Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, one SSB received by a first communication apparatus may include two or more broadcast signals, and these broadcast signals may correspond to different beams. In this way, compared with an implementation in which one SSB only includes one broadcast signal to implement beam sweeping in one beam direction, a sender of a first SSB can implement beam sweeping in N beam directions by means of N broadcast signals included in the first SSB, such that the delay of beam sweeping can be reduced, and the number of SSBs used during beam sweeping can also be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of a communication device.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411957404.X, filed on December 25, 2024, entitled “A Communication Method and Related Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication can be a transmission communication between two or more communication devices that does not propagate through conductors or cables. These two or more communication devices include network devices and terminal devices.

[0004] Currently, terminal devices can achieve time-frequency synchronization through a synchronization process before transmitting data. Specifically, the terminal device can receive synchronization signals from the network device to achieve synchronization. Furthermore, the network device can perform beam scanning using the transmitted synchronization signals; for example, during a single beam scan, synchronization signals at different indices can correspond to different beam directions.

[0005] However, how to reduce the power consumption of both the transmitting and receiving devices during the transmission of synchronization signals is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for reducing the power consumption of communication equipment.

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first communication device. For example, the first communication device may be a communication equipment (such as a terminal device), or it may be a component of the communication equipment (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The following description uses a first communication device as an example. In this method, the first communication device receives a first broadcast signal from a first synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB or S-SS / PSBCH block); the first communication device processes the first broadcast signal; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, after the first communication device receives a first SSB containing N broadcast signals, the first communication device can process the first broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals to obtain the broadcast information carried by the first broadcast signal; wherein, the SSB is a synchronization signal. In this way, one SSB received by the first communication device can contain two or more broadcast signals, and these N broadcast signals can correspond to different beams. In this way, compared with the implementation method where one SSB contains only one broadcast signal to achieve beam scanning in one beam direction, the transmitter of the first SSB can achieve beam scanning in N beam directions through the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB, which can reduce the beam scanning delay and the number of SSBs used in the beam scanning process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication device.

[0009] Optionally, in the above process, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB are carried on the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources. The i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is associated with the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences, where i takes values ​​from 1 to N. In this way, different broadcast signals can be transmitted through the same time-frequency domain resources using code division multiplexing. Through different code division multiplexing sequences, the receiving device can distinguish different broadcast signals, and thus distinguish the signal strength of different broadcast signals, thereby determining the first broadcast signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the strongest signal quality). At the same time, it can improve the signal's anti-interference capability, thereby improving signal transmission performance.

[0010] Optionally, different broadcast signals can be obtained based on the same broadcast information. For example, the i-th broadcast signal among N broadcast signals is obtained by processing the same broadcast information using the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among N first code division multiplexing sequences. In this way, the different broadcast signals carry the same information content, but use different code division multiplexing sequences, which can ensure the orthogonality of the N broadcast signals and avoid interference between the N broadcast signals. At the same time, since the broadcast information of the N broadcast signals is spread across more subcarriers through code division multiplexing, the ability of the N broadcast signals to resist neighboring cell interference is also improved.

[0011] In this application, the synchronization signal is described using SSB (e.g., the first SSB mentioned above). The synchronization signal may also be other names defined by future networks / protocols / standards.

[0012] In this application, the broadcast signal can be a signal carried on a broadcast channel. For example, the broadcast channel can be a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), or other channels defined by the future network / protocol / standard. For example, the signal carried on the broadcast channel can be a PBCH block, a PBCH signal, a PBCH signal block, or other signals defined by the future network / protocol / standard.

[0013] In this application, the code division multiplexing sequence can be a parameter used for code division multiplexing, which can include, but is not limited to, vectors, sequences, codes, matrices, spreading codes, or spreading sequences. In other words, the code division multiplexing sequence can be replaced with other descriptions, such as code division multiplexing (or orthogonal, or quasi-orthogonal) vectors, sequences, codes, matrices, spreading codes, or spreading sequences. For example, the orthogonal code can be an orthogonal cover code (OCC).

[0014] Optionally, during the processing of the first broadcast signal by the first communication device, the processing may include one or more of demodulation, descrambling, and decoding. For example, after processing the first broadcast signal, the first communication device may obtain broadcast information, which may include a master information block (MIB) or other broadcast information defined by a future network / protocol / standard.

[0015] Optionally, the first communication device may determine the first broadcast signal among N broadcast signals in various ways. For example, after receiving some or all of the broadcast signals among the N broadcast signals, the first communication device may determine that the first broadcast signal is one of the broadcast signals with a signal strength higher than a threshold, or the first communication device may determine that the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the highest signal strength, or the first communication device may determine that the first broadcast signal is one of the broadcast signals with a signal transmission path loss lower than a threshold, or the first communication device may determine that the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the lowest signal transmission path loss, or determine the first broadcast signal by other means, which are not limited here.

[0016] Optionally, in addition to the N broadcast signals, the first SSB may also include other signals, including but not limited to demodulation reference signal (DMRS), primary synchronization signal (PSS), and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which may be discussed later. For example, the number of PSSs can be 1, and the number of SSSs can also be 1, so that after receiving the first SSB, the receiver can achieve synchronization through the 1 PSS and 1 SSS included in the first SSB, and can also obtain broadcast information through one of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device transmitting a first random access preamble associated with the first broadcast signal.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, after the first communication device processes the first broadcast signal to obtain broadcast information, the first communication device can send a first random access preamble associated with the selected first broadcast signal, so that the receiver of the first random access preamble can clearly identify that the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device is the first broadcast signal, and subsequently the receiver can communicate with the first communication device based on the communication parameters corresponding to the first broadcast signal.

[0019] For example, when N broadcast signals correspond to different beams, the receiver of the first random access preamble can use the beam corresponding to the first random access preamble to transmit signals to the first communication device based on the first random access preamble, thereby improving signal transmission performance.

[0020] For example, when N broadcast signals correspond to different communication resources (e.g., the communication resources are used to transmit the random access response (RAR) corresponding to the random access preamble), the receiver of the first random access preamble can use the resources corresponding to the first random access preamble to perform other steps of the random access procedure based on the first random access preamble, so as to improve the success rate of random access.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first random access preamble is a random access preamble corresponding to the first broadcast signal, and the random access preambles corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different; and / or, the first random access preamble carries the random access timing corresponding to the first information, and the random access timings corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, among the N broadcast signals, the random access preambles (or sets of random access preambles) corresponding to different signals are different, and / or the random access timings corresponding to different signals are different, so that the receiver of the first random access preamble can determine that the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device is the first broadcast signal based on the sequence of the received random access preambles (and / or based on the random access timing corresponding to the received random access preambles).

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving scheduling information of the first system information, the scheduling information of the first system information satisfying either mode one or mode two:

[0024] Method 1: The scheduling information of the first system information is carried on the first resource; the first resource is one of M resources, the N broadcast signals all correspond to the first resource, the M resources correspond to M SSBs (for example, the m-th resource corresponds to the m-th SSB, where m is from 1 to M), the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, the M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster (i.e., the M SSBs are located in the same synchronization signal cluster (for example, the same SSB burst set)), where M is a positive integer; or, the first resource is one of N resources, and the N resources correspond to the N broadcast signals.

[0025] Method 2: The scheduling information of the first system information is one of the M scheduling information, and the N broadcast signals all correspond to the scheduling information of the first system information. The M scheduling information correspond to M SSBs respectively, and the first SSB is one of the M SSBs. The M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster, where M is a positive integer; or, the scheduling information of the first system information is one of the N scheduling information, and the N scheduling information correspond to the N broadcast signals respectively (for example, the i-th scheduling information corresponds to the i-th broadcast signal).

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different SSBs is different (optionally, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same), or the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different (for example, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in different SSBs is different), so that the first communication device can flexibly select one of the methods to receive the first system information through pre-configuration or network device configuration.

[0027] As an example, in the above process, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different SSBs may be different, while the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through the same scheduling information, which can reduce the transmission overhead of the system information and / or the scheduling information.

[0028] As another example, in the above process, when the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through different scheduling information, so as to schedule the receiving process of the first system information of different first communication devices through different scheduling information, so as to achieve flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0029] Optionally, the system information can be a system information block (SIB), such as SIB1 or other system information defined by future networks / protocols / standards.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of M resources, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of N resources, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of M scheduling information, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of N scheduling information, or, the first indication information being used to indicate M scheduling information or to indicate that the number of scheduling information is M, or, the first indication information being used to indicate N scheduling information or to indicate that the number of scheduling information is N, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different.

[0031] Based on the above scheme, the first communication device can receive the scheduling information of the first system information using either method one or method two, based on the instruction of the first instruction information sent by the second communication device, and provide the transmission of system information according to the actual scenario needs, thereby improving the success rate of receiving the scheduling information.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device detecting a paging message within a first paging timing; the first paging timing includes M physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) detection timings, the M PDCCH detection timings respectively corresponding to M SSBs, the first SSB being one of the M SSBs, and the N broadcast signals each corresponding to the PDCCH detection timing of the paging message corresponding to the first SSB in the M PDCCH detection timings, where M is a positive integer; or, the first paging timing includes N PDCCH detection timings, and the N broadcast signals respectively correspond to the N PDCCH detection timings.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different and the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same, or the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are different, so that the first communication device can flexibly select one of the methods to detect paging messages through pre-configuration or network device configuration.

[0034] As an example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different, while the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages by reusing the same PDCCH detection timing, which can improve resource utilization.

[0035] As another example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB can be different. Different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages through different PDCCH detection timings, so as to paging the first communication devices that select different broadcast signals through different PDCCH detection timings, thereby realizing flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the M PDCCH detection timings, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the N PDCCH detection timings, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the number of PDCCH detection timings is M, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the number of PDCCH detection timings is N, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are different.

[0037] Based on the above scheme, the first communication device can detect paging messages based on the second indication information sent by the second communication device, thereby improving the success rate of paging message detection.

[0038] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device. For example, the second communication device may be a communication equipment (such as a network device), or it may be a component of the communication equipment (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system responsible for communication functions), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The following description uses a second communication device as an example. In this method, the second communication device determines a first SSB; the second communication device transmits the first SSB; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0039] Based on the above scheme, after the second communication device sends the first SSB, the first communication device can receive the first SSB containing N broadcast signals. Furthermore, the first communication device can process the first broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals to obtain the broadcast information carried by the first broadcast signal; wherein, the SSB is a synchronization signal. In this way, one SSB sent by the second communication device can contain two or more broadcast signals, and these N broadcast signals can correspond to different beams. Compared to the implementation method where one SSB contains only one broadcast signal to achieve beam scanning in one beam direction, the second communication device can achieve beam scanning in N beam directions through the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB. This reduces beam scanning delay and the number of SSBs used in the beam scanning process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication equipment.

[0040] Optionally, the N broadcast signals are carried on the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources. The i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is associated with the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences, where i takes values ​​from 1 to N. In this way, different broadcast signals can be transmitted through the same time-frequency domain resources via code division multiplexing. By using different code division multiplexing sequences, the receiving device can distinguish between different broadcast signals, and thus distinguish their signal strengths, thereby determining the first broadcast signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the strongest signal quality). This improves the signal's anti-interference capability and enhances signal transmission performance.

[0041] Optionally, different broadcast signals can be obtained based on the same broadcast information. For example, the i-th broadcast signal among N broadcast signals is obtained by processing the same broadcast information using the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among N first code division multiplexing sequences. In this way, the different broadcast signals carry the same information content, but use different code division multiplexing sequences, which can ensure the orthogonality of the N broadcast signals and avoid interference between the N broadcast signals. At the same time, since the broadcast information of the N broadcast signals is spread across more subcarriers through code division multiplexing, the ability of the N broadcast signals to resist neighboring cell interference is also improved.

[0042] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device receiving a first random access preamble associated with the first broadcast signal.

[0043] Based on the above scheme, after the first communication device processes the first broadcast signal to obtain broadcast information, the first communication device can send a first random access preamble associated with the selected first broadcast signal, so that the second communication device can clearly identify the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device as the first broadcast signal, and subsequently the second communication device can communicate with the first communication device based on the communication parameters corresponding to the first broadcast signal.

[0044] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first random access preamble is a random access preamble corresponding to the first broadcast signal, and the random access preambles corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different; and / or, the first random access preamble carries the random access timing corresponding to the first information, and the random access timings corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different.

[0045] Based on the above scheme, among the N broadcast signals, the random access preambles (or sets of random access preambles) corresponding to different signals are different, and / or the random access timings corresponding to different signals are different, so that the second communication device can determine that the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device is the first broadcast signal based on the sequence of the received random access preambles (and / or based on the random access timing corresponding to the received random access preambles).

[0046] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device transmitting scheduling information of the first system information, the scheduling information of the first system information satisfying either mode one or mode two:

[0047] Method 1: The scheduling information of the first system information is carried on the first resource; the first resource is one of M resources, the N broadcast signals all correspond to the first resource, the M resources correspond to M SSBs (for example, the m-th resource corresponds to the m-th SSB, where m is from 1 to M), the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, the M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster (i.e., the M SSBs are located in the same synchronization signal cluster (for example, the same SSB burst set)), where M is a positive integer; or, the first resource is one of N resources, and the N resources correspond to the N broadcast signals.

[0048] Method 2: The scheduling information of the first system information is one of the M scheduling information, and the N broadcast signals all correspond to the scheduling information of the first system information. The M scheduling information correspond to M SSBs respectively, and the first SSB is one of the M SSBs. The M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster, where M is a positive integer; or, the scheduling information of the first system information is one of the N scheduling information, and the N scheduling information correspond to the N broadcast signals respectively (for example, the i-th scheduling information corresponds to the i-th broadcast signal).

[0049] Based on the above scheme, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different SSBs is different (optionally, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same), or the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different (for example, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in different SSBs is different), so that the first communication device can flexibly select one of the methods to receive the first system information through pre-configuration or configuration by the network device (for example, the second communication device is the network device).

[0050] As an example, in the above process, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different SSBs may be different, while the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through the same scheduling information, which can reduce the transmission overhead of the system information and / or the scheduling information.

[0051] As another example, in the above process, when the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through different scheduling information, so as to schedule the receiving process of the first system information of different first communication devices through different scheduling information, so as to achieve flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0052] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of M resources, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of N resources, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of M scheduling information, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of N scheduling information, or, the first indication information being used to indicate M scheduling information or indicating that the number of scheduling information is M, or, the first indication information being used to indicate N scheduling information or indicating that the number of scheduling information is N, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different.

[0053] Based on the above scheme, the second communication device can send a first instruction message, so that the first communication device can receive the scheduling information of the first system information using the above method one or method two based on the instruction of the first instruction message, and provide the transmission of system information according to the actual scenario needs, thereby improving the success rate of receiving the scheduling information.

[0054] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device sending a paging message within a first paging timing; the first paging timing includes M physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) detection timings, the M PDCCH detection timings respectively corresponding to M SSBs, the first SSB being one of the M SSBs, and the N broadcast signals each corresponding to the PDCCH detection timing of the paging message corresponding to the first SSB in the M PDCCH detection timings, where M is a positive integer; or, the first paging timing includes N PDCCH detection timings, and the N broadcast signals respectively correspond to the N PDCCH detection timings.

[0055] Based on the above scheme, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different and the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same, or the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are different, so that the first communication device can flexibly select one of the methods to detect paging messages through pre-configuration or network device configuration.

[0056] As an example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different, while the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages by reusing the same PDCCH detection timing, which can improve resource utilization.

[0057] As another example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB can be different. Different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages through different PDCCH detection timings, so as to paging the first communication devices that select different broadcast signals through different PDCCH detection timings, thereby realizing flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0058] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the M PDCCH detection timings, or the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the N PDCCH detection timings.

[0059] Based on the above scheme, the second communication device can send a second instruction message, enabling the first communication device to detect paging messages based on the instruction of the second instruction message, thereby improving the success rate of detecting paging messages.

[0060] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first SSB further includes N demodulation reference signals (DMRS), wherein the i-th DMRS of the N DMRS is used to demodulate the i-th broadcast signal; wherein the N DMRS are carried on the same time-frequency domain resources, and the i-th DMRS is associated with the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence of the N second code division multiplexing sequences.

[0061] Based on the above scheme, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB can be demodulated by the N DMRS contained in the first SSB, wherein the N broadcast signals and the N DMRS can have a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the N DMRS can be carried on the same time-frequency domain resources through code division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0062] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence.

[0063] Based on the above scheme, the indices of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB can be different. Furthermore, in the case of N DMRS code division multiplexing, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence (for example, the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence), so that the indices of different broadcast signals can be distinguished by the indices of the code division multiplexing sequences of different DMRS corresponding to the different broadcast signals.

[0064] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the first SSB further includes N DMRSs, wherein the i-th DMRS of the N DMRSs is used to demodulate the i-th broadcast signal; wherein the N DMRSs are carried on the same time domain resources and on different frequency domain resources.

[0065] Based on the above scheme, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB can be demodulated by the N DMRS contained in the first SSB, wherein the N broadcast signals and the N DMRS can have a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the N DMRS can be carried on different frequency domain resources through frequency division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0066] In one possible implementation of either the first or second aspect, one of the following is satisfied:

[0067] The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS); or,

[0068] The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS (for example, the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS); or,

[0069] The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS).

[0070] Based on the above scheme, the indices of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB can be different. Furthermore, in the case of N DMRS frequency division multiplexing, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the frequency domain resource of the i-th DMRS (or the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS, or the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS), enabling the indices of different broadcast signals to be distinguished by various parameters corresponding to different DMRS.

[0071] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence (e.g., the first communication device may determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence).

[0072] Based on the above scheme, the indices of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB can be different. Furthermore, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence, allowing the indices of different broadcast signals to be distinguished by the index of the first code division multiplexing sequence used by each broadcast signal, thereby reducing implementation complexity.

[0073] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same; and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same.

[0074] Based on the above scheme, in N DMRS, the reference signal sequence (and / or the scrambling sequence corresponding to different DMRS) is the same, which can reduce the implementation complexity.

[0075] Furthermore, in the case of N DMRS code division multiplexing, the reference signal sequences (and / or the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRS) are the same, which can keep different DMRS orthogonal and improve signal transmission performance.

[0076] As an example, the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among N DMRSs are the same, and the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB; similarly, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB.

[0077] As another example, when the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same, the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB. For example, the second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB; similarly, the first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB.

[0078] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same; and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different.

[0079] Based on the above scheme, the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same, which reduces the implementation complexity. And / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, allowing different DMRSs to be distinguished by different scrambling sequences. Simultaneously, in the case of N DMRSs being frequency division multiplexed, the different scrambling sequences ensure that the N frequency division multiplexed DMRSs are not completely identical, thereby guaranteeing a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).

[0080] As an example, when the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; or, a first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be an absolute index.

[0081] As another example, when the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; similarly, a first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals can be a relative index.

[0082] In one possible implementation of the first or second aspect, the reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different. Optionally, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs can be the same or different.

[0083] Based on the above scheme, the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, enabling the different DMRSs to be distinguished by their different reference signal sequences. Simultaneously, when the N DMRSs are frequency-division multiplexed, the different reference signal sequences ensure that the N frequency-division multiplexed DMRSs are not completely identical, thereby guaranteeing a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).

[0084] As an example, when the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; or, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be an absolute index.

[0085] As another example, when the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs in the N DMRSs are different, the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; similarly, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be a relative index.

[0086] A third aspect of this application provides a communication device, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive a first broadcast signal in a first SSB; the processing unit is used to process the first broadcast signal; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0087] In the third aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to execute the steps performed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0088] A fourth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the processing unit is used to determine (or generate, acquire, etc.) a first SSB; the transceiver unit is used to transmit the first SSB; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0089] In the fourth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0090] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions to enable the communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0091] Optionally, the communication device may include the memory, and / or the at least one processor is coupled to the memory; wherein the memory is used to store programs or instructions.

[0092] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method as described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to second aspects described above.

[0093] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication system, which includes the first communication device and the second communication device described above.

[0094] An eighth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0095] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0096] The tenth aspect of this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects.

[0097] For example, the chip may include a baseband chip, a modem chip, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, a system-in-package (SIP) chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0098] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0099] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects three through ten can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0100] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0101] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the network device provided in this application;

[0102] Figures 3a to 3e are some schematic diagrams related to SSB involved in this application;

[0103] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0104] Figures 5a to 5e are some schematic diagrams related to SSB provided in this application;

[0105] Figures 6 to 10 are some schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0106] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0107] (1) Terminal device: can be a wireless terminal device that can receive network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0108] Terminal devices can be various communication kits with wireless communication capabilities (kits may include, for example, antennas, power supply modules, cables, and Wi-Fi modules). Terminal devices can also be communication modules with satellite communication capabilities, satellite phones or components thereof, and very small aperture terminals (VSATs). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with a wireless access network. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), drone, etc. Terminal equipment can also be wearable devices and next-generation communication systems, such as terminal equipment in future communication systems or terminal equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs). Of course, in this application, terminal equipment can also refer to chips, modems, system-on-a-chip (SoC), or communication platforms that may include radio frequency (RF) components, etc., that are primarily responsible for related communication functions.

[0109] (2) Network equipment: This can be equipment within a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), gNB (gNodeB) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In addition, in a network architecture, network equipment can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0110] Optionally, RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0111] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0112] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0113] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0114] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0117] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN Gateway, P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0118] In this embodiment of the application, the network device can also be a network node with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminals or other network devices. For example, it can be an AI node, computing power node, RAN node with AI capabilities, core network element with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0119] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0120] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​of some parameters to the terminal device through messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources during transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device and the terminal device have negotiated in advance, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device or the terminal device uses as specified by the standard protocol, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that are pre-stored in the network device or the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0121] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0122] (4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC, where A, B and C can be singular or plural. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0123] (5) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0124] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0125] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0126] (6) In the embodiments of this application, "instruction / for instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (as described below, the instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to instruct the information to be instructed, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0127] (7) Commonly used orthogonal cover code (OCC) sequences (in some implementations, the code division multiplexing sequence described below can be an OCC sequence) include: Walsh-Hadamard sequence, DFT sequence, and Zadoff-Chu sequence. Each row of the following matrix represents a sequence, and any two rows are orthogonal to each other (the inner product is zero).

[0128] For example, the Walsh-Hadamard sequence can be determined by the following matrices: H2 for sequence length 2, H4 for sequence length 4, and H8 for sequence length 8.

[0129] For example, a DFT sequence can be determined by the following matrices (j is the imaginary unit): matrix F2 with a sequence length of 2, matrix F4 with a sequence length of 4, and matrix F8 with a sequence length of 8.

[0130] For example, the Zadoff-Chu sequence can be determined by the following matrices: Z3 for sequence length 3 and Z6 for sequence length 6.

[0131] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0132] This application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or new radio vehicle-to-everything (NR V2X) systems; it can also be applied to systems with hybrid LTE and 5G networks; or device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, or drone communication systems; or communication systems supporting multiple wireless technologies, such as LTE and NR technologies; or non-terrestrial communication systems, such as satellite communication systems and high-altitude communication platforms. Optionally, this communication system can also be applied to narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems or other communication systems, wherein the communication system includes network devices and terminal devices, with the network devices acting as configuration information sending entities and the terminal devices acting as configuration information receiving entities. Specifically, in this communication system, one entity sends configuration information to another entity and sends data to or receives data from another entity; the other entity receives the configuration information and, based on the configuration information, sends data to or receives data from the entity that sent the configuration information. This application can be applied to terminal devices in a connected or active state, as well as to terminal devices in an inactive or idle state.

[0133] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110, and the RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network 200. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 can be independent and different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Terminals can be connected to each other, as can RAN nodes, via wired or wireless means.

[0134] As an example, as shown in Figure 2, an access network device may include at least one CU and at least one DU. This design can be referred to as CU and DU separation. One CU can be connected to one or more DUs. CU and DU can be separated according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer (e.g., RRC layer and SDAP layer, etc.) are set in the CU, and the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer (e.g., RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer, etc.) are set in the DU; or, for another example, the functions of protocol layers above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of protocol layers below the PDCP layer are set in the DU, without limitation. When the CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when the CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the PDCP layer control plane functions, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the PDCP layer user plane functions. This application does not limit the names of CU and DU; for example, CU can be called the first access network element, and DU can be called the second access network element, etc.

[0135] The above division of CU and DU processing functions according to protocol layers is merely an example; other methods can also be used. For instance, CUs or DUs can be divided into those with more protocol layer functions, or into those with partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of CUs or DUs can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as latency. Functions requiring low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions not requiring this latency can be placed in the CU.

[0136] The CU can be connected to the core network. Optionally, the CU can have some of the functions of the core network.

[0137] Furthermore, some functions of the DU can be separated. As shown in Figure 2, this function can be implemented by a radio unit (RU). The RU can have radio frequency (RF) functions. This application does not limit the name of the RU; for example, the RU can be called a third access network element. The DU and RU can be split or separated at the PHY layer. For example, the DU can implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and the RU can implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or implement both lower-level functions and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the PHY layer include functions closer to the MAC layer, and lower-level functions in the PHY layer include functions closer to the RF layer. For example, higher-level functions in the PHY layer include one or more of the following: forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling, or modulation / demodulation. Lower-level functions in the PHY layer include one or more of the following: fast Fourier transform (FFT) / inverse fast Fourier transform (iFFT), beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the physical random access channel (PRACH), etc. The RU can communicate with the terminal equipment via radio frequency signals through the air interface. The precoding function of the PHY layer can be located in the DU or the RU. The separation between the DU and RU can be done in various ways without restriction.

[0138] There is an interface between the DU and RU. For example, depending on the splitting method, the interface between the DU and RU can be a common public radio interface (CPRI) interface or an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) interface.

[0139] The foregoing content describes various wireless communication scenarios involved in this application. It should be understood that the above content is merely an illustrative description of the scenarios in which this application can be applied, and this application can also be applied to other application scenarios, which are not limited here. The wireless communication process involved in this application will be described below.

[0140] In a communication system (as shown in Figure 1 / Figure 2), a terminal device can obtain time-frequency synchronization through a synchronization process before transmitting data. The terminal device can receive synchronization signals from network devices to achieve the synchronization process. For example, taking the synchronization signal as the SSB, the terminal device can perform cell search based on the SSB. The terminal device can obtain at least one of the following information based on the synchronization signal and / or PBCH block contained in the SSB:

[0141] Cell ID, downlink timing (e.g., the reference point that the terminal device can find for downlink transmission, such as frame boundaries), system messages (e.g., the location of the time-frequency resources received by the PDCCH corresponding to system information block 1 (SIB1), or the offset of the frequency domain resource grid of the SSB relative to the common resource block (CRB) (e.g., Kssb), etc.).

[0142] In addition, the SSB includes one or more of the following functions:

[0143] 1) Cell synchronization. For example, the PSS and SSS contained in the SSB can carry the physical cell identifier (PCI), and the terminal device obtains the PCI by detecting the PSS and SSS. At the same time, the SSB can also carry or indicate the SSB index, and each SSB index corresponds to a transmission time position (for example, different SSB indices can correspond to different transmission time positions), so that the terminal device can complete downlink timing synchronization by detecting the SSB index and the detection time.

[0144] 2) MIB Acquisition. For example, the PBCH block of the SSB carries MIB information, which includes: system frame number, subcarrier spacing, PDCCH configuration information, etc.

[0145] Furthermore, to avoid the impact of inter-cell interference on the received PBCH block, the PBCH block can undergo two-stage scrambling. For example, the first-stage scrambling typically uses the system frame number to generate the scrambling sequence, while the second-stage scrambling can generate the scrambling sequence based on the SSB index. Taking the second-stage scrambling as an example, during the generation of the scrambling sequence for the second stage, when the maximum number of SSBs is 4, the scrambling sequence is generated based on the lowest two bits of the SSB index; when the maximum number of SSBs is 8 or 64, the scrambling sequence is generated based on the lowest three bits of the SSB index.

[0146] 3) Beam Training (or Base Station Side Wide Beam Training). For example, an SSB pattern can contain multiple SSB indices. Different SSB indices correspond to different transmit beams of the network device (generally, different transmit beams correspond to different beam directions). The terminal device can detect SSBs and select one of the SSB indices (e.g., the SSB index with the best reception quality) to complete wide beam training. That is, the terminal device can determine the beam (or beam direction) corresponding to an SSB index as the wide beam through the wide beam training process, and subsequently communicate with the network device based on this wide beam. In addition, the terminal device can also use multiple receive beams to receive the same SSB index using different receive beams to complete the terminal device side receive beam training.

[0147] Optionally, the benefits of wide-beam training include: 1) Terminal devices can receive SIB1 / Paging signals transmitted with the same wide beam at the location corresponding to the SSB index, improving the coverage of SIB1 / Paging. 2) Terminal devices can transmit PRACH signals at the location corresponding to the SSB index, and network devices can receive them using the same wide beam, ensuring a high probability of successful PRACH reception. 3) After the terminal device completes the initial access and establishes an RRC connection, the network device can perform fine-beam training based on the wide beam. For example, the network device can train only on fine beams within its range, reducing the overhead of fine-beam training.

[0148] As an example, Figure 3a shows a schematic diagram of an SSB. As shown in Figure 3a, an SSB contains four consecutive symbols in the time domain (e.g., symbol indices 0, 1, 2, and 3 in the time domain direction in Figure 3a), and occupies 20 resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain (e.g., each RB can contain 12 subcarriers (SCs), so 20 RBs can contain 240 subcarriers, e.g., SC indices 0 to 239 in the frequency domain direction in Figure 3a).

[0149] Optionally, the location of the SSB in the frequency domain can be defined by the synchronization raster.

[0150] Optionally, the temporal location of an SSB is defined by an SSB pattern, which specifies the temporal location of a set of consecutive SSBs within a half-frame. For example, in the current protocol / standard, the unshared spectrum defines five SSB patterns, each with its own applicable subcarrier spacing (SCS).

[0151] For example, the PSS in Figure 3a occupies one symbol corresponding to symbol index 0 in the time domain and 127 subcarriers corresponding to subcarrier indices 56 to 182 in the frequency domain.

[0152] For example, in Figure 3a, the SSS occupies one symbol corresponding to symbol index 3 in the time domain and 127 subcarriers corresponding to subcarrier indices 56 to 182 in the frequency domain.

[0153] For example, in Figure 3a, the PBCH block occupies 1 symbol corresponding to symbol index 1 in the time domain and 240 subcarriers corresponding to subcarrier indices 0 to 239 in the frequency domain; the PBCH block also occupies 1 symbol corresponding to symbol index 2 in the time domain and 96 subcarriers corresponding to subcarrier indices 0 to 47 and 192 to 239 in the frequency domain; the PBCH block also occupies 1 symbol corresponding to symbol index 3 in the time domain and 240 subcarriers corresponding to subcarrier indices 0 to 239 in the frequency domain.

[0154] In addition, the PBCH block can be used not only to transmit broadcast information but also to demodulate the DMRS for that broadcast information, such as the MIB mentioned above. Current standards / protocols specify that in the three symbols occupied by the PBCH block (e.g., symbols 1, 2, and 3 in Figure 3a), one DMRS is mapped to every four subcarriers in the frequency domain. For example, in symbols 1 and 3, the subcarrier indices for mapping the DMRS are 0+v, 4+v, 8+v, ..., 236+v; similarly, in symbol 2, the subcarrier indices for mapping the DMRS are 0+v, 4+v, 8+v, ..., 44+v, and 192+v, 196+v, ..., 236+v. Here, v takes a value from 0 to 3, and the value of v can be determined by PCI. The following will use the 240 subcarriers on symbols 1 and 3 as examples, combined with the examples shown in Figures 3b to 3e, to illustrate the time-domain location occupied by the DMRS. Understandably, the resource locations of the DMRS for the 96 subcarriers on symbol 2 and the resource locations of the broadcast signal can be referenced in the following example.

[0155] As shown in Figure 3b, taking a value of 0 for v as an example, on symbols 1 and 3, the diagonally filled squares represent REs used for mapping DMRS, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping DMRS are 0, 4, 8, 12, ..., 224, 228, 232, 236; the blank-filled squares represent REs used for mapping broadcast information, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping broadcast information are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, ...

[0156] As shown in Figure 3c, taking a value of 1 for v as an example, on symbols 1 and 3, the squares filled with diagonal lines represent REs used to map DMRS, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping DMRS are 1, 5, 9, 13, ..., 225, 229, 233, 237; the squares filled with blanks represent REs used to map broadcast information, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping broadcast information are 0, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, ...

[0157] As shown in Figure 3d, taking a value of 2 for v as an example, on symbols 1 and 3, the diagonally filled squares represent REs used to map DMRS, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping DMRS are 2, 6, 10, 14, ..., 226, 230, 234, 238; the blank-filled squares represent REs used to map broadcast information, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping broadcast information are 0, 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, ...

[0158] As shown in Figure 3e, taking a value of 3 for v as an example, on symbols 1 and 3, the diagonally filled squares represent REs used for mapping DMRS, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping DMRS are 3, 7, 11, 15, ..., 227, 231, 235, 239; the blank-filled squares represent REs used for mapping broadcast information, that is, the subcarrier indices for mapping broadcast information are 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, ...

[0159] As described above, network devices can achieve beam scanning by transmitting synchronization signals (e.g., SSB). For example, during a single beam scan, the beam directions corresponding to synchronization signals with different indices can be different. However, reducing the power consumption of both the transmitting and receiving devices during the transmission of synchronization signals is a pressing technical problem. For instance, with the increasing demand for network data transmission, communication beams may become narrower to improve signal transmission performance. For example, if the communication frequency of future networks is likely to increase further, the increased frequency may lead to greater path loss, potentially necessitating narrower communication beams. Taking synchronization signals as an example, with increased communication frequencies, the corresponding transmission beam may become narrower, potentially requiring more synchronization signals for a single beam scan, thus increasing the power consumption of both the transmitting and receiving devices.

[0160] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method and related apparatus, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0161] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication method provided in this application. The method includes the following steps.

[0162] It should be understood that the following description uses different communication devices as examples of the execution subjects in this interactive illustration to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of this interactive illustration. For example, the first or second communication device can be a communication device, or a component of a communication device (e.g., a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip containing a modem core, SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module, or software, etc.). For example, the first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be a network device. Alternatively, both the first and second communication devices can be terminal devices. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single execution subject can also be divided into multiple execution subjects, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by a network device can be divided into execution by at least one of CU, DU, RU, etc.

[0163] S401. The second communication device sends a first SSB, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives a first broadcast signal in the first SSB. The first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0164] S402. The first communication device processes the first broadcast signal.

[0165] In this application, the synchronization signal is described using SSB (e.g., the first SSB mentioned above). The synchronization signal may also be other names defined by future networks / protocols / standards.

[0166] In this application, the broadcast signal can be a signal carried on a broadcast channel. For example, the broadcast channel can be a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), or other channels defined by the future network / protocol / standard. For example, the signal carried on the broadcast channel can be a PBCH block, a PBCH signal, a PBCH signal block, or other signals defined by the future network / protocol / standard.

[0167] Optionally, in step S402, during the process of the first communication device processing the first broadcast signal, the processing may include one or more of demodulation, descrambling, and decoding. For example, after processing the first broadcast signal, the first communication device may obtain broadcast information, which may include a master information block (MIB) or other broadcast information defined by a future network / protocol / standard.

[0168] Optionally, in the above process, the first communication device can determine the first broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals in various ways. For example, after receiving some or all of the broadcast signals among the N broadcast signals, the first communication device can determine that the first broadcast signal is one of the broadcast signals with a signal strength higher than a threshold, or the first communication device can determine that the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the highest signal strength, or the first communication device can determine that the first broadcast signal is one of the broadcast signals with a signal transmission path loss lower than a threshold, or the first communication device can determine that the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the lowest signal transmission path loss, or determine the first broadcast signal by other means, which are not limited here.

[0169] Optionally, in addition to the N broadcast signals, the first SSB may also include other signals, including but not limited to demodulation reference signal (DMRS), primary synchronization signal (PSS), and secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which may be discussed later. For example, the number of PSSs can be 1, and the number of SSSs can also be 1, so that after receiving the first SSB, the receiver can achieve synchronization through the 1 PSS and 1 SSS included in the first SSB, and can also obtain broadcast information through one of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB.

[0170] Based on the scheme shown in Figure 4, after the first communication device receives a first SSB containing N broadcast signals, it can process the first broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals to obtain the broadcast information carried by the first broadcast signal; wherein, the SSB is a synchronization signal. In this way, one SSB received by the first communication device can contain two or more broadcast signals, which can correspond to different beams. Compared with the implementation method where one SSB contains only one broadcast signal to achieve beam scanning in one beam direction, the sender of the first SSB can achieve beam scanning in N beam directions through the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB, which can reduce the beam scanning delay and the number of SSBs used in the beam scanning process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the communication device.

[0171] As shown in Figure 5a, taking a value of 2 for N as an example, the N broadcast signals can be two broadcast signals, namely broadcast signal _0 and broadcast signal _1. The beams of the first SSB, broadcast signal _0, and broadcast signal _1 can be different beams.

[0172] Optionally, the beamwidth of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB can be greater than the beamwidth of the broadcast signal_0, and / or the beamwidth of the first SSB can be greater than the beamwidth of the broadcast signal_1. That is, the beamwidth of the first SSB can be greater than the beamwidth of any broadcast signal included in the first SSB.

[0173] Optionally, the beam coverage of the first SSB may be greater than the beam coverage of broadcast signal_0, and / or, the beam coverage of the first SSB may be greater than the beam coverage of broadcast signal_1. That is, the beam coverage of the first SSB may be greater than the beam coverage of any broadcast signal included in the first SSB.

[0174] Optionally, the total beamwidth of the N beams of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB is greater than or equal to the beamwidth of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB. In this way, since the beamwidth of the PSS or SSS may be less than the total beamwidth of the N beams of the N broadcast signals, the situation of not being able to receive broadcast signals can be avoided after receiving the PSS or SSS.

[0175] Optionally, the total (beam) coverage of the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB is greater than or equal to the (beam) coverage of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB. In this way, since the (beam) coverage of the PSS or SSS may be less than the total (beam) coverage of the N broadcast signals, the situation of not being able to receive broadcast signals can be avoided after receiving the PSS or SSS.

[0176] Optionally, in the above process, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB are carried on the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources. The i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is associated with the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences, where i takes values ​​from 1 to N. For example, the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is obtained by processing the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences. Alternatively, the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is obtained by processing the same information content (e.g., MIB) using the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences. In this way, different broadcast signals can be transmitted through the same time-frequency domain resources using code division multiplexing. Through different code division multiplexing sequences, the receiving device can distinguish different broadcast signals, and thus distinguish the signal strength of different broadcast signals, thereby determining the first broadcast signal (e.g., the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the strongest signal quality). This also improves the signal's resistance to neighboring cell interference, thereby improving signal transmission performance.

[0177] Figure 5b illustrates one implementation example of code division multiplexing (CDMS) for N broadcast signals. The placement of the CDMS can be implemented in various ways (as described in Figures 5c, 5d, 5e, and related descriptions below). The placement of the CDMS in Figure 5b is merely one example. In Figure 5b, taking N as 2 as an example, the N first code division multiplexing sequences are represented by two first code division multiplexing sequences: code division multiplexing sequence _0 and code division multiplexing sequence _1. Correspondingly, the N broadcast signals are represented by two broadcast signals: one broadcast signal is the spread spectrum processed signal corresponding to code division multiplexing sequence _0, and the other broadcast signal is the spread spectrum processed signal corresponding to code division multiplexing sequence _1. These two broadcast signals are carried on the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources. Therefore, the two broadcast signals can be transmitted through the same time and frequency domain resources using code division multiplexing. By using different code division multiplexing sequences, the receiving device can distinguish between different broadcast signals, avoid interference between different broadcast signals, and thus distinguish the signal strength of different broadcast signals, thereby determining the first broadcast signal (for example, the first broadcast signal is the broadcast signal with the strongest signal quality). At the same time, it can also improve the signal's ability to resist interference from neighboring cells, thereby improving signal transmission performance.

[0178] It should be understood that in the examples shown in Figure 5b and the following Figures 5c and 5d, taking the scenario shown in Figure 3b as an example, where v is 0, the subcarrier indices mapping DMRS are 0, 1, 8, 9, ..., 224, 225, 232, 233; and the subcarrier indices mapping broadcast information are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, ... . In the above process, the two broadcast signals can be transmitted by multiplexing the same time-domain and frequency-domain resources through code division multiplexing. As described above, the value of v can also be any one from 1 to 3; the specific implementation process can be found in the description above.

[0179] It should be understood that in the examples shown in Figure 5b and the following Figures 5c and 5d, the number of resources occupied by N broadcast signals is the same as the number of resources in the related implementation processes of Figures 3a to 3e (e.g., 6 out of 8 consecutive REs are used to transmit broadcast signals, and 2 out of 8 consecutive REs are used to transmit DMRS). This approach is merely an implementation example. In future networks, the number of resources occupied by the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB may change (e.g., the number of subcarriers occupied by the PBCH block may be 240 or other values ​​different from 240, and the number of subcarriers occupied by DMRS in the PBCH block and / or the subcarrier positions may change), and this application does not limit this.

[0180] Optionally, different broadcast signals can be obtained based on the same broadcast information. For example, the broadcast information of different broadcast signals can be obtained by scrambling the same broadcast information using the same scrambling sequence. For instance, the i-th broadcast signal among N broadcast signals is obtained by processing the same broadcast information using the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among N first code division multiplexing sequences. In this way, the information content carried by different broadcast signals is the same, and the code division multiplexing sequences used are different, which can ensure the orthogonality of the N broadcast signals and avoid interference between the N broadcast signals. At the same time, since the broadcast information of the N broadcast signals is spread across more subcarriers through code division multiplexing, the ability of the N broadcast signals to resist neighboring cell interference is also improved.

[0181] For example, consider two broadcast signals instead of N broadcast signals, where N is 2. These two broadcast signals can be denoted as broadcast signal_1 and broadcast signal_2. In the above process, these two broadcast signals can correspond to different code division multiplexing sequences. For example, the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to broadcast signal_1 is [+1, +1], and the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to broadcast signal_2 is [+1, -1]. Assuming the payload of the broadcast information carried by the broadcast signal is [a, b, c, ...], this broadcast information can be extended to obtain the broadcast signal through code division multiplexing sequences.

[0182] For example, when the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to broadcast signal _1 is [+1, +1], the processing result of the code division multiplexing sequence [+1, +1] on the payload [a, b, c, ...] can be represented as [+a, +a, +b, +b, +c, +c, ...]. That is, the data carried by broadcast signal _1 can be represented as [+a, +a, +b, +b, +c, +c, ...].

[0183] For example, when the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to broadcast signal _1 is [+1, -1], the processing result of the code division multiplexing sequence [+1, -1] on the payload [a, b, c, ...] can be represented as [+a, -a, +b, -b, +c, -c, ...]. That is, the data carried by broadcast signal _2 can be represented as [+a, -a, +b, -b, +c, -c, ...].

[0184] Subsequently, the processing results corresponding to the above code division multiplexing sequences can be mapped onto REs. For example, the data carried on the RE corresponding to the broadcast signal (i.e., the solid box without diagonal lines) of code division multiplexing sequence _0 in Figure 5b can be represented as [+a, +a, +b, +b, +c, +c, ...], and the data carried on the RE corresponding to the broadcast signal (i.e., the dashed box without diagonal lines) of code division multiplexing sequence _1 in Figure 5b can be represented as [+a, -a, +b, -b, +c, -c, ...].

[0185] In this application, the code division multiplexing sequence can be a parameter used for code division multiplexing, which can include, but is not limited to, vectors, sequences, codes, matrices, spreading codes, or spreading sequences. In other words, the code division multiplexing sequence can be replaced with other descriptions, such as code division multiplexing (or orthogonal, or quasi-orthogonal) vectors, sequences, codes, matrices, spreading codes, or spreading sequences. For example, the orthogonal code can be an orthogonal cover code (OCC) or a Walsh code.

[0186] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 3a and related examples above, the PBCH can transmit a DMRS for demodulating the broadcast signal, in addition to the broadcast signal itself. Optionally, in Figure 5b, the DMRS for demodulating the broadcast signal can follow the design of Figure 3b, i.e., demodulating N broadcast signals using one DMRS. For example, the transmit beam of this one DMRS can be the same as the beam of the PSS or SSS of the first SSB.

[0187] Furthermore, in the process shown in Figure 4, the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB can correspond to different beams. Therefore, the first SSB can also include different DMRSs for demodulating the broadcast signals of different beams, thus demodulating the N broadcast signals. For example, the first SSB also includes N DMRSs, where the i-th DMRS is used to demodulate the i-th broadcast signal. These DMRSs can be implemented in various ways, which will be described below with some examples.

[0188] Example A: N DMRS code divisions.

[0189] In Example A, N DMRSs can be carried on the same time-frequency domain resources, with the i-th DMRS associated with the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence among the N second code division multiplexing sequences. For example, the i-th DMRS is obtained by processing the DMRS sequence using the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence among the N second code division multiplexing sequences. In other words, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB can be demodulated by the N DMRSs contained in the first SSB, where the N broadcast signals and the N DMRSs can have a one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the N DMRSs can be carried on the same time-frequency domain resources through code division multiplexing, improving the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhancing signal transmission performance.

[0190] The following section will introduce the implementation of the index of the i-th broadcast signal. In the examples below, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be understood as an absolute index, and the index of the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals can be understood as a relative index.

[0191] In one possible implementation of Example A, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence. For example, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is determined by the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence. Among the N broadcast signals included in the first SSB, the indices of different broadcast signals can be different. Furthermore, in the case of N DMRS code division multiplexing, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence (for example, the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence, and the index of the i-th broadcast signal can serve as the index of the transmission beam of the i-th broadcast signal), so that the indices of different broadcast signals can be distinguished by the indices of the code division multiplexing sequences of different DMRSs corresponding to different broadcast signals. For example, the index of a broadcast signal can be determined by the index of the SSB and the index of the code division multiplexing sequence of the DMRS. For instance, the index of a broadcast signal can be equal to the index of the SSB * N + the index of the second code division multiplexing sequence of the DMRS of the broadcast signal. Taking the existence of two SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N = 2 broadcast signals and N = 2 DMRSs of the broadcast signals. The code division sequence of the first DMRS in each SSB is the second code division sequence #0, and the second code division sequence of the second DMRS in each SSB is the second code division sequence index #1. Then, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0 * 2 + 0 = 0, the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0 * 2 + 1 = 1, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1 * 2 + 0 = 2, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1 * 2 + 1 = 3.

[0192] Figure 5c illustrates one implementation example of N DMRS code division. In Figure 5c, taking N as 2, the N broadcast signals are represented as two broadcast signals, as shown in Figure 5b and related implementations above. Furthermore, in Figure 5c, the N second code division multiplexing sequences are represented as two second code division multiplexing sequences, code division multiplexing sequence _A and code division multiplexing sequence _B; correspondingly, the N DMRS are represented as two DMRS, one corresponding to code division multiplexing sequence _A and the other to code division multiplexing sequence _B. These two DMRS are carried on the same time and frequency domain resources. Therefore, these two DMRS can be carried on the same time and frequency domain resources through code division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0193] For example, taking N broadcast signals as two broadcast signals (where N is 2), these two broadcast signals can be demodulated using two DMRSs respectively. For instance, these two broadcast signals can be denoted as broadcast signal_1 and broadcast signal_2. The DMRS used to demodulate broadcast signal_1 can be DMRS_1, and the DMRS used to demodulate broadcast signal_2 can be DMRS_2. For example, the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to DMRS_1 is [+1, +1], and the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to DMRS_2 is [+1, -1]. Assuming the sequence carried by the DMRS is [x, y, z, ...], this sequence can be extended using the code division multiplexing sequence to obtain the DMRS.

[0194] For example, when the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to DMRS_1 is [+1, +1], the processing result of the code division multiplexing sequence [+1, +1] on the sequence [x, y, z, ...] can be represented as [+x, +x, +y, +y, +z, +z, ...]. That is, the sequence actually carried by DMRS_1 can be represented as [+x, +x, +y, +y, +z, +z, ...].

[0195] For example, when the code division multiplexing sequence corresponding to DMRS_1 is [+1, -1], the processing result of the code division multiplexing sequence [+1, -1] on the sequence [x, y, z, ...] can be represented as [+x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z, ...]. That is, the sequence actually carried by DMRS_2 can be represented as [+x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z, ...].

[0196] Subsequently, the processing results corresponding to the above code division multiplexing sequences can be mapped to REs. For example, the data carried on the RE corresponding to the DMRS (i.e., the dashed box filled with horizontal lines) of the code division multiplexing sequence _A in Figure 5c can be represented as [+x, +x, +y, +y, +z, +z, ...], and the data carried on the RE corresponding to the DMRS (i.e., the solid box filled with diagonal lines) of the code division multiplexing sequence _B in Figure 5c can be represented as [+x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z, ...].

[0197] Optionally, the i-th (i takes values ​​from 1 to N) first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences can be the same as the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence among the N second code division multiplexing sequences. For example, code division multiplexing sequence _A and code division multiplexing sequence _0 in Figure 5c can be the same, and code division multiplexing sequence _B and code division multiplexing sequence _1 can be the same, which can reduce the implementation complexity.

[0198] Optionally, the i-th (where i takes values ​​from 1 to N, either partially or entirely) first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences may be different from the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence among the N second code division multiplexing sequences. For example, code division multiplexing sequence _A and code division multiplexing sequence _0 in Figure 5c may be different, and / or code division multiplexing sequence _B and code division multiplexing sequence _1 may be different.

[0199] Example B: N DMRS frequency divisions.

[0200] In Example B, the N DMRSs are carried on the same time-domain resource but on different frequency-domain resources. In other words, the N broadcast signals contained in the first SSB can be demodulated using the N DMRSs contained in the first SSB, and there can be a one-to-one correspondence between the N broadcast signals and the N DMRSs. Furthermore, the N DMRSs can be carried on different frequency-domain resources using frequency division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0201] Figure 5d illustrates one implementation example of N DMRS frequency division multiplexing. In Figure 5d, taking N as 2, the N broadcast signals are represented as two broadcast signals, as shown in Figure 5b and related implementations above. Furthermore, in Figure 5d, the N DMRSs are represented as two DMRSs: DMRS_A and DMRS_B. These two DMRSs are carried on different frequency domain resources (e.g., discontinuous frequency domain resources). For example, the subcarrier indices of the frequency domain resources occupied by DMRS_A are 0, 8, ..., 224, 232, while the subcarrier indices of the frequency domain resources occupied by DMRS_B are 4, 12, ..., 228, 236. Therefore, these two DMRSs can be carried on different frequency domain resources through frequency division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0202] Figure 5e illustrates another implementation example of frequency division multiplexing (FDMRS) for N DMRSs. In Figure 5e, taking N as 2, the N broadcast signals are represented as two broadcast signals, as shown in Figure 5b and related implementations. Furthermore, in Figure 5d, the N DMRSs are represented as two DMRSs: DMRS_A and DMRS_B. These two DMRSs are carried on different frequency domain resources (e.g., contiguous frequency domain resources). For example, the subcarrier indices of the frequency domain resources occupied by DMRS_A are 0, 8, ..., 224, 232, while the subcarrier indices of the frequency domain resources occupied by DMRS_B are 1, 9, ..., 225, 233. Therefore, these two DMRSs can be carried on different frequency domain resources through frequency division multiplexing, which can improve the signal's anti-interference capability and thus enhance signal transmission performance.

[0203] In one possible implementation of Example B, the index of the i-th broadcast signal satisfies any one of the following Examples 1 to 3.

[0204] Example 1: The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS). For example, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is determined by the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS.

[0205] Optionally, in Example 1, the index of the broadcast signal can be determined by the index of the SSB and the index of the frequency domain resource of the DMRS. For example, the index of the broadcast signal can be equal to the index of the SSB * N + the index of the frequency domain resource of the DMRS of the broadcast signal. Taking the existence of 2 SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N = 2 broadcast signals and N = 2 DMRSs corresponding to the N = 2 broadcast signals. The first DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resource with subcarrier indices of 0, 8, ..., 224, 232 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #0). The second DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resource with subcarrier indices of 1, 9, ..., 225, 233 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #1). Then, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+0=0, the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+1=1, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+0=2, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+1=3.

[0206] Example 2: The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS). For example, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is determined by the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS.

[0207] Alternatively, in Example 2, the index of the broadcast signal can be determined by the index of the SSB and the scrambling sequence corresponding to the DMRS.

[0208] For example, referring to Implementation Method 2 among the various implementations of the following N DMRS, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is generated based on the index (i.e., absolute index) of the i-th broadcast signal. Therefore, the first communication device (e.g., terminal device) can determine the index (i.e., absolute index) of the i-th broadcast signal based on the scrambling sequence corresponding to the received i-th DMRS. Taking two SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N=2 broadcast signals and N=2 DMRSs corresponding to the N=2 broadcast signals. The first DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 0, 8, ..., 224, 232 in Figure 5e (here called frequency domain resource #0, using scrambling sequence index 0). The second DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 1, 9, ..., 225, 233 in Figure 5e (here called frequency domain resource #1, using scrambling sequence index 1). Then, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+0=0, the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+1=1, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+0=2, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+1=3.

[0209] For example, referring to Implementation Method 2 among the various implementations of N DMRS, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is generated based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. Therefore, the first terminal device can determine the index (i.e., relative index) of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals based on the scrambling sequence corresponding to the received i-th DMRS, and then determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the index of the SSB and the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. Taking the existence of 2 SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N=2 broadcast signals and N=2 DMRSs corresponding to the N=2 broadcast signals. The first DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 0, 8, ..., 224, 232 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #0, using scrambling sequence index 0). The second DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 1, 9, ..., 225, 233 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #1, using scrambling sequence index 1).

[0210] Subsequently, the first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of DMRS on frequency domain resource #0, determine the relative index of the broadcast signal on frequency domain resource #0 among N broadcast signals (assuming the index is 0), and determine the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0*2+0 = 0, and the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1*2+0 = 2.

[0211] Furthermore, the first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of DMRS on frequency domain resource #1, determine the relative index of the broadcast signal on frequency domain resource #1 among N broadcast signals (assuming the index is 1), and determine the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0*2+1 = 1, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1*2+1 = 3.

[0212] Example 3: The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS). For example, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is determined by the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS.

[0213] Optionally, in Example 3, the index of the broadcast signal can be determined by the index of the SSB and the reference signal sequence corresponding to the DMRS. For example, in Implementation 3 of the various implementations of the N DMRS, the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is generated based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal. Therefore, the first terminal device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the received reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS. Taking the existence of two SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N=2 broadcast signals and N=2 DMRSs corresponding to the N=2 broadcast signals. The first DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 0, 8, ..., 224, 232 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #0, using reference signal sequence index 0), and the second DMRS in each SSB is carried on the frequency domain resources with subcarrier indices of 1, 9, ..., 225, 233 in Figure 5e (here referred to as frequency domain resource #1, using reference signal index 1). Then the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+0=0, the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 is 0*2+1=1, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+0=2, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 is 1*2+1=3.

[0214] In this way, when N DMRSs are used for frequency division multiplexing, the index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the frequency domain resources of the i-th DMRS (or the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS, or the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS), so that the indices of different broadcast signals can be distinguished by various parameters corresponding to different DMRSs.

[0215] In one possible implementation, besides the methods for determining the index of the i-th broadcast signal described in Examples A and B above, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be associated with the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence (e.g., the first communication device can determine the index of the i-th broadcast signal based on the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence). For example, the index of a broadcast signal can be equal to the index of the SSB * N + the index of the first code division multiplexing sequence of the broadcast signal. Taking two SSBs as an example, numbered SSB#0 and #1, each SSB includes N = 2 broadcast signals. The code division sequence of the first broadcast signal in each SSB is the first code division sequence #0, and the first code division sequence of the second broadcast signal in each SSB is the first code division sequence index #1. Then, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0 * 2 + 0 = 0, the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#0 = 0 * 2 + 1 = 1, the index of the first broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1 * 2 + 0 = 2, and the index of the second broadcast signal in SSB#1 = 1 * 2 + 1 = 3. Taking Figures 5b to 5e as examples, the first broadcast signal can be the broadcast information corresponding to the code division multiplexing sequence _0 (i.e., the solid line square filled with blank space in the figure), and the second broadcast signal can be the broadcast information corresponding to the code division multiplexing sequence _1 (i.e., the dashed line square filled with blank space in the figure).

[0216] In this way, the indices of different broadcast signals can be distinguished by the index of the first code division multiplexing sequence used by each broadcast signal itself, thereby reducing the implementation complexity.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the reference signal sequences and scrambling sequences of different DMRSs in N DMRSs can be implemented in various ways. The following will illustrate some possible implementations with examples.

[0218] Implementation Method 1: The reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are identical; and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are identical. Therefore, the identical reference signal sequences (and / or corresponding scrambling sequences) among the N DMRSs reduces implementation complexity. Furthermore, in the case of N DMRS code division multiplexing, the identical reference signal sequences (and / or corresponding scrambling sequences) among the different DMRSs ensures orthogonality between the N code division multiplexed DMRSs, thereby improving signal transmission performance.

[0219] As an example, the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among N DMRSs are the same, and the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB; similarly, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB.

[0220] Optionally, when the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB, the reference signal sequence r(n) satisfies: c(n)=(x1(n+N c )+x2(n+N c ))mod2;

[0221] Where n represents the nth element in sequence r(n), j represents an imaginary number, x1(·) is a pre-configured or pre-defined m-sequence or an m-sequence generated by predefined rules, and N c A parameter (N) used to initialize the reference signal sequence. c It can be a fixed value, such as N. C =1600), x2(·) satisfies c init satisfy Indicates the index of the first SSB. For community identification.

[0222] As another example, the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same, and the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB. For example, the second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB; or, the first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS based on the index of the first SSB.

[0223] Optionally, assuming the length of the i-th DMRS sequence is M (M > 1), it can be denoted as r(0), ..., r(M-1) satisfying: r(i) = (r(i) + c(i)) mod 2; c(n) = (x1(n+N)) mod 2. c )+x2(n+N c ))mod2;

[0224] Where c(i) represents the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS, x1(·) is a pre-configured or pre-defined m-sequence or an m-sequence generated by a pre-defined rule, and x2(·) satisfies c(i) can be initialized by the sequence initialization factor c. init Initialization, c initThe cell identifier can be a value (e.g., physical cell identifier, PCI).

[0225] Implementation Method Two: The reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are identical (e.g., the reference signal sequences of the DMRSs can be generated based on the SSB index); and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different. In this way, the reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are identical, which reduces implementation complexity. And / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, allowing different DMRSs to be distinguished by different scrambling sequences. Simultaneously, in the case of N DMRSs being frequency division multiplexed, the different scrambling sequences ensure that the N frequency division multiplexed DMRSs are not completely identical, thus guaranteeing a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).

[0226] As an example, when the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among N DMRSs are different, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; similarly, a first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be an absolute index. For example, there are 2 SSBs, where each SSB includes N=2 broadcast signals, and the 2 SSBs together include 4 broadcast signals. The 2 SSBs are numbered SSB#0 and #1, the 2 broadcast signals in SSB#0 are numbered broadcast signal #0 and #1, and the broadcast signals in SSB#1 are numbered broadcast signal #2 and #3. The broadcast signal indices #0 to #3 are the absolute indices of the broadcast signals. Optionally, assuming the length of the i-th DMRS sequence is M (M > 1), it can be denoted as r(0), ..., r(M-1) satisfying: r(i) = (r(i) + c(i)) mod 2; c(n) = (x1(n+N)) mod 2. c )+x2(n+N c ))mod2;

[0227] Where c(i) represents the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS, x1(·) is a pre-configured or pre-defined m-sequence or an m-sequence generated by a pre-defined rule, and x2(·) satisfies c(i) can be initialized by the sequence initialization factor c. init Initialization, c init It can be For cell identifiers (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCI)). This represents the index of the i-th broadcast signal.

[0228] As another example, when the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. For example, the second communication device can generate / obtain the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; similarly, the first communication device can determine the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. Optionally, assuming the length of the i-th DMRS sequence is M (M is greater than 1), it can be denoted as r(0),…,r(M-1) satisfying: r(i)=(r(i)+c(i))mod 2; c(n)=(x1(n+N))mod 2. c )+x2(n+N c ))mod2;

[0229] Where c(i) represents the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS, x1(·) is a pre-configured or pre-defined m-sequence or an m-sequence generated by a pre-defined rule, and x2(·) satisfies c(i) can be initialized by the sequence initialization factor c. init Initialization, c init It can be For cell identifiers (e.g., physical cell identifier (PCI)). This represents the index of the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals.

[0230] Implementation Method 3: The reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different. Optionally, the scrambling sequences corresponding to the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs can be the same or different (for example, the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal, or the scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals). In this way, the reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different, so that the different DMRSs can be distinguished by different reference signal sequences. At the same time, when the N DMRSs are frequency division multiplexed, the different reference signal sequences ensure that the N frequency division multiplexed DMRSs are not completely identical, so as to ensure a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).

[0231] As an example, when the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among N DMRSs are different, the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; or, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal; optionally, the index of the i-th broadcast signal can be an absolute index. Optionally, when the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal, the reference signal sequence r(n) satisfies: c(n)=(x1(n+N c )+x2(n+N c ))mod2;

[0232] Where x1(·) is a pre-configured or pre-defined m-sequence, and x2(·) satisfies c init satisfy This represents the index of the i-th broadcast signal. For community identification.

[0233] As another example, when the reference signal sequences of different DMRSs in the N DMRSs are different, the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals. For example, a second communication device can generate / obtain the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals; similarly, a first communication device can determine the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS based on the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals.

[0234] In the method shown in Figure 4, after the first communication device receives the first broadcast signal in step S401, the first communication device can also perform other communication processes based on the first broadcast signal. Examples of some possible implementations will be described below. It should be understood that the first communication device can execute one or more of the following implementation processes 1 to 3.

[0235] The implementation process 1, as shown in Figure 4, further includes: the first communication device sending a first random access preamble, which is associated with the first broadcast signal. For example, the first communication device may send the first random access preamble based on the first broadcast signal.

[0236] In implementation process 1, after the first communication device processes the first broadcast signal to obtain broadcast information, the first communication device can send a first random access preamble associated with the selected first broadcast signal, so that the receiver of the first random access preamble can clearly identify the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device as the first broadcast signal, and subsequently the receiver can communicate with the first communication device based on the communication parameters corresponding to the first broadcast signal.

[0237] For example, when N broadcast signals correspond to different beams (e.g., the beam direction of the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is the same as the beam direction of the i-th random access preamble among the N random access preambles; or the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is quasi-co-located with the i-th random access preamble among the N random access preambles; or the transmission channel information corresponding to the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is the same as or similar to the transmission channel information corresponding to the i-th random access preamble among the N random access preambles), the receiver of the first random access preamble can use the beam corresponding to the first random access preamble to transmit signals to the first communication device, thereby improving signal transmission performance. Similarly, when N broadcast signals correspond to different communication resources (e.g., the communication resource is used to transmit the random access response (RAR) corresponding to the random access preamble), the receiver of the first random access preamble can use the resource corresponding to the first random access preamble to perform other steps of the random access procedure, thereby improving the success rate of random access.

[0238] Meanwhile, in this implementation, network devices can use a narrow beam of broadcast signals to receive the preamble instead of a wide beam of synchronization signals, providing higher antenna gain, which is beneficial for preamble reception. On the one hand, it improves the coverage performance of preamble reception, and on the other hand, it is more conducive to terminal energy saving (because the terminal can transmit the preamble with lower power).

[0239] In one possible implementation of process 1, the first random access preamble is the random access preamble corresponding to the first broadcast signal, and the random access preambles corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different; and / or, the first random access preamble carries the random access timing corresponding to the first information, and the random access timings corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different. In other words, among the N broadcast signals, the random access preambles (or sets of random access preambles) corresponding to different signals are different, and / or, the random access timings corresponding to different signals are different. In this way, the receiver of the first random access preamble can determine that the broadcast signal processed by the first communication device is the first broadcast signal based on the sequence of the received random access preambles (and / or based on the random access timings corresponding to the received random access preambles).

[0240] Implementation process 2, the method shown in Figure 4 further includes: the first communication device receiving scheduling information of the first system information, the scheduling information of the first system information satisfying either method one or method two:

[0241] Method 1: The scheduling information of the first system information is carried on the first resource; the first resource is one of M resources, the N broadcast signals all correspond to the first resource, the M resources correspond to M SSBs respectively (for example, the m-th resource corresponds to the m-th SSB, where m takes the value from 1 to M), the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, and the M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster (that is, the M SSBs are located in the same synchronization signal cluster (for example, the same SSB burst set)), where M is a positive integer.

[0242] For example, in this approach, taking the second communication device as a network device and the first system information as SIB1, if the network device sends M SSBs, the M SSBs can contain M*N broadcast signals. Furthermore, the network device can send M SIB1s (e.g., the network device only sends M SIB1s), and each of the M SIB1s is scheduled by scheduling information from M resources. Optionally, the transmission beams of the M scheduling information and the M SIB1s can be the same as the transmission beams of the synchronization signals in the M SSBs. Since the network device only sends M SIB1s, the network overhead is lower, and the terminal only needs to receive SIB1s based on one of the M scheduling information, thus reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0243] Alternatively, in Method 1, the scheduling information of the first system information is carried on a first resource; this first resource is one of N resources, and each of the N resources corresponds to one of the N broadcast signals. For example, taking the second communication device as a network device and the first system information as SIB1, if the network device sends M SSBs, the M SSBs can contain M*N broadcast signals. Furthermore, the network device can send M*N SIB1s, which are scheduled by the scheduling information in the M*N resources. Optionally, the transmission beam of the x-th scheduling information (x takes values ​​from 1 to M*N) in the M*N scheduling information, the transmission beam of the x-th SIB1 in the M*N SIB1s, and the beam of the x-th broadcast signal in the M*N broadcast signals can be the same. In this way, since the M*N scheduling information and the M*N system information blocks 1 use the narrow beam of the broadcast signal, higher antenna gain can be obtained, which is beneficial to the coverage performance of the system information block 1.

[0244] Method 2: The scheduling information of the first system information is one of the scheduling information of M scheduling information. The N broadcast signals all correspond to the scheduling information of the first system information. The M scheduling information correspond to M SSBs respectively. The first SSB is one of the M SSBs. The M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster, where M is a positive integer.

[0245] Similarly, when the scheduling information of the first system information is one of the M scheduling information, since the network device only sends M SIB1s, the network overhead is low. At the same time, the terminal only needs to send M scheduling information and M SIB1s, and the power consumption of the terminal is also reduced.

[0246] Alternatively, the scheduling information of the first system information is one of N scheduling information, and these N scheduling information correspond to the N broadcast signals respectively (for example, the i-th scheduling information corresponds to the i-th broadcast signal).

[0247] Similarly, when the scheduling information of the first system information is one of the N scheduling information, since the M*N scheduling information and the M*N system information blocks 1 use the narrow beam of the broadcast signal, a higher antenna gain can be obtained, which is beneficial to the coverage performance of the system information block 1.

[0248] In implementation process 2, the network device (e.g., the second communication device) can schedule the system information corresponding to M SSBs using M scheduling information. For example, the scheduling information for system information corresponding to different SSBs is different (optionally, the scheduling information for system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same), or the scheduling information for system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different (e.g., the scheduling information for system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in different SSBs is different), allowing the first communication device to flexibly select one of the following methods to receive the first system information: either through pre-configuration or through network device configuration.

[0249] As an example, in the above process, the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different SSBs may be different, while the scheduling information of system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through the same scheduling information, which can reduce the transmission overhead of the system information and / or the scheduling information.

[0250] As another example, in the above process, when the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can receive the first system information through different scheduling information, so as to schedule the receiving process of the first system information of different first communication devices through different scheduling information, so as to achieve flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0251] Optionally, the system information can be a system information block (SIB), such as SIB1 or other system information defined by future networks / protocols / standards.

[0252] In one possible implementation of process 2, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving first indication information, which indicates that the first resource is one of M resources, or that the first indication information is one of N resources, or that the first indication information indicates that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of M scheduling information, or that the first indication information indicates that the scheduling information of the first system information is one of N scheduling information, or that the first indication information indicates M scheduling information or that the number of scheduling information is M, or that the first indication information indicates N scheduling information or that the number of scheduling information is N, or that the first indication information indicates that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is the same, or that the first indication information indicates that the scheduling information of the system information corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB is different. In this way, the first communication device can receive the scheduling information of the first system information based on the indication of the first indication information sent by the second communication device, using either method one or method two, and provide system information transmission according to the actual scenario needs, thereby improving the success rate of receiving the scheduling information.

[0253] The implementation process 3 and the method shown in Figure 4 further include: the first communication device detecting the paging message within the first paging timing; the first paging timing includes M physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) detection timings, the M PDCCH detection timings correspond to M SSBs respectively, the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, and the N broadcast signals all correspond to the PDCCH detection timing of the paging message corresponding to the first SSB in the M PDCCH detection timings, where M is a positive integer.

[0254] For example, when the first paging timing includes M PDCCH detection timings, taking the second communication device as a network device and the first system information as SIB1 as an example, if the network device sends M SSBs, the M SSBs can contain M*N broadcast signals. Furthermore, each of the M SSBs corresponds to one of the M PDCCH detection timings. For instance, the network device can send the paging message corresponding to the m-th SSB among the M SSBs during the m-th PDCCH detection timing (where m ranges from 1 to M). Optionally, the transmission beam for the M PDCCH detection timings can be the same as the transmission beam for the synchronization signal among the M SSBs. Since the network device only sends the paging message during the M PDCCH detection timings, the network overhead is lower, and the terminal only needs to detect the paging message during the M PDCCH detection timings, thus reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0255] Alternatively, the method shown in Figure 4 further includes: the first communication device detecting the paging message within a first paging time, the first paging time including N PDCCH detection times, and the N broadcast signals corresponding to the N PDCCH detection times respectively.

[0256] For example, when the first paging timing includes N PDCCH detection timings, taking the second communication device as a network device and the first system information as SIB1 as an example, if the network device sends M SSBs, these M SSBs can contain M*N broadcast signals. Furthermore, the network device can send paging messages corresponding to the M*N broadcast signals respectively during the M*N PDCCH detection timings. Optionally, the transmission beam of the x-th PDCCH detection timing (x takes values ​​from 1 to M*N) among the M*N PDCCH detection timings can be the same as the beam of the x-th broadcast signal among the M*N broadcast signals. In this way, since the M*N PDCCH detection timings and the M*N system information blocks 1 use the narrow beam of the broadcast signals, higher antenna gain can be obtained, which is beneficial to improving the coverage performance of the paging messages.

[0257] In implementation process 3, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different and the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same, or the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are different, so that the first communication device can flexibly select one of the methods to detect paging messages through pre-configuration or network device configuration.

[0258] As an example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different SSBs are different, while the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same. In this case, different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages by reusing the same PDCCH detection timing, which can improve resource utilization.

[0259] As another example, in the above process, the paging timings corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB can be different. Different first communication devices that receive different broadcast signals in the same SSB can detect paging messages through different PDCCH detection timings, so as to paging the first communication devices that select different broadcast signals through different PDCCH detection timings, thereby realizing flexible scheduling of different first communication devices.

[0260] In one possible implementation of process 3, the method further includes: the first communication device receiving second indication information, which indicates that the first paging opportunity includes the M PDCCH detection opportunities, or that the first paging opportunity includes the N PDCCH detection opportunities, or that the number of PDCCH detection opportunities is M, or that the number of PDCCH detection opportunities is N, or that the paging opportunities corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are the same, or that the paging opportunities corresponding to different broadcast signals in the same SSB are different. Thus, the first communication device can detect paging messages based on the indication of the second indication information sent by the second communication device, thereby improving the success rate of paging message detection.

[0261] Please refer to Figure 6. This application embodiment provides a communication device 600, which can realize the functions of the second communication device or the first communication device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 600 can be the first communication device (or the second communication device), or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the first communication device (or the second communication device), such as a chip.

[0262] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 602 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0263] In one possible implementation, when the device 600 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in the foregoing embodiments, the transceiver unit 602 is used to receive a first broadcast signal in the first SSB; the processing unit 601 is used to process the first broadcast signal; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0264] In one possible implementation, when the device 600 is used to execute the method performed by the second communication device in the foregoing embodiments, the processing unit 601 is used to determine (or generate, acquire, etc.) a first SSB; the transceiver unit 602 is used to send the first SSB; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, and N is an integer greater than 1.

[0265] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 600 can be specifically described in the method embodiments shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] Please refer to Figure 7, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 700 provided in this application. The communication device 700 includes a logic circuit 701 and an input / output interface 702. The communication device 700 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0267] In Figure 6, the transceiver unit 602 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 702 in Figure 7, and the input / output interface 702 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0268] Optionally, the input / output interface 702 is used to receive a first broadcast signal from the first SSB; the logic circuit 701 is used to process the first broadcast signal; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0269] Optionally, the logic circuit 701 is used to determine (or generate, acquire, etc.) a first SSB; the input / output interface 702 is used to send the first SSB; wherein the first SSB includes N broadcast signals, the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, and N is an integer greater than 1.

[0270] The logic circuit 701 and the input / output interface 702 can also perform other steps performed by the first or second communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 601 shown in FIG6 can be the logic circuit 701 in FIG7.

[0272] Optionally, the logic circuit 701 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0273] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0274] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0275] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0276] Please refer to Figure 8, which shows the communication device 800 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 800 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The communication device shown in Figure 8 is implemented through a terminal device (or a component in the terminal device).

[0277] The present invention is a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 800, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 801 and a communication port 802.

[0278] In Figure 6, the transceiver unit 602 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 802 in Figure 8. The communication port 802 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 802 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0279] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 803 and a bus 804. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 801 is used to control the operation of the communication device 800.

[0280] Furthermore, the processor 801 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0281] It should be noted that the communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 8 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0282] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 900 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 900 can be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The communication device shown in Figure 9 is implemented through a network device (or a component in a network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 9.

[0283] The communication device 900 includes at least one processor 911 and at least one network interface 914. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 912, at least one transceiver 913, and one or more antennas 915. The processor 911, memory 912, transceiver 913, and network interface 914 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 915 is connected to the transceiver 913. The network interface 914 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 914 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface, or a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0284] In Figure 6, the transceiver unit 602 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 914 in Figure 9. The network interface 914 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 914 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0285] The processor 911 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 911 in Figure 9 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0286] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 912 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 911. Optionally, the memory 912 can be integrated with the processor 911, for example, integrated into a single chip. The memory 912 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 911. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 911.

[0287] Figure 9 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0288] Transceiver 913 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 913 can be connected to antenna 915. Transceiver 913 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 915 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 913 receives the RF signals from the antennas, converts the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provides the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 911 so that processor 911 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 913 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 911, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 915. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0289] The transceiver 913 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0290] It should be noted that the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0292] It is understood that the communication device 10 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 10 may be the terminal device or network device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 10 includes one or more processors 101. The processor 101 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0293] Optionally, in one design, processor 101 may include program 103 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which may be executed on processor 101 to cause communication device 10 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 10 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG10).

[0294] Optionally, the communication device 10 may include one or more memories 102 storing a program 104 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 101 to cause the communication device 10 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0295] Optionally, the processor 101 and / or memory 102 may include AI modules 107 and 108, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0296] Optionally, the processor 101 and / or memory 102 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0297] Optionally, the communication device 10 may further include a transceiver 105 and / or an antenna 106. The processor 101, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 105, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to realize the transmission and reception functions of the communication device through the antenna 106.

[0298] In this context, the processing unit 601 shown in Figure 6 can be a processor 101. The transceiver unit 602 shown in Figure 6 can be a communication interface, which can be the transceiver 105 in Figure 10. The transceiver 105 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 105 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0299] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0300] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0301] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0302] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0303] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0304] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0305] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Receive the first broadcast signal in the first synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB); Process the first broadcast signal; The first SSB includes N broadcast signals, and the first broadcast signal is one of the N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1. The N broadcast signals are carried on the same time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources. The i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is associated with the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences, where i takes values ​​from 1 to N.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Send a first random access preamble, which is associated with the first broadcast signal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first random access preamble is the random access preamble corresponding to the first broadcast signal, and the random access preambles corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different; and / or, The first random access preamble carries the random access timing corresponding to the first information, and the random access timings corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The scheduling information of the first system information is received and carried on the first resource. The first resource is one of M resources, all N broadcast signals correspond to the first resource, the M resources correspond to M SSBs respectively, the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, the M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster, and M is a positive integer; or, The first resource is one of N resources, and the N resources correspond to the N broadcast signals respectively.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of M resources, or, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first resource is one of N resources.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Detect the paging message during the first paging opportunity; The first paging timing includes M Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) detection timings, each of which corresponds to one of the M SSBs. The first SSB is one of the M SSBs. The N broadcast signals each correspond to the PDCCH detection timing of the paging message corresponding to the first SSB in the M PDCCH detection timings, where M is a positive integer; or, The first paging timing includes N PDCCH detection timings, and the N broadcast signals correspond to the N PDCCH detection timings respectively.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further includes: Receive second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the M PDCCH detection timings, or, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first paging timing includes the N PDCCH detection timings.

8. A communication method characterized by comprising: include: Determine the first synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB); Process the first SSB; The first SSB includes N broadcast signals, where N is an integer greater than 1. The N broadcast signals are carried on the same time-domain resources and frequency-domain resources. The i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals is associated with the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence among the N first code division multiplexing sequences, where i takes the value from 1 to N.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a first random access preamble, which is associated with the first broadcast signal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first random access preamble is the random access preamble corresponding to the first broadcast signal, and the random access preambles corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different; and / or, The first random access preamble carries the random access timing corresponding to the first information, and the random access timings corresponding to different signals among the N broadcast signals are different.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The scheduling information for sending the first system information is carried on the first resource. The first resource is one of M resources, all N broadcast signals correspond to the first resource, the M resources correspond to M SSBs respectively, the first SSB is one of the M SSBs, the M SSBs are included in the first synchronization signal cluster, and M is a positive integer; or, The first resource is one of N resources, and the N resources correspond to the N broadcast signals respectively.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: Send a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate that the first resource is one of M resources, or the first indication message being used to indicate that the first resource is one of N resources.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the paging message within the first paging opportunity; The first paging timing includes M Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) detection timings, each of which corresponds to one of the M SSBs. The first SSB is one of the M SSBs. The N broadcast signals each correspond to the PDCCH detection timing of the paging message corresponding to the first SSB in the M PDCCH detection timings, where M is a positive integer; or, The first paging timing includes N PDCCH detection timings, and the N broadcast signals correspond to the N PDCCH detection timings respectively.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further includes: Send a second indication message, which indicates that the first paging timing includes the M PDCCH detection timings, or the second indication message indicates that the first paging timing includes the N PDCCH detection timings.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The first SSB also includes N demodulation reference signals (DMRS), wherein the i-th DMRS among the N DMRS is used to demodulate the i-th broadcast signal; The N DMRSs are carried on the same time-frequency domain resources, and the i-th DMRS is associated with the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence among the N second code division multiplexing sequences.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th second code division multiplexing sequence.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first SSB also includes N DMRS, wherein the i-th DMRS among the N DMRS is used to demodulate the i-th broadcast signal; The N DMRS are carried on the same time-domain resources, and the N DMRS are carried on different frequency-domain resources.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, Meet any of the following: The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the frequency domain resource of the i-th DMRS; or, The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS; or, The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or the method of claim 17, characterized in that, The index of the i-th broadcast signal is associated with the index of the i-th first code division multiplexing sequence.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same; and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB, and / or the scrambling sequence corresponding to the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the first SSB.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The reference signal sequences of different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are the same; and / or, the scrambling sequences corresponding to different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal; or, The scrambling sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal among the N broadcast signals.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that, The reference signal sequences of the different DMRSs among the N DMRSs are different.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal; or, The reference signal sequence of the i-th DMRS is associated with the index of the i-th broadcast signal in the N broadcast signals.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that, The first code division multiplexing sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that, The second code division multiplexing sequence is an orthogonal sequence.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that, The first SSB also includes a primary synchronization signal PSS and a secondary synchronization signal SSS.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor coupled to a memory; the at least one processor is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

31. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 28.

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