Channel estimation methods, devices and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure provides a channel estimation method, apparatus, and storage medium, relating to the field of communication technology, for channel estimation. The method includes: receiving a transmission signal and demodulating the transmission signal to determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal; gaps existing among multiple pilot signals; inserting auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, so that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are uniformly distributed in the frequency domain; determining the channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimation values ​​of the multiple first pilot signals; the multiple first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signal being located in the same time domain unit and adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain; and calculating the channel estimation value of a resource unit carrying transmission data based on the channel estimation value of each of the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a channel estimation method, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Channel estimation is the process of estimating the model parameters of a hypothetical channel model from received data. The main purpose of channel estimation is to accurately estimate the channel parameters so that the channel can be better adjusted and optimized during data transmission, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of data transmission.

[0003] Typically, wireless signals are subject to various interferences during propagation, causing significant changes in the amplitude, phase, and frequency of the wireless signal when it reaches the receiving end. Currently, the receiving end cannot accurately estimate the channel for the transmitted information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On one hand, a channel estimation method, apparatus, and storage medium are provided. The method includes: receiving a transmission signal and demodulating the transmission signal to determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal; the first resource block includes resource units carrying multiple pilot signals and resource units carrying transmission data; gaps exist among the multiple pilot signals; according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, auxiliary pilot signals are inserted into the gaps to ensure that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are uniformly distributed in the frequency domain; channel estimation values ​​of the auxiliary pilot signals are determined based on the channel estimation values ​​of the multiple first pilot signals; the multiple first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signals are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signals in the frequency domain; and the channel estimation value of the resource unit carrying transmission data is calculated based on the channel estimation value of each pilot signal and the channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a channel estimation method. After demodulating the received transmission signal, the channel estimation device determines the first resource block carrying the transmission signal. Since there are gaps among the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, the channel estimation device inserts an auxiliary pilot signal into the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, ensuring that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain. Then, the channel estimation device calculates the channel estimate value of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate value of the pilot signal located in the same time domain unit as the auxiliary pilot signal and adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain. Finally, the channel estimation device determines the channel estimate value of the resource unit carrying the transmission data based on the channel estimate value of each pilot signal among the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimate value of the auxiliary pilot signal, ensuring the accuracy of channel estimation while improving the quality and efficiency of data transmission.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals; in the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the aforementioned "determining the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of the plurality of first pilot signals" may specifically include: performing linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal to determine a first channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; performing linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal to determine a second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; and determining the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the average of the sum of the first channel estimate and the second channel estimate.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the channel estimation method provided in this application comprehensively considers the channel estimation values ​​of the upper pilot signal and the lower pilot signal. Specifically, it determines the first channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimation value of the upper pilot signal, determines the second channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimation value of the lower pilot signal, and sums and averages the first and second channel estimation values ​​to determine a more accurate channel estimation value of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the number of auxiliary pilot signals is N; where N is an integer greater than 3; the number of upper pilot signals and lower pilot signals is [N / 2].

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes: inserting virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block; the virtual resource blocks are resource blocks used to suppress sideband effects of data signals; the virtual resource blocks include resource units carrying virtual pilot signals; the position of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks is determined by frequency domain distribution rules; determining the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks; determining the channel estimate of the resource units carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block; and determining the channel estimate of the physical resource blocks carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0010] In view of this, this application provides a channel estimation method. When there is a sideband effect at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimation value of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, the signal receiving end inserts a virtual resource block including a virtual pilot signal at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block. The channel estimation value of the virtual pilot signal is determined by the channel estimation value of the second pilot signal. Then, based on the channel estimation value of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimation value of the pilot signal at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimation value of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined, thus avoiding the problem of the sideband effect of the first resource block.

[0011] In some embodiments, the virtual resource block has the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block, and carries multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0012] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "determining the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal in the virtual resource block" may specifically include: performing linear interpolation on the virtual pilot signal based on the channel estimates of multiple second pilot signals to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal; the multiple second pilot signals are located in the same time domain unit as the virtual pilot signal and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain; the number of multiple second pilot signals is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes: for one or more pilot signals that have the same frequency domain location and have gaps in the time domain, determining the channel estimate value of the resource unit corresponding to the gap based on the channel estimate value of the one or more pilot signals.

[0014] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a pilot signal; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is the channel estimate of the pilot signal included in the time-domain unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a plurality of pilot signals; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined by the channel estimate of the plurality of pilot signals included in the time-domain unit.

[0016] In view of this, the embodiments of this application provide a channel estimation method, which performs time-domain interpolation on a first resource block by deleting auxiliary pilot signals, and sets different processing methods for different time-domain conditions of the first resource block, so as to further avoid the problem of large channel estimation errors caused by the discontinuity of pilot signals in the time domain.

[0017] In some embodiments, before the above-mentioned "determining the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap based on the channel estimate of one or more pilot signals", the method further includes: performing an inverse fast Fourier transform on the frequency domain channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data to obtain the time domain channel estimate of the resource unit; performing a Fourier transform on the time domain channel estimate and deleting the auxiliary pilot signals in the first resource block.

[0018] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned "deleting the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block" may specifically include: deleting the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block and the virtual resource block.

[0019] On the other hand, a channel estimation apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a processing unit and a communication unit;

[0020] The communication unit is configured to: receive a transmission signal, demodulate the transmission signal, and determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal; the first resource block includes a resource unit carrying a pilot signal and a resource unit carrying transmission data; the pilot signal includes multiple pilot signals with gaps between them.

[0021] The processing unit is also configured to insert auxiliary pilot signals in the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, so that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0022] The processing unit is further configured to: determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of the plurality of first pilot signals; the plurality of first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain.

[0023] The processing unit is also configured to: calculate the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data based on the channel estimate of each of the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals; in the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the processing unit is specifically configured to: perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal to determine a first channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal to determine a second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; and determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the average of the sum of the first channel estimate and the second channel estimate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the number of auxiliary pilot signals is N; where N is an integer greater than 3; the number of upper pilot signals and lower pilot signals is [N / 2].

[0026] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block; the virtual resource blocks are resource blocks used to suppress sideband effects of data signals; the virtual resource blocks include resource units carrying virtual pilot signals; the position of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks is determined by frequency domain distribution rules; determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks; determine the channel estimate of the resource units carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block; and determine the channel estimate of the physical resource blocks carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0027] In some embodiments, the virtual resource block has the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block, and carries multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0028] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: perform linear interpolation on the virtual pilot signal based on the channel estimates of the plurality of second pilot signals to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal; the plurality of second pilot signals and the virtual pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain; the number of the plurality of second pilot signals is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals.

[0029] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: for one or more pilot signals that have the same frequency domain location and have gaps in the time domain, determining a channel estimate value for a resource element corresponding to a gap based on the channel estimate values ​​of the one or more pilot signals.

[0030] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a pilot signal; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is the channel estimate of the pilot signal included in the time-domain unit.

[0031] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a plurality of pilot signals; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined by the channel estimate of the plurality of pilot signals included in the time-domain unit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: perform an inverse fast Fourier transform on the frequency domain channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data to obtain a time domain channel estimate of the resource unit; perform a Fourier transform on the time domain channel estimate and delete the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block.

[0033] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to: delete the auxiliary pilot signal and the virtual resource block in the first resource block.

[0034] In another aspect, a channel estimation apparatus is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the channel estimation method of the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0035] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the channel estimation method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0036] In another aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the channel estimation method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0037] In another aspect, a computer program is provided. When executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), the computer program causes the computer to perform the channel estimation method as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc. involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a signal receiver according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 3 Here is a flowchart of a channel estimation method according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a first resource block according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a first resource block according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a first resource block and a virtual resource block according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 7 Here is a flowchart of a channel estimation method according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a first resource block and a virtual resource block according to some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 9 Here is a flowchart of a channel estimation method according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a first resource block according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a channel estimation apparatus according to some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a channel estimation apparatus according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0052] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, specific features or characteristics may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0053] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0054] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0055] "At least one of A, B and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B or C", both including the following combinations of A, B and C: only A, only B, only C, combinations of A and B, combinations of A and C, combinations of B and C, and combinations of A, B and C.

[0056] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0057] As used herein, depending on the context, the term “if” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “when”, “in the event of”, “in response to determination”, or “in response to detection”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “if it is determined that…” or “if [the stated condition or event] is detected” may optionally be interpreted as meaning “in the event of determination that…”, “in response to determination that…”, “when [the stated condition or event] is detected”, or “in response to the detection of [the stated condition or event]”.

[0058] The use of “applies to” or “configured to” in this article implies an open and inclusive language that does not preclude applicability to or configuration to devices that perform additional tasks or steps.

[0059] In addition, the use of "based on" implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations or other actions "based on" one or more conditions or values ​​can in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those conditions.

[0060] The following explanations of the terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding.

[0061] Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) technology.

[0062] OFDM technology is a type of Multi-Carrier Modulation (MCM). OFDM technology can achieve high-speed parallel transmission of serial data through frequency division multiplexing, has good resistance to multipath fading, and can support the access of multiple user devices. OFDM technology is one of the implementation methods of multi-carrier transmission schemes. Its modulation and demodulation are based on Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), respectively. It is a multi-carrier transmission scheme with relatively low implementation complexity and wide application.

[0063] Typically, before performing spectrum analysis on received signals (such as wireless communication signals, audio signals, or radar signals), the signal receiver needs to convert the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain. For example, the signal receiver can use Fourier transform to transform the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain.

[0064] The Fourier transform can include the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The DFT is the representation of the Fourier transform in a discrete system. However, the DFT is computationally very expensive. The FFT is a more efficient algorithm for the DFT; it not only better represents the spectral characteristics of a signal but also utilizes butterfly operations to reduce the computational complexity of the DFT from O(N) to O(N)*. 2 The value is reduced to O(NlogN).

[0065] Least squares (LS).

[0066] Least squares (LS), also known as the least squares method, is a mathematical optimization technique. Based on the least squares method, unknown data can be easily calculated, minimizing the sum of squared errors between these unknown data and the actual data. The least squares method can also be used for curve fitting and other optimization problems.

[0067] Interpolation and fitting.

[0068] Interpolation and fitting are both important components of function approximation or numerical approximation. They share the common goal of finding an unknown continuous function defined on a continuous set S (M is a subset of S) by knowing constraints on a set of discrete points M, thereby achieving the goal of obtaining the overall pattern—that is, understanding the whole picture through a glimpse. Simply put,

[0069] Fitting refers to the process of finding the minimum difference (in the least squares sense) between a given set of discrete function values ​​{f1, f2, ..., fn} and the known points by adjusting several undetermined coefficients f (λ1, λ2, ..., λ3). If the function is linear, it is called linear fitting or linear regression (mainly in statistics); otherwise, it is called nonlinear fitting or nonlinear regression. The expression can also be a piecewise function, in which case it is called spline fitting.

[0070] Interpolation refers to the process of finding an interpolation function and its coefficients of unknown form within a given discrete point, based on the known function values ​​or derivatives of that function, to satisfy constraints at those discrete points. The interpolation function is also called a basis function. If the basis function is defined over the entire domain, it is called a global basis; otherwise, it is called a regional basis. If the constraints only involve function values, it is called Lagrange interpolation; otherwise, it is called Hermite interpolation. Geometrically, fitting is about finding a continuous surface with known form but unknown parameters to approximate a given set of points in space as closely as possible, while interpolation is about finding one (or several piecewise smooth) continuous surface that passes through those points. Interpolation can include linear interpolation, parabolic interpolation, etc.

[0071] Linear interpolation.

[0072] Linear interpolation is a method of interpolating values ​​at interpolation nodes using an interpolation function, with zero error. Compared to other interpolation methods, such as parabolic interpolation, linear interpolation is simpler and more convenient. Linear interpolation calculates the function values ​​of points adjacent to points A and B using the function expression of a straight line passing through points A and B.

[0073] Wireless environments are typically complex and variable. Signals are susceptible to various interferences during propagation between the transmitter and receiver, meaning that the signal's amplitude, phase, and frequency may have changed significantly by the time it reaches the receiver. To accurately recover the signal, the receiver can process the received signal using channel estimation and channel equalization to eliminate the interference caused by these changes and recover the original signal as much as possible. Therefore, a good channel estimation algorithm is crucial for the performance of the receiver, determining the final probability of signal recovery.

[0074] Currently, channel estimation is mainly divided into non-blind channel estimation and blind channel estimation. As the name suggests, blind channel estimation does not require existing pilot signals and mainly includes channel estimation based on maximum expectation and subspace-based channel estimation techniques. Non-blind channel estimation, on the other hand, requires pilot signals known to both the base station and the receiver for channel estimation, and uses different time-frequency domain interpolation techniques to estimate the channel response on subcarriers between pilot signals or symbols. That is to say, channel estimation using pilot signals can provide better channel estimation performance. However, the above methods require inserting additional pilot signals in addition to transmitting data symbols, which reduces data transmission efficiency.

[0075] In view of this, this application provides a channel estimation method. After demodulating the received transmission signal, the signal receiver determines the first resource block carrying the transmission signal. Since there are gaps among the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, the signal receiver inserts an auxiliary pilot signal into the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, ensuring that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain. Then, the signal receiver calculates the channel estimate value of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate value of the pilot signal located in the same time domain unit as the auxiliary pilot signal and adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain. Finally, the channel estimation device determines the channel estimate value of the resource unit carrying the transmission data based on the channel estimate value of each pilot signal among the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimate value of the auxiliary pilot signal, ensuring the accuracy of channel estimation while improving the quality and efficiency of data transmission.

[0076] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This application provides a communication system. The communication system may include a signal transmitter and a signal receiver. The signal transmitter and the signal receiver are communicatively connected.

[0078] The signal transmitter can be used to send signals to the signal receiver. For example, the signal transmitter can be a relay device or a terminal device. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or computer with wireless transceiver capabilities. It can also be a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in autonomous driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a smart home, an in-vehicle terminal, etc.

[0079] A signal receiver can be used to receive signals transmitted from a signal transmitter. For example, a signal transmitter is an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. For example, a signal transmitter can be a network device. It can be any of the following: an indoor macro base station, a small base station, a wireless access point, a transmission receive point (TRP), a transmission point (TP), or some other access node.

[0080] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to any communication system that supports communication. The communication system can be a 3GPP high-frequency wireless communication system, such as a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, an evolved LTE (eLTE) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as a new radio (NR) system, a new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems, such as a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system. It can also be a non-3GPP communication system, and there is no limitation.

[0081] It should be noted 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 communication systems and the emergence of other communication systems, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0082] In one example, Figure 2 A structural diagram of a signal receiver 200 is shown. The signal receiver may include an antenna unit 201, an intermediate frequency (IF) processing unit 202, and a baseband processing unit 203. The antenna unit 201, the IF processing unit 202, and the baseband processing unit 203 are communicatively connected.

[0083] Antenna element 201 can be a radio frequency (RF) transceiver antenna, which is a device used in an antenna system to transmit or receive radio frequency signals. RF signals refer to electromagnetic wave signals with frequencies ranging from 300 kHz to 100 GHz. Such antennas are commonly used in broadcasting, telephone, television, satellite communications, radar, and other fields.

[0084] The intermediate frequency (IF) processing unit 202 is used for up-conversion and down-conversion of data and analog-to-digital (ADC) to analog-to-digital (ADC) conversion of signals. Its main function is to receive the modulated signal (i.e., the IF analog signal) from the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), process it through its internal interpolation, filtering, and DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) processing, and then modulate the processed, amplified signal onto the IF frequency for transmission. In other words, the IF processing unit 202 converts the signal into a digital baseband signal after DAC sampling, mixing, decimation, and filtering, and then transmits the digital baseband signal to the FPGA for subsequent processing. The channel estimation scheme is mainly implemented in the baseband processing unit 203.

[0085] The baseband processing unit 203 is mainly responsible for various algorithms of the physical layer. For example, the algorithms may include synchronization, verification, encoding / decoding, interleaving / deinterleaving, scrambling, descrambling, modulation / demodulation and other algorithms. The baseband processing unit 203 has functions such as OFDM modulation, data synchronization, FFT operation, channel estimation and compensation, adaptive demodulation, and signal-to-noise ratio estimation.

[0086] The frequency domain interpolation process of the baseband processing unit 203 may include: after receiving the signal, the baseband processing unit 203 performs frequency offset estimation and compensation on the received signal to achieve symbol synchronization. Then, the baseband processing unit 203 performs a cyclic prefix removal operation on the processed signal to determine the channel estimate value of the resource element in the first resource block carrying the signal, and performs a fast Fourier transform on the resource element, thus completing the frequency domain interpolation.

[0087] Furthermore, the baseband processing unit 203 performs time-domain interpolation on the first resource block, and then performs channel estimation and equalization on the time-domain interpolated first resource block, finally outputting data to complete the channel estimation of the first resource block.

[0088] It should be noted that the structures of the signal receivers described above are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the signal receivers. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the signal receiver may also include other devices, which are not limited thereto.

[0089] The following is combined Figure 1 The communication system shown illustrates the channel estimation method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0090] like Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a channel estimation method provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The signal receiving end is shown. This method may include S301-S304.

[0091] S301. Receive the transmission signal, demodulate the transmission signal, and determine the first resource block carrying the transmission signal.

[0092] The first resource block can have multiple resource units. These multiple resource units may include resource units carrying multiple pilot signals and resource units carrying transmitted data. The pilot signals can be used for channel measurement or estimation. Gaps exist among the multiple pilot signals.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pilot signal can be a known signal continuously transmitted at a fixed frequency. The pilot signal is used for channel estimation and synchronization. Spectrum-wise, the pilot signal can be represented by an added line at the frequency. The pilot signal is distributed across the entire time domain.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, resource units carrying pilot signals are represented by P. Multiple P's in the same frequency domain but different time domains form a pilot signal, and each pilot signal is evenly spaced in the frequency domain. Resource units carrying transmission data are represented by blank cells, and the same number of resource units carrying transmission data are set between two adjacent pilot signals.

[0095] In one possible implementation, after receiving the transmitted signal from the signal transmitter, the signal receiver can demodulate the transmitted signal using OFDM technology to obtain a first resource block comprising K*L resource elements. Here, K is the number of frequency-domain subcarriers, and L is the number of time-domain symbols. K and L are positive integers.

[0096] Understandable Figure 4 The first resource block shown includes K rows of frequency-domain resource units and L columns of time-domain resource units. K rows can refer to K subcarriers with a bandwidth of 15kHz, and each column of resource units can be called an OFDM symbol. That is, the first resource block includes L OFDM symbols (only 4 are shown in the figure; it can include more). For example, the first resource block includes 240*4 resource units. 240 represents 240 subcarriers, and 4 represents 4 OFDM symbols.

[0097] Another example, such as Figure 4 As shown, gaps exist within the pilot signal, which can be specified by the protocol. One or more gaps can exist within a single pilot signal. Resource elements carrying the pilot signal (such as...) exist above and below the frequency domain location of the gap. Figure 4 (Resource units of frequency domain number 5 and frequency domain number 33 in the middle).

[0098] It should be noted that the above description of the demodulation method of the first resource block involved in S301 (that is, the way to determine K and L of the first resource block) is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as a limitation on the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0099] S302. Based on the frequency domain distribution pattern of multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, auxiliary pilot signals are inserted in the gaps to ensure that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0100] In this configuration, multiple pilot signals are evenly distributed among the resource cells of the first resource block according to a specific pattern. This pattern can be that one or more data-carrying resource cells are spaced apart between adjacent resource cells carrying pilot signals. The signal receiver then inserts auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps in the resource cells according to this pattern. These inserted auxiliary pilot signals are evenly distributed with the other pilot signals.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, subcarriers with frequency domain numbers 1, 5, 9, 13...33 are resource units carrying pilot signals, meaning that a pilot signal is inserted for every four subcarriers. Subcarriers with frequency domain numbers 17-21 and 21-29 have gaps. The signal receiver can then insert auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps between frequency domain numbers 17, 21, 25, and 29 to ensure that multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0102] It is understandable that, due to the gaps in the first resource block, the signal receiver is prone to inaccurate channel estimation values ​​when determining the gaps. Therefore, the signal receiver inserts auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps to further ensure the accuracy of subsequent channel estimation values.

[0103] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S302 have been described in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0104] S303. Determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of multiple first pilot signals.

[0105] The channel estimate can be a pilot, a pilot signal, or a channel estimate of the physical resource unit carrying the pilot signal. Multiple first pilot signals and auxiliary pilot signals reside in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signals in the frequency domain. The multiple first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals. In the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal. The frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0106] In this embodiment of the application, in order to accurately determine the channel estimate value of the auxiliary pilot signal, the total number of upper and lower pilot signals can be equal to the total number of auxiliary pilot signals. For example, the number of auxiliary pilot signals is N, and the number of upper and lower pilot signals is [N / 2], where N is an integer greater than 3. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the area above an auxiliary pilot signal can include two upper pilot signals, and the area below an auxiliary pilot signal can include two lower pilot signals. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the upper pilot signal can be the pilot signal of frequency domain number 9 and the pilot signal of frequency domain number 13, and the lower pilot signal can be the pilot signal of frequency domain number 33 and the pilot signal of frequency domain number 37.

[0107] One possible approach is for the signal receiver to perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal to determine a first channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal, and then perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal to determine a second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal. After determining the first and second channel estimates of the auxiliary pilot signal, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the average of the first and second channel estimates.

[0108] In one example, the channel estimates of multiple first pilot signals all satisfy Equation 1:

[0109] H_LS i = rxGrid i / refSym i Formula 1

[0110] Among them, H_LS i Let rxGrid represent the channel estimate of the i-th first pilot signal. i The parameter value of the resource unit representing the i-th first pilot signal, refSym i This represents the frequency domain index of the i-th first pilot signal. It is understandable that the channel estimates for the upper and lower pilot signals can also be determined using Formula 1. i is a positive integer.

[0111] Referring to the example in S302, taking an example where there are four auxiliary pilot signals, located on subcarriers of frequency domain numbers 17, 21, 25, and 29 respectively, the signal receiver can determine that there are two upper and two lower pilot signals, and that the upper and lower pilot signals are located in the same time domain unit as the auxiliary pilot signals, and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signals in the frequency domain. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the upper pilot signal can be: the pilot signal with frequency domain number 9 and the pilot signal with frequency domain number 13, and the lower pilot signal can be: the pilot signal with frequency domain number 33 and the pilot signal with frequency domain number 37.

[0112] For example, combining Figure 5 The channel estimate for the pilot signal at frequency domain number 9 is 8.9, and the channel estimate for the pilot signal at frequency domain number 13 is 13.7. The signal receiver performs linear interpolation on the channel estimates of the pilot signal at frequency domain number 9 and the pilot signal at frequency domain number 13 to obtain the first channel estimates for the four auxiliary pilot signals (auxiliary pilot signals at frequency domain numbers 17, 21, 25, and 29). Specifically, the first channel estimate for the auxiliary pilot signal at frequency domain number 17 is 18.5, for the auxiliary pilot signal at frequency domain number 21 it is 23.3, for the auxiliary pilot signal at frequency domain number 25 it is 28.1, and for the auxiliary pilot signal at frequency domain number 29 it is 32.9.

[0113] For example, if the channel estimate of the pilot signal with frequency domain number 33 is 30.1 and the channel estimate of the pilot signal with frequency domain number 37 is 36.1, then the signal receiver can use linear interpolation to fit the second channel estimates of the four auxiliary pilot signals: the second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal with frequency domain number 29 is 24.1, the second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal with frequency domain number 25 is 18.1, the second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal with frequency domain number 21 is 12.1, and the second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal with frequency domain number 17 is 6.1.

[0114] After obtaining the first and second channel estimates for each auxiliary pilot signal, the signal receiver can calculate the channel estimate based on the first and second channel estimates of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0115] Referring to the examples above, the channel estimate for the auxiliary pilot signal of frequency domain number 17 is (first channel estimate + second channel estimate) / 2 = (18.5 + 6.1) / 2 = 12.3. Similarly, the channel estimate for the auxiliary pilot signal of frequency domain number 21 is (23.3 + 12.1) / 2 = 17.7. The channel estimate for the auxiliary pilot signal of frequency domain number 25 is (28.1 + 18.1) / 2 = 23.1.

[0116] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S303 have been explained in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0117] S304. Based on the channel estimate of each pilot signal and the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal, calculate the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the signal receiver can calculate and determine the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying transmitted data between two adjacent pilot signals based on the channel estimate of two adjacent pilot signals in the frequency domain.

[0119] For example, the signal receiver can perform frequency domain interpolation on the channel estimates of two adjacent pilot signals to calculate the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data between the two adjacent pilot signals.

[0120] In this embodiment, frequency domain interpolation can be cubic spline interpolation. Cubic spline interpolation, or simply spline interpolation, is a process of obtaining a set of curve functions mathematically by solving a system of three moment equations through a smooth curve derived from a series of shape points. For specific details, please refer to existing technologies, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0121] Based on the above technical solution, the channel estimation method provided in this application involves the signal receiver demodulating the received transmission signal and determining the first resource block carrying the transmission signal. Because gaps exist among the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, these pilot signals are discontinuous. This discontinuity may lead to errors in channel estimation at the signal receiver. Therefore, in this application embodiment, the signal receiver can insert auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps based on the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block. This ensures that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are uniformly distributed in the frequency domain. Thus, the signal receiver calculates the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the pilot signal located in the same time domain unit and adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain. Based on the channel estimate of each pilot signal and the auxiliary pilot signal, the signal receiver accurately determines the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data, ensuring the accuracy of channel estimation and improving the quality and efficiency of data transmission.

[0122] In this embodiment of the application, when the resource units at both ends of the first resource block are used to carry data rather than pilot signals, a sideband effect will occur.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block are resource units carrying transmission data, represented by blank cells. For example, the resource unit carrying transmission data with frequency domain number 1 is located at the upper end of the frequency domain of the first resource block, and the resource unit carrying transmission data with frequency domain number 240 is located at the lower end of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0124] Because the channel estimate for the resource unit carrying transmitted data is calculated using the channel estimates of two adjacent pilot signals, and no pilot signal appears above the resource unit carrying transmitted data at frequency domain index 1, nor below the resource unit carrying transmitted data at frequency domain index 240, the channel receiver cannot calculate the channel estimates for the resource units carrying transmitted data at frequency domain index 1 and frequency domain index 240 based on the channel estimates of two adjacent pilot signals. In other words, there is an inaccurate calculation problem for the resource units at both ends of the first resource block's frequency domain.

[0125] To address the aforementioned issues, the signal receiver can insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the first resource block's frequency domain to suppress sideband effects, thereby ensuring the accuracy of subsequent channel estimation calculations. For details, please refer to... Figure 7 The technical solution shown.

[0126] like Figure 7 As shown, the method provided in the embodiments of this application may include S701 to S703.

[0127] S701. Insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0128] Virtual resource blocks are used to suppress sideband effects in data signals. A virtual resource block includes resource units carrying virtual pilot signals and resource units carrying virtual data. The location and quantity of virtual pilot signals within the virtual resource block can be determined by frequency domain distribution patterns.

[0129] In one possible implementation, if there is a sideband effect at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the signal receiver can insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0130] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the signal receiver inserts a virtual resource block at each end of the first resource block's frequency domain. The two virtual resource blocks are the same size and occupy the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block. For example, if the first resource block includes L OFDM symbols, then the size of the virtual resource block can be 12*L, meaning the virtual resource block occupies 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0131] Depend on Figure 6 It can be seen that after inserting the virtual resource block, the size of the first resource block becomes (K+24)L, where K is the number of frequency domain subcarriers in the first resource block, 24 is the number of frequency domain subcarriers in the two virtual resource blocks, and L is the number of symbols in the first resource block.

[0132] Furthermore, to determine the position of the virtual pilot signal within the virtual resource block, the signal receiver can determine the frequency domain index of the virtual pilot signal within the virtual resource based on the positions of multiple second pilot signals. Specifically, please refer to the description of the following embodiments.

[0133] Among them, multiple second pilot signals are located in the same time domain unit as the virtual pilot signal, and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain (for example, the frequency domain position of the second pilot signal is adjacent to the frequency domain position of the virtual pilot signal), and the number of multiple second pilot signals is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals.

[0134] Specifically, in some embodiments, the signal receiver determines the number of second pilot signals on OFDM symbol 1 based on the number of virtual pilot signals on OFDM symbol 1. The number of second pilot signals on OFDM symbol 2 is determined based on the number of virtual pilot signals on OFDM symbol 2. The number of second pilot signals on OFDM symbol 3 is determined based on the number of virtual pilot signals on OFDM symbol 3. And so on, the channel receiver can determine the number of second pilot signals on each OFDM symbol. Simultaneously, the frequency domain position of the second pilot signal in each OFDM symbol is adjacent to the frequency domain position of the virtual pilot signal.

[0135] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the frequency domain numbers of the multiple second pilot signals on each OFDM symbol are 2, 6, 10, 14...231, 235, 239, respectively. That is, the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple second pilot signals is that there are 4 resource units carrying data transmission between two adjacent second pilot signals.

[0136] Based on the frequency domain distribution pattern of the second pilot signal, the signal receiver can determine the location information of the virtual pilot signal in the virtual resource block. That is, the frequency domain index of the virtual pilot signal in the virtual resource block can be -2, -6, -10, ... Among them, the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain index -2 is the pilot signal adjacent to the second pilot signal with frequency domain index 1.

[0137] Simultaneously, based on the frequency domain distribution pattern of the second pilot signal, the signal receiver determines that the frequency domain index of the virtual pilot signal inserted into the virtual resource block below the first resource block can be 243, 247, 251... Among them, the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain index 243 is the pilot signal adjacent to the second pilot signal with frequency domain index 239.

[0138] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S701 have been described in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0139] S702. Determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal in the virtual resource block.

[0140] The virtual resource block has the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block, and carries multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0141] In one possible implementation, based on the channel estimates of multiple second pilot signals, the signal receiver can perform linear interpolation on the virtual pilot signal to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal. For example, the signal receiver can perform extrapolation fitting using linear interpolation to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal.

[0142] Referring to the example in S701, such as Figure 8 As shown, taking the virtual resource block inserted at the top of the first resource block as an example, the number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 1 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 1 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 2 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 2 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 3 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 3 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 4 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 4 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3.

[0143] Meanwhile, the frequency domain numbers of the virtual pilot signals of each OFDM symbol are the same, that is to say, the frequency domain positions of the virtual pilot signals of each OFDM symbol are the same, and their frequency domain numbers from top to bottom are -10, -6, and -2.

[0144] Accordingly, the signal receiver can determine the frequency domain index of the second pilot signal adjacent to the virtual pilot signal on each OFDM symbol as 2, 6, and 10. Then, based on the channel estimates of the second pilot signal with frequency domain index 2, the second pilot signal with frequency domain index 6, and the second pilot signal with frequency domain index 10, the signal receiver can perform linear extrapolation fitting to determine the channel estimates of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain index -2, the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain index -6, and the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain index -10.

[0145] Referring to the example in S701, such as Figure 8As shown, taking the virtual resource block inserted at the lower end of the first resource block as an example, the number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 1 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 1 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 2 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 2 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 3 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 3 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3. The number of virtual pilot signals for OFDM symbol 4 is 3, and the number of second pilot signals for OFDM symbol 4 is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals, also 3.

[0146] Meanwhile, the frequency domain numbers of the virtual pilot signals of each OFDM symbol are the same, that is to say, the frequency domain positions of the virtual pilot signals of each OFDM symbol are the same, and their frequency domain numbers from top to bottom are 243, 247, and 251.

[0147] Accordingly, the signal receiver can determine the frequency domain indices of the second pilot signal adjacent to the virtual pilot signal on each OFDM symbol as 231, 235, and 239. Furthermore, the signal receiver can perform linear extrapolation fitting based on the channel estimates of the second pilot signal with frequency domain indices 231, 235, and 239 to determine the channel estimates of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain indices 243, 247, and 251.

[0148] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S702 have been described in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0149] S703. Based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the frequency domain edge of the first resource block, determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying the data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the frequency domain edge of the first resource block.

[0150] The channel estimate of the pilot signal at the edge of the first resource block frequency domain includes the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the upper edge of the first resource block frequency domain and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the lower edge of the first resource block frequency domain.

[0151] In one possible implementation, since both ends of the first resource block's frequency domain are resource units carrying transmitted data, not resource units carrying pilot signals, the signal receiver determines the channel estimate of the data-carrying resource unit between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the upper edge of the first resource block's frequency domain based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the upper edge of the first resource block's frequency domain. Furthermore, it determines the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the lower edge of the first resource block's frequency domain based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the lower edge of the first resource block's frequency domain. The frequency domain interpolation can be performed using a cubic spline interpolation method.

[0152] Referring to the example in S701, such as Figure 6 As shown, both ends of the first resource block in the frequency domain are resource units carrying data transmission of frequency domain signal 1 and resource units carrying data transmission of frequency domain signal 240. Figure 6 (Represented by blank resource units in the text). The signal receiver can use the cubic spline interpolation method to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal of the virtual resource block.

[0153] For each OFDM symbol, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data between the virtual resource block and the pilot signal in the OFDM symbol based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal adjacent to the first resource block on the OFDM symbol and the channel estimate of the pilot signal adjacent to the virtual resource block on the OFDM symbol in the first resource block.

[0154] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, for OFDM symbol 1, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data in frequency domain numbers -1 to 1 of OFDM symbol 1 based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain number -2 and the channel estimate of the second pilot signal with frequency domain number 2.

[0155] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, for OFDM symbol 2, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data with frequency domain numbers -1 to 1 of OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain number -2 and the channel estimate of the second pilot signal with frequency domain number 2.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, for OFDM symbol 3, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data with frequency domain numbers -1 to 1 of OFDM symbol 3 based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain number -2 and the channel estimate of the second pilot signal with frequency domain number 2.

[0157] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, for OFDM symbol 4, the signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data in frequency domain numbers -1 to 1 of OFDM symbol 4 based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal with frequency domain number -2 and the channel estimate of the second pilot signal with frequency domain number 2.

[0158] Based on the above technical solution, the embodiments of this application insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, and accurately calculate the channel estimation value of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block through the virtual pilot signal and the second pilot signal in the virtual resource block, thereby suppressing the sideband effect.

[0159] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S703 have been explained in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0160] In this embodiment of the application, in addition to frequency domain interpolation, time domain interpolation can also be performed on the first resource block. Specifically, please refer to the following... Figure 9 The description.

[0161] like Figure 9 As shown, the method provided in the embodiments of this application may further include S901-S903.

[0162] S901. Perform an inverse fast Fourier transform on the frequency domain channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data to obtain the time domain channel estimate of the resource unit.

[0163] In one possible implementation, after determining the channel estimate of the virtual resource block, the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the pilot signal, and the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data at the signal receiving end, the frequency domain channel estimate of the entire resource block is transformed to the time domain by IFFT, and the time domain estimate is windowed in the time domain.

[0164] The time-domain windowing uses a raised cosine window, the length of which depends on the CP length of the OFDM symbol and the number of subcarriers in the resource block. Also known as the Hanning window, the Hanning window widens and reduces the main lobe while significantly reducing the side lobes. From the perspective of reducing leakage, the Hanning window is superior to the rectangular window. However, the Hanning window widens the main lobe, which is equivalent to widening the analysis bandwidth and reducing frequency resolution. The maximum side lobe value of the Hanning window function is attenuated by -31dB, but the main lobe width is twice that of the rectangular window function.

[0165] The Hamming window, also known as a modified raised cosine window, is a type of cosine window, but its weighting coefficients differ from those of the Hanning window. The weighting coefficients of the Hamming window result in smaller sidelobes. The first sidelobe of the Hamming window decays to -42 dB, and its decay rate is slower than that of the Hanning window. Both the Hamming and Hanning windows are very useful window functions.

[0166] S902. Perform a Fourier transform on the time-domain channel estimate and delete the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block.

[0167] The deletion of auxiliary pilot signals in the first resource block includes: deleting auxiliary pilot signals and virtual resource blocks from the first resource block.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the signal receiver performs an FFT transformation on the time-domain channel estimate to the frequency domain, and deletes the virtual resource blocks previously inserted at both ends of the first resource block in the frequency domain, as well as the auxiliary pilot signals inserted in the gaps, to restore the original first resource block and complete the frequency domain interpolation.

[0169] S903. For one or more pilot signals that have the same frequency domain position and have gaps in the time domain, determine the channel estimate value of the resource unit corresponding to the gap based on the channel estimate value of one or more pilot signals.

[0170] When a time-domain unit includes a pilot signal, the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is the channel estimate of the pilot signal included in the time-domain unit.

[0171] Specifically, in some embodiments, the signal receiver has calculated the channel estimate of the resource element carrying the pilot signal and the channel estimate of the resource element carrying the transmitted data in the first resource block according to Formula 1 in S303 above. After the signal receiver deletes the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block in S902 above, the first resource block needs to be interpolated in the time domain.

[0172] At this point, the resource units carrying pilot signal information in the first resource block fall into three categories: 1 to 3. These three categories are explained in detail below.

[0173] Case 1: Resource units carrying pilot signal information are distributed on symbols in different frequency domains but the same time domain in the first resource block. However, the frequency domain distribution on some symbols is uneven, and there are gaps in the frequency domain. Refer to the gaps in S301.

[0174] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, there is a gap in the subcarriers of frequency domain numbers 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 of OFDM symbol 2.

[0175] For situation 1 above, the signal receiver needs to estimate the gap in the frequency domain by interpolating in the time domain. Specifically, the missing subcarrier in a certain time domain symbol is estimated by interpolating other time domain symbols of the subcarrier in the same frequency domain but different time domains. Therefore, linear interpolation can be used, which can be either interpolation fitting or extrapolation fitting.

[0176] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, gaps exist on the subcarriers of frequency domain numbers 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Among these, auxiliary pilot signals are carried on the subcarriers of frequency domain numbers 17, 21, 25, and 29.

[0177] Furthermore, this gap is within the same time domain symbol. For example, the gap is located in OFDM symbol 2, combined with... Figure 10 The signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 17 in OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 17 in OFDM symbol 1 and OFDM symbol 3.

[0178] The signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 18 in OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 18 in OFDM symbol 1 and OFDM symbol 3.

[0179] The signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 19 in OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 19 in OFDM symbol 1 and OFDM symbol 3.

[0180] The signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 20 in OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 20 in OFDM symbol 1 and OFDM symbol 3.

[0181] The signal receiver can determine the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 21 in OFDM symbol 2 based on the channel estimate of the resource element with frequency domain number 21 in OFDM symbol 1 and OFDM symbol 3.

[0182] This process continues until the signal receiver determines the channel estimate of the resource element carrying the pilot signal at frequency index 29 in OFDM symbol 2, thus completing the time-domain interpolation of case 1.

[0183] Case 2: Resource units carrying pilot signal information are distributed on symbols in the same frequency domain but different time domains of the first resource block, and the frequency domain is covered in a regular manner.

[0184] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, pilot signal information is distributed in the frequency domain index 5 of OFDM symbol 1, OFDM symbol 2, OFDM symbol 3, and OFDM symbol 4.

[0185] In case 2 above, the signal receiver does not need to perform additional time-domain interpolation.

[0186] When a time-domain unit includes multiple pilot signals, the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined by the channel estimate of the multiple pilot signals included in the time-domain unit.

[0187] Case 3: In the first resource block, only one time-domain symbol contains a resource unit carrying pilot signal information, while the other time-domain symbols do not contain pilot signal information.

[0188] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, pilot signal information exists in the resource unit of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 4, while pilot signal information does not exist in the resource unit of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 1, the resource unit of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 2, and the resource unit of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 3.

[0189] In response to the third scenario, the signal receiver can copy the channel estimate of a resource unit with only one time-domain symbol containing pilot signal information to other time-domain symbols. In other words, the same channel estimate is used for resource units in the same frequency domain but different time domains.

[0190] For example, the signal receiver uses the channel estimate of the resource element of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 4 as the channel estimate of the resource element of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 1, the resource element of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 2, and the resource element of frequency domain number 33 in OFDM symbol 3.

[0191] It should be noted that the specific calculation methods of each parameter involved in S903 have been described in detail above. The above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the channel estimation method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0192] In view of this, the channel estimation method provided in this application addresses the issue that, when sideband effects exist at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimation value of the resource units carrying transmitted data at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block cannot be accurately determined. Therefore, the signal receiving end inserts virtual resource blocks including virtual pilot signals at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block. The channel estimation value of the virtual pilot signal is determined using the channel estimation value of the second pilot signal. Then, based on the channel estimation value of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimation values ​​of the pilot signals at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimation value of the resource units carrying transmitted data at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined, thus solving the problem of inaccurate channel estimation caused by the sideband effects of the first resource block.

[0193] In addition, time-domain interpolation is performed on the first resource block where the auxiliary pilot signal is deleted to avoid the problem of large channel estimation error caused by the discontinuity of the pilot signal in the time domain.

[0194] In this embodiment, when the pilot signal is discontinuous in the frequency or time domain, it can easily cause a large estimation error. Therefore, a virtual resource block is inserted on both the upper and lower sides of the first resource block in the frequency domain, and auxiliary pilot signals are evenly distributed on the virtual resource blocks. Similarly, when the pilot signal distribution inside the first resource block in the frequency domain is uneven, auxiliary pilot signals are also inserted in the interruption regions of the pilot signal distribution to ensure the continuity of the pilot signal and facilitate the subsequent determination of the accuracy of channel estimation.

[0195] After determining the location of the virtual pilot signal at the signal receiver, the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal is determined. The channel estimates of the N nearest adjacent actual pilot signals are then used to determine the channel estimates of the N interpolated virtual pilot signals. For each actual pilot signal symbol, a least-squares estimate is performed on the subcarriers occupied by each frequency domain pilot signal. After completing the channel estimation (least-squares estimation) for all auxiliary and virtual pilot signals, the extra-inserted virtual resource blocks and auxiliary pilot signals are removed, thus completing the entire channel estimation process.

[0196] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be referenced or learned from each other. For example, the same or similar steps, method embodiments, system embodiments and device embodiments can be referenced from each other without limitation.

[0197] This application embodiment can divide the channel estimation device into functional modules or functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module or functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or in software functional modules or functional units. The module or unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0198] like Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a channel estimation device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device includes a processing unit 1101 and a communication unit 1102.

[0199] The communication unit 1102 is configured to: receive a transmission signal, demodulate the transmission signal, and determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal; the first resource block includes a resource unit carrying multiple pilot signals and a resource unit carrying transmission data; there are gaps among the multiple pilot signals.

[0200] The processing unit 1101 is further configured to insert auxiliary pilot signals in the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, so that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are evenly distributed in the frequency domain.

[0201] The processing unit 1101 is further configured to: determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of the plurality of first pilot signals; the plurality of first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain.

[0202] The processing unit 1101 is further configured to: calculate the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data based on the channel estimate of each of the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the plurality of first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals; in the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the processing unit 1101 is specifically configured to: perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal to determine a first channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; perform linear interpolation on the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal to determine a second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; and determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the average of the sum of the first channel estimate and the second channel estimate.

[0204] In some embodiments, the number of auxiliary pilot signals is N; where N is an integer greater than 3; the number of upper pilot signals and lower pilot signals is [N / 2].

[0205] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1101 is specifically configured to: insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block; the virtual resource blocks are resource blocks used to suppress sideband effects of data signals; the virtual resource blocks include resource units carrying virtual pilot signals; the position of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks is determined by frequency domain distribution rules; determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks; determine the channel estimate of the resource units carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block; and determine the channel estimate of the physical resource blocks carrying data between the virtual pilot signals and the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signals and the channel estimate of the pilot signals at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block.

[0206] In some embodiments, the virtual resource block has the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block, and carries multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0207] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1101 is specifically configured to: perform linear interpolation on the virtual pilot signal based on the channel estimates of the plurality of second pilot signals to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal; the plurality of second pilot signals and the virtual pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain; the number of the plurality of second pilot signals is the same as the number of virtual pilot signals.

[0208] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes: for one or more pilot signals that have the same frequency domain location and have gaps in the time domain, determining a channel estimate value for a resource element corresponding to a gap based on the channel estimate values ​​of the one or more pilot signals.

[0209] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a pilot signal; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is the channel estimate of the pilot signal included in the time-domain unit.

[0210] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit includes a plurality of pilot signals; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined by the channel estimate of the plurality of pilot signals included in the time-domain unit.

[0211] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1101 is specifically configured to: perform an inverse fast Fourier transform on the frequency domain channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data to obtain a time domain channel estimate of the resource unit; perform a Fourier transform on the time domain channel estimate and delete the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block.

[0212] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1101 is specifically configured to: delete the auxiliary pilot signal and the virtual resource block in the first resource block.

[0213] When implemented in hardware, the communication unit 1102 in this embodiment can be integrated onto the communication interface, and the processing unit 1101 can be integrated onto the processor. Specific implementation methods are as follows: Figure 12 As shown.

[0214] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of another possible structure of the channel estimation device involved in the above embodiments is shown. The communication device includes a processor 1202 and a communication interface 1203. The processor 1202 is used to control and manage the operation of the device, for example, executing the steps performed by the processing unit 1101, and / or performing other processes of the technology described herein. The communication interface 1203 is used to support communication between the device and other network entities, for example, executing the steps performed by the communication unit 1102. The device may also include a memory 1201 and a bus 1204, the memory 1201 being used to store the device's program code and data.

[0215] The memory 1201 may be a memory in the device, and the memory may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0216] The processor 1202 described above can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0217] Bus 1204 can be an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 1204 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 12 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0218] Figure 12The device in the middle can also be a chip. The chip includes one or more processors 1202 and a communication interface 1203.

[0219] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1205, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor 1202. A portion of the memory 1205 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0220] In some implementations, memory 1205 stores elements such as execution modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof.

[0221] In this embodiment of the application, the corresponding operation is executed by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory 1205 (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0222] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) storing computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform a synchronization method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0223] Exemplary examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in this disclosure may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable storage media for storing information. The term "machine-readable storage 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.

[0224] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program product, for example, stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer program instructions that, when executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), cause the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in the above embodiments.

[0225] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer program. When executed on a computer (e.g., a receiving node), the computer program causes the computer to perform the synchronization method as described in the above embodiments.

[0226] The beneficial effects of the computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, and computer program described above are the same as the beneficial effects of the synchronization methods in some of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0228] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0229] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0230] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A channel estimation method, characterized in that, The method includes: The system receives and demodulates a transmission signal to determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal. The first resource block includes resource units carrying multiple pilot signals and resource units carrying transmission data. There are gaps among the multiple pilot signals. Based on the frequency domain distribution pattern of the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block, auxiliary pilot signals are inserted into the gaps to ensure that the multiple pilot signals in the first resource block are uniformly distributed in the frequency domain. The method further includes: determining the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of multiple first pilot signals; the multiple first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain; calculating the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data based on the channel estimate of each of the multiple pilot signals and the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; and the method further includes: Virtual resource blocks are inserted at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block; the virtual resource blocks are resource blocks used to suppress sideband effects of data signals; the virtual resource blocks include resource units carrying virtual pilot signals; the position of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks is determined by the frequency domain distribution law; Based on the channel estimates of multiple second pilot signals, the virtual pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal; the multiple second pilot signals and the virtual pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain; the number of the multiple second pilot signals is the same as the number of the virtual pilot signals; Based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined by frequency domain interpolation. Based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined by frequency domain interpolation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals; in the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is located above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; The frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is located below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; Determining the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of multiple first pilot signals includes: Based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal, the auxiliary pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the first channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; Based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal, the auxiliary pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the second channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; The channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal is determined by the average of the sum of the first channel estimate and the second channel estimate.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of auxiliary pilot signals is N; where N is an integer greater than 3; the number of upper pilot signals and lower pilot signals is [N / 2].

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The virtual resource block has the same number of symbols in the time domain as the first resource block, and carries multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: For one or more pilot signals that have the same frequency domain position and a gap in the time domain unit, the channel estimate value of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined based on the channel estimate value of the one or more pilot signals.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The time-domain unit includes a pilot signal; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is the channel estimate of the pilot signal included in the time-domain unit.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The time-domain unit includes multiple pilot signals; the channel estimate of the resource unit corresponding to the gap is determined by the channel estimate of the multiple pilot signals included in the time-domain unit.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, Before determining the channel estimate value of the resource unit corresponding to the gap based on the channel estimate values ​​of the one or more pilot signals, the method further includes: The frequency domain channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmission data is subjected to inverse fast Fourier transform to obtain the time domain channel estimate of the resource unit. Perform a Fourier transform on the time-domain channel estimate and remove the auxiliary pilot signal from the first resource block.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The deletion of the auxiliary pilot signal in the first resource block includes: Delete the auxiliary pilot signal and the virtual resource block from the first resource block.

10. A channel estimation device, characterized in that, The device includes: a processing unit and a communication unit; The communication unit is configured to: receive a transmission signal, demodulate the transmission signal, and determine a first resource block carrying the transmission signal; the first resource block includes a resource unit carrying multiple pilot signals and a resource unit carrying transmission data; gaps exist among the multiple pilot signals; The processing unit is further configured to: insert auxiliary pilot signals into the gaps according to the frequency domain distribution pattern of the plurality of pilot signals in the first resource block, so that the plurality of pilot signals in the first resource block are uniformly distributed in the frequency domain; The processing unit is further configured to: determine the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal based on the channel estimates of a plurality of first pilot signals; wherein the plurality of first pilot signals and the auxiliary pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the auxiliary pilot signal in the frequency domain; The processing unit is further configured to: calculate the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying the transmitted data based on the channel estimate of each of the plurality of pilot signals and the channel estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; The processing unit is specifically configured to: insert virtual resource blocks at both ends of the frequency domain of the first resource block; the virtual resource blocks are resource blocks used to suppress sideband effects of data signals; the virtual resource blocks include resource units carrying virtual pilot signals; the position of the virtual pilot signals in the virtual resource blocks is determined by the frequency domain distribution law; Based on the channel estimates of multiple second pilot signals, the virtual pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal; the multiple second pilot signals and the virtual pilot signal are located in the same time domain unit and are adjacent to the virtual pilot signal in the frequency domain; the number of the multiple second pilot signals is the same as the number of the virtual pilot signals; Based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimate of the resource unit carrying data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the upper edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined by frequency domain interpolation. Based on the channel estimate of the virtual pilot signal and the channel estimate of the pilot signal at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block, the channel estimate of the physical resource block carrying data between the virtual pilot signal and the pilot signal at the lower edge of the frequency domain of the first resource block is determined by frequency domain interpolation.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The plurality of first pilot signals include one or more upper pilot signals and one or more lower pilot signals; in the first resource block, the frequency domain position of the upper pilot signal is above the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal; the frequency domain position of the lower pilot signal is below the frequency domain position of the auxiliary pilot signal. The processing unit is specifically configured as follows: Based on the channel estimate of the upper pilot signal, the auxiliary pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the first signal estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; Based on the channel estimate of the lower pilot signal, the auxiliary pilot signal is linearly interpolated to determine the second signal estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal; The signal estimate of the auxiliary pilot signal is determined by the average of the sum of the first signal estimate and the second signal estimate.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The number of auxiliary pilot signals is N; where N is an integer greater than 3; the number of upper pilot signals and lower pilot signals is [N / 2].

13. A channel estimation device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the channel estimation method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the channel estimation method according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images