Communication method, apparatus and readable storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method, an apparatus and a readable storage medium. The method mainly comprises: generating a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal supports low power reception, but the second signal does not support low power reception; and respectively transmitting the first signal and the second signal on the basis of a first period and a second period, the start position or end position of a time unit used for transmitting the first signal being the same as the start position or end position of a time unit used for transmitting the second signal, or the start and end positions of the time unit used for transmitting the first signal being between the start and end positions of the time unit used for transmitting the second signal, or vice versa. Implementing the embodiments of the present application can reduce effects on existing network as much as possible while ensuring that low-power terminals can correctly receive synchronization signals, thereby reducing network overheads, making full use of network resources, and improving the utilization rate of the network resources.

Description

A communication method, apparatus and readable storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510021117.6, filed on January 3, 2025, entitled "A Communication Method, Apparatus and Readable Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the increasingly widespread application of 5G (5th generation mobile communication technology), including New Radio (NR), Machine-Type Communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication, the number of connected IoT devices is growing daily. Therefore, the industry's demand for reduced cost and power consumption in IoT devices is becoming increasingly strong. During the 4G era, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) systems. However, NB-IoT terminals require external power (e.g., batteries) and have the ability to generate local high-frequency local oscillator carriers, thus achieving milliwatt-level power consumption. But with the evolution and development of 5G IoT, 5G networks need to support even lower power consumption (e.g., microwatt-level).

[0004] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) terminals (tags) use low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receive downlink signals without a local oscillator. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when an RFID tag is working, the communication energy and carrier wave are supplied by the RFID reader. These two components communicate based on a reflected carrier wave. The thinner line represents the carrier wave transmitted by the RFID reader, and the thicker line represents the RFID tag modulating and reflecting the carrier wave transmitted by the RFID reader. Given the low-power advantage of RFID communication technology, Ambient IoT has emerged in 5G environments. Terminal devices in Ambient IoT also use low-precision, low-power mid-to-low frequency ring oscillators or receive downlink signals without a local oscillator to meet low-power requirements. However, this type of low-power reception method cannot correctly receive the synchronization signals of existing NR (Radio Frequency) systems.

[0005] Therefore, for low-power reception scenarios, how to ensure that low-power terminal devices can correctly receive synchronization signals and complete relevant communication functions while minimizing the impact on existing networks is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium. For terminal devices that only have a low-power receiver or where the low-power receiver is in the on state while the traditional receiver is in the off state, a new synchronization signal is sent to ensure that the terminal device can receive correctly, while minimizing the impact on the existing network, reducing network overhead, and making full use of network resources.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a first communication device generating a first signal and a second signal, the first signal supporting low-power reception and the second signal not supporting low-power reception; the first communication device transmitting the first signal and the second signal respectively at a first period and a second period, wherein the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting position and the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting position and the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting position and the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting position and the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

[0008] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device generates different types of signals to support reception of different power levels, enabling low-power terminals to correctly receive the corresponding downlink signals. In addition, by setting the positional relationship between the time unit for transmitting the first signal and the time unit for transmitting the second signal, the energy-saving impact on the existing NR network can be reduced, thereby reducing network overhead and making full use of network resources.

[0009] In one alternative implementation, the first signal and the second signal are located within the same frame in the time domain, or the first signal and the second signal are located within the same half-frame in the time domain.

[0010] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device can transmit the first signal and the second signal using the same wireless frame or wireless half-frame, thereby minimizing resource fragmentation and reducing network overhead.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the first signal and the second signal are aligned with the boundary of the frame or the right boundary of the frame, or the first signal and the second signal are aligned with the left boundary of the half-frame or the right boundary of the half-frame.

[0012] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device can reduce the impact on the existing network and reduce network overhead by setting the positional relationship between the first signal and the second signal.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the first period is N times the second period, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0014] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device can maintain the shutdown characteristics of the existing network and reduce the impact on the energy saving of the existing network by setting the period relationship between the first signal and the second signal, thereby reducing network overhead.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, the first communication device transmits the first signal in a third cycle, which is different from the first cycle.

[0016] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device can flexibly adjust the period of the first signal before and after initial access according to different service types and requirements, thereby making more efficient use of network resources.

[0017] In one alternative implementation, the third period is M times the second period, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0018] By implementing the embodiments of this application, the first communication device ensures that the third period of the first signal is an integer multiple of the second period of the second signal by setting the period relationship between the first signal and the second signal. This maintains the shutdown characteristics of the existing network, reduces the impact on the energy saving of the existing network, and thus reduces network overhead.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a second communication device receiving a first signal, the first signal supporting low-power reception, the period of the first signal being a first period; and the second communication device performing relevant communication functions based on the first signal.

[0020] In one alternative implementation, the relevant communication functions include at least one of the following functions: determining the starting position of the first signal, performing carrier error calibration, acquiring public broadcast information, cell search, and measurement.

[0021] In one alternative implementation, the first signal is aligned with the left boundary of the frame or the right boundary of the frame, or the first signal is aligned with the left boundary of the half-frame or the right boundary of the half-frame.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the second communication device receives period change indication information; the second communication device receives the first signal in a third period according to the period change indication information, the third period being different from the first period.

[0023] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device can be a first device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the first device that performs each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, or a device compatible with the first device. This communication device has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the first aspect. Alternatively, the communication device can be a second device, or a module or unit (e.g., a chip, chip system, or circuit) within the second device that performs each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, or a device compatible with the second device. This communication device has the function of implementing some or all of the embodiments described in the second aspect. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above-described function.

[0024] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above-described method. The communication unit supports communication between the communication device and other communication devices. The communication device may also include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the communication unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. Additionally, the processing unit may be used to control the communication unit to transmit and receive data / signaling.

[0025] In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal supports low-power reception and the second signal does not support low-power reception.

[0026] A communication unit is configured to transmit a first signal and a second signal at a first period and a second period, respectively. The starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

[0027] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] In one embodiment, a communication unit is configured to receive a first signal, the first signal supporting low-power reception, the period of the first signal being a first period.

[0029] The processing unit is used to perform relevant communication functions based on the first signal.

[0030] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the second aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0031] As an example, the communication unit can be a transceiver or a communication interface, the storage unit can be a memory, and the processing unit can be a processor. The processor is coupled to the memory, which stores programs or instructions for the processor. The processor can be used to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above when the program or instructions are executed by the processor. The transceiver or communication interface can be used to send and receive signals and / or data.

[0032] In one embodiment, a processor is configured to generate a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal supports low-power reception and the second signal does not support low-power reception.

[0033] A transceiver is configured to transmit a first signal and a second signal in a first period and a second period, respectively. The starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

[0034] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the first aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0035] In one embodiment, a transceiver is configured to receive a first signal that supports low-power reception, the period of the first signal being a first period.

[0036] A processor, used to perform the same communication function based on the first signal.

[0037] In addition, other alternative implementations of the communication device in this regard can be found in the relevant content of the second aspect above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] In another embodiment, the communication device is a chip or chip system. The processing unit may also be a processing circuit or logic circuit; the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system.

[0039] In implementation, the processor can be used for, but is not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver or communication interface can be used for, but is not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. These devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into analog baseband processors and digital baseband processors. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver (or communication interface) on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a System on a Chip (SoC). Whether the devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the needs of the product design. This application does not limit the implementation form of the above-mentioned devices.

[0040] Fourthly, a processor is provided for executing the various methods described above. In executing these methods, the processes of sending and receiving the signals described above can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the signals and the process of the processor inputting the signals. When outputting the signals, the processor outputs the signals to a transceiver for transmission by the transceiver (or communication interface). After being output by the processor, the signals may require further processing before reaching the transceiver (or communication interface). Similarly, when the processor receives the input signals, the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the signals and inputs them to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver (or communication interface) receives the signals, the signals may require further processing before being input to the processor.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, or unless it contradicts its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and reception operations involved by the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, rather than transmission and reception operations directly performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas.

[0042] In implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0043] Fifthly, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising a first device and a second device as described above. The first device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the second device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. In another possible design, the system may further include other devices that interact with the first device and / or the second device as provided in this application.

[0044] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, causes the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any possible implementation thereof, to be executed.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product including instructions, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed, causes the method described in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any possible implementation thereof, to be performed.

[0046] Eighthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and an interface. The interface is used to acquire programs or instructions, and the processor is used to invoke the programs or instructions to implement the functions involved in the first or second aspect. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data for the terminal. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 is an interactive schematic diagram of an RFID tag operation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the network element function division and protocol layer structure of an access network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SSB signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a signal in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another signal in the time domain provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a comparison of different signal periods provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the signal period change before and after initial access provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a low-power device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another low-power device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "One or more of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0064] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0065] In this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0066] It is understood that in this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device performing a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations. The device performing a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances includes: satisfying the objective circumstances, i.e., being able to perform the corresponding action; or satisfying both the objective circumstances and other circumstances, in order to perform the corresponding action.

[0067] In this application, "simultaneous" can be understood as "parallel", or at the same point in time, or within a period of time, or within the same cycle. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0068] In this application, the use of singular designations for elements is intended to represent "one or more" rather than "one and only one," unless otherwise specified.

[0069] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A", "A and B correspond" or similar expressions indicate that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. Determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0070] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems using the 802.11 series protocols, long term evolution (LTE) systems, integrated communication and sensing systems, 5th generation (5G) systems such as new radio access technology (NR), networks integrating multiple systems, IoT systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, open-radio access network (O-RAN) systems, and future communication systems such as 6th generation (6G) systems. The 802.11 series protocols include, but are not limited to, 802.11ax, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 or next-generation protocols such as Wi-Fi 8, ultra-high reliability (UHR), 802.11bn, Wi-Fi AI, or millimeter wave, etc., which are not listed here. The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to sensing and communication scenarios in networks such as the Internet of Vehicles, the Internet of Things, and the Industrial Internet. In addition, the technical solutions provided in this application are applicable to communication between network devices and terminal devices, and can also be applied to communication between terminal devices.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the communication system includes communication devices that can wirelessly communicate with each other using air interface resources. These communication devices may include network devices and terminal devices; the network devices may also be called base station devices, access network devices, or access point (AP) devices. Air interface resources may include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code resources, and spatial resources. In this application, "at least one" may also be described as one or more, and "multiple" may be two, three, four, or more; this application does not impose any limitations.

[0072] It should be understood that the system architecture and application scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, as the system architecture or application scenarios evolve, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0073] Referring to Figure 2, which is a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100. RAN 100 can be a next-generation (e.g., 6G or higher) radio access network or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as terminal devices 120) can be interconnected or connected to one or more network devices in RAN 100 (e.g., 110a and 110b in Figure 2, collectively referred to as network devices 110). It is understood that Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram, and the communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 2.

[0074] In practical applications, this communication system can include multiple network devices (also known as access network devices or AP devices) and multiple terminal devices simultaneously. One network device can serve one or more terminal devices simultaneously. A terminal device can also access one or more network devices simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit the number of terminal devices and network devices included in the communication system.

[0075] Network equipment can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals, or a device deployed in a radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. For example, a base station (BS) can be a device deployed in a radio access network capable of wireless communication with terminals. Base stations can take many forms, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, and access points (APs). Exemplarily, the base station involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base station in 5G, a base station in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, an access network device or module of an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. Among these, a base station in 5G can also be called a transmission reception point (TRP) or a 5G base station (next-generation node B, gNB). Base stations can also be replaced by the following names, such as: wireless access point, node B, transmitting point (TP), master MeNB, auxiliary SeNB, multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), location node, IAB donor, etc.In systems employing different radio access technologies, network equipment may have different names. For example, it may be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a node B in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, or an evolved node B (eNB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. Network equipment can also be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a base station in a future 5G network, or a network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network. Network equipment can also be wearable devices or vehicle-mounted devices.

[0076] The network device in this application embodiment can be an integrated base station, or a base station including a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU). A base station including CU and DU can also be called a base station with separate CU and DU, such as a base station including gNB-CU and gNB-DU. The CU can also be separated into a CU control plane (CU-CP) and a CU user plane (CU-UP), such as a base station including gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU. Alternatively, the network device in this application embodiment can also be a radio unit (RU). Furthermore, the network device in this application embodiment can also be an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific deployment method of the network device. For example, when the network device is an O-RAN architecture, the network device shown in this application embodiment can be an access network device in O-RAN, such as a combination of one or more of CU, DU, or RU, or a module in the access network device, etc. In the ORAN system, CU can also be called open (O)-CU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, DU can also be called O-DU, and RU can also be called O-RU.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device can be the network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, a communication module, or a modem, etc., which can be installed in the network device. The network device can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the network device.

[0078] Terminal equipment, also known as terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), non-access point station (non-AP STA), etc., can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (such as on ships); or in the air (e.g., on airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminal equipment can be used to connect people, objects, and machines. Terminal device 120 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, WLAN communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, smart home, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0079] The electronic tags involved in the embodiments of this application can also be referred to as terminals. Electronic tags are RFID tags, and in this application, they can also be referred to as A-IoT devices. RFID tags can be classified into three types according to technology: active, passive, and semi-active. Tag types can also be classified into passive tags, semi-passive tags, and active tags. Passive and semi-passive tags use reflection-based communication methods, while active tags use actively generated carrier waves. Tag types can also be classified based on whether they use reflection-based communication methods, whether they have the ability to store energy, or a combination of both. For example, two typical device types: 1. A 1-microwatt power consumption tag with storage capability, an initial sampling frequency deviation of 10 to the power of X (typically X is 4 or 5), no uplink or downlink amplifier, and uplink transmission is based on reflection transmission using an externally provided carrier; 2. A 100-microwatt power consumption tag with energy storage, an initial sampling frequency deviation of 10 to the power of X (typically X is 4 or 5), with uplink or downlink amplifiers, and uplink transmission can be initiated by the terminal or based on backscatter transmission using an external carrier.

[0080] In this application's embodiments, the device used to implement the terminal's functions can be a terminal itself; it can also be a device capable of supporting the terminal in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, a communication module, or a modem, etc., which can be installed in the terminal. In this application's embodiments, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0081] It is understood that when the network device is an access point (as shown in Figure 2, 110b) and the terminal device is a non-access point site (as shown in Figure 2, 120f or 120g), the network formed by the network device and the terminal device can be a wireless local area network (WLAN). In other words, the communication system shown in Figure 2 can include, but is not limited to, WLAN.

[0082] For example, referring to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 20 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a transceiver 203. The transceiver 203 includes a transmitter 2031, a receiver 2032, and an antenna 2033. The network device 30 includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a transceiver 303. The transceiver 303 includes a transmitter 3031, a receiver 3032, and an antenna 3033. The receiver 2032 can be used to receive transmission control information through the antenna 2033, and the transmitter 2031 can be used to send transmission feedback information to the network device 30 through the antenna 2033. The transmitter 3031 can be used to send transmission control information to the terminal device 20 through the antenna 3033, and the receiver 3032 can be used to receive the transmission feedback information sent by the terminal device 20 through the antenna 3033.

[0083] It should be understood that the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application can also be an O-RAN system. Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an O-RAN system provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the network device (also called the access network device) communicates with the core network (CN) through a backhaul link and with the user equipment (UE) through an air interface. Specifically, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network device may communicate with the core network through a backhaul link, the radio unit (RU) in the access network device may communicate with at least one UE through an air interface, and the BBU may communicate with at least one RU through a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate through at least one midhaul link. For example, referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a network element functional division and protocol layer structure diagram of an access network device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, in some examples, the CU is a logical node carrying the radio resource control (RRC) layer, service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be interfaces like E2. Optionally, the CU can have some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces like F1. In some examples, these interfaces (such as the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1-AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface. In some examples, the signaling procedures of F1 are defined. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0084] In some examples, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC and PDCP-C layers, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as the access and mobility management (AMF) element in a 5G system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal device location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP and PDCP-U layers, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements, such as the user plane function (UPF) network elements in a 5G system, are responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; specific functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, a CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or it can be configured to have partial protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer 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. Another example is that the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For instance, based on latency, functions that need to meet low latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet this latency requirement can be placed in the CU.

[0085] In some examples, the DU is a logical node carrying the RLC layer, medium access control (MAC) layer, higher physical layer (higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0086] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP), a remote radio head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the lower PHY includes PHY processing functions such as fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0087] The DU and RU can be co-located or separate. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include LLS-C and LLS-U interfaces, respectively providing control plane (C-plane) and user plane (U-plane). In some examples, the control plane refers to real-time control between the DU and RU, while the DU and RU exchange management information via an LLS-M interface on the fronthaul link. The management plane (M-plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0088] DUs and RUs can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. One DU can be connected to one or more RUs, and the functions of DUs and RUs can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0089] It should be understood that CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU.

[0090] It should also be understood that the network device in the embodiments of this application can be replaced by a chip in the network device, and the terminal device can be replaced by a chip in the terminal device. In other words, the network element structure diagram shown in FIG3 can also represent the chip structure diagram applicable to this application. As shown in FIG3, the chip 20 of the terminal device includes a processor 201, a memory 202, and a transceiver 203. The transceiver 203 includes a transmitter 2031, a receiver 2032, and an antenna 2033. The chip 30 of the network device includes a processor 301, a memory 302, and a transceiver 303. The transceiver 303 includes a transmitter 3031, a receiver 3032, and an antenna 3033. The receiver 2032 can be used to receive transmission control information through the antenna 2033, and the transmitter 2031 can be used to send transmission feedback information to the chip 30 of the network device through the antenna 2033. Transmitter 3031 can be used to send transmission control information to chip 20 of terminal device through antenna 3033, and receiver 3032 can be used to receive transmission feedback information sent by chip 20 of terminal device through antenna 3033.

[0091] It is understood that although this application primarily uses a network deploying the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects covered in this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0092] Secondly, some terms and related technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0093] NR terminal devices supporting NR Release 18 and earlier standard features receive synchronization signals consisting of a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB). These NR terminal devices can perform cell search, time tracking, frequency tracking, and measurements via the NR SSB. Cell search is the process by which the terminal device obtains time and frequency synchronization with a cell and detects the cell's physical layer cell identifier. Measurements are used for mobility management, cell selection, and cell reselection. An SSB contains a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of an SSB signal structure provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, in the time domain, one SSB occupies four consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. In the frequency domain, one SSB occupies 240 consecutive subcarriers, which are numbered sequentially from 0 to 239 in ascending frequency order. Specifically, the first OFDM symbol from the left carries the PSS, with subcarriers numbered 0 to 55 and 183 to 239 set to 0, and subcarriers numbered 56 to 182 being the subcarriers occupied by the PSS. The second and fourth OFDM symbols from the left carry the PBCH, and one of every four consecutive subcarriers is the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) corresponding to the PBCH. The third OFDM symbol from the left carries both the SSS and PBCH, with subcarriers numbered 56 to 182 being the subcarriers occupied by the SSS, and subcarriers numbered 0 to 47 and 192 to 239 being the subcarriers occupied by the PBCH. In SSB, the PSS and SSS sequences use a modulation scheme similar to binary phase shift keying (BPSK), while the PBCH uses quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK).

[0094] It should be understood that current synchronization signals, such as the PSS and SSS sequences in NR's SSB and PBCH, do not support reception via low-power methods and can only be received via coherent methods. The key to coherent reception is that the receiver must be able to recover a coherent carrier frequency that is strictly synchronized with the modulated carrier. The receiver uses a mixer to multiply the RF signal with the coherent carrier, and after processing, obtains the baseband signal. To obtain a coherent carrier frequency that is strictly synchronized with the modulated carrier, the receiver requires a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) capable of providing a precise local oscillator signal. This requires the terminal device to use a traditional receiver, which contradicts the low-power principle.

[0095] Therefore, terminal devices that have both traditional and low-power receivers, but currently only the low-power receiver is on while the traditional receiver is off, or terminal devices that only have a low-power receiver, cannot correctly receive the existing NR synchronization signal.

[0096] Based on the above, this application provides a communication method, apparatus, and readable storage medium for low-power reception scenarios, which can ensure that low-power terminal devices can correctly receive synchronization signals, and reduce the energy-saving impact on existing NR networks during the reception process, reduce network overhead, and make full use of network resources.

[0097] The technical solution provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to more accompanying drawings.

[0098] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of this application, multiple embodiments are used for illustration, as detailed in the following descriptions of the various embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between different embodiments or implementations can be referenced interchangeably. In the various embodiments and implementation methods / methods within those embodiments, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between different implementation methods / methods within those embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and between different implementation methods / methods within those embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, or methods of implementation based on their inherent logical relationships. The embodiments described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. It is understood that the order of the embodiments below does not represent their importance.

[0099] It should be understood that in this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and through direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0100] It should be understood that in this application, information D is determined based on information C, which includes both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations where information D is determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, the use of information C to determine information D can also include indirect determination, such as when information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0101] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "network element A sends information A to network element B" can be understood as network element B being the destination of information A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination and network element B, which may include sending information directly or indirectly to network element B. "Network element B receives information A from network element A" can be understood as network element A being the source of information A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source and network element A, which may include receiving information directly or indirectly from network element A. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way and will not be elaborated further here.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0103] S101: The first communication device generates a first signal and a second signal.

[0104] Specifically, the first communication device can be a reader / writer, the first signal can be an ambient synchronization signal (i.e., Ambient SSB), and the second signal can be an NR SSB. For ease of description, these will not be explained further below.

[0105] Furthermore, the first signal is designed to meet the requirements of extremely low power consumption and support low-power reception, i.e., it is suitable for terminal devices with oscillators that cannot provide accurate local oscillator signals. Its specific structure can be defined and set according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on it. The second signal does not support low-power reception, but it supports coherent reception and is suitable for terminal devices with local high-frequency local oscillator carrier generation capabilities. Its specific structure can be as shown in Figure 6 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0106] S102: The first communication device transmits the first signal and the second signal in a first cycle and a second cycle, respectively.

[0107] Specifically, after generating the first signal and the second signal, the first communication device can preset different transmission periods for different signals and then transmit the signals according to the preset periods.

[0108] It should be noted that the starting position of the time unit used to send the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit used to send the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit used to send the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit used to send the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit used to send the first signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit used to send the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit used to send the second signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit used to send the first signal.

[0109] It should be understood that by setting the positional relationship between the time units corresponding to different signals, such as having the same start position, the same end position, or one of them being located between the other, the impact on the existing NR network can be reduced. This allows the existing NR network to support symbol-level / time slot-level / frame-level shutdown at all times except for the always-present NR SSB signal transmission time, thereby reducing resource fragmentation and thus reducing the energy-saving impact on the existing NR network.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the first signal and the second signal are located within the same frame in the time domain, or the first signal and the second signal are located within the same half-frame in the time domain.

[0111] Specifically, when the length of the time unit corresponding to the first signal and the second signal does not exceed half the length of the wireless frame, the first signal and the second signal can be located in the same half frame. If the length of the time unit corresponding to the first signal and the second signal exceeds half the length of the wireless frame (it is possible that one exceeds the other but not the same, or both exceed the same length), the first signal and the second signal can be located in the same frame.

[0112] For example, see Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of a signal in the time domain provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the length of the time unit corresponding to the first signal is 3 milliseconds, the length of the time unit corresponding to the second signal is 5 milliseconds, and the length of a wireless frame is 20 milliseconds. Therefore, the first signal and the second signal are located in the same half-frame in the time domain.

[0113] In another alternative implementation, the first signal and the second signal are aligned with the left boundary of the frame or the right boundary of the frame, or the first signal and the second signal are aligned with the left boundary of a half-frame or the right boundary of a half-frame.

[0114] For example, see Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of another signal in the time domain provided by an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, in a wireless frame, the time unit corresponding to the first signal and the time unit corresponding to the second signal can be aligned with the left / right boundaries of the frame, or aligned with the left / right boundaries of half a frame.

[0115] It is understandable that by setting the relative position of the time unit corresponding to different signals with the frame / half-frame, and aligning it with the left / right boundaries of the frame / half-frame, the impact on the existing NR network can be effectively reduced, more resource fragmentation can be avoided, and multiple synchronization signals can be sent within a frame or half-frame, making full use of network resources.

[0116] In another alternative implementation, the first period is N times the second period, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0117] Specifically, the first communication device can set the period of the first signal according to actual needs, as long as the set period is an integer multiple of the second period. This can reduce the impact on the energy saving of the existing NR network and improve the utilization rate of network resources.

[0118] For example, see Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of a comparison of different signal periods provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 10, the NR SSB signal and the Ambient SSB signal are aligned with the left boundary of the frame. The period of the NR SSB signal is 40 milliseconds, and the period of the Ambient SSB signal is 3 times the period of the NR SSB signal (i.e., 120 milliseconds).

[0119] In another alternative implementation, the first communication device transmits the first signal in a third cycle, which is different from the first cycle.

[0120] Specifically, the tolerable latency time before and after initial access varies for different service types. Therefore, the first communication device can flexibly adjust the transmission period of the first signal according to different service requirements. That is, the period of the first signal is not always fixed, but can be adjusted according to actual needs, either becoming longer or becoming shorter.

[0121] In another alternative implementation, the third period is M times the second period, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0122] Specifically, the transmission period of the first signal can be changed before and after the initial access. However, in order to reduce the impact on the energy saving of the existing NR network and improve the utilization rate of network resources, the changed third period needs to be an integer multiple of the second period.

[0123] For example, referring to Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the signal period change before and after initial access according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 11, before initial access, the period of the Ambient SSB signal is 80 milliseconds, and after access, the period of the Ambient SSB signal changes to 160 milliseconds.

[0124] It is understandable that, for different types of services, the signal cycle can be flexibly adjusted according to the different tolerable latency times before and after initial access, which can further make efficient use of network resources and improve the utilization rate of network resources.

[0125] S103: The second communication device receives the first signal sent by the first communication device.

[0126] Specifically, the second communication device can be an electronic tag, mainly an Ambient IoT device. These devices have low power consumption and support low-power reception of synchronization signals. Since they do not provide an oscillator with a precise local oscillator signal, they cannot correctly receive and parse NR SSB signals, but can only correctly receive Ambient SSB signals.

[0127] For example, see Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of a low-power device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the peak power consumption of this type of low-power device is about 1 microwatt, including: an antenna for receiving RF capabilities, which can be shared with or separated from the receiver / transmitter; a matching network for matching the impedance between the antenna and other parts (such as the RF energy harvester); an RF energy harvester for converting radio frequency signals (AC) to DC, which includes a rectifier; an energy storage unit (such as a capacitor) for storing the harvested energy from the RF energy receiver; an energy management unit for managing the energy stored from the energy harvester and providing energy to active modules that require power supply; and digital baseband logic, including functional modules such as decoders, encoders, and controllers. Blocks; memory, used to store information, including two types: non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM), which can permanently store device IDs, and registers that temporarily store information, which can only store information when there is sufficient energy in the energy storage; clock generator, used to provide clock signals; RF bandpass filter, used to improve frequency selectivity; RF envelope detector, used to convert RF signals to baseband; baseband low-pass filter, used to filter out harmonics and high-frequency components, improving the signal quality input to the comparator; comparator, used to determine the high / low level of the input signal; backscatter modulator, used to switch the impedance to modulate the backscatter signal with the transmit signal from the baseband logic.

[0128] Similarly, see Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of another low-power device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the peak power consumption of this type of low-power device is about several hundred microwatts. It actively transmits by generating a carrier internally, including: an antenna for receiving RF capabilities, which can be shared with or separated from the receiver / transmitter; a matching network for matching the impedance between the antenna and other parts (such as the RF energy harvester); an RF energy harvester for converting radio frequency signals (AC) to DC, which includes a rectifier; an energy management unit for managing the energy stored from the energy harvester and providing energy to active modules that require power supply; data baseband logic, including functional modules such as decoders, encoders, and controllers; memory for storing information, which includes two types: non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM) that can permanently store device IDs, and registers that temporarily store information, which can only be stored when there is sufficient energy in the energy storage; a clock generator for providing clock signals; and local... The system consists of: an oscillator (generating the carrier frequency for the transmitter or the carrier frequency offset for the intermediate frequency receiver); an RF bandpass filter (improving frequency selectivity); a mixer (converting the RF signal to an IF signal); an IF amplifier (amplifying the IF signal); an IF filter (filtering out unwanted RF and local oscillator signals); an IF envelope detector (detecting the envelope from the IF signal); a baseband amplifier (amplifying the baseband signal, which may or may not be present); a baseband low-pass filter (filtering out harmonics and high-frequency components, improving the signal quality input to the comparator); a comparator (determining the high / low level of the input signal); a transmit modulation unit (modulating baseband bits according to the modulation scheme); a digital-to-analog converter (converting digital signals to analog signals); a low-pass filter (filtering out unwanted signals); a mixer (up-converting the baseband signal to the RF frequency range); and a power amplifier (amplifying the transmitted signal).

[0129] S104: The second communication device completes the relevant communication functions based on the first signal.

[0130] Specifically, after receiving the first signal, the second communication device can analyze the first signal and perform related communication functions based on the analysis results.

[0131] Optionally, the second communication device can determine the starting position of the first signal, or perform carrier error calibration, or acquire public broadcast information, or perform cell search, or perform measurements, etc., based on the first signal.

[0132] In one optional implementation, the second communication device receives period change indication information sent by the first communication device, and receives the first signal in a third period according to the period change indication information, wherein the third period is different from the first period.

[0133] Specifically, after initial access, the second communication device may need to change the period of the first signal according to different service requirements. The first communication device can instruct the second communication device to receive the first signal with the new period instead of the previous period through system messages. It should be understood that the first communication device can also instruct the second communication device to change the period through other messages or methods, and this application does not limit this.

[0134] It should be noted that the first communication device can send the changed value of the third cycle directly to the second communication device via a system message, or it can send only the cycle change instruction information to the second communication device. The second communication device determines the value of the third cycle that is pre-stored in the second communication device based on the instruction information, and uses the third cycle to receive the first signal.

[0135] In summary, this communication method generates different types of signals to support reception at different power levels for terminal devices that only have a low-power receiver or terminal devices where the low-power receiver is on while the traditional receiver is off. This allows low-power terminals to correctly receive the corresponding downlink signals. Furthermore, by setting the positional relationship between the time units for transmitting the first signal and the time units for transmitting the second signal, the energy-saving impact on the existing NR network can be reduced, thereby reducing network overhead and making full use of network resources.

[0136] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. In order to facilitate better implementation of the above solutions of the embodiments of this application, correspondingly, related devices for cooperating in implementing the above solutions are also provided below.

[0137] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0138] As shown in Figure 14, this application embodiment provides a communication device 200. The communication device 200 can be a first communication device or a second communication device, and can also be a component of the first communication device (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.) or a component of the second communication device (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.). The communication device 200 can also be other communication units used to implement the methods in the method embodiments of this application. The communication device 200 may include a processing unit 210. Optionally, the communication device 200 may further include a communication unit 220, where the processing unit 210 controls the communication unit 220 to perform data / signaling transmission and reception. The communication unit 220 may also be called a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit 220 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit can be used to send data / signaling, and the receiving unit can be used to receive data / signaling. Optionally, the communication device 200 may further include a storage unit 230, which can be used to store information and / or data and / or instructions, etc. The storage unit 230 can interact with the processing unit 210 and also with the communication unit 220.

[0139] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 200 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the above method embodiment:

[0140] The processing unit 210 is used to generate a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal supports low-power reception and the second signal does not support low-power reception.

[0141] The communication unit 220 is used to transmit a first signal and a second signal respectively in a first period and a second period. The starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting position and ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting position and ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting position and ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting position and ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

[0142] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 200 is used to implement the function of the second communication device in the above method embodiments:

[0143] The communication unit 220 is used to receive a first signal, the first signal supports low-power reception, and the period of the first signal is a first period.

[0144] The processing unit 210 is used to perform related communication functions based on the first signal.

[0145] The embodiments of this application and the method embodiments shown above are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0146] As shown in Figure 15, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 300. The communication device 300 can be a UE or a RAN, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the UE in implementing the above methods, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the RAN in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0147] The communication device 300 may include one or more processors 301. The processor 301 can be used to implement some or all of the functions of the UE or RAN through logic circuits or by running computer programs. The processor 301 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, or CPU. 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, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. The communication device may be, for example, a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a distributed unit (DU), or a centralized unit (CU).

[0148] Optionally, the communication device 300 may include one or more memories 302, which may store instructions 304 that can be executed on the processor 301, causing the communication device 300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 302 may also store data. The processor 301 and the memories 302 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0149] The memory 302 may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), ROM or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc.

[0150] Optionally, the communication device 300 may further include a transceiver 305 and an antenna 306. The transceiver 305 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 305 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0151] In one possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 300 is used to implement the functions of the UE in the above method embodiments:

[0152] Processor 301 is used to generate a first signal and a second signal, wherein the first signal supports low-power reception and the second signal does not support low-power reception.

[0153] Transceiver 305 is used to transmit a first signal and a second signal in a first period and a second period respectively. The starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

[0154] In another possible design, regarding the case where the communication device 300 is used to implement the RAN function in the above method embodiments:

[0155] Transceiver 305 is used to receive a first signal, which supports low-power reception and has a period of one cycle.

[0156] Processor 301 is used to perform relevant communication functions based on the first signal.

[0157] In another possible design, the processor 301 may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0158] In another possible design, the processor 301 may optionally store instructions 303, which, when executed on the processor 301, cause the communication device 300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Instructions 303 may be embedded in the processor 301; in this case, the processor 301 may be implemented in hardware.

[0159] In another possible design, the communication device 300 may include circuitry that performs the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application embodiment can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0161] The embodiments of this application and the above-described method embodiments are based on the same concept and have the same technical effects. For the specific principles, please refer to the description in the above-described method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0162] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0163] This application also provides a computer program product for storing computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0164] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0165] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0166] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first signal and a second signal are generated, wherein the first signal supports low-power reception and the second signal does not support low-power reception; The first signal and the second signal are transmitted with a first period and a second period, respectively. The starting position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the starting position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the first signal is the same as the ending position of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal, or the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the second signal are between the starting and ending positions of the time unit for transmitting the first signal.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: The first signal and the second signal are located in the same frame in the time domain, or the first signal and the second signal are located in the same half-frame in the time domain.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: The first signal and the second signal are aligned at the left boundary of the frame or at the right boundary of the frame; The first signal and the second signal are aligned with the left boundary of the half-frame or the first signal and the second signal are aligned with the right boundary of the half-frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first period is N times the second period, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first signal is transmitted in a third cycle, the first cycle being different from the third cycle.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The third period is M times the second period, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first signal, the first signal supports low-power reception, and the period of the first signal is a first period; The relevant communication functions are completed based on the first signal.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The relevant communication functions include at least one of the following functions: The starting position of the first signal is determined, carrier error calibration is performed, public broadcast information is acquired, cell search is performed, and measurements are taken.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, include: The left boundary of the first signal alignment frame or the right boundary of the first signal alignment frame, or; The first signal is aligned with the left boundary of the half-frame or the first signal is aligned with the right boundary of the half-frame.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive cycle change indication information; According to the cycle change indication information, the first signal is received in a third cycle, which is different from the first cycle.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, Including memory and processor; The memory is used to store instructions or computer programs; The processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A wireless communication system, characterized in that, include: A first communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and / or a second communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes a communication device including the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising: Computer program code, when executed by a processor, causes a communication device including the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images