle includes 1 DL frame, 7 GP frames, and 1 UL frame; and as shown in Figure 5(b), a TDD frame cycle includes 3 DL frames, 3 GP frames, and 3 UL frames. Furthermore, the number of DL frames, GP frames, and UL frames in a TDD frame cycle can also be (4, 3, 2), (5, 3, 1), or other values, which are not limited in this embodiment. In one possible implementation, a DL frame in a TDD frame cycle includes 8 DL subframes and 2 GP subframes, a UL frame in a TDD frame cycle includes 8 UL subframes and 2 GP subframes, and a GP frame in a TDD frame cycle includes 10 GP subframes.

[0127] In another possible implementation, one TDD frame period in IoT-NTN corresponds to 90ms, and one subframe corresponds to 1ms. That is, one TDD frame period includes 90 subframes, namely DL subframes, GP subframes, and UL subframes. Every 10 consecutive subframes within a TDD frame period constitute a radio frame, and one radio frame corresponds to 10ms. The TDD frame period includes 9 radio frames. For example, one TDD frame period includes 8 DL subframes, 74 GP subframes, and 8 UL subframes.

[0128] (2) Synchronization signal

[0129] Synchronization signals are divided into primary synchronization signals (PSS) and secondary synchronization signals (SSS). In NB-IoT, PSS can be called narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS), and SSS can be called narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS). NPSS and NSSS are used to obtain downlink synchronization between the UE and the NB-IoT network.

[0130] Currently, in NB-IoT FDD systems, NPSS and NSSS are transmitted in specific subframes based on an 80ms (i.e., 8 radio frames) repetition interval. As shown in Figure 1, the 8 radio frames corresponding to the 80ms period are numbered from 0 to 7, and the 10 subframes of a radio frame are numbered from 0 to 9. NPSS can be transmitted on subframe 5 of each radio frame, and NSSS is transmitted on the last subframe (i.e., subframe 9) of even-numbered radio frames (referred to as even-numbered frames). Even-numbered frames include radio frames 0, 2, 4, and 6. The NSSS sequences transmitted on different even-numbered frames within the 80ms interval are different. By detecting NPSS and NSSS, the UE can calculate the cell identifier, the 10ms frame boundary, and the 80ms frame boundary to achieve downlink synchronization between the UE and the network. After obtaining downlink synchronization, it receives system information, such as the master information block (MIB) and the system information block (SIB).

[0131] The sequences corresponding to NSSS satisfy the following relationship:

[0132] in,

[0133] d(n) represents the element with index n in the sequence corresponding to the secondary synchronization signal. For example, if the length of the sequence corresponding to the secondary synchronization signal is 132, the value of n ranges from 0 to 131, or it can be described as n = 0, 1, ..., 131; n′ = n mod 131. q (m) represents the element with index m in the orthogonal sequence determined by q; where, This represents the cell identifier. For example, if there are 504 cells in total, the cell identifier's value ranges from 0 to 503 (integers). The length of the orthogonal sequence is 2. k , and 2 k Approaching the maximum value of the sequence length of the auxiliary synchronization signal, for example, when the maximum value of the sequence length of the auxiliary synchronization signal is 132, k = 6, and the length of the orthogonal sequence is 128; m = n mod 128.

[0134] The MIB is divided into 8 sub-blocks, which can also be referred to as MIB sub-blocks. Each sub-block occupies 80ms and is repeatedly transmitted on subframe 0 of the 8 radio frames corresponding to 80ms. Based on this, Figure 5 illustrates 8 80ms cycles, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the repeated transmission of the 8 sub-blocks.

[0135] Accordingly, for the UE to receive the entire MIB, the following operations are required: First, blind detection of the NPSS determines the frame boundary of 10ms (i.e., one radio frame); then, based on the design that the NSSS exists in the last subframe of even-numbered frames and that the four NSSS belong to an 80ms period, the UE can detect one of the NSSS to determine the 80ms frame boundary (i.e., one row in Figure 1); finally, since the MIB-NB is divided into 8 sub-blocks, and each sub-block is repeated 8 times in subframe 0 of consecutive radio frames, the UE needs to continuously receive 640ms (8×80ms) of information to receive the entire MIB.

[0136] For NB-IoT TDD systems, satellites need to skip the resources occupied by GP and UL frames, and can only transmit NPSS, NSSS, and MIB on DL frames. The repeated transmission of MIB sub-blocks can be achieved within one or more TDD frame cycles. Within a single radio frame (10ms cycle), there is no impact; the UE can still determine the 10ms frame boundary by normally obtaining NPSS. However, according to the design of FDD systems, NSSS is transmitted on even-numbered frames (80ms). Applying this design to the DL frame (90ms) of the TDD frame cycle results in some NSSS being unable to be transmitted. The UE cannot determine the 90ms frame boundary by obtaining NSSS, leading to UE synchronization errors, inability to receive complete MIB information, and thus, inability to access the network.

[0137] Based on this, this application provides a communication method that designs a new configuration and generation method for NSSS and MIB for TDD frame period configuration, so that the network can transmit NSSS and MIB normally when TDD mode is introduced in IoT-NTN, thereby ensuring normal synchronization and access of UE.

[0138] Figure 6 illustrates a communication method, which is mainly described using the interaction process between a first communication device and a second communication device as an example. It can be understood that the first communication device is a receiving device or receiving end, and the second communication device is a transmitting device or transmitting end. The first communication device is applied to a terminal device, and the second communication device is applied to a network device. For example, the first communication device can be a terminal device, or a device, module, or chip within a terminal device, or a device compatible with a terminal device. The second communication device can be a network device, or a device, module, or chip within a network device, or a device compatible with a network device.

[0139] The terminal equipment and network equipment can be network elements in the aforementioned wireless communication system, such as terminal equipment and satellites in NTN, or terminal equipment and satellites in the IoT-NTN scenario supported by NTN. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0140] The implementation steps of this method are described in detail below.

[0141] S601, the second communication device determines the auxiliary synchronization signal based on one or more of the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number.

[0142] Wherein, the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal. Optionally, the cell identifier is used for the cell for information transmission and reception; for example, the network transmits information through the cell indicated by the cell identifier, and the terminal device receives information through the cell indicated by the cell identifier.

[0143] In Design 1, the secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and not on the first frame number; or it can be understood that in this design, the secondary synchronization signal is determined only based on the cell identifier.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the auxiliary synchronization signal (or the sequence corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal) satisfies the following relationship (1):

[0145] Where d(n) represents the element with index n in the sequence corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal. For example, if the length of the sequence corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal is 132, the value of n ranges from 0 to 131, or can be described as n = 0, 1, ..., 131; n′ = n mod 131. q (m) represents the element with index m in the orthogonal sequence determined by q; where, This represents the cell identifier. For example, if there are 504 cells in total, the cell identifier's value ranges from 0 to 503 (integers). The length of the orthogonal sequence is 2. k , and 2 k Approaching the maximum value of the sequence length of the auxiliary synchronization signal, for example, when the maximum value of the sequence length of the auxiliary synchronization signal is 132, k = 6, and the length of the orthogonal sequence is 128; m = n mod 128.

[0146] This design can be applied to scenarios where a TDD frame cycle includes only one downlink radio frame (DL frame), and the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is the downlink radio frame in a TDD frame cycle. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first radio frame in each TDD frame cycle (90ms) is the downlink radio frame, and the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted on the last subframe (i.e., subframe 9) of this first radio frame. Figure 7 also shows that the primary synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first radio frame in the TDD frame cycle according to existing technology.

[0147] Furthermore, this design also addresses the scenario where repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies one TDD frame period, as illustrated in Figure 7, which represents eight TDD frame periods. These eight TDD frame periods correspond one-to-one with the eight sub-blocks divided from the main information block. Taking sub-block 1 as an example, the resource locations occupied by sub-block 1 are indicated by black patterns in Figure 7. Sub-block 1 can be repeatedly transmitted on all subframes except for subframes 5 and 9 within the first radio frame of the first TDD frame period.

[0148] Understandably, compared to the NSSS configuration in FDD, Design 1 changes the resource location occupied by NSSS and the relational formula for generating NSSS sequences.

[0149] In Design 2, the auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the auxiliary synchronization signal (or the sequence corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal) satisfies the following relationship (2):

[0151] Among them, the parameters d(n), n, n′, b in relation (2) q(m), q, m, and u can be understood by referring to the description in relation (1), and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. The parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal is described below. f An example will be provided. Optional, parameter θ f This can be understood as a cyclic shift corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal, or other names, but the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0152] Example 2-1, in relation (2) Wherein, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in one TDD frame period. For example, when the number of downlink radio frames in one TDD frame period is 3, A = 3. n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

[0153] Example 2-1 of Design 2 can be applied to scenarios where a TDD frame period includes multiple downlink radio frames (DL frames), and the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is any downlink radio frame in a TDD frame period. For example, Figures 8A and 8B both illustrate 8 TDD frame periods (90ms). The first 3 radio frames in each TDD frame period (90ms) are downlink radio frames. According to the design of the FDD system, the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) occupies the even-numbered frames in every 80ms period. Mapped to the TDD frame period, the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) may be transmitted on one or more radio frames in the first 3 radio frames of a TDD frame period.

[0154] For example, the first TDD frame period corresponds to a complete 80ms period plus a 10ms period. The first three radio frames in the first TDD frame period correspond to the first three radio frames within the 80ms period. Mapped to the first TDD frame period, the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted in the first and third radio frames of the first TDD frame period. Furthermore, as examples, Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate that the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted on subframe 9 of the first radio frame and subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the first TDD frame period.

[0155] For example, the first three radio frames in the second TDD frame period correspond to radio frames 1-3 within an 80ms period. Mapped to the first TDD frame period, the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted in the second radio frame of the second TDD frame period. Furthermore, as examples, Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate that the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted on subframe 9 of the second radio frame in the second TDD frame period.

[0156] For ease of distinction, in the above example, the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the first radio frame within the TDD frame period can be denoted as NSSS1, the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the second radio frame can be denoted as NSSS2, and the secondary synchronization signal transmitted on the third radio frame can be denoted as NSSS3.

[0157] Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate that the main synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first three radio frames in the TDD frame period according to existing technology.

[0158] Optionally, as illustrated in Figure 8A, this design also corresponds to a scenario where the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies one TDD frame period. Figure 8A illustrates eight TDD frame periods, which correspond one-to-one with the eight sub-blocks divided by the main information block. Taking sub-block 1 as an example, sub-block 1 can be repeatedly transmitted on all subframes except subframes 5 and 9 in the first three radio frames of the first TDD frame period. As an example, Figure 8A illustrates that sub-block 1 is repeatedly transmitted on subframe 0 of the first three radio frames in the first TDD frame period.

[0159] As illustrated in Figure 8B, this design also corresponds to a scenario where the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies two TDD frame cycles. Figure 8B shows eight TDD frame cycles and four sub-blocks of the main information block. Taking sub-block 1 as an example, sub-block 1 can be repeatedly transmitted on subframes other than subframes 5 and 9 in the first three radio frames of the first TDD frame cycle, and on subframes other than subframes 5 and 9 in the first three radio frames of the second TDD frame cycle. As an example, Figure 8B shows sub-block 1 being repeatedly transmitted on subframe 0 of the first three radio frames of the first TDD frame cycle and subframe 0 of the first three radio frames of the second TDD frame cycle.

[0160] Furthermore, it is understandable that, relative to the NSSS configuration in FDD, Example 2-1 of Design 2 does not change the resource location occupied by NSSS but changes the parameter θ used to generate the NSSS sequence. f Similar to Example 2-1, in one possible implementation, the resource locations occupied by NSSS can be left unchanged. Instead, additional cyclic shift coefficients can be added to the relational expression used to generate the NSSS sequence in the FDD. These cyclic shift coefficients are used to map the resource locations of NSSS within an 80ms period to resource locations within a 90ms period.

[0161] Example 2-2, in relation (2) Wherein, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period. For example, when the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period is 2, B = 2. The n fThe first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

[0162] Example 2-2 of this design 2 can be applied to scenarios where a TDD frame cycle includes multiple downlink radio frames (DL frames). For example, the first 3 radio frames or the first 4 radio frames in a TDD frame cycle are downlink radio frames. The radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal can be the first and third radio frames in a TDD frame cycle.

[0163] For example, Figure 9 illustrates eight TDD frame periods (90ms). In each TDD frame period, the first three radio frames are downlink radio frames. The auxiliary synchronization signal can be transmitted on the first and third radio frames of these first three radio frames. The auxiliary synchronization signal transmitted in the first radio frame is denoted as NSSS1, and the auxiliary synchronization signal transmitted in the third radio frame is denoted as NSSS2. Further, as an example in Figure 9, NSSS1 is transmitted on subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the TDD frame period, and NSSS2 is transmitted on subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the TDD frame period.

[0164] Figure 9 also illustrates that the main synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first three radio frames in the TDD frame period according to existing technology.

[0165] Furthermore, this design also addresses scenarios where the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies one TDD frame period, as illustrated in Figure 9, which represents eight TDD frame periods. These eight TDD frame periods correspond one-to-one with the eight sub-blocks divided within the main information block. Taking sub-block 1 as an example, sub-block 1 can be repeatedly transmitted on all subframes except subframes 5 and 9 within the first three radio frames of the first TDD frame period. Figure 9 illustrates, as an example, that sub-block 1 is repeatedly transmitted on subframe 0 within the first three radio frames of the first TDD frame period.

[0166] Understandably, compared to the NSSS configuration in FDD, Example 2-2 of Design 2 changes the resource location occupied by NSSS and the parameter θ used to generate NSSS sequences. f In a specific example, where two radio frames are downlink radio frames within a TDD frame period, the secondary synchronization signal can be transmitted on the first of the two radio frames, θ. f =0.

[0167] Design 3: The auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the auxiliary synchronization signal (or the sequence corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal) satisfies the following relationship (3):

[0169] Among them, the parameters d(n), n, n′, b in relation (3) q (m), q, m, and u can be understood by referring to the description in relation (1), and will not be repeated in the embodiments of this application. The parameter θ used to generate the auxiliary synchronization signal is described below. f An example will be provided. Optional, parameter θ f This can be understood as a cyclic shift corresponding to the auxiliary synchronization signal, or other names, but the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0170] Example 3-1, in relation (3) Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity; for example, when the first quantity is 2, Y = 2. The n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

[0171] Example 3-1 of Design 3 corresponds to a scenario where repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies multiple TDD frame cycles, and each TDD frame cycle includes only one downlink radio frame. The radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is the downlink radio frame in one TDD frame cycle. As shown in Figure 10, there are 8 TDD frame cycles. The first radio frame in each TDD frame cycle (90ms) is the downlink radio frame. The secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted on the last subframe (i.e., subframe 9) of the first radio frame. The primary synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first radio frame in the TDD frame cycle according to existing technology. Figure 10 also shows the 4 sub-blocks of the main information block. Taking sub-block 1 as an example, the resource locations occupied by sub-block 1 are indicated by black patterns in Figure 10. Sub-block 1 can be repeatedly transmitted on all subframes except subframes 5 and 9 in the first radio frame of two consecutive TDD frame cycles.

[0172] Understandably, compared to the NSSS configuration in FDD, Example 3-1 of Design 3 changes the resource location occupied by NSSS and the parameter θ used to generate NSSS sequences. f .

[0173] Example 3-2: θ in relation (3) f The following relationship (3-2) must be satisfied:

[0174] Alternatively, this relation (3-2) can also be understood as: in n f satisfy hour, Or, in n f satisfy: hour, Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity. n fThe first frame number is denoted by C. C equals the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

[0175] Example 3-2 of this design 3 can be applied to scenarios where repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies multiple TDD frame cycles, and each TDD frame cycle includes multiple downlink radio frames (DL frames).

[0176] For example, the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies 3 TDD frame periods. The first 3 radio frames in a TDD frame period are downlink radio frames, meaning that the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies 9 downlink radio frames in 3 TDD frame periods. Since the first quantity is 3, then Y = 3 and C = 5. Substituting Y = 3 and C = 5 into relation (3-2), relation (3-2) can be replaced by the following relation (3-21):

[0177] For ease of understanding, Figure 11A illustrates the multiple sub-blocks of the main information block, the secondary synchronization signal, and the resource locations occupied by the main synchronization signal. Taking sub-block 1 of the main information block as an example: the repeated transmission of sub-block 1 occupies at least subframe 0 of the first 3 radio frames in each TDD frame period, which includes 3 TDD frame periods. The secondary synchronization signal occupies 5 downlink radio frames out of the 9 downlink radio frames in 3 TDD frame periods. For example, Figure 11A shows NSSS1 transmitted on subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the first TDD frame period, NSSS2 transmitted on subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the first TDD frame period, NSSS3 transmitted on subframe 9 of the second radio frame in the second TDD frame period, NSSS4 transmitted on subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the third TDD frame period, and NSSS5 transmitted on subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the third TDD frame period. The main synchronization signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first 3 radio frames in each TDD frame period.

[0178] It is understandable that, in any downlink radio frame within a TDD frame period, the sub-blocks of the main information block can be repeatedly transmitted on all sub-frames of that downlink radio frame except for the sub-frames occupied by NPSS (such as sub-frame 5) and the sub-frames occupied by NSSS (such as sub-frame 9).

[0179] Compared to the NSSS configuration in FDD, the above relationship (3-21) changes the resource location occupied by NSSS and the parameter θ used to generate NSSS sequences. f .

[0180] For example, the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies 4 TDD frame periods. The first 3 radio frames in a TDD frame period are downlink radio frames. That is, the 4 TDD frame periods occupied by the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block include 12 downlink radio frames. Since the first quantity is 4, then Y = 4 and C = 6. Substituting Y = 4 and C = 6 into relation (3-2), relation (3-2) can be replaced by the following relation (3-22):

[0181] For ease of understanding, Figure 11B illustrates the multiple sub-blocks of the main information block, the secondary synchronization signal, and the resource locations occupied by the main synchronization signal. Taking sub-block 1 of the main information block as an example: the repeated transmission of sub-block 1 occupies at least subframe 0 of the first 3 radio frames in each of the 4 TDD frame periods. According to the design of the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) in the FDD system, which occupies even-numbered frames in every 80ms period, mapped to 4 TDD frame periods, the secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) can be transmitted on 6 of the 12 downlink radio frames included in the 4 TDD frame periods. For example, Figure 11B illustrates the transmission of NSSS1 on subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the first TDD frame period, NSSS2 on subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the first TDD frame period, NSSS3 on subframe 9 of the second radio frame in the second TDD frame period, NSSS4 on subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the third TDD frame period, NSSS5 on subframe 9 of the third radio frame in the third TDD frame period, and NSSS6 on subframe 9 of the second radio frame in the fourth TDD frame period. The Primary Synchronization Signal (NPSS) is transmitted on subframe 5 of the first three radio frames in each TDD frame period.

[0182] It is understandable that, in any downlink radio frame within a TDD frame period, the sub-blocks of the main information block can be repeatedly transmitted on all sub-frames of that downlink radio frame except for the sub-frames occupied by NPSS (such as sub-frame 5) and the sub-frames occupied by NSSS (such as sub-frame 9).

[0183] Compared to the NSSS configuration in FDD, the above relationship (3-22) does not change the resource location occupied by NSSS, but it changes the parameter θ used to generate the NSSS sequence. f .

[0184] S602, the second communication device sends an auxiliary synchronization signal to the first communication device, and the first communication device receives the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0185] For example, corresponding to different designs in S601, the second communication device transmits an auxiliary synchronization signal on a specific subframe (e.g., subframe 9 or other downlink subframes) of the downlink radio frame in one or more TDD frame periods. Specific implementations can be understood with reference to the descriptions of designs 1 to 3 in S601, and will not be elaborated upon in this application embodiment.

[0186] Accordingly, the first communication device can receive the secondary synchronization signal at the corresponding resource location through blind detection. For example, the first communication device can blindly detect the secondary synchronization signal in the following way: the first communication device first receives the primary synchronization signal, and based on the design that the primary synchronization signal occupies a subframe 5 of a radio frame, determines the radio frame containing the primary synchronization signal, and then blindly detects the secondary synchronization signal on a specific subframe (such as subframe 9) of the radio frame containing the primary synchronization signal.

[0187] S603, the first communication device synchronizes according to the auxiliary synchronization signal.

[0188] For example, corresponding to design 1 in S601, subframe 9 of the first radio frame in a TDD frame cycle is used to transmit an auxiliary synchronization signal. The first communication device can determine the resource location occupied by the auxiliary synchronization signal as subframe 9 of the first radio frame in the TDD frame cycle (90ms cycle) based on the received auxiliary synchronization signal, thereby determining the frame boundary of the TDD frame cycle. For example, the TDD frame cycle includes 9 radio frames starting with the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal. For example, if the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is 0, then the starting frame of a TDD frame cycle is radio frame 0 and the ending frame is radio frame 8; the starting frame of the next TDD frame cycle is radio frame 9 and the ending frame is 17; and so on, thereby realizing time synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0189] For example, corresponding to Example 2-1 of Design 2 in S601, in a TDD frame period, at least one subframe 9 of the first three radio frames is used to transmit a secondary synchronization signal. The secondary synchronization signals on the three radio frames are denoted as NSSS1, NSSS2, and NSSS3, respectively. The first communication device can determine the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal and which radio frame in the TDD frame period the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is based on the received secondary synchronization signal, thereby determining the frame boundary of the TDD frame period. For example, as illustrated in Figure 8A or Figure 8B, if the first communication device receives NSSS3, it can determine that the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is the third radio frame within the TDD frame period. Based on the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal, it can deduce the frame boundary of the TDD frame period. For instance, if the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is 2, then the starting frame of a TDD frame period is radio frame 0 and the ending frame is radio frame 8; the starting frame of the next TDD frame period is radio frame 9 and the ending frame is 17; and so on, thereby achieving time synchronization between the first and second communication devices.

[0190] For example, corresponding to Example 2-2 of Design 2 in S601, in a TDD frame period, subframe 9 of the first radio frame and subframe 9 of the third radio frame are used to transmit auxiliary synchronization signals. The auxiliary synchronization signal on the first radio frame is denoted as NSSS1, and the auxiliary synchronization signal on the third radio frame is denoted as NSSS2. The first communication device can determine the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal and which radio frame in the TDD frame period the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is based on the received auxiliary synchronization signal, thereby determining the frame boundary of the TDD frame period. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the first communication device receives NSSS2, it can determine that the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is the third radio frame in the TDD frame period. Then, based on the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal, it can deduce the frame boundary of the TDD frame period. For example, if the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal is 2, then the starting frame of a TDD frame period is radio frame 0 and the ending frame is radio frame 8; the starting frame of the next TDD frame period is radio frame 9 and the ending frame is 17; and so on, thereby achieving time synchronization between the first and second communication devices.

[0191] For example, corresponding to Example 3-1 of Design 3 in S601, subframe 9 of the first radio frame in multiple TDD frame cycles is used to transmit auxiliary synchronization signals. The first communication device can determine, based on the received auxiliary synchronization signals, which TDD frame cycle's first radio frame subframe 9 is in, and thus determine the frame boundaries of the multiple TDD frame cycles. For example, Figure 10 illustrates that the repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block occupies 2 TDD frame cycles. Assuming the first communication device determines, based on the auxiliary synchronization signals, that the sub-block contains... The frame number of the auxiliary synchronization signal radio frame and the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal belong to the first TDD frame period within two TDD frame periods. If the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is 0, the first communication device can determine that the starting frame of the two TDD frame periods is radio frame 0 and the ending frame of the two TDD frame periods is radio frame 17. The repeated transmission of the next sub-block of the main information block occupies the period starting with radio frame 18 and ending with radio frame 35. And so on, thereby realizing time synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0192] For example, corresponding to Example 3-2 of Design 3 in S601, Figure 11A shows three consecutive TDD frame periods including five resource locations (i.e., subframes 9 on five radio frames) for transmitting secondary synchronization signals. The θ corresponding to the secondary synchronization signal at different resource locations... f The difference lies in the method used. The first communication device can determine the frame number of the radio frame occupied by the received secondary synchronization signal, thereby determining the frame boundary of the TDD frame period to which the radio frame belongs, and determining which TDD frame period out of three consecutive TDD frame periods to which the radio frame belongs, thus determining the frame boundary of those three consecutive TDD frame periods. For example, Figure 11A illustrates that the repeated transmission of a sub-block 1 of the main information block occupies three TDD frame periods, where the first three radio frames in each TDD frame period are downlink radio frames. Assume that the first communication device determines the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal based on the auxiliary synchronization signal, and that the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is the first radio frame in the first TDD frame period within three consecutive TDD frame periods. If the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is 0, then the first communication device can determine that the starting frame of the three consecutive TDD frame periods is radio frame 0, and the ending frame of the three consecutive TDD frame periods is radio frame 26. The repeated transmission of the next sub-block of the main information block occupies the period starting with radio frame 27 and ending with radio frame 53; and so on, thereby achieving time synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0193] For example, corresponding to Example 3-2 of Design 3 in S601, Figure 11B shows four consecutive TDD frame periods including six resource locations (i.e., subframes 9 on six radio frames) for transmitting secondary synchronization signals. The θ corresponding to the secondary synchronization signal at different resource locations... f The difference lies in the method used. The first communication device can determine the frame number of the radio frame occupied by the received secondary synchronization signal, thereby determining the frame boundary of the TDD frame period to which the radio frame belongs, and determining which TDD frame period out of four consecutive TDD frame periods to which the radio frame belongs, thus determining the frame boundary of those four consecutive TDD frame periods. For example, Figure 11B illustrates that the repeated transmission of a sub-block 1 of the main information block occupies four TDD frame periods, with the first three radio frames in each TDD frame period being downlink radio frames. Assume that the first communication device determines the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal based on the auxiliary synchronization signal, and that the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is the first radio frame in the first TDD frame period within four consecutive TDD frame periods. If the frame number of the radio frame containing the auxiliary synchronization signal is 0, then the first communication device can determine that the starting frame of the four consecutive TDD frame periods is radio frame 0, and the ending frame of the four consecutive TDD frame periods is radio frame 35. The repeated transmission of the next sub-block of the main information block occupies the period starting with radio frame 36 and ending with radio frame 71; and so on, thereby achieving time synchronization between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0194] S604, the second communication device sends a main information block to the first communication device, and the second communication device receives the main information block.

[0195] Corresponding to the description in S601, it can be understood that the second communication device transmits sub-blocks of the main information block, the main synchronization signal, and the auxiliary synchronization signal within the same radio frame. Specific implementation schemes for the second communication device to transmit the main information block to the first communication device can be found in various design interpretations in S601, and will not be elaborated upon in this application embodiment.

[0196] Accordingly, after synchronizing according to the auxiliary synchronization signal, the second communication device receives the main information block based on the resource positions occupied by the repeated transmission of sub-blocks of the main information block in different designs.

[0197] Corresponding to Design 1 in S601, the second communication device receives a sub-block of the main information block on the downlink subframes other than subframes 5 and 9 in the first radio frame of a TDD frame cycle. For example, Figure 7 illustrates that the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks. The second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving for 8 TDD frame cycles.

[0198] Corresponding to Example 2-1 or Example 2-2 of Design 2 in S601, the second communication device receives a sub-block of the main information block on the downlink subframes (excluding subframes 5 and 9) in the first three radio frames of a TDD frame cycle. For example, as illustrated in Figure 8A or Figure 9, the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks, and the second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving for 8 TDD frame cycles.

[0199] Corresponding to Example 2-1 of Design 2 in S601, the second communication device receives one sub-block of the main information block in the downlink subframes (excluding subframes 5 and 9) of the first three radio frames in each of the two TDD frame cycles. For example, if the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks, and Figure 8B illustrates the first 4 sub-blocks, the repeated transmission of each sub-block occupies 2 TDD frame cycles. The second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving 16 TDD frame cycles.

[0200] Corresponding to Example 3-1 of Design 3 in S601, the second communication device receives one sub-block of the main information block on the downlink subframe excluding subframes 5 and 9 in the first radio frame of each of the multiple TDD frame cycles. For example, if the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks, and Figure 10 illustrates the first 4 sub-blocks, the repeated transmission of each sub-block occupies 2 TDD frame cycles. The second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving 16 TDD frame cycles.

[0201] Corresponding to Example 3-2 of Design 3 in S601, the second communication device receives one sub-block of the main information block in the downlink subframes (excluding subframes 5 and 9) of the first three radio frames in each of the multiple TDD frame cycles. For example, if the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks, as shown in Figure 11A (the first 3 sub-blocks), and the repeated transmission of each sub-block occupies 3 TDD frame cycles, the second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving 24 TDD frame cycles. Alternatively, if the main information block is divided into 8 sub-blocks, as shown in Figure 11B (the first 2 sub-blocks), and the repeated transmission of each sub-block occupies 4 TDD frame cycles, the second communication device can receive the complete main information block by continuously receiving 32 TDD frame cycles.

[0202] It is understood that S604 can be considered an optional step, which may or may not be executed. S604 is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 6. That is, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may include steps S601 to S603, and optionally may also include S604. In addition, when implementing the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, one or more steps of S601 to S604 may be executed, or one or more steps of S601 to S604 may be executed in combination with other embodiments. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0203] Based on the same concept, referring to Figure 12, this application embodiment provides a communication device 1200, which includes a processing module 1201 and a communication module 1202. The communication device 1200 can be a first communication device, or a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a first communication device to implement a communication method executed on the first communication device side; alternatively, the communication device 1200 can be a second communication device, or a communication device applied to or used in conjunction with a second communication device to implement a communication method executed on the second communication device side.

[0204] The communication module can also be called a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver unit, or transceiver device. The processing module can also be called a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving operations on the first communication device side or the second communication device side in the above method. The device in the communication module that implements the receiving function can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device in the communication module that implements the sending function can be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0205] When the communication device 1200 is applied to the first communication device, the processing module 1201 can be used to implement the processing function of the first communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG6, and the communication module 1202 can be used to implement the transmitting and receiving function of the first communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG6. Alternatively, the communication device can also be understood with reference to the third aspect of the invention and the possible designs in the third aspect.

[0206] When the communication device 1200 is applied to the second communication device, the processing module 1201 can be used to implement the processing function of the second communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG6, and the communication module 1202 can be used to implement the transmitting and receiving function of the second communication device in the embodiment shown in FIG6. Alternatively, the communication device can also be understood with reference to the fourth aspect of the invention and the possible designs in the fourth aspect.

[0207] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing module can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the communication module can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing module or communication module can also be implemented through physical devices. For example, if the communication device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the communication module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing module is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0208] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0209] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a communication device 1300. For example, the communication device 1300 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application embodiment, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0210] The communication device 1300 can be used to implement the function of any network element in the communication system described in the foregoing embodiments. The communication device 1300 may include at least one processor 1310 coupled to a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within the communication device, integrated with the processor, or located outside the communication device. For example, the communication device 1300 may also include at least one memory 1320. The memory 1320 stores computer programs, computer programs or instructions, and / or data necessary for implementing any of the above embodiments; the processor 1310 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 1320 to complete the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0211] The communication device 1300 may also include a communication interface 1330, through which the communication device 1300 can interact with other devices. For example, the communication interface 1330 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the communication device 1300 is a chip-based device or circuit, the communication interface 1330 may also be an input / output circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and outputting information (or sending information). The processor may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit, and the processor can determine the output information based on the input information.

[0212] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1310 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1320 and the communication interface 1330. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 1310, the memory 1320, and the communication interface 1330.

[0213] Optionally, referring to Figure 13, the processor 1310, the memory 1320, and the communication interface 1330 are interconnected via a bus 1340. The bus 1340 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 13, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0214] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0215] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiments of this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1300 can be applied to a first communication device. Specifically, the communication device 1300 can be the first communication device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the first communication device and implementing the functions of the first communication device in any of the above embodiments. The memory 1320 stores computer programs (or instructions) and / or data that implement the functions of the first communication device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1310 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1320 to complete the methods performed by the first communication device in any of the above embodiments. Applied to the first communication device, the communication interface in the communication device 1300 can be used to interact with a second communication device, sending information to the second communication device or receiving information from the second communication device.

[0217] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1300 can be applied to a second communication device. Specifically, the communication device 1300 can be the second communication device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the second communication device and implementing the functions of the second communication device in any of the above embodiments. The memory 1320 stores computer programs (or instructions) and / or data that implement the functions of the second communication device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 1310 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 1320 to complete the methods performed by the second communication device in any of the above embodiments. Applied to the second communication device, the communication interface in the communication device 1300 can be used to interact with the first communication device, sending information to the first communication device or receiving information from the first communication device.

[0218] Since the communication device 1300 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first communication device to complete the method executed by the first communication device, or applied to a second communication device to complete the method executed by the second communication device, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method examples, and will not be repeated here.

[0219] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a communication system, including a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device can implement the method provided in the embodiment shown in FIG6.

[0220] The technical solutions provided in this application can be implemented, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a second communication device, a first communication device, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media, etc.

[0221] In the embodiments of this application, provided there is no logical contradiction, the embodiments may reference each other. For example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and the functions and / or terms between device embodiments and method embodiments may reference each other.

[0222] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, if these modifications and variations to the embodiments of this application fall within the scope of the claims of the embodiments of this application and their equivalents, the embodiments of this application are also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, comprising: A secondary synchronization signal is received, which is determined based on one or more of a cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein, the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal. Synchronization is performed according to the auxiliary synchronization signal.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After synchronization based on the auxiliary synchronization signal, the method further includes: Receive the main information block.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, including: A secondary synchronization signal is determined based on one or more of the cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein, the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal. Send the auxiliary synchronization signal.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Send the main information block.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and the secondary synchronization signal is not determined based on the first frame number.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in one TDD frame period, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

11. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: In n f satisfy hour, or, In n f satisfy: hour, Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity, and n f The first frame number is C, and C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the auxiliary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A communication module is used to receive a secondary synchronization signal, which is determined based on one or more of a cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein, the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal. The processing module is used to perform synchronization based on the auxiliary synchronization signal.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The communication module is also used for: After synchronization is performed according to the auxiliary synchronization signal, the main information block is received.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to determine a secondary synchronization signal based on one or more of the cell identifier, a first quantity, and a first frame number; wherein the first quantity is the number of TDD frame periods occupied by repeated transmission of a sub-block of the main information block, and the first frame number is the frame number of the radio frame containing the secondary synchronization signal. The communication module is used to send the auxiliary synchronization signal.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The communication module is also used to send the main information block.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The secondary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, and the secondary synchronization signal is not determined based on the first frame number.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier and the first frame number.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, A is equal to the number of downlink radio frames in one TDD frame period, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, B is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the secondary synchronization signal in one TDD frame period, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The auxiliary synchronization signal is determined based on the cell identifier, the first quantity, and the first frame number.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity, and n f The first frame number is denoted by 'mod', where 'mod' represents the modulo operator.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The parameter θ used to generate the secondary synchronization signal f The following relationship must be satisfied: In n f satisfy hour, or, In n f satisfy: hour, Wherein, Y is equal to the first quantity, and n f The first frame number is C, and C is equal to the number of radio frames used to carry the auxiliary synchronization signal in Y TDD frame periods.

23. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes the communication device as described in any one of claims 12, 13 and 16-22, and the communication device as described in any one of claims 14-22.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to invoke computer program instructions stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer execution instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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