Method and apparatus for tracking reference signals

Abstract

This application provides a method and apparatus for tracking reference signals, enabling a terminal device and a network device to align which reference signals the terminal device is tracking. This improves the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead. The method includes: the terminal device receiving first information from the network device, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, in which the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; the terminal device receiving second information from the network device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal and does not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for tracking a reference signal in the field of communications. Background Technology

[0002] In cellular network communication, the parameters used to determine the uplink transmit power of terminal devices are configured by the network equipment. The purpose of uplink power control is to ensure that the power of the signal transmitted by the terminal device reaches the network equipment when it meets the network equipment's reception requirements. Since the distance between each terminal device and the network equipment is different, the terminal device needs to estimate the path loss (PL) in signal transmission to adjust the uplink transmit power. Path loss is simply referred to as "path loss." To control the uplink transmit power, the network equipment needs to configure a path loss reference signal (PLRS), also known as a path loss estimation reference signal, so that the terminal device can track it. Tracking involves periodically measuring and maintaining the path loss measurement results corresponding to each PLRS.

[0003] Considering the changes in the transmission environment caused by the mobility of terminal devices, especially in high-frequency communication (such as millimeter-wave communication), it is also necessary to consider the changes in the transmit beam of the terminal device and the receive beam of the network device. Network devices are typically configured with more than one PL RS. Release 15 (R15) allows network devices to be configured with a maximum of four PL RSs. Terminals should track all PL RSs configured by the network devices, facilitating dynamic adjustments by the network devices. Specifically, the network device dynamically indicates one of the four PL RSs, and the terminal device can then adjust its transmit power accordingly. To better support the transmit power changes caused by variations in transmit beams in high-frequency communication, Release 16 (R16) allows network devices to be configured with a maximum of 64 PL RSs. To avoid increasing the measurement and maintenance burden on terminal devices, they still only need to track four of these PL RSs. When a network device dynamically indicates a PL RS, if it is a PL RS that the terminal device is not tracking, the terminal device needs an additional period of time to measure the PL RS, determine the path loss estimate, and adjust the transmission power. If it is a PL RS that the terminal device is tracking, since the terminal device has been maintaining the path loss estimate, the terminal device can adjust the transmission power immediately without further measurement.

[0004] In the R16 method described above, the network device cannot know which PL RS the terminal device is tracking. Thus, for a given PL RS, if the network device always assumes the terminal device is not tracking it, but the terminal device is actually tracking it, unnecessary latency will occur. Conversely, if the network device always assumes the terminal device is tracking the PL RS, but the terminal device is not, the terminal device cannot adjust its uplink transmission power in a timely manner. Upon discovering this, the network device will repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, resulting in signaling redundancy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method and apparatus for tracking reference signals, which can determine the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saving signaling overhead.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for tracking reference signals is provided, comprising: a terminal device receiving first information from a network device, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the terminal device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; the terminal device receiving second information from the network device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; and if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and does not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0007] In other words, if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the reference signal related to the downlink control channel, ignoring the path loss estimation reference signal indicated by the second information.

[0008] In this way, both network and terminal devices can determine which reference signals to track based on whether the default mode is enabled, ensuring that the terminal device and network device are aligned on which reference signals the terminal device is tracking. If the network device subsequently needs the terminal device to adjust its uplink transmit power, it can identify a suitable reference signal and indicate this signal to the terminal device. If this reference signal is one of the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, since the terminal device continuously maintains the path loss estimate corresponding to that reference signal, it can adjust the uplink transmit power promptly without unnecessary adjustment delays. If the reference signal is one that the terminal device is not tracking, the terminal device can use an additional period of time to track the reference signal indicated by the network device, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust the uplink transmit power. Because the network device knows that the terminal device is not tracking the reference signal and needs an additional period of time to adjust, the network device will not repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, thus avoiding signaling redundancy.

[0009] In summary, the method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This improves the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0010] It should be understood that the aforementioned default mode refers to a reference mode specified by the protocol in the absence of explicit instruction. In the default mode, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the reference signals related to the downlink control channel. Since this default mode is used by the terminal device to determine the reference signal to be tracked when adjusting the transmission power, it can also be called the "default transmission power determination mode," or the "first mode," or other names. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: if the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and does not track the reference signal related to the downlink control channel.

[0012] In other words, if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the path loss estimation reference signal indicated by the second information, ignoring the reference signals related to the downlink control channel.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device via the same signaling. For example, the network device sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message to a terminal device, the RRC signaling message carrying the aforementioned first and second information.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information and the second information may be sent separately by the network device within a certain time interval. For example, the network device may first send the first information to the terminal device, and then send the second information to the terminal device. After receiving the first information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the second information has been received before the timer expires. If the second information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the second information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked by other means, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application. As another example, the network device may first send the second information to the terminal device, and then send the first information to the terminal device. After receiving the second information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the first information has been received before the timer expires. If the first information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the first information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the second information. In other words, network devices can assume that the default mode is not enabled without receiving the first information, and select the reference signal to be tracked from multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the smallest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the largest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0016] The aforementioned identifier (ID) can also be replaced with an index, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the network device is configured with a path loss estimation reference signal, CSI-RS, and the terminal device can select the M CSI-RS with the smallest or largest identifier as the reference signal to be tracked.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the network device is configured with a path loss estimation reference signal as a synchronization signal block (SS / PBCH block, SSB). The terminal device can then select the M SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers as the reference signals to be tracked.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the path loss estimation reference signals configured in the network device include CSI-RS and SSB. The terminal device can then select either CSI-RS first, followed by SSB, or vice versa. For example, if the network device is configured with 2 CSI-RS and 7 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can first select 2 CSI-RS and then choose the two SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 7 SSBs. Alternatively, the terminal device can select the SSBs first, choosing the two with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 7 SSBs. As another example, if the network device is configured with 5 CSI-RS and 5 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can choose the two CSI-RSs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 5 CSI-RSs and then choose the two SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 5 SSBs.

[0020] It should be understood that when configuring the aforementioned multiple path loss estimation reference signals in network devices, each path loss estimation reference signal will be assigned an identifier (e.g., PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id). PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the PUSCH path loss estimation reference signal, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the PUCCH path loss estimation reference signal, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the SRS path loss estimation reference signal. Each type of reference signal can also have its own identifier. For example, the identifiers (e.g., SSB-Index) for the three SSBs configured by the network device for the terminal device can be 0 to 2, and the identifiers (e.g., NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) for the five CSI-RSs configured by the network device for the terminal device can be 0 to 4. Therefore, the terminal device can select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest identifiers. This can be done by selecting the M reference signals with the smallest or largest PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id (or PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id), or by selecting the M reference signals with the smallest or largest SSB-Index and / or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId. Furthermore, each PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id can be associated with one SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId. In this case, the terminal device can also select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId.

[0021] Optionally, considering that the network device has configured at least two of the following for the terminal device: PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS, the terminal device can select them in a certain agreed-upon order. For example, if the network device has configured both a PUSCH path loss estimation reference signal and a PUCCH path loss estimation reference signal for the terminal device, then the terminal device can first select a PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on its PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, and then select a PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on its PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id; or, it can first select a PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on its PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, and then select a PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on its PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id. For example, if the network device simultaneously configures the path loss estimation reference signal for PUSCH, the path loss estimation reference signal for PUCCH, and the path loss estimation reference signal for SRS for the terminal device, then the terminal device can select PUSCH first, then PUCCH, and then SRS, or select PUSCH first, then SRS, and then PUCCH, or in any other order. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0022] In summary, the above-mentioned identifier can be at least one of the following: PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId, SSB-Index, or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0024] It should be understood that the aforementioned path loss estimation reference signal is sent from the network device to the terminal device. Therefore, the aforementioned transmission period can also be referred to as the measurement period for the terminal device. The two are equivalent, and the terminology used in this application is not limited.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal; the terminal device obtaining a path loss estimate based on the reference signal tracked by the terminal device and / or the first reference signal; and the terminal device adjusting its uplink transmission power based on the path loss estimate, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period following the receipt of the third information by the terminal device.

[0026] Specifically, when a network device needs a terminal device to adjust its uplink transmission power, it can send third information to the terminal device, indicating a first reference signal. This first reference signal can be one or multiple reference signals; this embodiment does not limit this. Upon receiving the third information, the terminal device adjusts its uplink transmission power according to the indication of the third information.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if all of the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the duration for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the estimated path loss value.

[0028] For example, the terminal device can compare the first reference signal indicated by the third information with a reference signal tracked by the terminal device. If the first reference signal belongs to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device can directly adjust its uplink transmission power in a timely manner based on the path loss estimate of the continuously maintained reference signal. If the first reference signal does not belong to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device needs an additional period of time (i.e., the aforementioned T) to track the first reference signal, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust its uplink transmission power based on the obtained path loss estimate. Therefore, the adjusted uplink transmission power of the terminal device takes effect after the first time period following the receipt of the third information by the terminal device.

[0029] The X mentioned above can be a predefined time length, a time length configured by the network device, or a time length reported by the terminal device, such as 3ms. This embodiment of the application does not limit this. Optionally, the third information mentioned above can be MAC-CE signaling, which is also not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0030] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; wherein, in the first default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; in the second default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; and in the third default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device sending first capability information and / or second capability information to the network device, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC), and the second capability information is used to indicate the maximum number of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

[0032] Regarding the first capability information, the network device can determine the number of multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured in the aforementioned second information based on the first capability information reported by the terminal device. It should be understood that the number of these multiple path loss estimation reference signals is less than or equal to the number reported by the terminal device in the aforementioned first capability information.

[0033] Regarding the second capability information, the terminal device reports this information to the network device. This second capability information indicates the maximum number M of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC. Based on M and the aforementioned rules, the network device can determine the reference signals being tracked by the terminal device.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device sending third capability information and / or fourth capability information to the network device, wherein the third capability information is used to indicate the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device, and the fourth capability information is used to indicate the maximum traceable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device.

[0035] It should be understood that the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device can be the sum of the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by all CCs, and the maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device can be the sum of the maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by all CCs.

[0036] Secondly, another method for tracking reference signals is provided, comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal device, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the terminal device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; the network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; if the default mode is enabled, the network device determines that the reference signal tracked by the terminal device is the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and the reference signal not tracked is the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0037] Optionally, the method further includes: the network device transmitting a reference signal, the reference signal including the downlink control channel-related reference signal and the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: if the default mode is not enabled, the network device determines that the reference signal tracked by the terminal device is a reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and the reference signal not tracked is a reference signal related to the downlink control channel.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the smallest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the largest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0041] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal, the third information being used by the terminal device to adjust the uplink transmission power, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after the terminal device receives the third information for a first time period.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, if all of the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the duration for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the estimated path loss value.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; wherein, in the first default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; in the second default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; and in the third default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before the network device sends the second information to the terminal device, the method further includes: the network device receiving first capability information from the terminal device, the first capability information indicating the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC); and the network device determining the number of the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals based on the first capability information.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device receiving second capability information from the terminal device, the second capability information indicating the maximum number of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

[0047] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device receiving third capability information from the terminal device, the third capability information indicating the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device, and the network device determining the number of the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals based on the third capability information.

[0048] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the network device receiving fourth capability information from the terminal device, the fourth capability information being used to indicate the maximum number of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device.

[0049] Thirdly, another method for tracking reference signals is provided, comprising: a terminal device receiving first information from a network device, the first information being used to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; the terminal device receiving second information from the network device, the second information being used to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; the terminal device tracking the L basic path loss estimation reference signals and not tracking the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0050] In this embodiment, the network device can configure two types of path loss estimation reference signals for the terminal device: a basic path loss estimation reference signal and an additional path loss estimation reference signal. The additional path loss estimation reference signal does not need to be tracked by the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to track only the basic path loss estimation reference signal and align with the network device on which reference signals it is tracking. If the network device subsequently requires the terminal device to immediately adjust its uplink transmission power, it can indicate one of the tracked reference signals. Since the terminal device continuously maintains the path loss estimate corresponding to this reference signal, it can adjust the uplink transmission power promptly without unnecessary adjustment delays. If the network device does not require the terminal device to immediately adjust its uplink transmission power, it can indicate a reference signal that the terminal device is not tracking. The terminal device can then use an additional period of time to track the indicated reference signal, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust its uplink transmission power. Because the network device knows that the terminal device is not tracking the reference signal and needs an additional period of time to adjust, it will not repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, thus avoiding signaling redundancy.

[0051] In summary, the method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This improves the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0052] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device via the same signaling. For example, the network device sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message to the terminal device, the RRC signaling message carrying the aforementioned first and second information.

[0053] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device receiving third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal; the terminal device obtaining a path loss estimate based on the reference signal tracked by the terminal device and / or the first reference signal; and the terminal device adjusting its uplink transmission power based on the path loss estimate, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period following the receipt of the third information by the terminal device.

[0054] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, if all of the first reference signals belong to the L basic road loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the L basic road loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the duration for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the road loss estimate.

[0055] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device sending first capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of additional path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC).

[0056] In this way, the network device can determine the number of K additional path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information based on the first capability information reported by the terminal device. It should be understood that the number K of the path loss estimation reference signals is less than or equal to the number reported by the terminal device in the first capability information.

[0057] Fourthly, another method for tracking reference signals is provided, comprising: a network device sending first information to a terminal device, the first information being used to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; the network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; the network device determining that the reference signals tracked by the terminal device are the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, and the reference signals not tracked are the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0058] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

[0059] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the network device sending third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal, the third information being used by the terminal device to adjust the uplink transmission power, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after the terminal device receives the third information for a first time period.

[0060] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, if all of the first reference signals belong to the L first path loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the L first path loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the duration for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the path loss estimate.

[0061] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, before the network device sends the second information to the terminal device, the method further includes: the network device receiving first capability information sent by the terminal device, the first capability information indicating the maximum configurable number of additional path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC); and the network device determining the number of the K additional path loss estimation reference signals based on the first capability information.

[0062] Fifthly, an apparatus for tracking a reference signal is provided for performing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects. Specifically, the apparatus includes a unit for performing the method in any of the possible implementations of the above aspects.

[0063] Sixthly, a tracking reference signal apparatus is provided, including a processor coupled to a memory for executing instructions in the memory to implement the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects. Optionally, the communication apparatus further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0064] In one implementation, the device for tracking the reference signal is a terminal device. When the device for tracking the reference signal is a terminal device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0065] In another implementation, the means for tracking the reference signal is a chip configured in the terminal device. When the means for tracking the reference signal is a chip configured in the terminal device, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0066] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method from any possible implementation of the foregoing aspects.

[0067] In specific implementation, the processor can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be output to, for example, but not limited to, a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0068] Eighthly, a processing apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory and to receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0069] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0070] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0071] In specific implementation, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0072] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending indication information, can be the process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be the process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the processed output data can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Here, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0073] The processing device in the eighth aspect above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0074] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when run, causes a computer to perform a method in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods in any of the possible implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0076] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, including the aforementioned terminal equipment and network equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0078] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for tracking a reference signal according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of another method for tracking a reference signal according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of a tracking reference signal apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0081] Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of another apparatus for tracking a reference signal according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0082] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, future 5th generation (5G) systems, or new radio (NR), etc.

[0084] It should also be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can also be applied to various communication systems based on non-orthogonal multiple access technologies, such as sparse code multiple access (SCMA) systems. Of course, SCMA can also be called by other names in the field of communication. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to multi-carrier transmission systems that adopt non-orthogonal multiple access technologies, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), and filtered-OFDM (F-OFDM) systems.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 1 The communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application is described in detail. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. For example... Figure 1As shown, the communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as Figure 1 The network device 110 shown; the communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1 The terminal device 120 is shown. Network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link. Each communication device, such as network device 110 or terminal device 120, can be configured with multiple antennas, which may include at least one transmitting antenna for transmitting signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. Additionally, each communication device also includes a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, may include multiple components (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas) related to signal transmission and reception. Therefore, network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate via multi-antenna technology.

[0086] The terminal device in this application embodiment can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). This terminal device can be referred to as an access terminal, user equipment (UE), user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user apparatus. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in a future 5G network, or terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0087] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with terminal devices. The network device can be a base station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a base station (NodeB, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, an evolved base station (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the network device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or a network device in a future 5G network or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. This application embodiment does not limit this. For example, a gNB in ​​an NR system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) in a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0088] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distribution unit (DU). A gNB may also include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU implements radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer functions, while the DU implements radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer functions. Since RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is derived from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+CU. It is understood that network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network (RAN) or as a network device in the core network (CN), and this application does not limit this.

[0089] The term "network device" can also refer to all devices on the network side. For example, when multiple TRPs are used to transmit data to terminal devices, these multiple TRPs can be collectively referred to as network devices.

[0090] In this embodiment, the terminal device or network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal device or a network device, or a functional module in the terminal device or network device that can call and execute a program.

[0091] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0092] The embodiments of this application can be applied to LTE systems and subsequent evolution systems such as 5G, or other wireless communication systems that use various wireless access technologies, such as systems using code division multiple access, frequency division multiple access, time division multiple access, orthogonal frequency division multiple access, single carrier frequency division multiple access, etc. They are especially suitable for scenarios that require channel information feedback and / or the application of two-level precoding technology, such as wireless networks using Massive MIMO technology, wireless networks using distributed antenna technology, etc.

[0093] It should be understood that Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology refers to the use of multiple transmit and receive antennas on both the transmitting and receiving devices, enabling signals to be transmitted and received through these antennas, thereby improving communication quality. It makes full use of spatial resources, achieving multiple transmissions and receptions through multiple antennas, and can significantly increase system channel capacity without increasing spectrum resources or antenna transmit power.

[0094] For ease of understanding, the relevant terms used in the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0095] 1. Road loss estimation

[0096] In cellular network communication, the parameters used to determine the uplink transmit power of terminal devices are configured by the network equipment. The purpose of uplink power control is to ensure that the power of the signal transmitted by the terminal device reaches the network equipment meets the network equipment's reception requirements; for example, the network equipment may require the power of the signal transmitted by the terminal device to be P0. Since the distance between each terminal device and the network equipment is different, the terminal device needs to estimate the path loss (PL) in signal transmission to adjust the uplink transmit power. Path loss is simply called "path loss," and its estimation is simply called "path loss estimation." Path loss estimation is usually achieved by the terminal device measuring the received power of the path loss reference signal (PL RS) configured by the network equipment. Simply put, the path loss estimate = PL RS transmit power - PL RS received power, and the terminal device's uplink transmit power = P0 + path loss estimate. Here, the network equipment's transmit power and P0 are both configured by the network equipment.

[0097] 2. Path loss reference signal (PLRS)

[0098] The path loss reference signal can also be called the path loss estimation reference signal. Based on the path loss estimate obtained above, the terminal device can adjust the transmission power. To obtain the path loss estimate, the network device needs to configure a PL RS so that the terminal device can track it. Tracking involves periodically measuring and maintaining the path loss measurement results corresponding to each PL RS. It should be understood that PL RS is a periodic reference signal; PL RS is a general term for reference signals used for path loss estimation. These reference signals can be, for example, synchronization signal blocks (SS / PBCH blocks, SSB) or channel status information reference signals (CSI-RS). In other words, this paper refers to the reference signals configured by the network device for path loss estimation on the terminal device as PL RS.

[0099] Considering the changes in the transmission environment caused by the mobility of terminal devices, especially in high-frequency communication (such as millimeter-wave communication), it is also necessary to consider the changes in the transmit beam of the terminal device and the receive beam of the network device. Network devices are typically configured with more than one PL RS. Release 15 (R15) allows network devices to be configured with a maximum of four PL RSs. Terminals should track all PL RSs configured by the network devices, facilitating dynamic adjustments by the network devices. Specifically, the network device dynamically indicates one of the four PL RSs, and the terminal device can then adjust its transmit power accordingly. To better support the transmit power changes caused by variations in transmit beams in high-frequency communication, Release 16 (R16) allows network devices to be configured with a maximum of 64 PL RSs. To avoid increasing the measurement and maintenance burden on terminal devices, they still only need to track four of these PL RSs. When a network device dynamically indicates a PL RS, if it is a PL RS that the terminal device is not tracking, the terminal device needs an additional period of time to measure the PL RS and thus determine the path loss estimate and transmission power. If it is a PL RS that the terminal device is tracking, since the terminal device has been maintaining the path loss estimate, the terminal device can immediately adjust the transmission power without needing to perform any further measurements.

[0100] In the R16 method described above, the network device cannot know which PL RS the terminal device is tracking. Thus, for a given PL RS, if the network device always assumes the terminal device is not tracking it, but the terminal device is actually tracking it, unnecessary latency will occur. Conversely, if the network device always assumes the terminal device is tracking the PL RS, but the terminal device is not, the terminal device cannot adjust its uplink transmission power in a timely manner. Upon discovering this, the network device will repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, resulting in signaling redundancy.

[0101] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for tracking reference signals, which can determine the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This is beneficial to improving the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saving signaling overhead.

[0102] Before introducing the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0103] First, in the embodiments of this application, "predefined" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including terminal devices and network devices). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0104] Second, in the embodiments shown below, the terms and abbreviations, such as Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC), Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), etc., are merely exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0105] Third, the first, second, and various numerical designations used in the embodiments shown below are merely distinctions for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they may be used to distinguish different reference signals or different information.

[0106] Fourth, the “protocol” involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communication, such as LTE protocol, NR protocol and related protocols applied to future communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0107] Fifth, "at least one" means one or more, while "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0108] The method and apparatus for tracking reference signals provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the technical solutions of this application can be applied to wireless communication systems, for example... Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown herein. Two communication devices within the wireless communication system may have a wireless communication connection, and one of these two communication devices may correspond to… Figure 1 The terminal device 120 shown can be, for example, a Figure 1 The terminal device shown can also be a chip configured in the terminal device; the other communication device of the two communication devices can correspond to Figure 1 The network device 110 shown can be, for example, a Figure 1 The network device shown can also be a chip configured in the network device.

[0109] Without loss of generality, the method for tracking reference signals provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail using the interaction process between a terminal device and a network device as an example.

[0110] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method 200 for tracking a reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication system shown is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. The method 200 includes:

[0111] S210, the network device sends first information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first information accordingly; the first information is used to indicate whether the default mode is enabled, and in the default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked based on the reference signal related to the downlink control channel.

[0112] S220, the network device sends the second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information accordingly; the second information is used to configure multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0113] S230, if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and does not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information. In other words, if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, ignoring the path loss estimation reference signals indicated by the second information.

[0114] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes: if the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and does not track the reference signals related to the downlink control channel. In other words, if the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the path loss estimation reference signal indicated by the second information, and ignore the reference signals related to the downlink control channel.

[0115] In this embodiment, the terminal device can determine the reference signal it tracks based on whether the default mode is enabled. Since the network device informs the terminal device whether the default mode is enabled via first information, the network device can also determine the reference signal being tracked based on whether the default mode is enabled. Specifically, the network device indicates to the terminal device whether the default mode is enabled. When the default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on downlink control channel-related reference signals; that is, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signals and does not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured by the network device via second information. When the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device can track the reference signal determined based on the multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured via the second information and does not track the downlink control channel-related reference signals. Once the network device determines whether the default mode is enabled for the terminal device, it can determine the reference signal being tracked by the terminal device.

[0116] In this way, both network and terminal devices can determine which reference signals to track based on whether the default mode is enabled, ensuring that the terminal device and network device are aligned on which reference signals the terminal device is tracking. If the network device subsequently needs the terminal device to adjust its uplink transmit power, it can identify a suitable reference signal and indicate this signal to the terminal device. If this reference signal is one of the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, since the terminal device continuously maintains the path loss estimate corresponding to that reference signal, it can adjust the uplink transmit power promptly without unnecessary adjustment delays. If the reference signal is one that the terminal device is not tracking, the terminal device can use an additional period of time to track the reference signal indicated by the network device, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust the uplink transmit power. Because the network device knows that the terminal device is not tracking the reference signal and needs an additional period of time to adjust, the network device will not repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, thus avoiding signaling redundancy.

[0117] In summary, the method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This improves the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0118] It should be understood that the aforementioned default mode refers to a reference mode specified by the protocol in the absence of explicit instruction. In the default mode, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the reference signals related to the downlink control channel. Since this default mode is used by the terminal device to determine the reference signal to be tracked when adjusting the transmission power, it can also be called the "default transmission power determination mode," or the "first mode," or other names. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0119] The aforementioned "downlink control channel-related reference signal" specifically refers to: a reference signal resource of quasi-co-location (QCL-Type D) in the TCI-state of the control resource set (CORESET) with the lowest index, or a reference signal resource of QCL-Type D in the quasi-co-location (QCL) assumption of the control resource set (CORESET) with the lowest index.

[0120] Optionally, the above default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; wherein, in the first default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; in the second default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; and in the third default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the sounding reference signal (SRS) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal.

[0121] For example, the first default mode can be used by the terminal device to determine the reference signal to be tracked for the PUSCH based on the downlink control channel-related reference signals. If the first default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the downlink control channel-related reference signals; if the first default mode is not enabled, the terminal device cannot determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the downlink control channel-related reference signals. Therefore, when the first default mode is configured, the network device also configures multiple path loss estimation reference signals through the aforementioned second information. When the first default mode is not enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on these multiple path loss estimation reference signals. Optionally, the PUSCH can be a PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_0. For example, the first default mode can be denoted as enableDefaultBeamPlForPUSCH0_0, for PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_0. It should be noted that in addition to the PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_0, there is also the PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_1. For the PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_0, when the first default mode is enabled, the terminal device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the reference signal related to the downlink control channel. For the PUSCH scheduled by DCI format 0_1, the terminal device can determine the reference signal that the network device requires the terminal device to track based on the schduling request indication (SRI) field in the DCI format 0_1.

[0122] For example, the second default mode can be used by the terminal device to determine the reference signal to be tracked for the PUCCH based on the reference signal related to the downlink control channel. For example, this second default mode can be denoted as enableDefaultBeamPlForPUCCH,for dedicated PUCCH.

[0123] For example, the third default mode can be used by the terminal device to determine the SRS to be tracked based on the reference signal associated with the downlink control channel. For instance, this third default mode can be denoted as enableDefaultBeamPlForSRS,for dedicated SRS.

[0124] It should be understood that, in addition to the names listed above, these default modes may have other names, that is, the embodiments of this application do not limit the names of the first default mode, the second default mode and the third default mode.

[0125] In the first information, taking the first default mode as an example, the specific signaling for enabling the first default mode is reflected in the value of the enableDefaultBeamPlForPUSCH0_0 field being ON or enabled; the specific signaling for disabling the first default mode is reflected in the value of the enableDefaultBeamPlForPUSCH0_0 field being OFF or disabled, or the entire field being unconfigured (absent). This application embodiment does not limit this. The second and third default modes are similar and will not be listed here.

[0126] The following section details how the terminal device determines the reference signal to be tracked when the default mode is not enabled.

[0127] As described above, if the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device can track reference signals determined by multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured based on the second information, but will not track reference signals related to the downlink control channel. However, since the number of reference signals that the terminal device can track is limited (e.g., the terminal device can track a maximum of 4 reference signals), if the number of path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information is greater than the number of reference signals that the terminal device can track (in one possible implementation, the second information is used to indicate 64 PL RS), then the terminal device can select the reference signal to be tracked from the multiple path loss estimation reference signals in the following manner.

[0128] 1. The terminal equipment can select M path loss estimation reference signals from multiple path loss estimation reference signals, with the smallest or largest identifier.

[0129] As an optional embodiment, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the smallest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the largest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0130] The aforementioned identifier (ID) can also be replaced with an index, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the network device is configured with a path loss estimation reference signal, CSI-RS, and the terminal device can select the M CSI-RS with the smallest or largest identifier as the reference signal to be tracked.

[0132] In another possible implementation, if the path loss estimation reference signal configured by the network device is an SSB, then the terminal device can select the M SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers as the reference signals to be tracked.

[0133] In another possible implementation, the path loss estimation reference signals configured in the network device include CSI-RS and SSB. The terminal device can then select either CSI-RS first, followed by SSB, or vice versa. For example, if the network device is configured with 2 CSI-RS and 7 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can first select 2 CSI-RS and then choose the two SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 7 SSBs. Alternatively, the terminal device can select the SSBs first, choosing the two with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 7 SSBs. As another example, if the network device is configured with 5 CSI-RS and 5 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can choose the two CSI-RSs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 5 CSI-RSs and then choose the two SSBs with the smallest or largest identifiers from the 5 SSBs.

[0134] It should be understood that when configuring the aforementioned multiple path loss estimation reference signals in network devices, each path loss estimation reference signal will be assigned an identifier (e.g., PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id). PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the PUSCH path loss estimation reference signal, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the PUCCH path loss estimation reference signal, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id is the identifier for the SRS path loss estimation reference signal. Each type of reference signal can also have its own identifier. For example, the identifiers (e.g., SSB-Index) for the three SSBs configured by the network device for the terminal device can be 0 to 2, and the identifiers (e.g., NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId) for the five CSI-RSs configured by the network device for the terminal device can be 0 to 4. Therefore, the terminal device selects the M reference signals with the smallest or largest identifiers. This can be done by selecting the M reference signals with the smallest or largest PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id (or PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id), or by selecting the M reference signals with the smallest or largest SSB-Index and / or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId. For ease of distinction, this application refers to PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, or SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id as the identifier of the path loss estimation reference signal, and SSB-Index and NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId as the resource identifier of the reference signal. Furthermore, each PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id can be associated with one SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId. In this case, the terminal device can also select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId.

[0135] Optionally, considering that the network device has configured at least two of PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS for the terminal device, the terminal device can select them in a certain agreed-upon order. For example, if the network device has configured both PUSCH path loss estimation reference signals and PUCCH path loss estimation reference signals for the terminal device, then the terminal device can first select PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, and then select PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id; or, it can first select PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, and then select PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS based on PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id. For example, if the network device simultaneously configures the path loss estimation reference signal for PUSCH, the path loss estimation reference signal for PUCCH, and the path loss estimation reference signal for SRS for the terminal device, then the terminal device can select PUSCH first, then PUCCH, and then SRS, or select PUSCH first, then SRS, and then PUCCH, or in any other order. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0136] In summary, the above-mentioned identifier can be at least one of the following: PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId, SSB-Index, or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0137] As an optional embodiment, considering that the above default modes include a first default mode, a second default mode, and a third default mode, for the first default mode, i.e., for PUSCH, the terminal device can select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id as the reference signals for tracking by the terminal device; for the second default mode, i.e. for PUCCH, the terminal device can select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id as the reference signals for tracking by the terminal device; for the third default mode, i.e. for SRS, the terminal device can select the M reference signals with the smallest or largest SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id as the reference signals for tracking by the terminal device.

[0138] As an optional embodiment, if the network device configures at least two of PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS for the terminal device, the network device should ensure that reference signals with the same path loss estimation reference signal identifier (e.g., PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id) also have the same resource identifier (e.g., SSB-Index or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId). That is, the same path loss estimation reference signal identifier indicates the same reference signal. For example, the network device configures PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS and SRS-PathlossReferenceRS for the terminal device, and the M reference signals determined by the terminal device based on PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id are the same as the M reference signals determined by the terminal device based on SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id. In this way, the terminal device does not need to track different M reference signals for each uplink channel or signal, which reduces the complexity and power consumption of the terminal device.

[0139] 2. The terminal equipment can select M path loss estimation reference signals from multiple path loss estimation reference signals, choosing the one with the longest or shortest transmission period.

[0140] As an optional embodiment, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0141] It should be understood that the aforementioned path loss estimation reference signal is sent from the network device to the terminal device. Therefore, the aforementioned transmission period can also be referred to as the measurement period for the terminal device. The two are equivalent, and the terminology used in this application is not limited.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the path loss estimation reference signal configured by the network device is CSI-RS. Then, the terminal device can select the M CSI-RS with the longest or shortest transmission period as the reference signal to be tracked.

[0143] In another possible implementation, the path loss estimation reference signal configured by the network device is an SSB. Then the terminal device can select the M SSBs with the longest or shortest transmission period as the reference signals to be tracked.

[0144] In another possible implementation, the path loss estimation reference signals configured in the network device include CSI-RS and SSB. The terminal device can then select either CSI-RS first, followed by SSB, or vice versa. For example, if the network device is configured with 2 CSI-RS and 7 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can first select 2 CSI-RS and then choose the two SSBs with the longest or shortest transmission periods from the 7 SSBs. Alternatively, the terminal device can first select the SSBs, i.e., choose the two SSBs with the longest or shortest transmission periods from the 7 SSBs. As another example, if the network device is configured with 5 CSI-RS and 5 SSBs (M=4), the terminal device can choose the two CSI-RS with the longest or shortest transmission periods from the 5 CSI-RS and the two SSBs with the longest or shortest transmission periods from the 5 SSBs.

[0145] The M mentioned above can be a predefined positive integer or a positive integer reported by the terminal device to the network device. Optionally, M can be reported by the terminal device to the network device through capability information (referred to herein as second capability information). That is, the terminal device reports second capability information to the network device, which indicates the maximum number M of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC. Based on M and the above rules, the network device can determine the reference signals tracked by the terminal device.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the first and second information are sent by the network device via the same signaling. For example, the network device sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message to the terminal device, which carries the first and second information.

[0147] In another possible implementation, the first and second information can be sent separately by the network device at certain time intervals. For example, the network device can first send the first information to the terminal device, and then send the second information to the terminal device. After receiving the first information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the second information has been received before the timer expires. If the second information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the second information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked by other means, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application. As another example, the network device can first send the second information to the terminal device, and then send the first information to the terminal device. After receiving the second information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the first information has been received before the timer expires. If the first information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the first information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the second information. In other words, network devices can assume that the default mode is not enabled without receiving the first information, and select the reference signal to be tracked from multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information.

[0148] Optionally, prior to S230, the method 200 further includes S240, whereby the network device sends a reference signal to the terminal device. This reference signal includes the aforementioned downlink control channel-related reference signal and multiple path loss estimation reference signals. The terminal device can select a reference signal from these signals for tracking according to the method described above, i.e., measure the reference signal and maintain the path loss estimate value for the corresponding reference signal.

[0149] Optionally, the method 200 further includes:

[0150] S250, the network device sends third information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the third information accordingly; the third information is used to indicate the first reference signal;

[0151] S260, the terminal equipment adjusts the uplink transmission power based on the obtained path loss estimate.

[0152] Specifically, when a network device needs a terminal device to adjust its uplink transmission power, it can send third information to the terminal device, indicating a first reference signal. This first reference signal can be one or multiple reference signals; this embodiment does not limit this. Upon receiving the third information, the terminal device adjusts its uplink transmission power according to the indication of the third information.

[0153] In this embodiment, the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after the terminal device receives the third information within a first time period. That is, the effective time of the adjusted uplink transmission power is the time when the terminal device receives the third information plus the first time period. Before the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect, the terminal device may perform one or more of the following steps:

[0154] 1. Terminal devices can continue to use the path loss estimate value of the path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device.

[0155] 2. The terminal device can continue to track the path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device.

[0156] 3. Terminal equipment can use a default path loss estimation reference signal for path loss estimation.

[0157] 4. The terminal device can track a default path loss estimation reference signal.

[0158] It should be understood that the aforementioned "path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device" refers to the path loss estimation reference signal indicated by the network device to the terminal device through other information before the terminal device receives the third information from the network device. The aforementioned "default path loss estimation reference signal" can be a reference signal during the random access process or a path loss estimation reference signal most recently used by the terminal device; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0159] As an optional embodiment, if all of the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the time it takes for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the estimated road loss value.

[0160] For example, the terminal device can compare the first reference signal indicated by the third information with a reference signal tracked by the terminal device. If the first reference signal belongs to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device can directly adjust its uplink transmission power in a timely manner based on the path loss estimate of the continuously maintained reference signal. If the first reference signal does not belong to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device needs an additional period of time (i.e., the aforementioned T) to track the first reference signal, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust its uplink transmission power based on the obtained path loss estimate. Therefore, the adjusted uplink transmission power of the terminal device takes effect after the first time period following the receipt of the third information by the terminal device.

[0161] The aforementioned X can be a predefined time length, a network device configuration time length, or a terminal device reporting time length; this application embodiment does not limit this. For example, X can be used for the terminal device to interpret the content of the third information, such as X = 3ms. For example, X can be used for the terminal device to interpret the content of the third information and to send the obtained path loss estimate from the upper layer of the terminal device to the physical layer of the terminal device. For example, X = 5ms, where 3ms is used for the terminal device to interpret the content of the third information, and 2ms is used for the terminal device to send the obtained path loss estimate from the upper layer of the terminal device to the physical layer of the terminal device.

[0162] The above T represents the time taken for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal and obtain the estimated path loss value. For example, T can be the time taken for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal and obtain multiple (e.g., 5) measurement samples, but this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0163] Optionally, the aforementioned third information may be MAC-CE signaling, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0164] As an optional embodiment, the above method further includes: the terminal device sending first capability information and / or second capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC), and the second capability information being used to indicate the maximum traceable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

[0165] In this way, the network device can determine the number of multiple path loss estimation reference signals configured in the aforementioned second information based on the first capability information reported by the terminal device. It should be understood that the number of these multiple path loss estimation reference signals is less than or equal to the number reported by the terminal device in the aforementioned first capability information.

[0166] As an optional embodiment, the above method further includes: the terminal device sending third capability information and / or fourth capability information to the network device, wherein the third capability information is used to indicate the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device, and the fourth capability information is used to indicate the maximum traceable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device.

[0167] It should be understood that the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device can be the sum of the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by all CCs, and the maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by the terminal device can be the sum of the maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by all CCs.

[0168] The method 200 of this application embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to a specific example.

[0169] Network devices can send RRC signaling to terminal devices, and configure the following information for the terminal devices through this RRC signaling:

[0170] 1. Whether to enable the default mode, i.e., the first piece of information mentioned above;

[0171] 2. Downlink control channel configuration information, of which the configuration of PDCCHCORESET TCI-state is mainly relevant to the embodiments of this application. For example, according to the R16 standard, only one BWP can be active for each carrier component (CC). Each BWP of each CC can be configured with multiple CORESETs, each CORESET being identified by its ID. The CORESET ID is unique within the CC. For each CORESET, one or more TCI-states can be configured via tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList. If the number of TCI-states configured for each CORESET is greater than one, the specific TCI-state to be used requires the network device to send MAC-CE signaling for activation. Each TCI-state contains one or two QCL types, each QCL type corresponding to a reference signal. According to existing protocol specifications, the reference signal corresponding to QCL type D can be used as the PLRS in the default mode. However, it should be understood that in one possible implementation, the reference signals corresponding to other QCL types can also be used as the PLRS in the default mode, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0172] Optionally, the terminal device may report to the network device whether it can support reference signals corresponding to other QCL types as PL RS in the default mode; or, if the terminal device can support reference signals corresponding to other QCL types as PL RS in the default mode, it may report to the network device that it supports reference signals corresponding to other QCL types as PL RS in the default mode, and if it does not support reference signals corresponding to other QCL types as PL RS in the default mode, it may not report to the network device, and the network device will assume that the terminal device supports reference signals corresponding to QCL type D as PL RS in the default mode.

[0173] For example, the above configuration for CORESET is as follows:

[0174]

[0175]

[0176] For example, the above configuration regarding TCI-state is as follows:

[0177]

[0178] 3. Configuration information of Path Loss Estimation Reference Signals (PLRS) (i.e., the second information mentioned above). In this embodiment, the network device can configure up to 64 PLRS. Optionally, the maximum configurable number of PLRS can be limited by the parameter maxNrofPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs. The number of configurable PLRS of the network device should not exceed the maximum configurable number of PLRS supported by each CC reported by the terminal device through the first capability information.

[0179] For example, the above configuration for PL RS is as follows:

[0180]

[0181] For example, each PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id can be associated with one SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId, which can be configured as follows:

[0182]

[0183] 4. Whether to enable PLRS updates via MAC-CE. For example, the enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS field can be set to ON or enable, indicating that it is enabled; the enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS field can be set to OFF or disable, or the entire field can be left blank, indicating that it is not enabled. In this embodiment, PLRS updates via MAC-CE are enabled.

[0184] Then, the network device sends reference signals to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine whether the default mode is enabled according to the above method, and further determine the reference signals to be tracked, thereby tracking the reference signals for path loss estimation. Specifically, if the first information indicates that the default mode is enabled, the terminal device does not track the PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS, but tracks the reference signals related to the downlink control channel for path loss estimation (If the default pathloss mode was enabled, the UE is not required to track any additional pathloss RS other than the default pathloss RS); if the first information indicates that the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device tracks the PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS for path loss estimation, but does not track the reference signals related to the downlink control channel. Optionally, when the number of PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS is greater than the number M of reference signals that the terminal device can track, the terminal device can determine M reference signals to be tracked according to the above method (selected according to the identifier or transmission period). For example, M=4. If the number of configured PL RS is greater than 4, the terminal device only needs to track the 4 PL RSs with the smallest IDs. (UE is only required to track 4 pathloss RS with the lowest IDs, if the configured number of pathloss RSs is larger than 4.) The identifier here can be at least one of the above PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS-Id, SRI-PUSCH-PowerControlId, SSB-Index or NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId, which will not be elaborated here.

[0185] Next, when the network device needs the terminal device to adjust the transmission power, the network device can send a MAC-CE signaling message to the terminal device, indicating a reference signal. The terminal device receives the MAC-CE signaling message and, based on whether the reference signal belongs to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, obtains the path loss estimate and adjusts the uplink transmission power of the terminal device.

[0186] The method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This helps improve the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0187] In one possible implementation of this application, taking SRS as an example, if the terminal device is configured to enable the MACCE update for path loss estimation reference signal function (i.e., enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS), then the network device sends a MAC CE to the terminal device, which is an SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id indicating a non-periodic or semi-persistent SRS resource set, corresponding to a resource identifier q of a reference signal. d If the SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id received by the terminal device is greater than 3, and the terminal device is not configured with the default SRS mode (i.e., the third default mode mentioned above, enableDefaultBeamPlForSRS), then the terminal device will... The configuration of the MAC CE is applied starting from the first time slot of the following 2 milliseconds, where k is the time slot in which the terminal device sends the HARQ-ACK for the MAC CE, and μ is the system parameter indication used to send the HARQ-ACK (exemplarily, Equivalent to X above (equal to 3 milliseconds), T pathloss Given that the TCI state of the road loss estimation reference signal is known, the time (T) required to obtain the 5th measurement sample of the road loss estimation reference signal is... pathloss Equivalent to T above, the 5th measurement sample is merely an example.

[0188] (If the UE is provided enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS,a MAC CE canprovide by SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id a corresponding RS resource index q dforaperiodic or semi-persistent SRS resource set q s .

[0189] If the UE receives a MAC CE activation command for one SRS-PathlossReferenceRS-Id larger than 3and the UE is not providedenableDefaultBeamPlForSRS, the UE applies the activation command in the firstslot that is 2ms after slot where k is the slot where the UE would transmit a PUCCH with HARQ-ACK information for the PDSCH providing the activation command,μ is the SCS configuration for the PUCCH and T pathloss istime for 5th measurement sample of the pathloss RS if the TCI state of thepathloss RS is known as described in[10,TS 38.133].)

[0190] The examples of PUSCH and PUCCH are similar to those of SRS above, and will not be repeated here.

[0191] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a method 300 for tracking a reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 The communication system shown is not limited to this embodiment of the present application. The method 300 includes:

[0192] S310, the network device sends first information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first information accordingly; the first information is used to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4.

[0193] S320, the network device sends second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the second information accordingly; the second information is used to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, which are different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, and K is a positive integer.

[0194] S330, the terminal device tracks the above L basic road loss estimation reference signals, but does not track the above K additional road loss estimation reference signals.

[0195] In this embodiment, the network device can configure two types of path loss estimation reference signals for the terminal device: a basic path loss estimation reference signal and an additional path loss estimation reference signal. The additional path loss estimation reference signal does not need to be tracked by the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to track only the basic path loss estimation reference signal and align with the network device on which reference signals it is tracking. If the network device subsequently requires the terminal device to immediately adjust its uplink transmission power, it can indicate one of the tracked reference signals. Since the terminal device continuously maintains the path loss estimate corresponding to this reference signal, it can adjust the uplink transmission power promptly without unnecessary adjustment delays. If the network device does not require the terminal device to immediately adjust its uplink transmission power, it can indicate a reference signal that the terminal device is not tracking. The terminal device can then use an additional period of time to track the indicated reference signal, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust its uplink transmission power. Because the network device knows that the terminal device is not tracking the reference signal and needs an additional period of time to adjust, it will not repeatedly send power adjustment instructions, thus avoiding signaling redundancy.

[0196] In summary, the method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This improves the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0197] Optionally, the aforementioned L basic path loss estimation reference signals are the path loss estimation reference signals configured by the network device for the terminal device in R15, and the number is less than or equal to 4. This embodiment adds an additional piece of information (i.e., second information) to the R15 standard to configure additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0198] As an optional embodiment, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling. For example, the network device sends a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message to the terminal device, which carries the aforementioned first and second information.

[0199] For example, in the above signaling, the first information may occupy a part of the fields (e.g., PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS), and the second information may occupy another part of the fields (e.g., PUSCH-AdditionalPathlossReferenceRS). After receiving the signaling, the terminal device can identify the first information and the second information according to the position of each field.

[0200] As an optional embodiment, the first and second information can be sent separately by the network device at certain time intervals. For example, the network device can first send the first information to the terminal device, and then send the second information to the terminal device. After receiving the first information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the second information has been received before the timer expires. If the second information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the second information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked based on the first information. The embodiments of this application do not limit this. As another example, the network device can first send the second information to the terminal device, and then send the first information to the terminal device. After receiving the second information, the terminal device starts a timer and checks whether the first information has been received before the timer expires. If the first information is received, the network device can determine the path loss estimation reference signal to be tracked according to the method of the embodiments of this application. If the terminal device does not receive the first information before the timer expires, the network device can determine the reference signal to be tracked based on the second information.

[0201] Optionally, prior to S330, the method 300 further includes S340, whereby the network device sends a reference signal to the terminal device. This reference signal includes the aforementioned L basic path loss estimation reference signals. Optionally, the reference signal may also include the aforementioned K additional path loss estimation reference signals. The terminal device can select a reference signal from these signals for tracking according to the above method, i.e., measure the reference signal and maintain the path loss estimate value for the corresponding reference signal.

[0202] Optionally, the method 300 further includes:

[0203] S350, the network device sends third information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the third information accordingly; the third information is used to indicate the first reference signal;

[0204] S360: The terminal device adjusts the uplink transmission power based on the obtained path loss estimate.

[0205] Specifically, when a network device needs a terminal device to adjust its uplink transmission power, it can send third information to the terminal device, indicating a first reference signal. This first reference signal can be one or multiple reference signals; this embodiment does not limit this. Upon receiving the third information, the terminal device adjusts its uplink transmission power according to the indication of the third information.

[0206] In this embodiment, the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after the terminal device receives the third information within a first time period. Before the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect, the terminal device may perform one or more of the following steps:

[0207] 1. Terminal devices can continue to use the path loss estimate value of the path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device.

[0208] 2. The terminal device can continue to track the path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device.

[0209] 3. Terminal equipment can use a default path loss estimation reference signal for path loss estimation.

[0210] 4. The terminal device can track a default path loss estimation reference signal.

[0211] It should be understood that the aforementioned "path loss estimation reference signal previously indicated by the network device" refers to the path loss estimation reference signal indicated by the network device to the terminal device through other information before the terminal device receives the third information from the network device. The aforementioned "default path loss estimation reference signal" can be a reference signal during the random access process or a path loss estimation reference signal most recently used by the terminal device; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0212] As an optional embodiment, if all of the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the time it takes for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the estimated road loss value.

[0213] For example, the terminal device can compare the first reference signal indicated by the third information with a reference signal tracked by the terminal device. If the first reference signal belongs to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device can directly adjust its uplink transmission power in a timely manner based on the path loss estimate of the continuously maintained reference signal. If the first reference signal does not belong to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the terminal device needs an additional period of time (i.e., the aforementioned T) to track the first reference signal, obtain the path loss estimate, and then adjust its uplink transmission power based on the obtained path loss estimate. Therefore, the adjusted uplink transmission power of the terminal device takes effect after the first time period following the receipt of the third information by the terminal device.

[0214] The X mentioned above can be a predefined time length, a time length configured by the network device, or a time length reported by the terminal device, such as 3ms. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0215] Optionally, the aforementioned third information may be MAC-CE signaling, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0216] As an optional embodiment, the above method further includes: the terminal device sending first capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of additional path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC).

[0217] In this way, the network device can determine the number of K additional path loss estimation reference signals configured in the second information based on the first capability information reported by the terminal device. It should be understood that the number K of the path loss estimation reference signals is less than or equal to the number reported by the terminal device in the first capability information.

[0218] The method 300 of this application embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to a specific example.

[0219] Network devices can send RRC signaling to terminal devices, and configure the following information for the terminal devices through this RRC signaling:

[0220] 1. Configuration information of the basic path loss estimation reference signal (PLRS) (i.e., the first information mentioned above). In this embodiment, the network device can configure up to 4 PLRS. Optionally, the maximum configurable number of basic PLRS can be limited by the parameter maxNrofPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs. The number of configurable PLRS of the network device should not exceed the maximum configurable number of PLRS supported by each CC reported by the terminal device through the first capability information.

[0221] For example, the configuration of the basic PL RS described above is as follows:

[0222]

[0223]

[0224] 2. Configuration information for additional path loss estimation reference signals (PL RS) (i.e., the second information mentioned above). For example, an information element (IE) can be added for configuring the additional PL RS. This additional PL RS can also be called an additional PL RS. For instance, the information element name is PUSCH-AdditionalPathlossReferenceRS, and its identifier is Additionalpusch-PathlossReferenceRS-Id. Since the PL RS can be an SSB or a CSI-RS, the specific SSB or CSI-RS can be identified by its ID or index.

[0225] Furthermore, `maxNrofAdditionalPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs` represents the maximum number of configurable additional PL RSs. Optionally, the sum of `maxNrofAdditionalPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs` and `maxNrofPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs` is less than or equal to the maximum number of configurable PL RSs of the network device. For example, if the maximum number of configurable PL RSs of the network device is 64 and `maxNrofPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs` is 4, then `maxNrofAdditionalPUSCH-PathlossReferenceRSs` equals 60. Considering the capability information reported by the terminal device, the number of configurable PL RSs of the network device should not exceed the sum of the maximum number of configurable PL RSs supported by each CC and the maximum number of additional PL RSs supported by each CC reported by the terminal device.

[0226] For example, the above configuration for additional PL RS is as follows:

[0227]

[0228] 3. Whether to enable PLRS updates via MAC-CE. For example, the enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS field can be set to ON or enable, indicating that it is enabled; the enablePLRSupdateForPUSCHSRS field can be set to OFF or disable, or the entire field can be left blank, indicating that it is not enabled. In this embodiment, PLRS updates via MAC-CE are enabled.

[0229] Then, the network device sends reference signals to the terminal device. The terminal device can determine whether the default mode is enabled according to the above method, and further determine the reference signals to be tracked, thereby tracking the reference signals for path loss estimation. Specifically, if the first information indicates that the default mode is enabled, the terminal device does not track the PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS, but tracks the reference signals related to the downlink control channel for path loss estimation; if the first information indicates that the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device tracks the PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS for path loss estimation, but does not track the reference signals related to the downlink control channel. Optionally, when the number of PL RS configured through PUSCH-PathlossReferenceRS is greater than the number M of reference signals that the terminal device can track, the terminal device can determine M reference signals to be tracked according to the above method (selected based on the identifier or transmission period), which will not be elaborated here.

[0230] Next, when the network device needs the terminal device to adjust the transmission power, the network device can send a MAC-CE signaling message to the terminal device, indicating a reference signal. The terminal device receives the MAC-CE signaling message and, based on whether the reference signal belongs to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, obtains the path loss estimate and adjusts the uplink transmission power of the terminal device.

[0231] The method for tracking reference signals in this application determines the reference signals tracked by the terminal device based on specific rules, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align which reference signals the terminal device has tracked. This helps improve the efficiency of the network device in adjusting the uplink transmission power for the terminal device and saves signaling overhead.

[0232] It should be understood that both methods 200 and 300 distinguish between multiple path loss estimation reference signals in their configurations, or select a subset of these reference signals as the reference signals to be tracked by pre-setting rules. In this way, network devices and terminal devices can align which reference signals the terminal device is tracking, thereby aligning the terminal device's behavior in adjusting its uplink transmission power.

[0233] This application also provides a method to start a timer, so that the network device can prohibit the transmission of uplink power control related information for a period of time after sending the above-mentioned third information (e.g., MAC-CE signaling), or the terminal device can ignore the power adjustment signaling sent by the network device again for a period of time after receiving the third information.

[0234] Specifically, the network device can configure a timer and its duration to the terminal device via RRC signaling (or other signaling). This timer can be called a PL RS update prohibit timer, or other names, which are not limited in this embodiment. It should be understood that the network device can also send the first information, second information, etc., in method 200 or method 300 described above to the terminal device, which will not be elaborated here.

[0235] Next, the network device sends a reference signal to the terminal device. The terminal device independently determines the reference signal to be tracked (in this embodiment, it is assumed that the network device does not know which reference signals the terminal device is tracking), and tracks the reference signal to estimate path loss. When the network device needs to control the terminal device to adjust the uplink transmission power, it sends third information (same as method 200 or method 300) to the terminal device via MAC-CE signaling, indicating the first reference signal. The terminal device receives the third information, starts the aforementioned timer, and determines the timing for adjusting the uplink transmission power based on whether the first reference signal belongs to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device. That is, if the first reference signal belongs to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, the uplink transmission power can be adjusted immediately according to the maintained path loss estimate; if the first reference signal does not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, tracking measurement can be performed first to obtain the path loss estimate of the first reference signal before adjusting the uplink transmission power. It should be understood that, in this embodiment, since the network device does not know which reference signals the terminal device is tracking, the behavior of the terminal device adjusting the uplink transmission power is an implementation behavior of the terminal device, which is unknown to the network device.

[0236] It should be understood that the aforementioned timer can be started by the terminal device, the network device, or both the terminal device and the network device. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0237] Optionally, the network device may start the timer when the third information is sent, or when it receives confirmation information from the terminal device that the third information has been correctly received. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0238] Optionally, the terminal device may start a timer when it receives the aforementioned third information, or when it sends an acknowledgment message to the network device confirming that the third information has been correctly received. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0239] From the perspective of the network device, after the network device sends the third information, if the uplink transmission power of the terminal device meets the requirements, no further adjustment is needed, and the third information can be considered to have been applied correctly and in a timely manner. If the transmission power of the terminal device does not meet the requirements, due to the timer limitation, the network device will not repeatedly send power adjustment commands. Instead, it can be assumed that the terminal device has not yet obtained a stable path loss estimate and is measuring the reference signal and making adjustments. Therefore, the method in this embodiment of the application gives the terminal device maximum implementation freedom and avoids repeated reconfiguration of the network device, saving signaling overhead.

[0240] Optionally, if the terminal device enables the aforementioned timer, the timer can be enabled at the moment when the terminal device last adjusted its uplink transmission power. In other words, each time the terminal device adjusts its uplink transmission power, it maintains that power for a certain period to avoid overly frequent adjustments.

[0241] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0242] The above text combines Figures 1 to 3 The method for tracking a reference signal according to embodiments of this application is described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 4 to 5 This application provides a detailed description of an apparatus for tracking a reference signal according to embodiments thereof.

[0243] Figure 4 An apparatus 400 for tracking a reference signal according to an embodiment of this application is shown. In one design, the apparatus 400 may be a terminal device or a chip within a terminal device. In another design, the apparatus 400 may be a network device or a chip within a network device. The apparatus 400 includes a transceiver unit 410 and a processing unit 420.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 200 described above.

[0245] The transceiver unit 410 is configured to: receive first information from the network device, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; and receive second information from the network device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; the processing unit 420 is configured to: if the default mode is enabled, track the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0246] Optionally, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

[0247] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is further configured to: if the default mode is not enabled, track the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and not track the reference signal related to the downlink control channel.

[0248] Optionally, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the smallest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the largest identifier among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the device to the network device.

[0249] Optionally, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein, M is a predefined positive integer or reported by the device to the network device.

[0250] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal; the processing unit 420 is further configured to: obtain a path loss estimate based on the reference signal tracked by the device and / or the first reference signal; and adjust the uplink transmission power of the device based on the path loss estimate, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period after the device receives the third information.

[0251] Optionally, if all of the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the terminal device, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the time it takes for the device to measure the first reference signal to obtain the estimated road loss value.

[0252] Optionally, the default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; wherein, in the first default mode, the device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; in the second default mode, the device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal; and in the third default mode, the device determines the reference signal to be tracked for the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) based on the downlink control channel related reference signal.

[0253] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: send first capability information and / or second capability information to the network device, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate the maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC), and the second capability information is used to indicate the maximum number of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 200 described above.

[0255] The transceiver unit 410 is configured to: send first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the terminal device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; the processing unit 420 is configured to: if the default mode is enabled, determine that the reference signal tracked by the terminal device is the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and that the reference signal not tracked is the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0256] Optionally, the first information and the second information are sent by the device through the same signaling.

[0257] Optionally, the processing unit 420 is further configured to: if the default mode is not enabled, determine that the reference signal tracked by the terminal device is a reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and that the reference signal not tracked is a reference signal related to the downlink control channel.

[0258] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive first capability information from the terminal device before sending the second information to the terminal device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC); the processing unit 420 is further configured to: determine the number of the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals based on the first capability information.

[0259] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive second capability information from the terminal device, the second capability information being used to indicate the maximum number of traceable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 300 described above.

[0261] The transceiver unit 410 is configured to: receive first information from the network device, the first information being used to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; and receive second information from the network device, the second information being used to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; the processing unit 420 is configured to: track the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, but not track the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0262] Optionally, the first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

[0263] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal; the processing unit 420 is further configured to: obtain a path loss estimate based on the reference signal tracked by the device and / or the first reference signal; and adjust the uplink transmission power of the device based on the path loss estimate, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period after the device receives the third information.

[0264] Optionally, if all of the first reference signals belong to the L basic road loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X; or, if all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the L basic road loss estimation reference signals, then the first time period is X+T; where X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is the duration for which the device measures the first reference signal to obtain the road loss estimate.

[0265] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: send first capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of additional path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC).

[0266] In another possible implementation, the device 400 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 300 described above.

[0267] The transceiver unit 410 is configured to: send first information to the terminal device, the first information being configured to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information being configured to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; the processing unit 420 is configured to: determine that the reference signals tracked by the terminal device are the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, and the reference signals not tracked are the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0268] Optionally, the first information and the second information are sent by the device through the same signaling.

[0269] Optionally, the transceiver unit 410 is further configured to: receive first capability information sent by the terminal device before sending the second information to the terminal device, the first capability information being used to indicate the maximum configurable number of additional path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component CC; the processing unit 420 is further configured to: determine the number of the K additional path loss estimation reference signals based on the first capability information.

[0270] It should be understood that the device 400 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 400 can specifically be a terminal device or network device as described in the above embodiments. The device 400 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described further here.

[0271] The apparatus 400 of each of the above solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above methods; the function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the transceiver unit 410 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit can be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver unit for performing the sending action, and the receiving unit can be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver unit for performing the receiving action. The sending unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit can be replaced by a receiver, respectively performing the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0272] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 4 The device 400 can also be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). Correspondingly, the transceiver unit 410 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0273] Figure 5 Another tracking reference signal apparatus 500 provided in an embodiment of this application is illustrated. The apparatus 500 includes a processor 510, a transceiver 520, and a memory 530. The processor 510, transceiver 520, and memory 530 communicate with each other via internal interconnection paths. The memory 530 stores instructions, and the processor 510 executes the instructions stored in the memory 530 to control the transceiver 520 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the device 500 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 200 described above.

[0275] The processor 510 is configured to: receive first information from a network device via a transceiver 520, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; and receive second information from the network device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; if the default mode is enabled, track the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and not track the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0276] In another possible implementation, the device 500 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 200 described above.

[0277] The processor 510 is configured to: send first information to the terminal device via transceiver 520, the first information indicating whether a default mode is enabled, wherein in the default mode, the terminal device determines a reference signal to be tracked based on a downlink control channel-related reference signal; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information configuring multiple path loss estimation reference signals; if the default mode is enabled, determining that the reference signal tracked by the terminal device is the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel-related reference signal, and that the reference signal not tracked is the multiple path loss estimation reference signals.

[0278] In one possible implementation, the device 500 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the method 300 described above.

[0279] The processor 510 is configured to: receive first information from a network device via a transceiver 520, the first information being used to configure L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; and receive second information from the network device, the second information being used to configure K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; track the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, but not track the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0280] In another possible implementation, the device 500 is used to execute the various processes and steps corresponding to the network device in the method 300 described above.

[0281] The processor 510 is configured to: send first information to a terminal device via a transceiver 520, the first information being configured to set L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to 4; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information being configured to set K additional path loss estimation reference signals, the K additional path loss estimation reference signals being different from the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, where K is a positive integer; and determine that the reference signals tracked by the terminal device are the L basic path loss estimation reference signals, and the reference signals not tracked are the K additional path loss estimation reference signals.

[0282] It should be understood that the device 500 may specifically be a terminal device or a network device as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 530 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 510 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 510 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 510 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments corresponding to the terminal device or network device. The transceiver 520 may include a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a transmitting action, and the receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a receiving action.

[0283] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor of the above-described device can be a central processing unit (CPU), which can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0284] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software units within the processor. The software units can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0285] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps and units described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the steps and components of each embodiment have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. 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.

[0286] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] In the 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 couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, apparatuses, or units, or they may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0288] 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 the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs.

[0289] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0290] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0291] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered 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 method of tracking a reference signal, characterized by, The method comprises: a terminal device receiving first information from a network device, the first information being used to indicate whether a default mode is enabled, in which the terminal device determines a reference signal to be tracked according to a downlink control channel related reference signal; the terminal device receiving second information from the network device, the second information being used to configure a plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; if the default mode is enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the downlink control channel related reference signal and does not track the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: if the default mode is not enabled, the terminal device tracks the reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals and does not track the downlink control channel related reference signal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M smallest path loss estimation reference signals among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, The reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M largest path loss estimation reference signals among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein M is a positive integer predefined or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; or, The reference signal determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals is the M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission period among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; wherein M is a positive integer predefined or reported by the terminal device to the network device.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further comprises: the terminal device receiving third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate a first reference signal; the terminal device obtaining a path loss estimation value according to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device and / or the first reference signal; the terminal device adjusting uplink transmission power of the terminal device based on the path loss estimation value, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period in which the terminal device receives the third information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, If all the first reference signals belong to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the first time period is X; or, If all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signal tracked by the terminal device, the first time period is X+T; wherein X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is a time length for the terminal device to measure the first reference signal to obtain a path loss estimation value.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; In the first default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signals to be tracked for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) according to a downlink control channel related reference signal; in the second default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signals to be tracked for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) according to the downlink control channel related reference signal; and in the third default mode, the terminal device determines the reference signals to be tracked for a sounding reference signal (SRS) according to the downlink control channel related reference signal.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes: The terminal device sends first capability information and / or second capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC), and the second capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

10. A method of tracking a reference signal, the method comprising: Comprise: The network device sends first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate whether a default mode is enabled, in which the terminal device determines reference signals to be tracked according to a downlink control channel related reference signal; The network device sends second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to configure a plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; If the default mode is enabled, the network device determines that the reference signals to be tracked by the terminal device are reference signals determined based on the downlink control channel related reference signal, and the reference signals not to be tracked are the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first information and the second information are sent by the network device through a same signaling.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the default mode is not enabled, the network device determines that the reference signals to be tracked by the terminal device are reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and the reference signals not to be tracked are the downlink control channel related reference signal.

13. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, Before the network device sends the second information to the terminal device, the method further includes: The network device receives first capability information from the terminal device, the first capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC); The network device determines the number of the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals according to the first capability information.

14. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The method further includes: The network device receives second capability information from the terminal device, the second capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC). 15.An apparatus for tracking a reference signal, the apparatus comprising: Comprise: The transceiver unit is configured to receive first information from the network device, the first information being used to indicate whether a default mode is enabled, in which the apparatus determines reference signals to be tracked according to a downlink control channel related reference signal; and receive second information from the network device, the second information being used to configure a plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; The processing unit is configured to, if the default mode is enabled, track reference signals determined based on the downlink control channel related reference signal, and not track the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The first information and the second information are sent by the network device through the same signaling.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The processing unit is further configured to: If the default mode is not enabled, track reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and do not track reference signals related to the downlink control channel.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals are M path loss estimation reference signals with the smallest values among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals. Alternatively, The reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals are M path loss estimation reference signals with the largest values among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals. M is a positive integer predefined or reported by the device to the network device.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, The reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals are M path loss estimation reference signals with the shortest transmission periods among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals. Alternatively, The reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals are M path loss estimation reference signals with the longest transmission periods among the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals. M is a positive integer predefined or reported by the device to the network device.

20. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The transceiver is further configured to: receive third information from the network device, the third information being used to indicate first reference signals; The processing unit is further configured to: obtain a path loss estimation value according to the reference signals tracked by the device and / or the first reference signals; adjust uplink transmission power of the device based on the path loss estimation value, wherein the adjusted uplink transmission power takes effect after a first time period in which the device receives the third information.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, If all the first reference signals belong to the reference signals tracked by the device, the first time period is X; or If all or part of the first reference signals do not belong to the reference signals tracked by the device, the first time period is X+T. X is a predefined or preconfigured parameter, and T is a time length for the device to measure the first reference signals to obtain a path loss estimation value.

22. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The default mode is any one of the following: a first default mode, a second default mode, or a third default mode; In the first default mode, the device determines reference signals to be tracked for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) according to reference signals related to a downlink control channel; in the second default mode, the device determines reference signals to be tracked for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) according to reference signals related to a downlink control channel; and in the third default mode, the device determines reference signals to be tracked for a sounding reference signal (SRS) according to reference signals related to a downlink control channel.

23. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein, The transceiver is further configured to: send first capability information and / or second capability information to the network device, the first capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC), and the second capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each CC.

24. An apparatus for tracking a reference signal, the apparatus comprising: Comprise: The transceiver is configured to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate whether a default mode is enabled, in which the terminal device determines reference signals to be tracked according to downlink control channel related reference signals; and send second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to configure a plurality of path loss estimation reference signals; The processing unit is configured to, if the default mode is enabled, determine that reference signals to be tracked by the terminal device are reference signals determined based on the downlink control channel related reference signals, and reference signals not to be tracked are the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein, The first information and the second information are sent by the apparatus through the same signaling.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The processing unit is further configured to: If the default mode is not enabled, determine that reference signals to be tracked by the terminal device are reference signals determined based on the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals, and reference signals not to be tracked are the downlink control channel related reference signals.

27. The apparatus of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The transceiver is further configured to: Before sending the second information to the terminal device, receive first capability information from the terminal device, the first capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of configurable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC); The processing unit is further configured to: Determine the number of the plurality of path loss estimation reference signals according to the first capability information.

28. The apparatus of claim 24 or 25, wherein, The transceiver is further configured to: Receive second capability information from the terminal device, the second capability information being used to indicate a maximum number of trackable path loss estimation reference signals supported by each carrier component (CC).

29. An apparatus for tracking a reference signal, the apparatus comprising: Comprise: A processor, a memory and a transceiver; The transceiver is configured to receive signals or send signals; The memory is configured to store program codes; The processor is configured to call the program codes from the memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 14.

30. An apparatus for tracking a reference signal, the apparatus comprising: Comprise: A processor, when the processor calls a computer program in a memory, a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 14 is executed.

31. An apparatus for tracking a reference signal, the apparatus comprising: Comprise: A memory and a processor; The memory is configured to store a computer program, when the processor calls the computer program in the memory, so that the apparatus executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 14.

32. A computer readable medium for storing a computer program, characterized in that The computer program comprises instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 14.

33. A computer program product, comprising computer program code in said computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or any one of claims 10 to 14.

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