Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a network device sending first information to a terminal device, wherein the first information instructs to turn off at least one symbol in each carrier in any carrier group among at least one carrier group. On the basis of the technical solution, symbol-level turn-off can be implemented in a broadband scenario, thereby reducing the energy consumption of a broadband product, and further reducing indication overheads.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510066932.4, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] To meet the ever-increasing demand for data traffic, wireless networks have been rapidly deployed. As wireless networks grow larger, their energy consumption also increases. To reduce energy consumption, many energy-saving technologies are employed, including device-level, site-level, and network-level energy saving. Furthermore, in addition to network-side energy consumption, research on terminal-side energy consumption continues in the evolution of New Radio (NR) systems.

[0004] Currently, broadband modules have the following characteristics: broadband modules integrate multiple frequency bands, and multiple frequency bands share a single power amplifier (PA). However, a single PA cannot shut down the services of a single frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to provide a communication method that enables symbol-level shutdown in broadband scenarios, thereby reducing the power consumption of broadband products.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The scheme described in the first aspect can be executed by a device on the terminal device side. The device on the terminal device side can be a terminal device, a module within the terminal device (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device. For ease of description, the following description uses a terminal device as an example.

[0007] The method includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group, the first carrier group including one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group; and determining the shutdown of the at least one symbol based on the first information.

[0008] It should be noted that different carrier groups within at least one carrier group are associated with different PAs. Here, "associated" can be replaced with "corresponding," etc.

[0009] In the technical solution of this application, the network device sends first information to the terminal device, which instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol in each carrier of at least one carrier group (e.g., the first carrier group). Based on this technical solution, symbol-level shutdown can be achieved in broadband scenarios, reducing the power consumption of broadband products, and further reducing indication overhead.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information further indicates the position information of the at least one symbol.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration, wherein the configuration indicates the position of the at least one symbol, and each configuration indicates a different position and / or number of symbols to be turned off; the first information indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group includes: the first information further indicating the activation of the first configuration, wherein the first configuration is one of the at least one configuration. Based on the above technical solution, the indication overhead can be further reduced.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating a reference carrier number or a reference SCS; determining, based on the second information, the time length of the symbol corresponding to the carrier with the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol corresponding to the carrier with the reference SCS, and / or, the field granularity of the first information; based on the above technical solution, the network device can shut down the symbol in each carrier in the first carrier group based on the reference carrier number or the reference SCS, thereby achieving on-demand indication and reducing indication overhead.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group; determining the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information according to the first SCS, wherein the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list. Based on the above technical solution, it is beneficial to avoid shutting down some symbols and reduce indication overhead.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group; determining the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information according to the first SCS, wherein the first SCS is the largest SCS in the SCS list. Based on the above technical solution, it is beneficial to improve the indication accuracy of the first information.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information further indicates any one of the following: the group number of the first carrier group, the index value of the power amplifier PA corresponding to the first carrier group, and the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group. Based on the above technical solution, it is advantageous to flexibly indicate the shutdown symbol of one or more carrier groups.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information being used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to simultaneously indicate the shutdown of symbols in each carrier of each carrier group, saving signaling overhead.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information may be carried in group downlink control information (DCI) or a low-power signal.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining the number of available resource elements (REs) within a time slot, wherein the number of REs is related to the number of symbols turned off within the time slot, and the number of symbols turned off within the time slot is determined by the first information. Based on the above technical solution, when calculating the transport block size (TBS), the terminal device will consider the number of symbols turned off, which can reduce the overhead of data transmission resource indication.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula:

[0020] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available resource elements (REs) within a time slot. This represents the number of subcarriers in a resource block (RB). This represents the number of symbols allocated to the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a time slot. This indicates the number of symbols turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data resource element RE.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining the number of available resource elements (REs) within a time slot, wherein the number of REs is related to the number of REs turned off within the time slot, and the number of REs turned off within the time slot is determined by the first information. Based on the above technical solution, when calculating the transport block size (TBS), the terminal device will consider the number of turned-off REs, which can reduce the indication overhead of data transmission resources.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula:

[0023] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This indicates the number of symbols allocated to the PDSCH in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission besides the data RE (resource element). This indicates the number of REs turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining a first parameter and a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is associated with a shutdown symbol and the second parameter is not associated with a shutdown symbol; determining the first parameter based on the first information; and determining the number of available REs in a time slot based on the first parameter.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating parameters. The value is a first value and a second value, where the first value is associated with the turn-off symbol, and the second value is not associated with the turn-off symbol; the parameter is determined based on the first information. The value is taken as the first value; based on the first value, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined; where, This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data RE (resource element).

[0026] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The scheme described in the first aspect can be executed by a device on the network device side. The device on the network device side can be a network device, a module within the network device (such as a chip system or integrated circuit), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device. For ease of description, the following description uses a network device as an example.

[0027] The method includes: sending a first message, the first message indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group, the first carrier group including one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information also indicates the location information of the at least one symbol.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending an association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration, the configuration indicating the position of the at least one symbol, each configuration indicating a different position and / or number of symbols to be turned off; the first information indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group includes: the first information further indicating the activation of the first configuration, the first configuration being one of the at least one configuration.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information indicating a reference carrier number or a reference SCS, the second information being used by the terminal device to determine the time length of the symbol corresponding to the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol corresponding to the reference SCS, and / or, the field granularity of the first information.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information indicating an SCS list of the first carrier group, the SCS list including a first SCS, the first SCS being used by the terminal device to determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information, wherein the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information indicating an SCS list of the first carrier group, the SCS list including a first SCS, the first SCS being used by the terminal device to determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information, the first SCS being the largest SCS in the SCS list.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information further indicates any one of the following: the group number of the first carrier group, the index value of the power amplifier PA corresponding to the first carrier group, and the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group.

[0034] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information may be carried in a group DCI or a low-power signal.

[0036] Thirdly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a transceiver unit for receiving first information, the first information indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group, the first carrier group including one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group; and a processing unit for determining the shutdown of the at least one symbol based on the first information.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information also indicates the position information of the at least one symbol.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: obtain the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration, the configuration indicating the position of the at least one symbol, each configuration indicating a different position and / or number of symbols to be turned off; the first information indicating the turning off of at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group includes: the first information further indicating the activation of the first configuration, the first configuration being one of the at least one configuration.

[0039] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information, the second information indicating a reference carrier number or a reference SCS; and, based on the second information, determine the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference SCS, and / or, the field granularity of the first information.

[0040] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information, the second information indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group; and determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information based on the first SCS, wherein the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list.

[0041] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information, the second information indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group; and determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information based on the first SCS, wherein the first SCS is the largest SCS in the SCS list.

[0042] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information further indicates any one of the following: the group number of the first carrier group, the index value of the power amplifier PA corresponding to the first carrier group, and the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group.

[0043] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

[0044] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information may be carried in group downlink control information (DCI) or low-power signals.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot, the number of REs being related to the number of symbols turned off in the time slot, the number of symbols turned off in the time slot being determined by the first information.

[0046] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula:

[0047] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This represents the number of symbols allocated to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) in a time slot. This indicates the number of symbols turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by the demodulation reference signal DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data resource element RE.

[0048] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot, the number of REs being related to the number of REs being turned off in the time slot, the number of REs being turned off in the time slot being determined by the first information.

[0049] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula:

[0050] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This indicates the number of symbols allocated to the PDSCH in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission besides the data RE (resource element). This indicates the number of REs turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot.

[0051] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: obtain a first parameter and a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is associated with a shutdown symbol and the second parameter is not associated with a shutdown symbol; determine the first parameter based on the first information; and determine the number of available REs within a time slot based on the first parameter.

[0052] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive second information, wherein the second information indicates parameters. The value can take a first value and a second value, where the first value is associated with the turn-off symbol and the second value is not associated with the turn-off symbol; the processing unit is further configured to: determine the parameter based on the first information. The value is taken as the first value; based on the first value, the number of available REs within a time slot is determined; where, This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data RE (resource element).

[0053] Fourthly, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver unit for transmitting first information, the first information indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group, the first carrier group comprising one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group.

[0054] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information further indicates the position information of the at least one symbol.

[0055] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration, the configuration indicating the position of the at least one symbol, each configuration indicating a different position and / or number of symbols to be turned off; the first information indicating the turning off of at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group includes: the first information further indicating the activation of the first configuration, the first configuration being one of the at least one configuration.

[0056] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit second information, the second information indicating a reference carrier number or a reference SCS, the second information being used by the terminal device to determine the time length of the symbol corresponding to the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol corresponding to the reference SCS, and / or, the field granularity of the first information.

[0057] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit second information, the second information indicating an SCS list of the first carrier group, the SCS list including a first SCS, the first SCS being used by the terminal device to determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information, wherein the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list.

[0058] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, the transceiver unit is further configured to: transmit second information, the second information indicating an SCS list of the first carrier group, the SCS list including a first SCS, the first SCS being used by the terminal device to determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information, the first SCS being the largest SCS in the SCS list.

[0059] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information further indicates any one of the following: the group number of the first carrier group, the index value of the power amplifier PA corresponding to the first carrier group, and the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group.

[0060] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

[0061] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information may be carried in a group DCI or a low-power signal.

[0062] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions or by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible method described in the first aspect, or cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible method described in the second aspect.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0065] A sixth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals, the logic circuitry being configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible embodiment of the second aspect.

[0066] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible method described in the first aspect to be performed, or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible method described in the second aspect to be performed.

[0067] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect to be performed, or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible embodiment of the second aspect to be performed.

[0068] A ninth aspect provides a communication system comprising the aforementioned network device and / or the aforementioned terminal device, the terminal device being configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible embodiment of the first aspect, and the network device being configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible embodiment of the second aspect.

[0069] For explanations of aspects two through nine and descriptions of beneficial effects, please refer to the description of aspect one. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 200 of an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the frame 300 of the terminal device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of different carriers in the first carrier group provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of different carriers in the first carrier group provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0078] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0082] I. Unless otherwise stated, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means two or more.

[0083] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0084] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0085] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0086] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0087] V. In this application, "for indicating" or "instruction" can be understood as "enabling," and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not necessarily mean that the information carries A.

[0088] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It can also enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by individually enabling the same information.

[0089] In addition, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0090] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0091] VI. In this application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-defined features, such as protocol definitions. These "pre-defined features" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including various network elements). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0092] VII. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0093] 8. The “protocol” used in this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as fourth-generation (4G) network protocols, fifth-generation (5G) network protocols, NR protocols, 5.5G network protocols, and related protocols applied in future communication networks. This application does not limit the scope of the term.

[0094] 9. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0095] 10. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. In this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between the 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, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0096] XI. In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0097] First, the communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable will be described.

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (e.g., 120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to CN 200. The core network device in CN 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating CN logical functions and RAN logical functions.

[0099] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems. RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (C-RAN or CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0100] RAN node 110, also known as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, is used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 100 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0101] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), an access point (AP), a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future communication network, or an access node in a Wi-Fi system. A RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario.

[0102] RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. All or part of the functionality of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node's functionality.

[0103] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). 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).

[0104] In different communication 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 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 and hardware modules.

[0105] The number of devices in the communication system described above is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to this. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminal devices, more RAN devices, and other devices.

[0106] In this application embodiment, the terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver function, which may refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0107] In this application embodiment, the terminal device can also be a satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, wireless modem, machine-type communication device, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), customer-premises equipment (CPE), point of sale (POS) machine, handheld device with wireless communication function, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, communication device mounted on a high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, telemedicine (or telehealth). Wireless terminals in services, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, or terminal devices in communication networks that evolve after 5G are not subject to any restrictions.

[0108] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal device may also be a device with communication function in a future communication network, and the form or type of the terminal device in the future communication network is not limited.

[0109] In this application embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0110] In this embodiment, the network device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities used to communicate with terminal devices. The network device can be a node in the RAN, also known as a base station or RAN node. It can be an eNB in ​​Long Term Evolution (LTE); a base station in a 5G network such as a gNB; a base station in a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) evolving after 5G; a Broadband Network Gateway (BNG); an aggregation switch; or a network device in 3GPP, etc.

[0111] Network equipment can also include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, transmission points (TPs), mobile switching centers, and equipment that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, as well as network equipment in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), etc., without specific limitations.

[0112] In this embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device that supports the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. The chip system in this embodiment can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0113] The network architecture and service scenarios described in 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 this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with the evolution of communication network architectures and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems. For example, this application can be applied to V2X scenarios.

[0114] Based on the communication system 100, this application embodiment also provides an application scenario, as shown in Figure 2.

[0115] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of application scenario 200 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the network device includes a first network device and a second network device, wherein the second network device communicates with at least one first network device, and the first network device serves at least one terminal device (taking the first terminal device as an example). Alternatively, there is communication between the first network device, the first terminal device, and the second network device. Or, the first network device is within the coverage area of ​​the second network device, and the first terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the corresponding first network device; the second network device provides communication services to the first terminal device through the first network device. The first network device can be used to connect the second network device and the first terminal device. Furthermore, direct communication can also exist between the first terminal device and the second network device.

[0116] In one possible scenario, a network device can be a super site (BS), for example, both the first network device and the second network device can be super sites (BS).

[0117] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network device can be a TRP node; for example, both the first and second network devices can be TRP nodes.

[0118] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network equipment (e.g., the first network equipment) can be various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, TRPs, etc., and the network equipment (e.g., the second network equipment) can be satellites, air balloon stations (e.g., hot air balloon stations), drone stations, high-altitude platform stations, high-power high-tower (HPMT), medium-power medium-tower (MPMT), etc.

[0119] Alternatively, in one possible scenario, the network devices (e.g., the first network device and the second network device) could be satellites, air balloon stations (e.g., hot air balloon stations), drone stations, high-altitude platform stations, HPMTs, MPMTs, etc.

[0120] It should be understood that the above scenarios are merely illustrative examples. That is to say, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to scenarios composed of different types of network devices in future communication system networks, and this application does not limit them.

[0121] As described in the background section, although NR already supports flexible frame structures, terminals still need to monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Furthermore, even when the network side is off or terminal data buffering is not required, the terminal still sends and receives data or buffers data, leading to increased terminal power consumption. Therefore, this application aims to provide a communication method in which the network device notifies the terminal device of the location of the sleep symbol and the corresponding user behavior, thereby reducing terminal power consumption and enabling native energy saving.

[0122] Based on application scenario 200, in order to effectively reduce the energy consumption of terminal devices, this application supports a new design of the terminal device structure, as shown in Figure 3.

[0123] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the frame 300 of the terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device may include a first module and a second module. It is understood that the names "first module" and "second module" are merely for distinction and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the second module may also be a fourth circuit, a power-on circuit, a wake-up circuit, a low-power circuit, or a low-power module (low-power radio, LP-R module), etc., and the first module may also be a third circuit, a main circuit, a main module (main radio, MR module), a high-power circuit, or a high-power module, etc. For ease of description, it will be uniformly described as the first module and the second module below.

[0124] The second module can have the following functions: maintaining the connection with network devices, small packet transmission (measurement + data transmission), and enabling or disabling the first module. The first module can have the following functions: data transmission with network devices. Enabling the first module can also be understood as waking it up, and disabling the first module can also be understood as putting it into sleep mode.

[0125] It should be noted that if the terminal device does not send low-power signals, the terminal device in this embodiment may also be without a low-power module (LP-R module).

[0126] Network devices may also include a third module and a fourth module. It is understood that the terms "third module" and "fourth module" are merely used for differentiation and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, the third module may also be a first circuit, a power-on circuit, a wake-up circuit, a low-power circuit, or a low-power module (low-power radio, LP-R module), etc., and the fourth module may also be a second circuit, a main circuit, a high-power circuit, a main module (main radio, MR module), or a high-power module, etc. It should be understood that an LP-R module can also be abbreviated as an LR module.

[0127] The low-power module can also be referred to as a low-power radio, wake-up receiver (WUR), low-power wake-up receiver (LP-WUR), wake-up circuit, communication auxiliary module, or auxiliary circuit, etc. The main module can also be referred to as the main radio, main receiver, communication main module, or main circuit, etc. It should be understood that this application does not impose any limitations on these terms.

[0128] The low-power module is used to receive or transmit low-power signals (such as low-power wake-up signals, low-power synchronization signals, low-power measurement signals, etc.), or to notify the main module of its wake-up or sleep state. The main module can be used to receive or transmit signaling, data, measurement signals, etc. Furthermore, the operating power consumption of the low-power module is significantly lower than that of the main module.

[0129] For ease of description, the following text will refer to them as Module 3 and Module 4.

[0130] The third module has the following functions: maintaining connections with terminal devices or other network devices, small packet transmission (measurement, data transmission, etc.), and enabling or disabling the fourth module. The fourth module has the following functions: data transmission between terminal devices or other network devices. Enabling the fourth module can also be understood as waking it up, and disabling it can be understood as putting it into hibernation.

[0131] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, the technical terms involved in this application will be briefly introduced first.

[0132] 1. Low-power signals: Low-power signals can include low-power wake-up signals (WUS), linear frequency modulated chirp signals, on-off keying (OOK) signals (such as OOK-1, OOK-2, OOK-3, OOK-4, etc.), low-power sequence signals (such as Gold sequence signals, M sequence signals, ZC sequence signals, chirp sequence signals, Walsh sequence signals, Golay sequence signals, Kasami sequence signals, low-density sequence signals, discrete fourier transform (DFT) / fast fourier transform (FFT) sequence signals, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbol-based sequence signals, amplitude shift keying (ASK) signals, frequency shift keying (FSK) signals, and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The signal may be one or more of the following: multiplexing (OFDM) signals, or the low-power signal may be a signal obtained by optimizing the above signals, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0133] Optionally, the aforementioned low-power signal can be a digital signal or an analog signal, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0134] As described in the background section, in broadband modules, multiple frequency bands share a single power amplifier (PA). However, a single PA cannot shut down services for a single frequency band. Therefore, this application aims to provide a communication method that can achieve symbol-level shutdown in broadband scenarios, thereby reducing the power consumption of broadband products.

[0135] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0136] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes at least the following steps.

[0137] S410, the network device sends the first information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first information accordingly.

[0138] S420, the terminal device determines at least one symbol to be turned off based on the first information.

[0139] Specifically, the first information indicates that at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group should be turned off. The first carrier group includes one or more carriers. After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines, based on the first information, to turn off at least one symbol of each carrier in the plurality of carriers. The first carrier group belongs to one of at least one carrier group, or in other words, the first carrier group is any one of at least one carrier group. Therefore, the embodiments of this application can be applied to two scenarios:

[0140] Scenario 1: A network device instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in a carrier group. In this scenario, the first information is associated with only one carrier group (e.g., the first carrier group), meaning the first information only instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the first carrier group.

[0141] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information may be carried in physical layer signaling, such as DCI, which is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group.

[0142] Scenario 2: A network device instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in multiple carrier groups. In this scenario, the first information is associated with multiple carrier groups, including the first carrier group. Optionally, the first information includes multiple indication information, each indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

[0143] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information can be carried in physical layer signaling, such as a Data Interchange Code (DCI). This DCI includes multiple fields corresponding to multiple carrier groups, each field indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the corresponding carrier group. For example, taking multiple carrier groups including a first carrier group, a second carrier group, and a third carrier group, the DCI includes field 1 corresponding to the first carrier group, field 2 corresponding to the second carrier group, and field 3 corresponding to the third carrier group.

[0144] Field 1 indicates that at least one symbol of each carrier in the first carrier group is turned off; field 2 indicates that at least one symbol of each carrier in the second carrier group is turned off; and field 3 indicates that at least one symbol of each carrier in the third carrier group is turned off.

[0145] It should be noted that, in one possible implementation, the fields indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the carrier group can be different. For example, field 1 indicates the shutdown of the 1st to 7th symbols for each carrier in the first carrier group, field 2 indicates the shutdown of the 7th to 10th symbols for each carrier in the second carrier group, and field 3 indicates the shutdown of the 11th to 13th symbols for each carrier in the third carrier group.

[0146] In another possible implementation, the different fields indicating the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the carrier group can be the same. For example, field 1 indicates the shutdown of the 1st to 7th symbols for each carrier in the first carrier group, field 2 indicates the shutdown of the 1st to 7th symbols for each carrier in the second carrier group, and field 3 indicates the shutdown of the 1st to 7th symbols for each carrier in the third carrier group. In this case, in one possible implementation, the DCI can also indicate the shutdown of symbols in all three carrier groups using only one field to reduce indication overhead. For example, the DCI may include field a, which simultaneously indicates the shutdown of the 1st to 7th symbols in the first, second, and third carrier groups.

[0147] It should be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0148] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the PAs corresponding to different carrier groups are different. For example, the first carrier group is associated with PA 1, the second carrier group is associated with PA 2, and the third carrier group is associated with PA 3, wherein PA 1, PA 2, and PA 3 are all different.

[0149] Alternatively, in another possible implementation, the PAs corresponding to different carrier groups can also be the same, for example, the first carrier group, the second carrier group, and the third carrier group are all associated with PA 1.

[0150] For ease of description of the embodiments of this application, the following description focuses only on scenario one, where the first information only instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in one carrier group (e.g., the first carrier group). For scenario two, where the first information also instructs the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in multiple carrier groups other than the first carrier group, please refer to the following description, which will not be repeated here.

[0151] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first information indicates the group number of the first carrier group. For example, the first carrier group includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, and the group number of the first carrier group corresponding to these three carriers is group 1. The first information may contain group 1. Exemplarily, in one possible implementation, the first information may be carried in physical layer signaling, such as DCI, which may contain the group number of the first carrier group (e.g., group 1).

[0152] Optionally, in one possible implementation, one carrier group corresponds to one PA, and different carrier groups correspond to different PAs. In this case, the first information indicates the index value of the PA corresponding to the first carrier group. For example, the first carrier group includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, and these three carriers share one PA 1. The first information may contain the index value of PA 1. Exemplarily, in one possible implementation, the first information may be a DCI, which may contain the index value of PA 1.

[0153] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, multiple carrier groups share a single PA, such as PA 2. In this case, the first information may include the index value of PA 2. In this scenario, the first information simultaneously indicates that the symbols of each of the multiple carrier groups are turned off.

[0154] It should be noted that the multiple carriers included in the first carrier group mentioned above may belong to the same band or different bands.

[0155] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first information may also indicate the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group. For example, in one possible implementation, the first information may be carried in physical layer signaling, such as a DCI, which may contain the band group number corresponding to the first carrier group.

[0156] For example, in one possible implementation, the first carrier group includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, all of which belong to the same band, such as band 1. In this implementation, the first information indicates the group number of band 1.

[0157] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, a band group corresponds to a PA. In this case, the first information may also indicate the group number of the band group, or the first information may also indicate the index value of the PA.

[0158] For example, in one possible implementation, the first carrier group includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, all of which belong to the same band, such as band 1. That is, these three carriers belong to the same band group, such as band group A. Since band group A corresponds to PA1, in this case, the first information can indicate the group number of band group A, or the first information can also indicate the index value of PA1.

[0159] For example, in one possible implementation, the first carrier group includes carrier 1, carrier 2, and carrier 3, which belong to different bands. For instance, carrier 1 and carrier 2 belong to band 1, and carrier 3 belongs to band 2. However, both band 1 and band 2 belong to band group A. Since band group A corresponds to PA1, in this case, the first information can indicate the group number of band group A, or the first information can also indicate the index value of PA1.

[0160] It should be noted that the DCI mentioned above can be scrambled using a special RNTI.

[0161] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first information may also indicate the location information of at least one symbol as described above. That is, the first information may also indicate the location information of at least one symbol in each carrier group that is turned off.

[0162] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information includes bitmap information used to indicate the location of at least one symbol turned off in each carrier group of the first carrier group; that is, in this implementation, the bitmap information indicates the location of the turned-off symbols. Optionally, the bitmap information may also indicate the location of symbols that are not turned off.

[0163] For example, the bitmap information could be 11111110000000, which corresponds to one slot (a slot contains 14 symbols). This can also be understood as each bit in the bitmap information corresponding to one symbol. Assume the protocol predefines that a bit value of 1 in the bitmap information represents a symbol off (Y), and a bit value of 0 represents a symbol not off (N). Based on the indication of the bitmap information, the terminal device can know that symbols 0 to 6 are off, that is, symbols 0 to 6 are off, and the position of the off symbols is the position of symbols 0 to 6 in a slot. Furthermore, based on the bitmap information, the terminal device can also know that symbols 7 to 13 are not off.

[0164] For example, the bitmap information could be 1100000. This bitmap information corresponds to one slot (one slot contains 14 symbols), which can also be understood as each bit in the bitmap information corresponding to 2 symbols. Assume a bit value of 1 indicates a symbol is off (Y), and a bit value of 0 indicates a symbol is not off (N). Based on the indication of the bitmap information, the terminal device can know that bits 0-3 are off symbols, that is, bits 0-3 are off, and the position of the off symbols is the position of bits 0-3 in a slot. Furthermore, based on the bitmap information, the terminal device can also know that bits 4-13 are not off symbols.

[0165] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information includes coded value information (hereinafter referred to as codeword value), which indicates the location of the off-symbol. Optionally, the codeword value may also indicate the location of the non-off-symbol.

[0166] In this implementation, the terminal device obtains in advance the correspondence between at least one codeword value and the position of the off symbol. For example, the correspondence is shown in Table 1.

[0167] Table 1

[0168] As shown in Table 1, a codeword value of "0" indicates that all symbols are turned off; a codeword value of "1" indicates that all symbols are not turned off; and a codeword value of "2" indicates that the symbols in the first half of the frame are turned off, while the symbols in the second half of the frame are not turned off.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the above correspondence can be predefined by the protocol.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the above correspondence can be sent from the network device to the terminal device, for example, the network device broadcasts the above correspondence.

[0171] It should be understood that Table 2 is for illustrative purposes only and this application does not impose any limitations on it.

[0172] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information may also indicate the starting position and duration of the switched-off symbol.

[0173] For example, the first information can be carried in physical layer signaling, such as DCI. The network device uses DCI to instruct the shutdown of at least one symbol in each carrier of the first carrier group. Furthermore, the DCI also indicates the starting position and duration of the shutdown of the symbol in each carrier of the first carrier group. For example, the DCI indicates that the starting position of the shutdown of the symbol in each carrier of the first carrier group is the first symbol, and the duration is 3.

[0174] Optionally, in this implementation, the method may further include: the network device sending information A to the terminal device, where information A may be RRC signaling configured by a higher layer to indicate the unit of duration. For example, if the RRC signaling indicates that the unit of duration is a symbol, then, combined with the DCI in the above example, it can be determined that the network device instructs to shut down the first to third symbols of each carrier in the first carrier group through the DCI and RRC signaling.

[0175] It should be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0176] Optionally, in one possible implementation, FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in another embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5, before step S410, the method may further include: S401, the terminal device obtains the association relationship between at least one carrier group and at least one carrier.

[0177] For example, referring to Table 2 below, we will illustrate this with an example of 3 carrier groups.

[0178] Table 2

[0179] As shown in Table 2, carrier group 1 includes carriers 1 to 3, carrier group 2 includes carriers 4 to 7, and carrier group 3 includes carriers 8 and 9.

[0180] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the network device sends identification information of the first carrier group to the terminal device. After receiving the identification information of the first carrier group, the terminal device determines the first carrier group from at least one carrier group, and further determines the carrier associated with the first carrier group according to the association relationship.

[0181] Optionally, the identification information of the first carrier group can also be carried in the first information mentioned above. For example, the DCI mentioned above may include the identification information of the first carrier group.

[0182] Optionally, the above association can also be the association between the identification information of at least one carrier group and at least one carrier.

[0183] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the network device sends the identification information of the PA corresponding to the first carrier group to the terminal device. After receiving the identification information of the PA corresponding to the first carrier group, the terminal device determines the first carrier group from at least one carrier group, and further determines the carrier associated with the first carrier group according to the association relationship.

[0184] Alternatively, the above association relationship can also be the association relationship between the PA corresponding to at least one carrier group and at least one carrier.

[0185] It should be noted that the above-mentioned relationship may be indicated by the network device to the terminal device, or it may be obtained by the terminal device through a predefined protocol. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0186] Optionally, in one possible implementation, Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 400 provided in another embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, before step S410, the method may further include: S401, the terminal device obtains the association relationship between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. It should be noted that this association relationship may be indicated by higher-layer signaling, such as an RRC message, or it may be obtained by the terminal device through a protocol predefined method. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0187] For example, in one possible implementation, the terminal device obtains the association between a first carrier group and a configuration (e.g., a first configuration), such that the first configuration indicates the shutdown of symbols 7 through 13 in each slot of each carrier in the first carrier group. In this example, the first information indicates whether the first configuration is activated or deactivated. In this implementation, the first information indicating activation of the first configuration can be understood as indicating the shutdown of symbols 7 through 13 in each slot of each carrier in the first carrier group; the first information indicating deactivation of the first configuration can be understood as indicating that symbols 7 through 13 in each slot of each carrier in the first carrier group are not shut down.

[0188] It should be noted that in this implementation, the first information can be carried in a group DCI or a low-power signal, wherein the low-power signal can be LP-WUS.

[0189] For example, the first information can be carried in the group DCI. In one possible implementation, when the first information is 1, it indicates that the first configuration is activated, and when the first information is 0, it indicates that the first configuration is not activated.

[0190] For example, the first information can be carried in LP-WUS. In one possible implementation, when the first information includes an index value of 1, it indicates that the first configuration is activated; when the first information includes an index value of 0, it indicates that the first configuration is not activated.

[0191] For example, in one possible implementation, the terminal device obtains the association between the first carrier group and a plurality of configurations, wherein each of the plurality of configurations indicates the location of at least one symbol turned off in each of the first carriers, and different configurations indicate different locations and / or numbers of symbols turned off.

[0192] For example, referring to Table 3, we will take multiple configurations as configuration 1 to configuration 4, that is, the first carrier group is associated with 4 configurations, as an example for explanation.

[0193] Table 3

[0194] As shown in Table 3, the first information includes the index value "00", indicating the activation of configuration 1, which indicates that symbols 7 to 13 in each slot are turned off; the first information includes the index value "01", indicating the activation of configuration 2, which indicates that symbols 0 to 6 in each slot are turned off; the first information includes the index value "10", indicating the activation of configuration 3, which indicates that symbols [0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12] in each slot are turned off; the first information includes the index value "11", indicating the activation of configuration 4, which indicates that symbols [1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13] in each slot are turned off.

[0195] For example, in one possible implementation, the first information includes the index value "01" indicating activation configuration 2, that is, the first information indicates that symbols 0 to 6 of each slot in each carrier of the first carrier group are turned off.

[0196] It should be noted that the first information can be carried in a group DCI or a low-power signal, wherein the low-power signal can be LP-WUS.

[0197] For example, the first information can be carried in the group DCI, such as the first information value being "00", indicating that configuration 1 is activated.

[0198] For example, the first information can also be carried in LP-WUS, such as the first information including the index value "11", indicating activation configuration 4.

[0199] It should be understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0200] It should be noted that, compared to the first information indicating the location information of at least one symbol turned off in the carrier, the first information indicating the activation configuration technical solution can achieve dynamic indication and has lower indication overhead.

[0201] It should be noted that the SCS of each carrier in the first carrier group mentioned above can be the same, or the SCS of at least two carriers in the first carrier group mentioned above can be different, depending on the configuration on the network device side. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0202] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned association can be obtained by the terminal device through a predefined protocol, or it can be configured by the network device to the terminal device. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0203] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned relationship can be replaced with "correspondence relationship", "mapping relationship", etc., and it should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0204] Furthermore, if the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, optionally, in one possible implementation, before step S410, the method may further include: the network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating the reference carrier number or the reference SCS.

[0205] For example, in one possible implementation, the second information indicates the reference carrier number. For instance, the second information indicates the carrier number of carrier 1.

[0206] For example, in one possible implementation, the second information indicates the referenced SCS. For instance, the second information indicates SCS configuration μ1, and the terminal device determines its corresponding SCS1 based on μ1.

[0207] Furthermore, the method also includes: the terminal device determining the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference carrier number and / or the field granularity of the first information based on the second information; or, the terminal device determining the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information based on the second information.

[0208] Taking a first carrier group comprising carrier 1 (15kHz), carrier 2 (30kHz), and carrier 3 (60kHz) as an example. Assume the second information indicates the carrier number or SCS of carrier 1. After receiving the second information, the terminal device determines the duration of a symbol in carrier 1 based on the second information; for example, the duration of one symbol in carrier 1 is 1 / 14ms. Next, the terminal device receives the first information and determines at least one symbol that is disabled in carrier 1 based on the first information. Since the duration of one symbol in carrier 2 is 0.5 / 14ms, and the duration of one symbol in carrier 3 is 0.25 / 14ms, one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, and one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to four symbols in carrier 3. Therefore, based on the disabled symbols in carrier 1, the terminal device can also indirectly determine the disabled symbols in carrier 2 and carrier 3.

[0209] For example, as shown in Figure 6, assuming the terminal device determines to shut down the 7th to 8th symbols of carrier 1, since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, the terminal device can also determine to shut down the 13th to 16th symbols of carrier 2. Since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to four symbols in carrier 3, the terminal device can also determine to shut down the 25th to 32nd symbols of carrier 3.

[0210] It should be explained that the free symbol in Figure 6 can be understood as the symbol of being turned off, and the non-free symbol can be understood as the symbol of being not turned off. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0211] Optionally, if the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCSs, in another possible implementation, before step S410, the method may further include: the network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group. For example, the second information may indicate an SCS configuration list, such as SCS configuration μ1, SCS configuration μ2, and SCS configuration μ3. The terminal device determines the corresponding SCS based on the SCS configuration in the SCS configuration list.

[0212] Subsequently, the terminal device determines the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information based on the first SCS.

[0213] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list.

[0214] Taking an example where the SCSs in the SCS list are 15kHz and 30kHz, meaning the first carrier group includes carrier 1 (15kHz) and carrier 2 (30kHz), the terminal device selects the smallest SCS (i.e., the first SCS) from the SCS list according to a predefined protocol or network device configuration. Based on the first SCS, it determines the symbol duration of its corresponding carrier (carrier 1). For example, the duration of one symbol in carrier 1 is 1 / 14ms. Next, the terminal device receives first information and determines at least one symbol that is disabled in carrier 1 based on this information. Since the duration of one symbol in carrier 2 is 0.5 / 14ms, meaning one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, the terminal device can indirectly determine the disabled symbols in carrier 2 based on the disabled symbols in carrier 1. This technical solution avoids disabling some symbols and reduces indication overhead.

[0215] For example, as shown in Figure 7, assuming the terminal device determines to shut down the 7th to 8th symbols of carrier 1, since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, the terminal device can also determine to shut down the 13th to 16th symbols in carrier 2.

[0216] It should be noted that the second piece of information mentioned above can be RRC information configured at a higher level. For example, let's take DCI as the first piece of information and RRC as the second piece of information as an example for illustration.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the RRC indicates that the first SCS is the minimum SCS value in the SCS list of the first carrier group. In this case, the first SCS is 15kHz, and the carrier corresponding to the first SCS is carrier 1. The RRC also indicates that one bit in the bitmap information corresponds to one symbol. For example, one bit in the bitmap information corresponds to one symbol in carrier 1. The DCI indicates the bitmap information, assuming the bitmap is 00000011000000, where 1 indicates off and 0 indicates not off. Therefore, for carrier 1, symbols 7 and 8 are off. Since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, this bitmap information also indicates that carrier 2 in the same carrier group has symbols 13 to 16 off.

[0218] In another possible implementation, the RRC indicates that the first SCS is the minimum SCS value in the SCS list of the first carrier group. In this case, the first SCS is 15 kHz, and the carrier corresponding to the first SCS is carrier 1. The RRC also indicates the start position and duration in carrier 1. The DCI indicates the symbol shutdown at the aforementioned start position and duration. Assuming the RRC indicates that the start position in carrier 1 is the 7th symbol and the duration is 2 symbols, the DCI indicates that the 7th to 8th symbols are shut down. Therefore, for carrier 1, the 7th to 8th symbols are shut down. Since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, this bitmap information also indicates that carrier 2 in the same carrier group shuts down symbols 13 to 16.

[0219] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the first SCS is the largest SCS in the SCS list.

[0220] Taking an example where the SCSs in the SCS list are 15kHz and 30kHz, meaning the first carrier group includes carrier 1 (15kHz) and carrier 2 (30kHz), the terminal device selects the largest SCS (i.e., the first SCS) from the SCS list according to a predefined protocol or network device configuration. Based on the first SCS, it determines the duration of the symbol on its corresponding carrier (carrier 2). For example, the duration of one symbol on carrier 2 is 0.5 / 14ms. Next, the terminal device receives the first information and determines at least one symbol that is disabled on carrier 2. Since the duration of one symbol on carrier 1 is 1 / 14ms, meaning one symbol on carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols on carrier 2, the terminal device can indirectly determine the disabled symbols on carrier 1 based on the disabled symbols on carrier 2, improving the accuracy or granularity of the first information.

[0221] It should be noted that in this implementation, the specific indications of the first and second information can also refer to the specific indications of the first information (DCI) and the second information (RRC) in the above example, which will not be repeated here.

[0222] Assuming the terminal device is on carrier 2, symbols 13 to 16, since one symbol in carrier 1 corresponds to two symbols in carrier 2, the terminal device can determine to turn off symbols 7 to 8 in carrier 1.

[0223] It should be noted that, in this example, carriers in the first carrier group whose SCS is less than the first SCS, such as the un-shutdown portion or a symbol in carrier 1, can use compressed sensing technology or OFDM spectrum interpolation technology to improve resource utilization and reduce transmission delay.

[0224] Compressed sensing technology or algorithms, also known as compressed sampling or sparse sampling, leverages the sparsity of signals to acquire discrete samples of a signal using random sampling at a sampling rate much lower than Nyquist. The original signal is then reconstructed using a nonlinear reconstruction algorithm. In other words, compressed sensing algorithms can achieve the effect of full sampling with very few sampling points. The conditions for compressed sensing algorithms include: 1) the signal exhibits sparsity in a certain domain of variation; for example, the signal has only a small number of non-zero values ​​in the frequency domain, thus exhibiting sparsity; and 2) random subsampling is employed.

[0225] For example, the original signal has sparsity in the frequency domain. The transmitter sends a portion of the time-domain OFDM symbols; the receiver receives this portion of the time-domain OFDM symbols and can recover the original frequency domain signal through a decompression sensing algorithm.

[0226] OFDM spectrum zero-interpolation technology utilizes the periodic property of the Discrete Fourier Transform. Based on this periodic property, it is possible to transmit / receive a portion of the time-domain information, thereby enabling the early recovery of the frequency-domain signal.

[0227] For example, interpolating zeros into the first frequency domain signal [a1,a2,a3,a4], such as inserting a zero between every two signals, yields a second frequency domain signal [a1,0,a2,0,a3,0,a4,0]. Performing an inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT) or an inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) on the second frequency domain signal yields its second time domain signal. It is evident that the second time domain signal is a double repetition of the first time domain signal of the first frequency domain signal. Therefore, the original frequency domain signal can be recovered from a portion of the received second time domain signal, such as half of the second time domain signal.

[0228] It should be noted that the aforementioned second information may be predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device through higher-layer signaling, or dynamically indicated by physical layer signaling. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not impose any limitations on this.

[0229] It should also be noted that the first piece of information mentioned above can be carried in a group DCI. The group DCI can be scrambled using a special RNTI.

[0230] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the phrase "turn off at least one symbol" can also be replaced with "turn off at least one symbol," where symbol shutdown can also be replaced with other time-domain units such as mini-slot shutdown, slot shutdown, subframe shutdown, frame shutdown, millisecond (ms) shutdown, 0.1 millisecond (0.1ms) shutdown, etc. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0231] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the term "shutdown" can also be understood as hibernation, muting, sleep, blanking, etc. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0232] Referring again to Figure 5, optionally, in one possible implementation, the method may further include: S430, the terminal device determines the number of available REs within a time slot.

[0233] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the number of available REs in a time slot is related to the number of symbols turned off in the first time slot. Specifically, the terminal device determines the number of symbols turned off in a time slot based on the received first information. Subsequently, the terminal device can calculate the number of available REs in a time slot according to the following formula (1).

[0234] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This represents the number of symbols allocated to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) in a time slot. This parameter represents the number of symbols turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot. It can be determined based on the first information and the time-domain resource indication of the PDSCH. This represents the subcarrier occupied by the demodulation reference signal DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data RE.

[0235] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the number of available REs in a time slot is related to the number of REs turned off in a time slot. Specifically, the terminal device determines the number of REs turned off in a time slot based on the received first information. Subsequently, the terminal device can calculate the number of available REs in a time slot according to the following formula (2).

[0236] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This indicates the number of symbols allocated to the PDSCH in a time slot. This represents the number of REs for the DM-RS of each PRB during the scheduling duration, including the overhead of the no-data DM-RS code division multiplexing (CDM) group. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission besides the data RE. This parameter represents the number of REs turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot. It can be determined based on the first information and the time-frequency domain resource indication of the PDSCH.

[0237] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, before step S430, the method may further include the following steps:

[0238] Step 1: The terminal device obtains a first parameter and a second parameter, wherein the first parameter is associated with a shutdown symbol, and the second parameter is not associated with a shutdown symbol. For example, the first parameter could be... The second parameter can be

[0239] Step 2: After receiving the first information, the terminal device determines that the first information indicates the shutdown symbol. At this time, the terminal device determines to select the first parameter.

[0240] Step 3: The terminal device determines the number of available REs within a time slot based on the first parameter. For example, the first parameter is... For example, the terminal device can calculate the number of available REs in a time slot according to the following formula (3).

[0241] Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This indicates the number of symbols allocated to the PDSCH in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than data REs, including the REs that are turned off. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than data REs, excluding the REs that are turned off.

[0242] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, before step S430, the method may further include the following steps:

[0243] Step 1: The network device sends the second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information, which indicates parameters. The value can be a first value or a second value, where the first value is associated with the turn-off symbol and the second value is not associated with the turn-off symbol.

[0244] Step 2: After receiving the first information, the terminal device turns off according to the first information indication symbol, thereby determining the parameters. The value is the first value.

[0245] Step 3: Terminal device based on The value of is the first value, which determines the number of available REs within a time slot. For example, the terminal device can calculate the number of available REs within a time slot according to formula (4). It should be noted that in this implementation, The value is the first value.

[0246] in, This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data RE.

[0247] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, after step S430, the method may further include the following steps:

[0248] Step 1: The terminal device calculates the total number N of all REs allocated to the PDSCH within a time slot. RE For example, the terminal device can calculate N according to the following formula (5). RE .

[0249] N RE =min(156,N′) RE )n PRB Formula (5)

[0250] Where, n PRB This indicates the total number of PRBs allocated to the terminal devices.

[0251] It should be noted that 156 = 1213, which means that under normal circumstances, not all symbols in a time slot can be used to send PDSCH. Generally, the first symbol of each time slot is used to send PDCCH.

[0252] Step 2: Terminal devices based on N RE Calculate the number of information bits N. info For example, the terminal device can calculate N according to the following formula (6). info .

[0253] N info =N RE ·R*Q m *v Formula (6)

[0254] in, Qm R is the modulation order, and R is the target bit rate determined according to the MCS level. v This indicates the number of layers. It should be understood that the target bitrate is not necessarily the actual bitrate; the target bitrate can be understood as N. info The ratio of the number of bits transmitted on the PDSCH channel to the number of bits transmitted on the PDSCH channel.

[0255] It should be noted that the method described above for calculating the number of available REs within a time slot can be applied to cases where the carrier group includes multiple carriers, or cases where the carrier group includes only one carrier.

[0256] According to the above technical solution, symbol-level shutdown can be achieved in broadband scenarios, reducing the power consumption of broadband products and further reducing indication overhead. Furthermore, when calculating the transport block size (TBS), the terminal device will consider the number of shut-down symbols, which can reduce the indication overhead of data transmission resources.

[0257] Finally, the device embodiments of this application will be described.

[0258] To implement the functions of the methods provided in this application, network devices and terminal devices may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0259] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 800 includes a processor 810 and a communication interface 820. Optionally, the processor 810 and the communication interface 820 can be interconnected via a bus 830. The communication device 800 can be a network device or a terminal device.

[0260] Optionally, the communication device 800 may also include a memory 840. The memory 840 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used to store related instructions and data.

[0261] Processor 810 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When processor 810 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0262] When the communication device 800 is a terminal device, exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: receive first information; determine the at least one symbol shutdown based on the first information. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: obtain the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: receive second information. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: obtain a first parameter and a second parameter; determine the first parameter based on the first information; and determine the number of available REs in a time slot based on the first parameter.

[0263] When the communication device 800 is a network device, exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: send first information. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: send the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily, the communication device 800 is configured to perform the following operations: send second information.

[0264] The above description is for illustrative purposes only. When the communication device 800 is a network device or a terminal device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the network device or terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0265] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the methods illustrated in the above embodiments. The implementation of each operation in Figure 8 can also be found in the corresponding descriptions of the methods illustrated in Figures 4 to 10.

[0266] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 can be a network device, a terminal device, or a chip or module in a network device or terminal device, used to implement the methods involved in the above embodiments. The communication device 900 includes a transceiver unit 910 and a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit 910 and the processing unit 920 will be described exemplarily below.

[0267] The transceiver unit 910 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting action of the communication device 900, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device 900. For ease of description, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0268] When the communication device 900 is a terminal device, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receive first information; the processing unit 920 determines the at least one symbol shutdown based on the first information. Also exemplarily, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operations: obtain the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operations: receive second information. Also exemplarily, the processing unit 920 is configured to perform the following operations: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the processing unit 920 is configured to perform the following operations: determine the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operations: obtain a first parameter and a second parameter; the processing unit 920 determines the first parameter based on the first information; and based on the first parameter, determines the number of available REs in a time slot.

[0269] When the communication device 900 is a network device, the transceiver unit 910 is exemplarily configured to transmit first information. Also exemplarily configured, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operation: transmit the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily configured, the transceiver unit 910 is configured to perform the following operation: transmit second information.

[0270] The above description is for illustrative purposes only. When the communication device 900 is a network device or a terminal device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the network device or terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0271] Optionally, the communication device 900 further includes a storage unit 930 for storing programs or code for performing the aforementioned methods.

[0272] The apparatus embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 2 to 8. The specific execution steps and methods of the apparatus shown in Figures 8 and 9 can be found in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0273] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of a network device and a terminal device. The communication device 1000 may be a chip in a network device or a terminal device.

[0274] The communication device 1000 includes an input / output interface 1020 and a processor 1010. The input / output interface 1020 may be an input / output circuit. The processor 1010 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the method of this application. The input / output interface 1020 is used for inputting or outputting signals or data.

[0275] For example, when the communication device 1000 is a terminal device, the input / output interface 1020, exemplarily, performs the following operations: receiving first information; and the processor 1010 determines the at least one symbol shutdown based on the first information. Also exemplarily, the input / output interface 1020 performs the following operations: obtaining the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily, the input / output interface 1020 performs the following operations: receiving second information. Also exemplarily, the processor 1010 performs the following operations: determining the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the processor 1010 performs the following operations: determining the number of available resource elements (REs) in a time slot. Also exemplarily, the input / output interface 1020 performs the following operations: obtaining a first parameter and a second parameter; the processor 1010 determines the first parameter based on the first information; and based on the first parameter, determines the number of available REs in a time slot.

[0276] For example, when the communication device 1000 is a network device, the input / output interface 1020 is exemplarily used to send first information. Also exemplarily, the input / output interface 1020 is used to perform the following operation: send the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration. Also exemplarily, the input / output interface 1020 is used to perform the following operation: send second information.

[0277] In one possible implementation, the processor 1010 executes instructions stored in memory to implement the functions of the network device and the terminal device.

[0278] Optionally, the communication device 1000 also includes a memory.

[0279] Optionally, the processor and memory are integrated together.

[0280] Optionally, the memory is located outside the communication device 1000.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the processor 1010 can be a logic circuit, which inputs / outputs messages or signaling through the input / output interface 1020. The logic circuit can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit that can implement the methods of the embodiments of this application.

[0282] The above description of the communication device 1000 is merely an exemplary description. The communication device 1000 can be used to execute the methods described in the foregoing embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods in the examples above.

[0284] This application also provides a chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor. The input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path. The processor is used to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is used to perform the methods described in the examples above. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory for storing computer programs or code.

[0285] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory for performing the methods and functions of network devices and terminal devices involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0286] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, implement the methods of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0287] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0288] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0289] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0290] Those skilled in the art will 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.

[0291] 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 through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0292] 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.

[0293] In addition, 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.

[0294] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they 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 to the prior art, or a portion 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.

[0295] 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: Receive first information, the first information instructing to shut down at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group, the first carrier group including one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group; The at least one symbol is turned off based on the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information also indicates the location information of the at least one symbol.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration, wherein the configuration indicates the location of the at least one symbol, and each configuration indicates a different location and / or number of symbols to be turned off; The first information indicates the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the first carrier group, including: The first information also indicates that the first configuration is activated, which is one of the at least one configuration.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of at least two carriers in the first carrier group is different, the method further includes: Receive second information, which indicates a reference carrier number or a reference SCS; Based on the second information, determine the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol of the carrier corresponding to the reference SCS, and / or the field granularity of the first information; or, Receive second information, which indicates the SCS list of the first carrier group; Based on the first SCS, determine the time length of the carrier symbol corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information. Wherein, the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list, or the first SCS is the largest SCS in the SCS list.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information can be carried in group downlink control information (DCI) or low-power signals.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The number of available resource elements (REs) within a time slot is determined. The number of REs is related to the number of symbols turned off within the time slot. The number of symbols turned off within the time slot is determined by the first information.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula: Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This represents the number of symbols allocated to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) in a time slot. This indicates the number of symbols turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by the demodulation reference signal DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission other than the data resource element RE.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The number of available resource elements (REs) within a time slot is determined. The number of REs is related to the number of REs turned off within the time slot. The number of REs turned off within the time slot is determined by the first information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of available REs within a time slot is determined by the following formula: Where, N′ RE This indicates the number of available REs within a time slot. This indicates the number of subcarriers in an RB. This indicates the number of symbols allocated to the PDSCH in a time slot. This represents the subcarrier occupied by DMRS in a time slot. This indicates the overhead in PDSCH transmission besides the data RE (resource element). This indicates the number of REs turned off within the PDSCH range in a time slot.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message indicating that at least one symbol of each carrier in a first carrier group is turned off, the first carrier group comprising one or more carriers, the first carrier group belonging to one of at least one carrier group.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information also indicates the location information of the at least one symbol.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The association between the first carrier group and at least one configuration is transmitted, wherein the configuration indicates the location of the at least one symbol, and each configuration indicates a different location and / or number of symbols to be turned off; The first information indicates the shutdown of at least one symbol for each carrier in the first carrier group, including: The first information also indicates that the first configuration is activated, which is one of the at least one configuration.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, When the first carrier group contains at least two carriers with different SCS, the method further includes: Send a second message, the second message indicating a reference carrier number or a reference SCS, the second message being used by the terminal device to determine the time length of the symbol corresponding to the reference carrier number or the time length of the symbol corresponding to the carrier of the reference SCS, and / or the field granularity of the first message; or, The second information is sent, indicating the SCS list of the first carrier group. The SCS list includes a first SCS, which is used by the terminal device to determine the symbol duration of the carrier corresponding to the first SCS and / or the field granularity of the first information. Wherein, the first SCS is the smallest SCS in the SCS list, or the first SCS is the largest SCS in the SCS list.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one indication information, the at least one indication information corresponding to the at least one carrier group, and each indication information is used to indicate the shutdown of at least one symbol of each carrier in the corresponding carrier group.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The first information can be carried in a group DCI or a low-power signal.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 by executing a computer program or instructions, or by using logic circuitry.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes logic circuitry and input / output interfaces, the input / output interfaces being used to input and / or output signals, and the logic circuitry being used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 to be performed.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 to be performed.

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