Channel tracking method and apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a channel tracking method and apparatus. In this method, a terminal device transmits a second reference signal during the period of transmitting a first reference signal, based on reference signal configuration information. Since the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal, and the first and second reference signals are jointly estimated using a time-domain binding method, the channel state information can be obtained more instantly compared to methods that rely solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] During uplink beamforming, in order to eliminate the interference between antennas, the base station can obtain channel state information (CSI) based on the sound reference signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through each antenna port. Then, based on the channel state information, the base station can configure the corresponding codebook for the terminal device to perform downlink transmission.

[0003] However, due to the time delay between the terminal device sending SRS and the network device sending the physical downlink shared channel, the channel aging caused by this delay will lead to a mismatch between the codebook configured based on SRS and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission, thereby affecting the precoding's ability to suppress interference between multiple users.

[0004] Therefore, how to obtain channel state information in a timely manner has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a channel tracking method and apparatus that can acquire channel status information more instantly.

[0006] Firstly, in the channel tracking method provided in this application, the reference signal configuration information includes a first reference signal and a second reference signal. The terminal device transmits the second reference signal during the period in which the first reference signal is transmitted, according to the reference signal configuration information. Since the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal, and the first and second reference signals are jointly estimated in a time-domain bound manner, the channel state information can be obtained more promptly compared to a method that relies solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation.

[0007] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the codebook configured by the base station based on the channel state information is more closely matched with the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0008] Optionally, the period of the second reference signal can be the same as or different from the period of the first reference signal. In one case, the period of the second reference signal can be greater than the period of the first reference signal; in another case, the period of the second reference signal can be equal to the period of the first reference signal; and in yet another case, the period of the second reference signal can be less than the period of the first reference signal. Optionally, the period of the second reference signal is predefined by the protocol or configured by signaling.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) extension in the uplink transmission. In one implementation, the sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the DFT in a comb or chunk manner. That is, the terminal device inserts the sequence of the second reference signal into the uplink transmission samples before the DFT extension in a comb or chunk manner. Therefore, in this implementation, the second reference signal and the first reference signal are jointly used for channel estimation in a time-domain binding manner, which can obtain channel state information over the entire bandwidth. Compared with simply increasing the SRS mapping density, this reduces the pilot overhead of the SRS and increases the number of terminals that can support uplink channel state information measurement, effectively reducing the PAPR of the uplink transmission.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; the symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

[0012] It is evident that the symbols of the second reference signal in the mapped time slot are not limited by the symbols mapped by the first reference signal. Optionally, the symbols of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal are configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or downlink control signaling.

[0013] Optionally, the first reference signal is a probe reference signal (SRS); the second reference signal is an additional probe reference signal (SRS). The second reference signal can be a periodic, aperiodic, or semi-static SRS.

[0014] Secondly, this application also provides a channel tracking method, which corresponds to the method in the first aspect and is described from the perspective of a network device. In this method, the network device receives a first reference signal and a second reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal; the network device jointly estimates channel state information based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal in a time-domain binding manner. It is evident that, compared to the method of relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the period for jointly estimating the channel using the second reference signal and the first reference signal is shorter, thereby enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) extension in the uplink transmission. In one implementation, the sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the DFT in a comb or chunk manner. Therefore, in this implementation, the second reference signal and the first reference signal are jointly used for channel estimation in a time-domain binding manner, which can obtain channel state information over the entire bandwidth. Compared with simply increasing the SRS mapping density, this reduces the pilot overhead of the SRS and increases the number of terminals supported for measuring uplink channel state information, effectively reducing the PAPR of the uplink transmission.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, the second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; the symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

[0018] It is evident that the symbols of the second reference signal in the mapped time slot are not limited by the symbols mapped by the first reference signal. Optionally, the symbols of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal are configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or downlink control signaling.

[0019] Optionally, the first reference signal is a probe reference signal (SRS); the second reference signal is an additional probe reference signal (SRS). Optionally, the second reference signal can be a periodic, aperiodic, or semi-static SRS.

[0020] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device that has some or all of the functions of the terminal device in the method example of the first aspect described above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the terminal device embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of implementing any one of the embodiments in this application individually. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0021] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The communication unit supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the transmitting unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the communication device includes:

[0023] A communication unit is configured to transmit a second reference signal during a cycle in which a first reference signal is transmitted, based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0024] As an example, the processing unit may be a processor, the communication unit may be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage unit may be a memory. The processor, the memory, and the program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, when the program is run, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect.

[0025] In one embodiment, the communication device includes:

[0026] A transceiver is configured to transmit a second reference signal during a cycle in which a first reference signal is transmitted, based on the reference signal configuration information.

[0027] It is evident that, compared to relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the combined channel estimation using the second and first reference signals has a shorter cycle, enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0028] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the receiving end in the method example described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the network device embodiments in this application, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment of this application implemented individually. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0029] In one possible design, the communication device may include a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The communication unit supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage unit coupled to the processing unit and the transmitting unit, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0030] In one embodiment, the communication device includes:

[0031] A communication unit is configured to receive a second reference signal during a period of a first reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal.

[0032] The processing unit is configured to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0033] It is evident that, compared to the method of channel estimation relying solely on the first reference signal, the channel estimation period using the second and first reference signals is shorter, thus enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the base station based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0034] As an example, the processing unit may be a processor, the communication unit may be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage unit may be a memory. The processor, the memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, when the program is run, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0035] In one embodiment, the communication device includes:

[0036] A transceiver is configured to receive a second reference signal during a period of a first reference signal, based on reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal.

[0037] The processor is configured to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0038] Thirdly and fourthly, in the specific implementation process, the processor can be used for, for example but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver can be used for, for example but not limited to, radio frequency transceiver. The aforementioned devices can be disposed on separate chips, or at least partially or entirely on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into analog baseband processors and digital baseband processors. The analog baseband processor can be integrated with the transceiver on the same chip, while the digital baseband processor can be disposed on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be integrated with multiple application processors (e.g., but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) on the same chip. Such a chip can be called a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Whether the various devices are disposed independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of the product design. This application does not limit the specific implementation form of the aforementioned devices.

[0039] Fifthly, this application also provides a processor for executing various methods of any one of the first to second aspects described above. In executing these methods, the processes of sending and receiving the aforementioned information can be understood as the processor outputting the aforementioned information and the processor receiving the input information. Specifically, when outputting the aforementioned information, the processor outputs the information to a transceiver for transmission. Furthermore, after being output by the processor, the information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, the information may require further processing before being input to the processor.

[0040] In this way, the transmission, receiving, and other operations involved in the processor can be more generally understood as processor output and receiving, input, and other operations, rather than transmission, receiving, and receiving operations directly performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna, unless otherwise specified or contradicted by their actual function or internal logic in the relevant description.

[0041] In specific implementation, the processor can be a dedicated processor for executing these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and the processor.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program, wherein when the computer program is run on a computer, the methods described in the first aspect are executed, or the methods described in the second aspect are executed.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0044] Eighthly, this application provides a chip system including a processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, or for supporting a network device in implementing the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the transmitting end. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0045] Ninth aspect, a communication system comprising the aforementioned devices. For example, the communication system includes a terminal device and a network device, wherein the terminal device performs the method described in the first aspect or an optional embodiment of the first aspect, and the network device performs the method described in the second aspect or an optional embodiment of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a current communication system;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the current SRS transmission and PDSCH transmission;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a channel tracking method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4AThis is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first reference signal and the second reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of the first reference signal and the second reference signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of SRS transmission and PDSCH transmission provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the transmission of the first reference signal and the second reference signal provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another channel tracking method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a second reference signal sequence in uplink sampling before DFT expansion, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of the distribution of a second reference signal sequence in the uplink sampling before DFT expansion, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] In order to better understand the embodiments of this application, the communication systems to which the embodiments of this application can be applied will be described first.

[0060] The embodiments of this application can be applied to standalone networks, that is, communication systems such as new base stations, backhaul links and core networks deployed in future networks, as well as various communication systems such as non-standalone networks.

[0061] For example, embodiments of this application can be used in fifth-generation (5G) systems, also known as new radio (NR) systems, or sixth-generation (6G) systems or other future communication systems; or they can also be used in device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, long-term evolution (LTE) systems, etc.

[0062] In this embodiment, the network device may be a device with wireless transceiver functionality or a chip that can be configured in the device. The network device includes, but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home network device (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, and transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission...) in a Wi-Fi system. It can also refer to devices used in 5G, 6G, or even 7G systems, such as gNB in ​​NR systems, or transmission points (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of network devices in 5G systems, or network nodes that constitute gNB or transmission points, such as baseband unit (BBU), or distributed unit (DU), or picocell, or femtocell, or roadside unit (RSU) in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or intelligent driving scenarios.

[0063] In this application embodiment, the terminal device may include, but is not limited to: user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent, or user device, etc. For example, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, wireless terminal in the aforementioned V2X vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network, or a wireless terminal type RSU, etc.

[0064] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0065] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, this communication system uses a network device 101, a terminal device 102, and a terminal device 103 as an example. The communication in this system includes uplink communication, downlink communication, D2D communication, etc. In time division duplex (TDD) beamforming mode, utilizing the reciprocity of uplink and downlink channels, the channel state information obtained from the sounding reference signal measurement during uplink transmission can be used to calculate the downlink beamforming weights.

[0066] like Figure 1As shown, the terminal device periodically transmits reference signals based on reference signal configuration information carried by higher-layer signaling or physical-layer signaling. The network device receives these reference signals and performs channel estimation to obtain channel state information between network device 101 and terminal devices 102 and 103, respectively. During downlink transmission, the network device configures a precoding matrix for the terminal device based on this channel state information to reduce interference between the channels of terminal devices 102 and 103.

[0067] However, as Figure 2 As shown, assuming the terminal device sends SRS in 5ms intervals and the network device has a 4ms preparation delay for sending the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), then D R2P The maximum value is 9ms, meaning the maximum delay between the SRS transmission time and the PDSCH preparation time can reach 9ms. During this period, channel aging causes a mismatch between the precoding matrix configured based on the channel state information obtained from SRS measurements and the precoding matrix that is actually best matched at the PDSCH transmission time, resulting in poor suppression of the aforementioned interference. Therefore, how to obtain instantaneous channel state information has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0068] To address this issue, this application provides a channel tracking method in which a terminal device transmits a second reference signal during the period in which a first reference signal is transmitted. The first and second reference signals are associated with the same antenna port and are jointly estimated using a time-domain binding method. Therefore, this channel tracking method can track the channel state information more promptly.

[0069] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a channel tracking method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is explained from the perspective of the interaction between terminal devices and network devices. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the channel tracking method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0071] 201. The terminal device transmits a second reference signal during the period in which the first reference signal is transmitted, based on the reference signal configuration information;

[0072] 202. The network device receives the second reference signal during the period of the first reference signal according to the reference signal configuration information;

[0073] 203. The network device jointly estimates the channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0074] The reference signal configuration information includes parameters such as the reference signal sequence, port and resource mapping method, receiver estimation of the reference signal, and period of the reference signal.

[0075] In step 201, the second reference signal is transmitted or received during the period of the first reference signal, so the first reference signal and the second reference signal are transmitted or received periodically in time.

[0076] For example, such as Figure 4A As shown, assuming the first and second reference signals occupy the last symbol of the mapped time slot, the bandwidth is 4 resource blocks (RBs), the period of the first reference signal is 20 slots, the second reference signal is inserted into the period of the first reference signal, and the first and second reference signals are located on the last symbol of the mapped time slot, as follows. Figure 4A As shown, the transmission period of the first reference signal and the second reference signal as a whole is 10 time slots, which is beneficial for more timely tracking of the channel state information.

[0077] like Figure 4A As shown, the period of the first reference signal is 20 slots, for example, the mappable time slots are slot 0 and slot 20; the second reference signal is transmitted during the period of the first reference signal, such as... Figure 4A As shown, the period of the second reference signal is 20 slots, such as slot 10 and slot 30 that can be mapped. The first reference signal mapped on slot 0 can be combined with the second reference signal mapped on slot 10 for channel estimation; or the first reference signal mapped on slot 0, the second reference signal mapped on slot 10, the first reference signal mapped on slot 20, and the second reference signal mapped on slot 30 can be combined for channel estimation, and so on.

[0078] Optionally, if the usage in the first reference signal configuration information is "additional," the terminal device may insert a second reference signal into the period of the first reference signal, that is, send the second reference signal during the period in which the first reference signal is sent. The period of the second reference signal can be specified by protocol or configured by signaling. For example, by specifying by protocol or configuring by signaling, the period of the second reference signal can be equal to the period of the first reference signal, or equal to twice the period of the first reference signal, etc.

[0079] In other words, the period of the second reference signal can be the same as or different from the period of the first reference signal. In one case, the period of the second reference signal can be greater than the period of the first reference signal; in another case, the period of the second reference signal can be equal to the period of the first reference signal; and in yet another case, the period of the second reference signal can be less than the period of the first reference signal. Optionally, the period of the second reference signal is predefined by the protocol or configured by the signaling.

[0080] Optionally, the first reference signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS), and the second reference signal can be an enhanced SRS, an additional sounding reference signal (SRS), or an enhanced phase tracing reference signal (PTRS). The enhanced PTRS differs from the usual PTRS; it is used to perform joint channel estimation with the SRS to obtain channel state information, while the usual PTRS is used for phase estimation.

[0081] Optionally, when the usage in the SRS configuration information is set to "additional," the terminal device can insert additional SRS into the SRS cycle, that is, send additional SRS during the SRS sending cycle. The cycle of additional SRS can be specified by protocol or configured by signaling. For example, by specifying by protocol or configuring by signaling, the additional SRS cycle can be made equal to the SRS cycle, or equal to twice the SRS cycle, etc.

[0082] like Figure 4B As shown, the period of the SRS is 20 slots, for example, the mappable time slots are slot 0, slot 20, slot 40, slot 60, and slot 80; the period of the additional SRS is 40 slots, for example, the mappable time slots are slot 10, slot 50, and slot 90, and the second reference signal is transmitted during the period of the first reference signal, such as... Figure 4B As shown.

[0083] In step 203, the joint estimation of channel state information by time-domain binding means that the channel state information can be jointly estimated based on the reference signals mapped by different symbols in the time domain.

[0084] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a channel tracking method provided in an embodiment of this application. Assume the first reference signal is the SRS, the second reference signal is the additional SRS, and the period of the SRS is as follows: Figure 5The given time is 5ms, and the preparation delay of PDSCH remains 4ms. In this embodiment, the additional SRS can be sent during the SRS cycle. Thus, the cycle of the SRS and the additional SRS as a whole is 2.5ms, and as shown... Figure 4A The additional SRS shown is associated with the same antenna ports as its previous SRS, and the channel state information is jointly estimated using a time-domain binding method. Figure 4A D that leads to channel aging R2P The maximum value is 6.5ms, which is less than Figure 2 With a 9ms response time, the embodiments of this application can obtain channel state information more promptly.

[0085] In another optional implementation, the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; the symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

[0086] Right now Figure 4A In this context, the first reference signal and the second reference signal map to different time slots, but they share the same symbol within their mapped time slots—the last symbol in the time slot. Figure 6 In, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second reference signal can be mapped to the second symbol of slot 10 or slot 30, and the first reference signal can be mapped to the last one or more symbols of slot 0 or slot 20. The second reference signal, located on the second symbol or the thirteenth symbol from the end of slot 10 or slot 30, can be configured by RRC signaling, MAC-CE signaling, or downlink control signaling.

[0087] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal, and the symbol of the second reference signal in the mapped time slot is not limited by the symbol mapped by the first reference signal. Optionally, the symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or downlink control signaling.

[0088] In one optional implementation, the time slot mapped to the second reference signal is an uplink time slot or a flexible uplink / downlink time slot. The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot it is mapped to is an uplink transmission symbol. For example, the additional SRS is located on the symbol of the physical uplink share channel (PUSCH) in the uplink time slot.

[0089] Optionally, this application can be applied to Discrete Fourier Transform-Spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM) technology for uplink transmission, that is, performing Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) spread on the signal before the Invert Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) modulation in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). See also... Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another channel tracking method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 The channel tracking method shown is the same as Figure 3 The difference in the channel tracking method shown is that, Figure 7 The terminal equipment also needs to insert a sequence of second reference signals before the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) spreading in the uplink transmission. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the channel tracking method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0090] 301. The terminal device inserts a sequence of second reference signals in the uplink transmission sampling before the discrete Fourier transform extension in a comb-like or block-like manner.

[0091] 302. The terminal device transmits a second reference signal during the period in which the first reference signal is transmitted, based on the reference signal configuration information;

[0092] 303. The network device receives the second reference signal during the period of receiving the first reference signal, according to the reference signal configuration information;

[0093] 304. The network device jointly estimates the channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0094] For details regarding steps 302 to 304, please refer to the above. Figure 3 The relevant content will not be elaborated here.

[0095] Optionally, the first reference signal is a frequency-domain expanded ZC (Zad-off Chu) sequence, and the second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) spreading in the uplink transmission, such as pre-DFT insertion additional SRS. This is beneficial for reducing the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the uplink transmission. Since the first reference signal is a frequency-domain expanded ZC sequence, it is not inserted continuously in an entire column of symbols, such as odd or even subcarriers that can be mapped in a symbol. The second reference signal is inserted during DFT spreading and can be inserted continuously in an entire column of subcarriers in a symbol. Therefore, the second reference signal and the first reference signal are jointly used for channel estimation in a time-domain binding manner, which can obtain channel state information over the entire bandwidth. Compared with simply increasing the SRS mapping density, this reduces the pilot overhead of the SRS and increases the number of terminals that can support the measurement of uplink channel state information, effectively reducing the PAPR of the uplink transmission.

[0096] Optionally, the second reference signal may share the same symbol as the uplink transmission, meaning that the second reference signal and the uplink transmission may coexist on the same symbol, or the second reference signal may be located on the symbol of the uplink transmission. Optionally, the sequence of the second reference signal may be inserted into the samples of the uplink transmission before the discrete Fourier transform expansion in a comb or chunk manner.

[0097] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the samples before DFT expansion in a combo manner. On the same symbol, the second reference signal and the uplink transmission can coexist. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink sample before DFT expansion in a chunked manner. The second reference signal and the uplink can coexist on the same symbol.

[0098] Optionally, the second reference signal can be considered as an additional PTRS, which may exist on resource blocks that are not uplink transmissions. Unlike the PTRS, this second reference signal is used in conjunction with the first reference signal for channel estimation.

[0099] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of the sending end and the receiving end, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the sending end and the receiving end may include hardware structures and software modules, and the functions may be implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0100] Please see Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 The communication device 1000 shown may include a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002. The communication unit 1001 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to implement the transmitting function, and the receiving unit is used to implement the receiving function. The communication unit 1001 can implement the transmitting function and / or the receiving function. The communication unit may also be described as a transceiver unit.

[0101] The communication device 1000 may be a network device or a terminal device, or a device within a network device or a terminal device.

[0102] In one embodiment, the communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002, which can perform the relevant operations of the terminal device in the above embodiments;

[0103] Communication unit 1001 is configured to transmit a second reference signal during the period of transmitting the first reference signal, according to the reference signal configuration information;

[0104] It is evident that, compared to relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the combined channel estimation using the second and first reference signals has a shorter cycle, enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0105] For details regarding the various implementation methods described above, please refer to the relevant content of the above method embodiments. Further details will not be provided here.

[0106] In another embodiment, the communication device 1000 includes a communication unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002, which can perform the relevant operations of the network device in the above embodiments;

[0107] The communication unit 1001 is configured to receive a second reference signal during a period of a first reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal.

[0108] The processing unit 1002 is used to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

[0109] It is evident that, compared to relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the combined channel estimation using the second and first reference signals has a shorter cycle, enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0110] For details regarding the various implementation methods described above, please refer to the relevant content of the above method embodiments. Further details will not be provided here.

[0111] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 can be a network device, a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above methods in a terminal device or network device. This communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; please refer to the description in the above method embodiments for details.

[0112] The communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1101. The processor 1101 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. The processor 1101 may be used to control the communication device (e.g., terminal device or network device, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0113] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may include one or more memories 1102, which may store instructions 1104. These instructions can be executed on the processor 1101, causing the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1102 may also store data. The processor 1101 and the memories 1102 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0114] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a transceiver 1105 and an antenna 1106. The transceiver 1105 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1105 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0115] In an optional implementation, the communication device 1100 performs the relevant operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processor 1101 can be used to execute... Figure 7 The operation in step 301; transceiver 1105 can perform Figure 7 Step 302 operation or Figure 3 Step 201 of the middle section.

[0116] In another optional implementation, the communication device 1100 performs the relevant operations of the network device in the above method embodiments, and the processor 1101 can be used to perform... Figure 3 Step 203 in the operation or Figure 7 The operation in step 304; and the transceiver 1105 can perform Figure 3 Step 202 or Figure 7 Step 303 of the middle section.

[0117] It is evident that, compared to relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the combined channel estimation using the second and first reference signals has a shorter cycle, enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0118] Other relevant details regarding the communication device can be found in the relevant content of the above method embodiments or the relevant operation of the above data transmission device. They will not be described in detail here.

[0119] In another possible design, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit used to implement the receiving and transmitting functions can be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0120] In another possible design, the processor 1101 may optionally store instructions 1103, which, when executed on the processor 1101, cause the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Instructions 1103 may be embedded in the processor 1101; in this case, the processor 1101 may be implemented in hardware.

[0121] In another possible design, the communication device 1100 may include circuitry that can perform the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0122] The processors and transceivers described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc.

[0123] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 11 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0124] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0125] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including a storage component for storing data and instructions;

[0126] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0127] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0128] (5) Receivers, smart terminals, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0129] (6) Others, etc.

[0130] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 12 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 12 The chip 1200 shown includes a processor 1201 and an interface 1202. The number of processors 1201 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1202 can be multiple.

[0131] Regarding the case where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of this application:

[0132] Interface 1202 is used to transmit a second reference signal during the period of transmitting the first reference signal, according to the reference signal configuration information;

[0133] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1203 coupled to the processor 1201, the memory 1203 being used to store program instructions and data necessary for the terminal device.

[0134] Other optional implementation methods can be found in the relevant content of the above method embodiments and the relevant content of the above data transmission device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0135] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the network device in the embodiments of this application:

[0136] Interface 1202 is used to receive a second reference signal during a period of a first reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal.

[0137] Processor 1201 is configured to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on a first reference signal and a second reference signal.

[0138] It is evident that, compared to relying solely on the first reference signal for channel estimation, the combined channel estimation using the second and first reference signals has a shorter cycle, enabling more timely acquisition of channel state information. This, in turn, facilitates a better match between the codebook configured by the network device based on the channel state information and the codebook that is actually best matched for downlink transmission.

[0139] For details regarding other optional implementation methods, please refer to the above-described method embodiments and the above-described data transmission device; they will not be elaborated here.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0141] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0142] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0143] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0145] The correspondences shown in the tables of this application can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited to these values. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this application may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headings of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0146] The term "predefined" in this application can be understood as definition, pre-defined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A channel tracking method, characterized in that, The method includes: The terminal device transmits a second reference signal during the period in which the first reference signal is transmitted, based on the reference signal configuration information. The reference signal configuration information includes the first reference signal and the second reference signal; The antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal; The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

8. A channel tracking method, characterized in that, The method includes: The network device receives a second reference signal during the period of the first reference signal according to the reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal. The network device jointly estimates channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

14. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a transceiver; The processor is configured to determine a first reference signal and a second reference signal based on reference signal configuration information. The transceiver is configured to transmit the second reference signal during a cycle in which the first reference signal is transmitted; The antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal; The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

17. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

18. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

19. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

20. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

21. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to receive a second reference signal during a period of a first reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal. The processor is configured to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

24. The communication device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

25. The communication device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

26. The communication device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

27. The communication device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

28. The communication device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

29. A chip system, characterized in that, include: Processors and interfaces; The processor is configured to determine a first reference signal and a second reference signal based on reference signal configuration information. The interface is used to transmit the second reference signal during the period of transmitting the first reference signal; The antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal; The first reference signal and the second reference signal are used to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner.

30. The chip system according to claim 29, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

31. The chip system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

32. The chip system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

33. The chip system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

34. The chip system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

35. The chip system according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

36. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor and an interface. The interface is configured to receive a second reference signal during the period of a first reference signal according to reference signal configuration information, wherein the antenna port associated with the first reference signal is the same as the antenna port associated with the second reference signal. The processor is configured to jointly estimate channel state information in a time-domain binding manner based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal.

37. The chip system according to claim 36, characterized in that, The second reference signal is a reference signal inserted before the discrete Fourier transform extension is performed during uplink transmission.

38. The chip system according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The sequence of the second reference signal is inserted into the uplink transmission samples before the discrete Fourier transform in a comb or chunk manner.

39. The chip system according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The second reference signal is located on the symbol of the uplink transmission.

40. The chip system according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the time slot mapped by the first reference signal; The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is different from the symbol of the first reference signal in the time slot mapped by the first reference signal.

41. The chip system according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The symbol of the second reference signal in the time slot mapped by the second reference signal is configured by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) signaling, or Downlink Control signaling.

42. The chip system according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The first reference signal is a detection reference signal (SRS); The second reference signal is an additional detection reference signal (SRS).

43. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a computer program, which, when run on a computer, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-7, or the method as described in any one of claims 8-14.

44. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14 to be performed.

Images