Communication method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium, capable of obtaining a synchronization raster having large sparsity, thereby reducing the access delay and power consumption of a terminal device. The method comprises: a network device sends a first SSB to a terminal device on the basis of at least one obtained first frequency interval, wherein an interval between a first center frequency of a PBCH in the first SSB and a center frequency of a PSS or an SSS in the first SSB in frequency domain falls within the at least one first frequency interval; and correspondingly, the terminal device detects the PBCH in the first SSB on the basis of the at least one obtained first frequency interval.

Description

Communication methods, devices and computer-readable storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510344782.9, filed on March 21, 2025, entitled "Communication Method, Apparatus and Computer-Readable Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In mobile communication systems, initial access is crucial for a terminal device's first connection to the network. During the initial access process, the terminal device searches for and detects the SSB to obtain downlink synchronization. It then obtains the most basic parameters and configuration information of the access cell by decoding the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) payload in the synchronization signal block (SSB). Finally, it receives the resource configuration for random access from the system information block (SIB) 1 and initiates random access based on this resource configuration.

[0004] The center frequency of the SSB is located on the synchronization grid. Therefore, the density of the synchronization grid determines the number of frequency points that the terminal device can monitor, thus affecting the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium to obtain a synchronization grid with high sparsity, thereby reducing the access latency and power consumption of terminal devices.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal device. The method is described below using a terminal device as an example.

[0007] For example, the method includes: obtaining at least one first frequency interval, the first frequency interval being the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the synchronization signal block (SSB) and the center frequency point of the primary synchronization signal (PSS) or secondary synchronization signal (SSS) in the SSB; and obtaining the PBCH in the first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval.

[0008] The synchronization signal block (SSB) of this application can also be called the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (PBCH block, SSB).

[0009] In the SSB, the center frequencies of the PSS and SSS are located on the synchronization grid. The synchronization grid consists of multiple frequency points distributed in the frequency domain, and these frequency points are predefined. That is, the center frequency of the PSS and SSS in the SSB is one of the frequency points of the synchronization grid.

[0010] The frequency interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequencies of the PSS and SSS in the first SSB belongs to the at least one first frequency interval. Alternatively, the frequency interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the SSB and the center frequencies of the PSS and SSS in the first SSB is one of the at least one first frequency intervals. The center frequencies of the PSS and SSS in the first SSB can be the first frequency of the synchronization grid. In this application, the first frequency of the synchronization grid can be understood as any frequency point within the synchronization grid.

[0011] Optionally, obtaining the PBCH in the first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval includes: detecting the PBCH in the first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval.

[0012] For example, detecting the PBCH in the first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval includes: determining at least one frequency domain resource that can be used to transmit the PBCH based on the at least one first frequency interval and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid; and blindly detecting the PBCH on the at least one frequency domain resource.

[0013] Based on this technical solution, the terminal device can determine at least one frequency domain resource for receiving the PBCH based on at least one first frequency interval, and then blindly detect the PBCH on the at least one frequency domain resource. Since the at least one frequency domain resource can correspond to different first frequency intervals, the at least one frequency domain resource that can be used to receive the PBCH is different. Therefore, the at least one frequency domain resource may be located within the frequency band coverage of more different carriers. Thus, the first frequency point of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for more carriers, thereby allowing for the design of a larger spacing synchronization grid to reduce the number of frequency points that the terminal device may detect, thereby reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the at least one first frequency interval may be predefined or indicated by a network device.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as access network equipment, modules (e.g., circuits, chips, or chip systems) within the access network equipment, or logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network equipment. The method is described below using a network device as an example.

[0016] For example, the method includes: obtaining at least one first frequency interval, the first frequency interval being the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the SSB and the center frequency of the PSS or SSS in the SSB; and transmitting a first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval.

[0017] In this context, the center frequencies of the PSS or SSS in the SSB are the same and located on the synchronization grid. The frequency domain interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequency of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB belongs to the at least one first frequency interval, and the center frequencies of the PSS and SSS in the first SSB can be the first frequency of the synchronization grid.

[0018] For a description of the synchronization grid and its first frequency point, please refer to the description in the first aspect; it will not be repeated here.

[0019] Optionally, transmitting a first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval includes: acquiring at least one frequency domain resource that can be used to transmit the SSB based on at least one first frequency interval and a first frequency point of a synchronization grid; and transmitting the first SSB on one of the frequency domain resources in the at least one frequency domain resource.

[0020] Based on this technical solution, a network device can obtain at least one possible frequency domain resource that can be used to transmit an SSB, based on at least one first frequency interval. When there are multiple frequency domain resources available for transmitting an SSB, the frequency domain resource available for transmitting a PBCH is spaced apart from the first frequency point of the synchronization grid by one first frequency resource in the frequency domain. That is, the PBCH in the SSB generated by the network device can have multiple placement positions, no longer limiting the first center frequency point of the PBCH to be located on the frequency point of the synchronization grid. Compared to existing SSB structures, the method provided in this application allows the first frequency point of the synchronization grid to provide synchronization for more carriers, thus enabling the design of synchronization grids with larger intervals, reducing the number of frequency points detected by the terminal device, and thereby reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the at least one first frequency interval may be predefined.

[0022] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in some implementations of the first and second aspects, when there are multiple first frequency intervals, any two of the multiple first frequency intervals are different.

[0023] Based on this, multiple placement positions of PBCH can be obtained near a frequency point of the synchronization grid. That is, there can be multiple frequency domain resources for transmitting SSB near a frequency point of the synchronization grid. Therefore, a frequency point of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for more carriers, and thus a synchronization grid with larger spacing can be designed.

[0024] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in certain implementations of the first and second aspects, the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to the at least one first frequency interval satisfy one of the following: the frequency band of each of the plurality of carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of one or more SSBs, the frequency domain resources of the one or more SSBs belonging to the frequency domain resources of the at least one SSB; or, the frequency band of each of the plurality of carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of one SSB among the frequency domain resources of the plurality of SSBs.

[0025] The multiple carriers refer to all carriers included in the first frequency band, which is any one of multiple frequency bands predefined by the protocol. The frequency domain resources used for transmitting PSS or SSS in the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB are the same frequency domain resources. That is, the center frequency of the PSS or SSS in at least one SSB is located on the same frequency point of the synchronization grid.

[0026] The frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to at least one first frequency interval refer to: at least one frequency domain resource that a network device or terminal device determines can be used to transmit an SSB based on any frequency point of the first frequency interval and the synchronization grid; or it refers to: the center frequency points of the PSS or SSS in the at least one SSB are the same, and the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the at least one SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS is the at least one first frequency interval respectively.

[0027] Based on this, not only can multiple carriers have frequency domain resources capable of transmitting SSBs, but the number of times terminal devices need to blindly detect SSBs can also be reduced.

[0028] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in some implementations of the first and second aspects, the spacing between any two frequency points in the synchronization grid is determined based on the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, the spacing of the channel grid, and the bandwidth of the common frequency band, which is the overlapping portion in the frequency domain of the frequency domain resources of multiple SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid.

[0029] Among them, the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier refers to the bandwidth of the frequency band used for actual signal transmission in the bandwidth corresponding to the carrier, that is, the bandwidth of the bandwidth corresponding to the carrier after removing the guard interval.

[0030] The frequency domain resources of SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid refer to the frequency domain resources of multiple SSBs whose center frequency point is located on the same frequency point of the synchronization grid. It can be understood that the frequency domain resources of multiple SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid will overlap in the frequency domain, and this overlapping frequency band is the common frequency band of the frequency domain resources of the multiple SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid.

[0031] Optionally, the spacing R' of the synchronization grid SS satisfy:

[0032] R' SS Less than or equal to CBW eff-min -BW GG +R CH ;

[0033] Or, in other words, the maximum interval R' of the synchronization grid SS-max Satisfy: R' SS-max =CBW eff-min -BW GG +R CH ;

[0034] Among them, CBW eff-min Represents the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, R CH Indicates the spacing of the channel grid, BW GGThis indicates the bandwidth of the common frequency band.

[0035] Since the bandwidth of the common frequency band is less than that of the SSB, a larger synchronization grid can be obtained based on the above method of determining the synchronization grid interval, thereby reducing the number of frequency points that the terminal device may detect and reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0036] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in certain implementations of the first and second aspects, a portion of the PBCHs in the SSB are located in the common frequency band, and the portion of the PBCHs located in the common frequency band may or may not be decoded individually. Here, the portion of the PBCHs located in the common frequency band can be understood as either PBCHs mapped onto the common frequency band or PBCHs transmitted in the common frequency band.

[0037] For example, whether a portion of the PBCH located in the common frequency band can be decoded independently depends on how the PBCH in the SSB is mapped to time-frequency resources. In other words, whether a portion of the PBCH located in the common frequency band can be decoded independently can be determined by how the PBCH in the SSB is mapped to time-frequency resources.

[0038] Optionally, the way PBCHs in an SSB are mapped to time-frequency resources is predefined, and / or whether a portion of the PBCHs in the SSB included in the common band can be decoded independently is predefined.

[0039] The following section describes the relationship between the way PBCH is mapped to time-frequency resources and whether PBCH in the common frequency band can be decoded separately.

[0040] Example 1: If the PBCH in the SSB is mapped as a whole, then the part of the PBCH located in the common frequency band cannot be decoded separately.

[0041] In this method, the terminal device detects SSB based on multiple first frequency intervals, including: the terminal device detects PSS and SSS based on the first frequency point of the synchronization grid; the terminal device traverses multiple first frequency intervals and determines the frequency domain position of PBCH based on each of the multiple first frequency intervals; and receives PBCH at the frequency domain position.

[0042] Example 2: If the PBCH located in the common frequency band in the SSB is mapped separately, then that part of the PBCH located in the common frequency band cannot be decoded separately.

[0043] The portion of the PBCH located in the common frequency band can carry system information for initial access.

[0044] In this manner, as a possible example, the terminal device detects SSB based on multiple first frequency intervals, which may include: the terminal device detecting PSS and SSS based on the first frequency point of the synchronization grid; the terminal device receiving and decoding the portion of PBCH located in the common frequency band to obtain the decoded information.

[0045] The decoded information includes system information for initial access. For example, a terminal device can perform random access based on this initial access system information.

[0046] Optionally, a portion of the PBCH in the common frequency band may also carry indication information of the first frequency interval.

[0047] In this manner, as another possible example, the terminal device detects SSB based on multiple first frequency intervals, which may include: the terminal device detecting PSS and SSS based on a synchronization grid first frequency point; the terminal device receiving and decoding the portion of PBCH located in the common frequency band to obtain decoded information, which includes the first frequency intervals; and the terminal device receiving PBCH located outside the common frequency band based on the first frequency intervals.

[0048] Based on this, terminal devices do not need to blindly detect the location of the remaining PBCH, which helps reduce the receiving complexity of terminal devices and effectively reduces the latency of terminal devices accessing the network.

[0049] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in certain implementations of the first and second aspects, the first frequency point of the synchronization grid belongs to a frequency point group of the synchronization grid. That is, the synchronization grid is a plurality of frequency points distributed in the frequency domain, including: the synchronization grid is a plurality of frequency point groups distributed in the frequency domain, wherein the plurality of frequency points included in the plurality of frequency point groups are predefined.

[0050] A frequency point group includes multiple frequency points, and the interval between two adjacent frequency points in the frequency domain is the second frequency interval.

[0051] Optionally, the second frequency interval is predefined.

[0052] This method of designing frequency groups can solve the problem of misalignment between the carrier subcarriers and the SSB subcarriers.

[0053] In conjunction with the first and second aspects, in some implementations of the first and second aspects, the first frequency interval is an integer multiple of a frequency domain unit, the frequency domain unit including a subcarrier width or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to a resource block (RB).

[0054] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, including modules or units for implementing the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0055] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0056] The apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0057] The device may also include a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface.

[0058] Fifthly, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0059] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0060] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0061] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0062] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0063] Eighthly, this application provides a communication system including the aforementioned terminal device and network device. The terminal device is used to execute the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the network device is used to instruct the execution of the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0064] It should be understood that the third to eighth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between SSB and SIB1;

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of time-frequency resources for random access opportunities;

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the four-step random access method;

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an SSB structure;

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the synchronous grid design criteria;

[0071] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the first frequency interval provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the frequency points of at least two SSBs and the synchronization grid provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 11 is another schematic diagram of the maximum interval of the synchronization grid provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the frequency group provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 14 is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained first:

[0081] First, in the embodiments of this application, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" is merely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same name category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first frequency interval" and "second frequency interval" are simply different frequency intervals, and do not limit the size or priority relationship of the frequency intervals.

[0082] Second, in the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send a first SSB to a terminal device" can be understood as the destination of the first SSB being the terminal device, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive a first SSB from a network device" can be understood as the source of the first SSB being the network device, which may include direct reception from the network device via the air interface or indirect reception from the network device via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0083] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between terminal devices and network devices; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0084] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, before being sent from the source to the destination. Similarly, the destination, upon receiving information from the source, can also perform corresponding processing, such as decoding and demodulation, to interpret the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0085] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0086] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction.

[0087] It is understandable that, for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0088] Fifth, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., network device or terminal device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., network device or terminal device) to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0089] Sixth, the predefined terms in this application can be understood as: definition, pre-defined, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification, or pre-firing.

[0090] Seventh, the term "storage" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0091] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, sidelink (SL) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio access technology (NR) systems, satellite communication systems, etc. Among them, 5G mobile communication systems can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA) networks.

[0092] The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future communication networks.

[0093] The network device in this application can be, for example, a radio access network (RAN) device, which is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities. A RAN device can provide wireless communication services, allowing terminal devices to access the wireless network. A RAN device can be a node in the RAN network, referred to simply as a RAN node.

[0094] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station (BS), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a home evolved NodeB (or home Node B, HNB), a Wi-Fi access point (AP), a mobile switching center, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. A RAN node can also be a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, and internet-to-things (IoT) communication systems. A RAN node can also be a RAN node in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), meaning that a RAN node can be deployed on a high-altitude platform, a satellite, or a low-altitude drone. RAN nodes can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, etc., or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or nodes in open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) scenarios. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in V2X technology, RAN nodes can be roadside units (RSUs). Of course, RAN nodes can also be nodes in the core network.

[0095] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately 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).

[0096] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (O-RU).

[0097] Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. That is, the wireless access network device in this application can be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0098] The terminal equipment in this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device.

[0099] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data connectivity to users, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as laptops and PDAs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, drones, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal equipment in a mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0100] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0101] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices within IoT systems. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development, its main technological characteristic being the connection of objects to networks via communication technologies, thereby achieving intelligent networks that enable human-machine and machine-to-machine interconnection. IoT technology, for example, can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low power consumption at the terminal level through narrowband (NB) technology.

[0102] In addition, terminal devices may also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Their main functions include collecting data (for some terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from network devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to network devices.

[0103] The terminal device in this application can also be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0104] It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific form of wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0105] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 applicable to the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a wireless access network 10 and a core network 20. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include an Internet 30. The wireless access network 10 may include at least one wireless access network device (110a and 110b in Figure 1) and at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1).

[0106] Terminal devices can connect to radio access network (RAN) devices wirelessly, and RAN devices can connect to the core network wirelessly or via wired connections. Core network devices and RAN devices can be independent, separate physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of core network devices and the logical functions of RAN devices onto a single physical device. Alternatively, a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some RAN device functions. Terminal devices and RAN devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections.

[0107] Communication between wireless access network devices and terminal devices, between wireless access network devices, and between terminal devices can all be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination of both. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or a combination of both. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0108] Among them, the wireless access network equipment can be a base station deployed in the air, such as a satellite base station 110a; or it can be a base station deployed indoors, such as a micro base station or an indoor station 110b.

[0109] The terminal equipment can be terminal equipment deployed in the air, such as the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1; or it can be terminal equipment deployed on the ground, such as mobile phones 120a, 120e, 120f and 120j, vehicle 120b, computer 110b, printer 120h, etc. in Figure 1.

[0110] Wireless access network equipment and terminals can be fixed or mobile. For example, wireless access network equipment and terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites.

[0111] The roles of wireless access network devices and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For those 120j accessing the wireless access network 10 via 120i, 120i is a base station; but for 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via an interface protocol between wireless access network devices. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both wireless access network devices and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a, 110b, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with their respective corresponding functions, such as communication devices with base station functions or communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0112] It should be understood that Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0113] The following is a brief introduction to the terminology used in this application.

[0114] 1. Frequency band.

[0115] A frequency band refers to a continuous range of frequencies specified in the frequency spectrum. That is, a frequency band includes an upper limit frequency and a lower limit frequency.

[0116] The bandwidth refers to the difference between the upper and lower frequency limits of a frequency band. The bandwidth can also be simply referred to as the bandwidth or frequency domain bandwidth.

[0117] 2. Frequency point.

[0118] A frequency point refers to a specific frequency; any specific frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum is a frequency point. The carrier frequency point usually refers to the center frequency point of the carrier wave, which is a specific frequency point.

[0119] 3. Center frequency.

[0120] The center frequency refers to the frequency corresponding to the center position of the frequency domain resources occupied by a signal. Specifically, if a signal occupies N subcarriers, when N is odd, the center frequency of the signal is the ((N+1) / 2)th subcarrier; when N is even, the center frequency of the signal can be either the (N / 2)th or (N / 2+1)th subcarrier. For example, if a signal occupies 5 subcarriers, then the center frequency of the signal is the 3rd subcarrier. As another example, if a signal occupies 6 subcarriers, then the center frequency of the signal can be either the 3rd or the 4th subcarrier.

[0121] 4. Synchronize the grid.

[0122] The synchronization grid is used to determine the search range of the SSB. In other words, the center frequency of the PSS or SSS within the SSB lies on the synchronization grid. The synchronization grid consists of multiple predefined frequency points distributed in the frequency domain.

[0123] The spacing of the synchronization grid is the interval between two adjacent frequency points among these multiple frequency points.

[0124] 5. Channel grid.

[0125] The channel grid is used to determine the frequency position of a carrier. In other words, the center frequency of the carrier is located on the channel grid.

[0126] A channel grid is also a set of predefined frequency points distributed across multiple frequencies. It's important to note that the channel grid and the synchronization grid do not overlap in the frequency domain. The frequency points of the channel grid are used to determine available carriers.

[0127] The spacing of the channel grid is the spacing between two adjacent frequency points among these multiple frequency points.

[0128] In the communication system shown in Figure 1, initial access is crucial for the terminal device's first connection to the network. Taking a 5G communication system as an example, the initial access process generally includes the following steps: The terminal device first searches for and detects the SSB to obtain downlink synchronization, then obtains the most basic parameters and configuration information of the access cell by decoding the PBCH payload in the SSB, and then obtains the resource configuration for random access by receiving other system messages necessary for random access, such as SIB1, and then initiates random access based on this resource configuration.

[0129] Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between the SSB and the system information block (SIB) 1. As shown in Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents the time domain, and the vertical axis represents the frequency domain. The terminal device obtains the time-frequency resources and detection timing of the control resource set (CORESET) #0 for scheduling SIB1 through the Master information block (MIB) in the SSB. Then, it detects downlink control information (DCI) on these time-frequency resources to obtain the resource information of SIB1.

[0130] The aforementioned resource configuration mainly includes carrier location and bandwidth, initial uplink and initial downlink bandwidth parts (BWP), etc. The initial uplink BWP configuration includes the configuration of random access channel (RACH) resources. This RACH resource configuration includes the time-frequency resources for the random access occasion (RO) and available preambles. See Figure 3 for details, where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. The initial uplink BWP configuration includes multiple time-frequency resources as ROs. The terminal device can select one of these ROs to send a random access preamble for random access. In other words, after obtaining the RACH resource configuration, the terminal device can perform two-step or four-step random access to access the network.

[0131] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of the four-step random access method. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps:

[0132] Step 1: The terminal device sends message 1 (Msg1) to the network device. Specifically, message 1 is the random access preamble sent on the RO.

[0133] Step 2: The network device sends message 2 (Msg2) to the terminal device. Message 2 is a random access response (RAR).

[0134] The RAR includes the random access preamble identifier (ID) received by the network device, the timing advance (TA) for uplink synchronization timing adjustment indication, a temporary network-side identity: temporary cell (TC) radio network temporary identity (RNIT) (abbreviated as TC-RNTI), and uplink grant (UL Grant) resources for the terminal device to further transmit message 3.

[0135] Step 3: The terminal device sends message 3 (Msg3) to the network device. Message 3 contains the UE's identity information.

[0136] Message 3 is primarily used for conflict resolution. It can be understood that Message 3 is sent by the terminal device on the UL Grant resource scheduled in Message 2.

[0137] Specifically, the terminal device can send message 3 when the following conditions are met: the terminal device receives message 2 within a specified time window, and the preamble identifier contained in message 2 corresponds to the preamble it sent. The value of this time window is carried in SIB1.

[0138] Step 4: The network device sends message 4 (Msg4) to the terminal device. Correspondingly, this is the terminal device monitor message 4.

[0139] For example, if the UE contention resolution identity contained in message 4 is the same as the UE identity information contained in message 3, the terminal device considers its access request to have won the contention, and the access conflict has been successfully resolved. Afterwards, the terminal device uses the TC-RNTI received in message 2 as its unique identifier within the cell.

[0140] The essence of two-step random access is that when the terminal device sends the preamble, it also sends the content used for conflict resolution in message 3 to the network device on a corresponding physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resource. The network device, in turn, sends the contents of messages 2 and 4 to the terminal device. For more specific details about two-step random access, please refer to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0141] In summary, one of the most crucial pieces of information in the initial access process is the SSB. The following section, with reference to Figure 5, introduces the structure and main parameters of an existing SSB.

[0142] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an existing SSB structure. As shown in Figure 5(a), the SSB consists of three parts: the primary synchronization signal (PSS), the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and the physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The SSB occupies four consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and 20 RBs (i.e., 240 subcarriers) in the frequency domain. In other words, the frequency bandwidth of the SSB is the bandwidth corresponding to 20 RBs.

[0143] The PSS is primarily used for primary synchronization and to carry part of the physical cell identity (PCID or PCI). In the time domain, the PSS occupies the first OFDM symbol among the four OFDM symbols mentioned above, and in the frequency domain, it occupies 127 resource elements (REs) (or subcarriers). The PSS is an M-sequence of length 127, and three different sequences can be used.

[0144] SSS is primarily used for secondary synchronization and carrying remaining PCI information. In the time domain, SSS occupies the third OFDM symbol out of the four OFDM symbols mentioned above (SSB), and in the frequency domain, it occupies 127 subcarriers. SSS is a 127-digit Gold sequence, and a total of 336 sequences are available.

[0145] The PBCH primarily carries broadcast system messages, comprising 24 bits of broadcast control channel (BCCH)-broadcast channel (BCH) information, 8 bits of physical layer timing-related information, and 24 bits of cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The PBCH occupies 240 subcarriers (20 RBs) on the second and fourth OFDM symbols, and 48 subcarriers (4 RBs) at each end of the third OFDM symbol.

[0146] As shown in Figure 5(a), the frequency domain resources occupied by the SSS and PSS have the same starting and ending positions in the frequency domain. That is, the center frequency points of the PSS and SSS are the same. As shown in Figure 5(b), the center frequency point of the PSS and SSS is the 120th subcarrier among the 240 subcarriers occupied by the SSB, arranged from smallest to largest frequency (the subcarrier with the smallest frequency is the 1st subcarrier). As shown in Figure 5(b), the center frequency points of the frequency domain resources occupied by the PBCH are the 120th subcarrier (referred to as center frequency point 1 of PBCH in this application) and the 121st subcarrier (referred to as center frequency point 2 of PBCH in this application) among the 240 subcarriers occupied by the SSB, arranged from smallest to largest frequency (the subcarrier with the smallest frequency is the 1st subcarrier). Therefore, it is easy to see that in the existing SSB structure shown in Figure 5, the center frequency points of the frequency domain resources occupied by the PSS and SSS are the same as the center frequency point 1 of the frequency domain resources occupied by the PBCH. That is, in the existing SSB structure shown in Figure 5, the frequency domain interval between the center frequency points of the frequency domain resources occupied by the PSS and SSS and the center frequency point 1 of the frequency domain resources occupied by the PBCH is 0 Hertz (Hz), or 0 subcarriers, or 0 RB corresponding frequency domain bandwidths.

[0147] As mentioned earlier, during initial access, the terminal device needs to search for and detect the SSB to obtain downlink synchronization. Specifically, the terminal device detects the PSS and SSS in the SSB to obtain downlink synchronization, and receives and decodes the PBCH in the SSB. One specific implementation of the terminal device searching for and detecting the SSB is that the terminal device sequentially detects the SSB on each frequency point of the synchronization raster (hereinafter referred to as the Sync raster).

[0148] The Sync raster defined in existing standards satisfies the following design principle: ensuring that for each possible carrier, at least one frequency point of the synchronization grid can be found to provide SSB synchronization. That is, the frequency band of each carrier must be able to cover at least the frequency domain resources occupied by a complete SSB. It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the frequency band of a carrier refers to the portion of the carrier predefined by the protocol that can be used for actual signal transmission after removing the guard interval. In other words, the frequency band of each carrier predefined by the protocol consists of the frequency band portion that can be used for data transmission and the frequency band portion of the guard interval. The bandwidth corresponding to the frequency band of the carrier will be referred to as the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier below.

[0149] Under the premise of satisfying the above design criteria, the maximum spacing between two SSBs can be obtained. See Figure 6 for details. As shown in Figure 6, the center frequencies of carrier 1 and carrier 2 in the NR band are two adjacent frequencies in the channel grid in the frequency domain. Carrier 1 can cover a complete SSB1, and carrier 2 can cover a complete SSB2. To obtain the maximum spacing between the two SSBs, the starting position of SSB1 in the frequency domain can be the same as the starting position of carrier 1, and the ending position of SSB2 in the frequency domain can be the same as the ending position of carrier 2. The frequency domain bandwidths of carrier 1 and carrier 2 shown in Figure 6 are both the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, i.e., the transmission bandwidth.

[0150] Referring to Figure 6, the interval R between two adjacent SSBs can be determined. SS satisfy:

[0151] R SS Less than or equal to CBW eff-min -BW ss +R CH ; Formula (1)

[0152] Among them, CBW eff-min BW represents the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier. ss R represents the frequency domain bandwidth of the SSB. CH This represents the spacing of the channel grid. It is easy to see from formula (1) that the smaller the frequency domain bandwidth of the SSB, the larger the spacing between two adjacent SSBs can be.

[0153] As mentioned earlier, the terminal equipment detects SSBs sequentially at the frequency points of the synchronization grid. Therefore, the interval R between two adjacent SSBs... SS It can be viewed as the interval R' of the synchronization grid. SS That is, the interval R' of the synchronization grid. SS Equal to the interval R between two adjacent SSBs SS And satisfying the above formula (1), we can conclude that: the smaller the SSB bandwidth, the larger the spacing of the synchronization grid can be. It is understandable that if the spacing of the synchronization grid is smaller, the terminal device can monitor more frequency points; if the spacing of the synchronization grid is larger, the terminal device can monitor fewer frequency points. In other words, the density of the synchronization grid determines the number of frequency points that the terminal device can monitor, thus affecting the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0154] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium. In this method, by redesigning the structure of the SSB, the frequency domain resources occupied by the PBCH in the SSB can be placed in multiple locations, instead of limiting the first center frequency of the PBCH to the frequency of the synchronization grid. This results in multiple possible frequency domain positions of the PBCH near each frequency of the synchronization grid. These multiple possible PBCH frequency domain positions correspond to multiple frequency domain resources available for SSB transmission. Consequently, each frequency of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for more carriers, thereby increasing the spacing of the synchronization grid, reducing the number of frequency points that the terminal device may monitor, and thus reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0155] The methods and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the methods provided in this application can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG1, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0156] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 700 can be executed by a first device, or by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first device in implementing the method, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. The first device can be a terminal device or a network device. For ease of description, the following description uses the execution of method 700 by a first device as an example.

[0157] As shown in Figure 7, method 700 includes step S701. Optionally, method 700 may also include steps S702 and S703. The steps in method 700 are described in detail below.

[0158] S701, the first device acquires at least one first frequency interval, the first frequency interval being the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the SSB.

[0159] The first center frequency of the PBCH can be either center frequency 1 or center frequency 2 of the PBCH mentioned earlier. The center frequencies of the PSS and SSS in the SSB are the same, and the center frequency of the PSS or SSS in the SSB is located on the synchronization grid, or has a fixed deviation value in the frequency domain from the frequency of the synchronization grid. This deviation value can be predefined. For example, this deviation value can be very small, such as close to 0. In the following description, the example of the center frequency of the PSS in the SSB being located on the synchronization grid is used.

[0160] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the first frequency interval provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the frequency interval in the frequency domain between the first center frequency point of PBCH in SSB1 and the center frequencies of PSS and SSS in SSB1 is the first frequency interval. The center frequency point of PSS in SSB1 is located on the synchronization grid, that is, the center frequency point of PSS in SSB1 and a frequency point of the synchronization grid are the same frequency point.

[0161] As a possible example, if the first device is a network device, S701 can be replaced with: S701-1, the network device acquires at least one frequency interval. In this case, the at least one first frequency interval can be acquired by the network device from one or more predefined first frequency intervals. That is, the at least one frequency interval is predefined.

[0162] Optionally, after S701-1, the method 700 further includes: S702, whereby the network device transmits a first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval.

[0163] The frequency domain interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequency of the PSS in the first SSB belongs to at least one of the aforementioned first frequency intervals. For example, the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequency of the PSS in the first SSB is the first frequency interval #1 in at least one first frequency interval.

[0164] The center frequency of the PSS in the first SSB is the first frequency of the synchronization grid. It can be understood that the first frequency of the synchronization grid in this application can be any frequency in the synchronization grid.

[0165] For example, a network device transmitting a first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval may include: the network device acquiring at least one frequency domain resource that can be used to transmit the SSB based on at least one first frequency interval and a first frequency point of a synchronization grid; and transmitting the first SSB on one of the frequency domain resources in the at least one frequency domain.

[0166] Specifically, the network device acquires a first frequency domain resource for transmitting PSS and SSS based on a first frequency point of the synchronization grid; acquires at least one second frequency domain resource for transmitting PBCH based on at least one first frequency interval and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid; and transmits a first SSB on one of the first frequency domain resources and at least one second frequency domain resource.

[0167] The positions of PSS, SSS, and PBCH in the time domain and the number of subcarriers they occupy in the frequency domain in the SSB can be found in the previous description of the existing SSB structure, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] As another possible example, if the first device is a terminal device, S701 can be replaced with: S701-2, whereby the terminal device acquires at least one frequency interval.

[0169] At this time, the at least one first frequency interval can be indicated to the terminal device by the network device, or it can be obtained by the terminal device from one or more predefined first frequency intervals. Therefore, a specific implementation of S701-1 is: the terminal device obtains at least one frequency interval through the wireless air interface, or the terminal device obtains at least one frequency interval from an external memory or an internal memory. It can be understood that the external memory or internal memory stores one or more first frequency intervals.

[0170] Optionally, after S701-1, the method 700 further includes: S703, whereby the terminal device obtains the PBCH in the first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval.

[0171] The first SSB is sent from the network device to the terminal device. For an introduction to the first SSB, please refer to the relevant description in S702 above; it will not be repeated here.

[0172] For example, the terminal device obtaining the PBCH in the first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval may include: the terminal device detecting the PBCH in the first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval.

[0173] Specifically, the terminal device can determine at least one frequency resource that can be used to receive the PBCH in the first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval and the center frequency of the PSS in the first SSB; and detect the PBCH in the first SSB on the at least one frequency resource. The center frequency of the PSS in the first SSB can also be replaced by the first frequency of the synchronization grid.

[0174] Optionally, after S701-2, the method 700 may further include: the terminal device detecting the PSS and SSS in the first SSB on the synchronization grid. This step can be performed before S702. It can be understood that the frequency point of the synchronization grid where the terminal device detects the PSS and SSS in the first SSB is the first frequency point of the synchronization grid.

[0175] It is understood that when there are multiple first frequency intervals, a network device can obtain multiple frequency domain resources available for transmitting SSBs based on these multiple first frequency intervals. Among these multiple frequency resources available for transmitting SSBs, the frequency domain resource used for transmitting PSSs satisfies the following condition with a certain frequency point of the synchronization grid: the center frequency point of the frequency domain resource used for transmitting PSSs is located on that frequency point of the synchronization grid (or there is a fixed deviation value in the frequency domain from the synchronization grid, which can be very small, for example, close to 0). This application refers to the frequency domain resources of SSBs that satisfy this condition as the frequency domain resources of SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid (for simplicity, hereinafter referred to as SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid). That is, the center frequency points of the PSSs in SSBs sharing the same frequency point of the synchronization grid are all the same and located on the synchronization grid.

[0176] It is understandable that among multiple SSBs sharing the same frequency point in a synchronization grid, the first frequency point of the PBCH can be spaced from the frequency point in the frequency domain by multiple first frequency domain intervals. Therefore, the first frequency point of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for more different carriers.

[0177] It can also be understood that the frequency bands occupied by multiple SSBs sharing the first frequency point of the synchronization grid will overlap in the frequency domain. This application refers to the frequency band including this overlapping portion as the common frequency band of the multiple SSBs. This common frequency band includes the frequency domain resources of the PSS and the SSS. Optionally, the common frequency band may also include the frequency domain resources of the PBCH.

[0178] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between two SSBs sharing a first frequency point of a synchronization grid according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, it includes carrier 1, carrier 2, the first frequency point of the synchronization grid, and SSB1 and SSB2. SSB1 provides synchronization for carrier 1, and SSB2 provides synchronization for carrier 2. The center frequencies of the PSSs in both SSB1 and SSB2 are located on the first frequency point of the synchronization grid. The frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in SSB1 and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid is a first frequency interval #1. The frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in SSB2 and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid is a first frequency interval #2. The first frequency interval #1 and the first frequency interval #2 are different.

[0179] As shown in Figure 9, the center frequency of the PSS in SSB1 and SSB2 is located on the first frequency of the synchronization grid. Therefore, it can be said that SSB1 and SSB2 are SSBs that share the first frequency of the synchronization grid. That is, SSB1 and SSB2 have a common frequency band in the frequency domain.

[0180] Optionally, if there are multiple predefined first frequency intervals, any two of these first frequency intervals are different.

[0181] For example, the multiple first frequency intervals can be implemented in several predefined ways:

[0182] The first implementation method is to directly predefine multiple first frequency intervals. For example, the predefined multiple first frequency intervals can be 0 subcarriers, 12 subcarriers, 24 subcarriers, 48 ​​subcarriers, etc.

[0183] The second implementation method is to predefine a reference first frequency interval and frequency domain bandwidth granularity.

[0184] Accordingly, terminal devices and network devices can sequentially increase or decrease the frequency domain bandwidth granularity based on a reference first frequency interval to obtain multiple first frequency intervals. For example, if the reference first frequency interval is 0 subcarriers and the frequency domain bandwidth granularity is 12 subcarriers, the multiple first frequency intervals obtained based on this can be: 12 subcarriers, 24 subcarriers, 36 subcarriers, etc., or -12 subcarriers, -24 subcarriers, -36 subcarriers, etc.

[0185] Alternatively, for the second implementation, a maximum first frequency interval and / or a minimum first frequency interval can be predefined.

[0186] The third implementation method is to predefine the range of values ​​for the first frequency interval. For example, the value of the first frequency interval is greater than or equal to -57 subcarriers and less than or equal to 56 subcarriers.

[0187] Accordingly, terminal devices and network devices can obtain multiple first frequency intervals within this value range.

[0188] Based on the first frequency interval with a negative value, the first center frequency of the PBCH in the SSB obtained by the aforementioned network device or terminal device is located before (or after) the center frequency of the PSS in the SSB in the frequency domain; based on the first frequency interval with a positive value, the first center frequency of the PBCH in the SSB obtained by the network device or terminal device is located after (or before) the center frequency of the PSS in the SSB in the frequency domain.

[0189] The first frequency interval in this application can be an integer multiple of the frequency domain unit. The frequency domain unit may include the subcarrier width, the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the RB, or the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the RB group, etc. The frequency domain unit may also be the frequency domain unit defined by a future protocol, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0190] In this embodiment, by using one or more predefined first frequency intervals, a network device can obtain multiple possible frequency domain resources for transmitting SSBs based on these one or more first frequency intervals and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid. Among these multiple SSB frequency domain resources obtained by the network device, the frequency domain resources for transmitting PBCHs are separated from the first frequency point of the synchronization grid by one first frequency resource in the frequency domain. That is, the PBCH in the SSB generated by the network device can have multiple placement positions, instead of being limited to the first center frequency point of the PBCH being located on the frequency point of the synchronization grid. Compared with the existing SSB structure, the method provided in this application allows the first frequency point of the synchronization grid to provide synchronization for more carriers, thus enabling the design of synchronization grids with larger intervals to reduce the number of frequency points detected by the terminal device, thereby reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0191] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid provided in an embodiment of this application. The frequency band corresponding to the carrier shown in Figure 10 does not include the guard interval; that is, the frequency band corresponding to the carrier shown in Figure 10 is the frequency band used for actual signal transmission.

[0192] As shown in Figure 10, the center frequencies of carriers 10 and 9 are two adjacent frequencies in the channel grid, and SSB 10 and SSB 9 are SSBs in the prior art. To obtain the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid, carrier 10 can cover the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB 10, and the starting position of SSB 10 in the frequency domain is the same as the starting position of carrier 10 in the frequency domain; carrier 9 can cover the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB 9, and the ending position of SSB 9 in the frequency domain is the same as the ending position of carrier 9 in the frequency domain. Therefore, the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid can be obtained, which is the spacing between SSB 10 and SSB 9. This is because the center frequencies of the PSS in SSB 10 and SSB 9 need to be located at different frequencies of the synchronization grid. For example, the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 10 is located at frequency #2 of the synchronization grid, and the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 9 is located at frequency #1 of the synchronization grid.

[0193] Furthermore, since the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB 9 also fall within the coverage area of ​​the frequency bands of carriers 0 to 8, SSB 9 can also provide synchronization for carriers 0 to 8. The center frequencies of carriers 0 to 8 are multiple adjacent frequencies on the channel grid, and the center frequencies of carriers 8 and 9 are two adjacent frequencies on the channel grid. In other words, SSB 9 can provide synchronization for carriers 0 to 9 whose center frequencies are adjacent on the channel grid.

[0194] Furthermore, since the frequency domain resources occupied by SSB 10 are also within the coverage area of ​​the frequency bands of carriers 11 to 20, SSB can also provide synchronization for carriers 11 to 20. The center frequencies of carriers 11 to 20 are two adjacent frequencies on the channel grid, and the center frequencies of carriers 11 and 10 are consecutive frequencies on the channel grid in the frequency domain. In other words, SSB 10 can provide synchronization for carriers 10 to 20 whose center frequencies are consecutive on the channel grid.

[0195] Figure 11 is another schematic diagram of the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid provided in the embodiments of this application. The carrier shown in Figure 11 does not include the guard interval, that is, the carrier shown in Figure 11 is the carrier actually used for transmission, and the carrier shown in Figure 11 is the same carrier as the carrier with the same label shown in Figure 10.

[0196] As shown in Figure 11, SSB 9-1 is the SSB provided in this embodiment of the application. SSB 9-1 occupies the same frequency band in the frequency domain as SSB 9 shown in Figure 10. That is, the starting position of SSB 9-1 in the frequency domain is the same as the starting position of SSB 9 in the frequency domain, and the ending position of SSB 9-1 in the frequency domain is the same as the ending position of SSB 9 in the frequency domain. Therefore, the starting position of SSB 9-1 in the frequency domain is the same as the ending position of carrier 9 in the frequency domain, and SSB 9-1 can provide synchronization for carriers 0 to 9.

[0197] Assuming the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 9-1 is frequency #1 of the synchronization grid, and without changing the position of the center frequency of the PSS, by sequentially adjusting the interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in SSB 9-1 and the frequency #1 of the synchronization grid in N (N is a positive integer) first frequency intervals in ascending or descending order, N different SSBs can be obtained. These N different SSBs occupy a common frequency band 1 in the frequency domain, and these N SSBs can provide synchronization for carriers 10 to 23 adjacent to the center frequency on the channel grid. In other words, an SSB whose center frequency is located at the same frequency (e.g., frequency #1) of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for carriers 0 to 23 adjacent to the center frequency on the channel grid.

[0198] For carrier 24, synchronization is required from SSB 9-2, whose center frequency of the PSS is located at another frequency point of the synchronization grid (e.g., frequency point #2). To obtain the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid, the starting position of carrier 24 can be used as the starting frequency domain position of SSB 9-2, where the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 9-2 is frequency point #2 of the synchronization grid. Therefore, based on the SSB provided in this application, the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid is the spacing between SSB 9-1 and SSB 9-2. The difference between SSB 9-2 and SSB 9-2 is that the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 9-2 is located at frequency point #2, while the center frequency of the PSS in SSB 9-1 is located at frequency point #1.

[0199] As can be easily seen from Figures 10 and 11, the interval between SSB 9-1 and SSB 9-2 is greater than the interval between SSB 10 and SSB 9. Therefore, based on the method provided in this application, the interval of the synchronization grid can be increased, thereby reducing the access latency and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0200] Referring to Figure 11, after the center frequency of the PSS is fixed relative to a frequency of the synchronization grid, the frequency band occupied by the PBCH in the frequency domain can be variable due to the existence of multiple first frequency intervals. It is precisely because of this variability that multiple possible frequency domain resources of the SSB can be located near a frequency of the synchronization grid, and these multiple possible SSB frequency domain resources can lie within the frequency band coverage of more carriers. That is, a frequency of the synchronization grid can provide synchronization for more carriers; therefore, based on the SSB structure provided in this application, synchronization grids with larger intervals can be designed.

[0201] One possible implementation is that the spacing of the synchronization grid is determined based on the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, the spacing of the channel grid, and the frequency domain bandwidth of the common band. The description of the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier can be found in the previous description of formula (1), and will not be repeated here. The descriptions of the channel grid and the common band can be found in the previous descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0202] For example, the interval R' of the synchronization grid SS satisfy:

[0203] R' SS Less than or equal to CBW eff-min -BW GG +R CH ; Formula (2)

[0204] Or, in other words, the maximum interval R' of the synchronization grid SS-max Satisfy: R' SS-max =CBWeff-min -BW GG +R CH ; Formula (3)

[0205] Among them, CBW eff-min Represents the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, R CH Indicates the spacing of the channel grid, BW GG This indicates the frequency domain bandwidth of the common frequency band.

[0206] Since the frequency domain bandwidth of the common band is smaller than that of the SSB, the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid obtained based on formula (3) is greater than that obtained based on formula (1). In other words, the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid determined based on the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, the spacing of the channel grid, and the frequency domain bandwidth of the common band is larger than the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid determined based on the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, the spacing of the channel grid, and the frequency domain bandwidth of the SSB.

[0207] For example, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) is 15 kHz, the minimum carrier bandwidth is the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to 25 RB (i.e., 5 MHz), the channel grid spacing is 100 kHz, and the common band is the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to 12 RB. Based on formula (1), the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid obtained is 1000 kHz. Based on formula (3), the maximum spacing of the synchronization grid obtained is 2400 kHz. It can be seen that a larger spacing synchronization grid can be designed based on the SSB provided in this application.

[0208] One possible implementation is that the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to at least one first frequency interval can satisfy one of the following 1 and 2:

[0209] 1. The frequency band of each of the multiple carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of one or more SSBs, and the frequency domain resources of these one or more SSBs belong to the frequency domain resources of the aforementioned at least one SSB. In other words, the frequency domain resources of these one or more SSBs are frequency domain resources within the frequency domain resources of the aforementioned at least one SSB. Based on this, it can be guaranteed that multiple carriers have an SSB that provides synchronization for them.

[0210] 2. The frequency band of each of the multiple carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB. In other words, the frequency domain resources of each SSB within the at least one SSB are located within the coverage area of ​​one carrier's frequency band. Based on this, not only can it be guaranteed that multiple carriers have an SSB providing synchronization, but the number of times the terminal equipment blindly detects an SSB can also be reduced.

[0211] Here, "multiple carriers" refers to all carriers included in the first frequency band, which is any one of the predefined multiple frequency bands. These predefined multiple frequency bands are multiple operating bands defined by the NR protocol. An operating band is a numbered frequency band in NR that defines upper and lower frequency boundaries. For relevant descriptions of operating bands and carriers, please refer to the description in 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.101, which will not be repeated here.

[0212] In the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to at least one first frequency interval, the frequency domain resources used for transmitting PSS are the same frequency domain resources. That is, in the frequency domain resources of at least one SSB, the center frequency of the frequency domain resources used for transmitting PSS is located on the same frequency of the synchronization grid.

[0213] The frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to at least one first frequency interval mentioned above refer to at least one frequency domain resource that a network device or terminal device determines based on any frequency point of the first frequency interval and the synchronization grid that can be used to transmit an SSB.

[0214] The aforementioned public frequency band may include frequency domain resources for PBCHs. When the public frequency band includes frequency domain resources for a portion of PBCHs, that portion of the PBCHs located in the public frequency band may or may not be decoded individually. Here, "partial PBCH" refers to a portion of the PBCHs in the SSB, excluding all PBCHs in the SSB. In this application, the partial PBCHs located in the public frequency band can be understood as PBCHs mapped onto the public frequency band, or PBCHs transmitted in the public frequency band.

[0215] Whether a portion of the PBCH in the common frequency band can be decoded independently depends on how the PBCH is mapped to time-frequency resources in the SSB. In other words, whether a portion of the PBCH in the common frequency band can be decoded independently is determined by how the PBCH is mapped to time-frequency resources in the SSB.

[0216] Optionally, the way PBCHs are mapped to time-frequency resources in the SSB is predefined, and / or whether a portion of the PBCH located in the common frequency band can be decoded separately is predefined.

[0217] The following shows two implementation methods for mapping PBCH to time-frequency resources in SSB:

[0218] In the first implementation method, the entire PBCH in the SSB is mapped for resources.

[0219] Specifically, the PBCH payload is encoded and mapped to a constellation diagram to obtain modulation symbols, which are then mapped to the frequency domain resources of the entire PBCH.

[0220] For example, when performing resource mapping, modulation symbols can be mapped in the order of low frequency first and then high frequency, or in the order of frequency domain first and then time domain.

[0221] For information on encoding, constellation mapping, and resource mapping methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in existing technologies; they will not be repeated here.

[0222] Under the resource mapping method shown in Implementation Method 1, the portion of PBCH located in the common frequency band cannot be decoded separately.

[0223] Accordingly, the terminal device detects the PBCH in the first SSB based on at least one first frequency interval, which may include the following process: the terminal device sequentially selects one of the first frequency intervals in the at least one first frequency interval, and determines the frequency domain resources available for receiving the PBCH based on the selected first frequency interval and the first frequency point of the synchronization grid; on the determined frequency domain resources available for receiving the PBCH, the terminal device receives the PBCH and decodes it to obtain a decoding result; if the obtained decoding result can pass the CRC check, the terminal device confirms that the PBCH has been successfully received; or, if the obtained decoding result fails the CRC check, the terminal device continues to select other first frequency intervals until the obtained decoding result can pass the CRC check.

[0224] In the second implementation method, the PBCH located in the common frequency band in the SSB is mapped separately.

[0225] Specifically, after the PBCH payload is encoded and mapped by the constellation diagram, the modulation symbols are obtained. The obtained modulation symbols are first mapped to resources in the common frequency band. After the time-frequency resources in the common frequency band are mapped, the remaining modulation symbols are mapped to time-frequency resources outside the common frequency band.

[0226] For example, when performing resource mapping, modulation symbols can be mapped in the order of low frequency first and then high frequency, or in the order of frequency domain first and then time domain.

[0227] For information on encoding, constellation mapping, and resource mapping methods, please refer to the relevant descriptions in existing technologies; they will not be repeated here.

[0228] Under the resource mapping method shown in Implementation Method 2, the portion of PBCH located in the common frequency band can be decoded separately.

[0229] This portion of the PBCH located in the public frequency band can carry system information for initial access. Optionally, this portion of the PBCH in the public frequency band can also carry at least one first frequency interval. That is, at least one first frequency interval is indicated to the terminal device by the network device.

[0230] As an example, for bandwidth-constrained terminal devices, initial access can be performed based on the system information carried by the PBCH in the public frequency band. In other words, bandwidth-constrained terminal devices do not need to receive the PBCH located outside the public frequency band; they can directly perform random access based on the system information carried by the PBCH in the public frequency band. That is, if the portion of the PBCH located in the public frequency band can be decoded independently, bandwidth-constrained terminal devices do not need to perform blind PBCH detection.

[0231] As another example, if a portion of the PBCH in the public band carries indication information of the first frequency interval, a non-bandwidth-constrained terminal device can obtain resources for random access based on the system information carried by the PBCH in the public band; alternatively, it can determine the frequency domain resources available for receiving the PBCH based on the indication information of the first frequency interval carried by the PBCH in the public band, and then receive the PBCH on the determined frequency domain resources available for receiving the PBCH to obtain resources for random access. In other words, a non-bandwidth-constrained terminal device can receive a PBCH located outside the public band, or it can choose not to receive a PBCH located outside the public band.

[0232] Under this resource mapping method described in Method 2, the terminal device does not need to blindly detect the location of the remaining PBCH, which helps to reduce the receiving complexity of the terminal device and effectively reduces the latency of the terminal device accessing the network.

[0233] One possible implementation is that the first frequency point of the synchronization grid belongs to the first frequency point group of the synchronization grid. That is, the synchronization grid is a group of multiple frequency points distributed in the frequency domain, and the multiple frequency points included in the multiple frequency point groups are predefined.

[0234] The first frequency group can be any group of frequency points in the synchronization grid. The first frequency group includes multiple frequency points, and the interval between any two adjacent frequency points in the frequency domain is the second frequency interval, which can be predefined. The selection of the second frequency interval ensures that each carrier can find a frequency point aligned with the subcarrier. For example, the second frequency interval could be 100 kHz.

[0235] For example, if a frequency point group of a synchronization grid includes M (M is a positive integer) frequency points, then the first frequency point can be one of the M frequency points included in the first frequency point group.

[0236] This design of the synchronization grid solves the problem of subcarrier misalignment between the carrier's subcarriers and the SSB's subcarriers. Subcarrier misalignment occurs because, to ensure compatibility with more communication systems, the spacing of the channel grid in predefined frequency bands may not be an integer multiple of the subcarrier spacing. For example, in band n1, with a channel grid spacing of 100kHz, when the SSB spacing is 15kHz or 3kHz, the subcarriers of adjacent carriers cannot be aligned. This means that, theoretically, for a synchronization grid frequency point, at least two of the three adjacent carriers that need to be synchronized using the SSB at that frequency will have subcarriers that are misaligned with the SSB's subcarriers.

[0237] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the frequency point group of the synchronization grid provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, each frequency point group includes 3 frequency points, and the interval between any two adjacent frequency points in the frequency domain is the second frequency interval. Each of the 3 frequency points can be the center frequency point of the PSS in an SSB. For example, the center frequency point of the PSS in SSB1 is frequency point 1, the center frequency point of the PSS in SSB2 is frequency point 2, and the center frequency point of the PSS in SSB3 is frequency point 3. SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3 can provide services for different carriers, and all are SSBs provided in the embodiment of this application. If, based on the first frequency interval #1, the interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3 and the frequency of the corresponding synchronization grid is changed, SSB1-1, SSB2-1, and SSB3-1 as shown in Figure 12 can be obtained; if, based on the first frequency interval #2, the interval between the first center frequency of the PBCH in SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3 and the frequency of the corresponding synchronization grid is changed, SSB1-2, SSB2-2, and SSB3-2 as shown in Figure 12 can be obtained.

[0238] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams of possible apparatuses provided in embodiments of this application. These apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of terminal devices or network devices in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0239] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 13, the apparatus 1300 includes a receiving module 1310. Optionally, the apparatus 1300 may further include a transmitting module 1320.

[0240] One possible design is that the device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above.

[0241] For example, the receiving module 1310 is configured to: obtain at least one first frequency interval, the first frequency interval being the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the SSB; and, based on the at least one first frequency interval, obtain the PBCH in the first SSB.

[0242] Optionally, the receiving module 1310 is specifically used to detect the PBCH in the first SSB.

[0243] A more detailed description of the receiving module 1310 can be obtained directly from the relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] Another possible design is that the device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the network device in the method embodiment shown in FIG7 above.

[0245] For example, the receiving module 1310 is configured to: acquire at least one first frequency interval, the first frequency interval being the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the SSB; the transmitting module 1320 is configured to: transmit the first SSB based on the at least one first frequency interval.

[0246] A more detailed description of the receiving module 1310 and the transmitting module 1320 can be obtained directly from the relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] It is understandable that, since device 1300 has communication capabilities, device 1300 can also be called communication device 1300.

[0248] Figure 14 is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 14, the device 1400 includes one or more processors 1410. The processor 1410 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the device (e.g., terminal device, network device, or chip, etc.), execute software programs, and process data of the software programs.

[0249] Alternatively, in one design, processor 1410 may include a program (also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on processor 1410, causing device 1400 to perform the methods executed by the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. In yet another possible design, device 1400 includes circuitry (not shown in FIG14) for implementing the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments.

[0250] For example, processor 1410 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions in memory to implement the steps performed by the terminal device or network device in any of the embodiments shown in FIG7.

[0251] Optionally, the device 1400 may include one or more memories 1420 storing a program (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 1410, causing the device 1400 to perform the methods performed by the terminal device or network device in the above embodiments.

[0252] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 1410 and / or the memory 1420. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0253] Optionally, device 1400 may also include communication interface 1430. Processor 1410, sometimes referred to as processing unit, controls the device (e.g., terminal device or network device). Communication interface 1430, sometimes referred to as transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transceiver function of the device.

[0254] Optionally, the device 1400 also includes a communication interface 1430. The processor 1410 and the communication interface 1430 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 1430 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0255] It is understandable that since device 1400 has communication capabilities, it can also be called a communication device.

[0256] When device 1400 is used to implement the method of FIG7, processor 1410 is used to execute the functions of the aforementioned processing unit, and communication interface 1430 is used to execute the functions of the aforementioned transceiver module. Whether communication interface 1430 is used for sending or receiving depends on whether the scheme executed by device 1400 is used to perform a sending action or a receiving action.

[0257] When the aforementioned device 1400 is a chip applied to a terminal device, the chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the terminal device receives signals from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and these signals may be sent to the terminal device by the network device; or, the chip of the terminal device sends signals to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and these signals may be sent to the network device by the terminal device.

[0258] When the aforementioned device 1400 is a chip applied to a network device, the chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the network device receives signals from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and these signals may be sent from the terminal device to the network device; or, the chip of the network device sends signals to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, and these signals may be sent from the network device to the terminal device.

[0259] It is understood that when the device 1400 is a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface 1430 can be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, with the transmitter used to send signals and the receiver used to receive signals. When the device 1400 is a chip applied to a terminal device or a network device, the communication interface 1430 can be an input / output circuit, wherein the input circuit can be used for receiving and the output interface can be used for sending.

[0260] It should be noted that the above method embodiments can be applied to a processor, or implemented by a processor. A processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions.

[0261] The aforementioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0262] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0263] The memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0264] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions shown in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic disk), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0265] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above method embodiments.

[0266] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0267] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for reading instructions stored in a memory. When the processor executes the stored instructions, the chip can implement the method shown in the above method embodiments.

[0268] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned terminal device and network device.

[0269] 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.

[0270] 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.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods shown 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, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0275] The above descriptions are merely specific embodiments 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 technical scope 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 by comprising: include: At least one first frequency interval is obtained, wherein the first frequency interval is the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the physical broadcast channel PBCH in the synchronization signal block SSB and the center frequency point of the main synchronization signal PSS or the auxiliary synchronization signal SSS in the SSB.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the at least one first frequency interval, the PBCH in the first SSB is obtained, and the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB belongs to the at least one first frequency interval.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of obtaining the PBCH from the first SSB includes: Detect the PBCH in the first SSB.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the at least one first frequency interval, a first SSB is transmitted, wherein the frequency domain interval between the first center frequency point of the PBCH in the first SSB and the center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the first SSB belongs to the at least one first frequency interval.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The at least one first frequency interval is predefined.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The frequency domain resources of at least one SSB corresponding to at least one first frequency interval satisfy any one of the following: The frequency band of each of the multiple carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of one or more SSBs, and the frequency domain resources of the one or more SSBs belong to the frequency domain resources of the at least one SSB. or, The frequency band of each of the multiple carriers can cover the frequency domain resources of one of the at least one SSB; Wherein, the plurality of carriers are all carriers included in the first frequency band, the first frequency band is a predefined frequency band, and the frequency domain resources used for transmitting PSS or SSS in the frequency domain resources of the at least one SSB are the same frequency domain resources.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The center frequency point of the PSS or SSS in the SSB is located on the synchronization grid; The spacing of the synchronization grid is determined based on the minimum effective bandwidth of the carrier, the spacing of the channel grid, and the bandwidth of the common frequency band. The common frequency band is the overlapping part of multiple SSBs in the frequency domain, and the center frequency of the PSS or SSS among the multiple SSBs is the same frequency.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The interval R' of the synchronization grid SS satisfies: R' SS less than or equal to CBW eff-min -BW GG +R CH ; where CBW eff-min represents a carrier minimum effective bandwidth, R CH represents an interval of a channel raster, BW GG represents a bandwidth of a common frequency band.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Some of the PBCHs in the SSB are located in the common frequency band packet, and these PBCHs cannot be decoded individually.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Some of the PBCHs in the SSB are located in the common frequency band, and these PBCHs can be decoded individually.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The portion of the PBCH in the common frequency band carries indication information of the at least one first frequency interval.

12. The method of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, In the first SSB, the center frequency of the PSS or SSS is the first frequency of the synchronization grid. The first frequency of the synchronization grid belongs to a frequency group of the synchronization grid. The frequency group includes multiple frequency points. The interval between two adjacent frequency points in the frequency domain is the second frequency interval.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first frequency interval is an integer multiple of the frequency domain unit, and the frequency domain unit includes the subcarrier width or the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the resource block RB.

14. A communications device, characterized by Includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A communications device, characterized by It includes at least one processor for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 by executing a computer program or instructions.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

17. A communication system, characterized by It includes a terminal device and a network device, the terminal device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 13, and the network device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 and 4 to 13.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 is performed.

19. A computer program product, characterised in that, It includes a computer program or instructions, which, when run, execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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