Method and apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix

Abstract

This invention provides a method and apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix. The method includes: receiving sounding reference signals (SRS) transmitted by a terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays; performing multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; determining an all-digital channel estimation matrix based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; and performing hybrid beamforming operations based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The method and apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by this invention are used to improve channel gain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix. Background Technology

[0002] In the Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, in the traditional hybrid beamforming architecture, the base station determines multiple channel estimation matrices at the channel level based on the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal, and performs hybrid beamforming operations based on the multiple channel estimation matrices.

[0003] In the above process, hybrid beamforming is performed based on multiple channel-level channel estimation matrices, resulting in low channel gain. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method and apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix to address the deficiency of low channel gain in the prior art and improve channel gain.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix, comprising:

[0006] The system receives the Sound Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays.

[0007] Multiple measurements of the SRS received by each antenna subarray are performed to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0008] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels for each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and hybrid beamforming is performed based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix.

[0009] In some implementations, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray, including:

[0010] Based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray is determined.

[0011] Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0012] In some implementations, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray is determined based on multiple channel-level channel estimates of the antenna subarray, including:

[0013] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed.

[0014] The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0015] In some implementations, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas;

[0016] Based on the channel estimates at multiple channel levels of the antenna subarray, a set of overdetermined equations for the subarray is constructed, including:

[0017] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas.

[0018] The subarray overdetermined equation set includes a channel-level model with multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0019] In some implementations, the channel-level model is as follows:

[0020]

[0021] Among them, h p This represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. h represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement. n This is the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among multiple antennas.

[0022] In some implementations, the all-digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray, including:

[0023] Obtain the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0024] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0025] In some implementations, the terminal device includes N detection ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix, a hybrid beamforming operation is performed, including:

[0026] The fully digital channel estimation matrices for each of the N probe ports are converted into column vectors for each of the N probe ports.

[0027] The column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and hybrid beamforming is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a network-side device, comprising: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0029] Memory, used to store computer programs;

[0030] A transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of a processor.

[0031] A processor is used to read computer programs from memory and perform the following operations:

[0032] The system receives the Sound Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays.

[0033] Multiple measurements of the SRS received by each antenna subarray are performed to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0034] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels for each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and hybrid beamforming is performed based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix.

[0035] In some implementations, the processor is specifically configured to: determine the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray;

[0036] Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0037] In some implementations, the processor is specifically used for:

[0038] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed.

[0039] The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0040] In some implementations, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; the processor is specifically used for:

[0041] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas.

[0042] The subarray overdetermined equation set includes a channel-level model with multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0043] In some implementations, the channel-level model is as follows:

[0044]

[0045] Among them, h p This represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. h represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement. n This is the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among multiple antennas.

[0046] In some implementations, the processor is specifically used for:

[0047] Obtain the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0048] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0049] In some implementations, the terminal device includes N probe ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the processor is specifically used for:

[0050] The fully digital channel estimation matrices for each of the N probe ports are converted into column vectors for each of the N probe ports.

[0051] The column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and hybrid beamforming is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0052] Thirdly, the present invention provides an apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix, comprising:

[0053] The receiving module is used to receive the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays;

[0054] The measurement module is used to perform multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0055] The determination module is used to determine the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray;

[0056] The beamforming processing module is used to perform hybrid beamforming operations based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix.

[0057] In some implementations, the determining module is specifically used for:

[0058] Based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray is determined.

[0059] Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0060] In some implementations, the determining module is specifically used for:

[0061] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed.

[0062] The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0063] In some implementations, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; the determining module is specifically used for:

[0064] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas; the subarray overdetermined equations include a channel-level model for multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0065] In some implementations, the channel-level model is as follows:

[0066]

[0067] Among them, h p This represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. h represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement. n This is the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among multiple antennas.

[0068] In some implementations, the determining module is specifically used for:

[0069] Obtain the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0070] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0071] In some implementations, the terminal device includes N detection ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the beamforming processing module is specifically used for:

[0072] The fully digital channel estimation matrices of the N detection ports are converted into column vectors of the N detection ports respectively; the column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix.

[0073] Hybrid beamforming is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0074] Fourthly, the present invention provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor to execute the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix in any of the first aspects.

[0075] Fifthly, the present invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix as described in any of the first aspects above.

[0076] This invention provides a method and apparatus for constructing a fully digital channel estimation matrix. By performing multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray, multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray are obtained. The fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​then determined using these multiple channel-level channel estimates. Based on this fully digital channel estimation matrix, hybrid beamforming is performed. Since the fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​an antenna-level channel estimation matrix, it can reflect all the characteristics of the wireless channel. Therefore, performing hybrid beamforming based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix can improve the channel gain, thereby maximizing the channel gain. Attached Figure Description

[0077] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0078] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by this invention;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the AAU provided by the present invention;

[0080] Figure 3 This is the second flowchart illustrating the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by this invention.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the channel-level model provided by the present invention;

[0082] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the network-side device provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0084] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0085] The method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0086] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by this invention. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0087] Step 101: Receive the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays.

[0088] Optionally, the execution subject of the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention is a network-side device, or it can be an all-digital channel estimation matrix construction device set on the network-side device. This device can be implemented by a combination of software and / or hardware.

[0089] Multiple antenna subarrays are antenna subarrays on the network-side equipment. The following section combines... Figure 2 The antenna subarray will be explained using the active antenna unit (AAU) of the hybrid beamforming architecture as an example.

[0090] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the AAU provided by the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the AAU includes: M digital transceiver channels and multiple antenna subarrays. Each digital transceiver channel has one antenna subarray. Each digital transceiver channel includes one transmit channel and one receive channel. Each antenna subarray includes multiple antennas. It should be noted that... Figure 2 This explanation uses an example where M equals 32 and each antenna subarray consists of 2 antennas. With each antenna subarray containing 2 antennas, the 2 antennas form a simulated beamforming subarray in the vertical dimension.

[0091] Step 102: Perform multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0092] For each antenna subarray, p measurements are performed on the SRS received by that subarray to obtain p channel-level channel estimates for the antenna subarray. For example, the p channel-level channel estimates are h... 1 h 2 ...h p .

[0093] Step 103: Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, determine the all-digital channel estimation matrix, and perform hybrid beamforming operation based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix.

[0094] Unlike existing technologies, where the base station determines multiple channel estimation matrices at the channel level based on the SRS transmitted by the terminal, and performs hybrid beamforming based on these multiple channel estimation matrices, the resulting channel estimation matrices can only reflect partial information about the characteristics of the wireless channel (e.g., some clusters and some paths of the wireless channel, as well as the angle and gain of each path). If hybrid beamforming is performed based on multiple channel estimation matrices, the channel gain will be low.

[0095] In this invention, the fully digital channel estimation matrix determined based on multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray is an antenna-level channel estimation matrix, which can reflect all the information of the characteristics of the wireless channel (e.g., all clusters and all paths of the wireless channel, as well as the angle and gain of each path). Therefore, based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix, hybrid beamforming operation can improve the channel gain and maximize the channel gain.

[0096] Optionally, the terminal device may include N (uplink) probe ports, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and each probe port may send SRS.

[0097] The following example uses a terminal device with N probe ports, combined with... Figure 3 The method provided by this invention will be described in detail.

[0098] Figure 3 This is the second flowchart illustrating the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by this invention. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0099] Step 301: Receive the detection reference signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through the detection port via multiple antenna subarrays.

[0100] Optionally, the execution method of step 301 is the same as that of step 101, and the execution process of step 301 will not be described again here.

[0101] Step 302: Perform multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0102] Optionally, the execution method of step 302 is the same as that of step 102, and the execution process of step 302 will not be described again here.

[0103] Step 303: Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, determine the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray.

[0104] In some implementations, for each antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations is constructed based on multiple channel-level channel estimates of the antenna subarray; the overdetermined set of equations is solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0105] The subarray overdetermined equations include multiple channel-level channel estimates for the antenna subarray, antenna-level channel parameters to be solved for multiple antennas included in the antenna subarray, and simulated beam weights for each antenna. By solving the subarray overdetermined equations, the specific values ​​of the antenna-level channel parameters to be solved for multiple antennas (i.e., the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray) can be obtained.

[0106] Optionally, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas. Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, a set of overdetermined equations for the subarray is constructed, including:

[0107] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas; the subarray overdetermined equations include a channel-level model for multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0108] Based on channel-level channel estimates and antenna-level channel estimates from multiple antennas, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimates is determined, including:

[0109] Replace the first parameter in the preset initial model with the channel-level channel estimate;

[0110] Replace multiple second parameters in the preset initial model with antenna-level channel estimates for multiple antennas;

[0111] The multiple third parameters corresponding to the multiple second parameters in the preset initial model are replaced with the simulated beam weights of multiple antennas to obtain the channel-level model of the channel-level channel estimation.

[0112] The initial model is assumed to be: A = a1·h1 + a2·h2 + ... + an·h n Where A represents the first parameter, h1…h n a1…an represents multiple second parameters, and a1…an represents multiple third parameters.

[0113] For example, in the case where the antenna subarray includes n antennas, if the weights of the multiple simulated beams are configured during the first SRS measurement as follows: The obtained channel-level channel estimate is h 1 The channel-level model for the obtained channel-level channel estimate is then: Furthermore, if p SRS measurements are performed, the resulting subarray overdetermined equation set is shown in Equation 1 below.

[0114]

[0115] Among them, h p h represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. n This represents the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among a plurality of antennas. This represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement, where p ≥ n.

[0116] It should be noted that the network-side equipment configures the simulated beam weights during each measurement.

[0117] For example, in the case of n=2, the channel-level model can be based on Figure 4 The model shown is obtained. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the channel-level model provided by the present invention. For example... Figure 4 As shown, for a digital transceiver channel and an antenna subarray (including 2 antennas), assuming that each antenna has an antenna-level channel estimate, the antenna-level channel estimates of the 2 antennas are h1 and h2 respectively. h1 is weighted by weight ω1 and h2 by weight ω2 to obtain the channel-level channel estimate h, that is, h=ω1·h1+ω2·h2.

[0118] For simplicity, one antenna can be used as a reference point, and weighting can be applied only to the other antennas. For example, if antenna ω1 is used as the reference point, ω1 = 1, and the amplitude difference between different paths is characterized by an amplitude weighting factor α, then h = ω1·h1 + ω2·h2 can be transformed into h = h1 + α·ω2·h2. Here, h1 and h2 are the unknowns to be solved, α·ω2 is the known simulation weight configuration, and h (a known data) is obtained through SRS measurement. From h = h1 + α·ω2·h2, it can be seen that, in the case of n = 2, the subarray overdetermined equations are as shown in Equation 2 below:

[0119]

[0120] Furthermore, we can transform Formula 1 into a matrix equation: Left multiplication of matrix equations Thus, by solving Formula 1 above, we obtain:

[0121]

[0122] Furthermore, we can convert Formula 2 into a matrix equation: Left multiplication of matrix equations Thus achieving the above-mentioned public

[0123] Solving Equation 2 yields:

[0124]

[0125] Step 304: Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, determine the all-digital channel estimation matrix of the probe port. The all-digital channel estimation matrix of the probe port includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0126] Solving Equation 1 yields an antenna-level channel estimation matrix for an antenna subarray. Solving Equation 2 yields an antenna-level channel estimation matrix for an antenna subarray.

[0127] Optionally, based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, including: obtaining the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0128] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0129] Optionally, the topology information is information pre-stored in the network-side device.

[0130] For example, the topology information is shown in Table 1 below.

[0131] Table 1

[0132] 1,1 5 1,2 6 2,1 3 2,2 4 3,1 1 3,2 2

[0133] For example, Table 1 includes the mapping relationship between antenna position (1,1) and antenna index 5. The mapping relationship between antenna position (1,1) and antenna index 5 indicates that the 5th antenna is set at the first row and first column (i.e., (1,1)) in the multiple antenna subarrays.

[0134] For example, when the total number of antenna subarrays is 3, and each antenna subarray includes 2 antennas, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix corresponding to the 5 antenna subframes includes: Furthermore, given the topology information as shown in Table 1, for each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the five antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The resulting all-digital channel estimation matrix can be:

[0135] For example, when the total number of antenna subarrays is 32, and each antenna subarray includes 2 antennas, the all-digital channel estimation matrix can be:

[0136]

[0137] For any one of the N probe ports included in the terminal device, the network side device performs steps 301 to 304 above to obtain the all-digital channel estimation matrix of the N probe ports.

[0138] Step 305: Repeat steps 301 to 304 above N times to obtain the all-digital channel estimation matrix of N probe ports. Then, convert the all-digital channel estimation matrix of N probe ports into column vectors of N probe ports.

[0139] After each execution of steps 301 to 304, the terminal device sends an SRS through a new probe port, so that all N probe ports have sent an SRS.

[0140] Optionally, the all-digital channel estimation matrix of the probe port is converted into a column vector of the probe port, including:

[0141] Obtain all row vectors in the all-digital channel estimation matrix of the probe port;

[0142] Based on the row indices of the row vectors in descending order, all the obtained row vectors are concatenated to obtain a concatenated row vector.

[0143] Transpose the concatenated row vectors to obtain the column vectors of the probe ports.

[0144] For example, the all-digital channel estimation matrix at the probe port is In this case, all the resulting row vectors include: [h1 h2 h3 h4 h5] (row index 5), [h6 h7 h8 h9 h 10 (Row index is 4), [h 11 h 12 h 13 h 14 h 15 (row index is 3), [h 16 h 17 h 18 h 19 h 20 (row index is 2), [h 21 h 22 h 23 h 24 h 25 (Row index is 1), therefore, based on the row indices of the row vectors in descending order, all the obtained row vectors are concatenated to obtain the concatenated row vector [h1 h2 h3 h4…h 24 h 25 Furthermore, the concatenated row vector is transposed to obtain the column vector of the detection ports.

[0145] For example, the all-digital channel estimation matrix at the probe port is In this case, the column vector of the probe port is

[0146] It should be noted that other methods can also be used to obtain the column vector of the probe port, which will not be elaborated here.

[0147] Step 306: Combine the column vectors of the N detection ports to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and perform hybrid beamforming operation based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0148] For example, when N=4 and the all-digital channel estimation matrix is In this case, the target channel estimation matrix can be

[0149] For example, when N=4 and the all-digital channel estimation matrix is In this case, the target channel estimation matrix can be

[0150] Optionally, in addition to the method for determining the target channel estimation matrix shown in steps 305 to 306, other methods can be used to determine the target channel estimation matrix based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix of N probe ports, which will not be elaborated here.

[0151] The apparatus for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention will be described below. The apparatus for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix described below and the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix described above can be referred to each other.

[0152] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the apparatus for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix includes:

[0153] The receiving module 510 is used to receive the detection reference signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays;

[0154] The measurement module 520 is used to perform multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray.

[0155] The determination module 530 is used to determine the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray;

[0156] The beamforming processing module 540 is used to perform hybrid beamforming operations based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix.

[0157] In some implementations, the determining module 530 is specifically used for:

[0158] Based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray is determined.

[0159] Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0160] In some implementations, the determining module 530 is specifically used for:

[0161] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed.

[0162] The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0163] In some implementations, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; the determining module 530 is specifically used for:

[0164] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas; the subarray overdetermined equations include a channel-level model for multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0165] In some implementations, the channel-level model is as follows:

[0166]

[0167] Among them, h p This represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. h represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement. n This is the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among multiple antennas.

[0168] In some implementations, the determining module 530 is specifically used for:

[0169] Obtain the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0170] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0171] In some implementations, the terminal device includes N detection ports, each having a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the beamforming processing module 540 is specifically used for:

[0172] The fully digital channel estimation matrices of the N detection ports are converted into column vectors of the N detection ports respectively; the column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix.

[0173] Hybrid beamforming is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0174] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the network-side device provided by the present invention. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the network-side device includes a processor 610, a transceiver interface 620, a memory 630, and a communication bus 640. The processor 610, transceiver interface 620, and memory 630 communicate with each other through the communication bus 640.

[0175] The memory 630 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 620 is used to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor 610 is used to read the computer program in the memory 630 and execute the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the present invention, the method comprising: receiving sounding reference signals (SRS) sent by a terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays; performing multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; determining the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; and performing hybrid beamforming operation based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix.

[0176] In some implementations, the processor 610 is specifically configured to: determine the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray;

[0177] Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray.

[0178] In some implementations, the processor 610 is specifically used for:

[0179] Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed.

[0180] The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

[0181] In some implementations, the antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; the processor 610 is specifically used for:

[0182] For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of multiple antennas.

[0183] The subarray overdetermined equation set includes a channel-level model with multiple channel-level channel estimates.

[0184] In some implementations, the channel-level model is as follows:

[0185]

[0186] Among them, h p This represents the channel-level channel estimate obtained from the p-th measurement of the SRS. h represents the simulated beam weight of the nth antenna during the p-th measurement. n This is the antenna-level channel estimate for the nth antenna among multiple antennas.

[0187] In some implementations, the processor 610 is specifically used for:

[0188] Obtain the topology information of multiple antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the multiple antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas;

[0189] For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of multiple antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

[0190] In some implementations, the terminal device includes N probe ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the processor 610 is specifically used for:

[0191] The fully digital channel estimation matrices for each of the N probe ports are converted into column vectors for each of the N probe ports.

[0192] The column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and hybrid beamforming is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

[0193] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 630 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0194] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer is able to execute the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix provided by the above methods. The method includes: receiving sounding reference signals (SRS) sent by a terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays; performing multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; determining the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; and performing hybrid beamforming operation based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix.

[0195] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a method for constructing a fully digital channel estimation matrix provided by the methods described above. The method includes: receiving a sounding reference signal (SRS) transmitted by a terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays; performing multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; determining a fully digital channel estimation matrix based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; and performing hybrid beamforming operations based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix.

[0196] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and 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 modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0197] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various embodiments or some parts of embodiments.

[0198] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix, characterized in that, include: The system receives the Sound Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays. Multiple measurements are performed on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix, a hybrid beamforming operation is performed. The determination of the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray includes: Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray is determined; Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, the all-digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and the all-digital channel estimation matrix includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray. The process of determining the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray based on multiple channel-level channel estimates of the antenna subarray includes: Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed. The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

2. The method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; The overdetermined equations of the antenna subarray are constructed based on multiple channel-level channel estimates, including: For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of the multiple antennas. The subarray overdetermined equation set includes a channel-level model of the multiple channel-level channel estimates.

3. The method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix according to claim 2, characterized in that, The channel-level model is as follows: ； in, This indicates that the SRS is being performed for the first time. The channel-level channel estimate obtained from this measurement. Indicates proceeding to the first During the second measurement Simulated beam weights for each antenna, The first of the plurality of antennas Antenna-level channel estimates for each antenna.

4. The method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray includes: Obtain the topology information of the plurality of antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the plurality of antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas; For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the plurality of antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix, and the target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

5. The method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The terminal device includes N detection ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; the hybrid beamforming operation based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix includes: The fully digital channel estimation matrices of the N detection ports are respectively converted into column vectors of the N detection ports; The column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and the hybrid beamforming operation is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

6. A network-side device, characterized in that, include: Memory, transceiver, and processor; The memory is used to store computer programs; The transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; The processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: The probe reference signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device is received through multiple antenna subarrays. Multiple measurements are performed on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray; Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and based on the fully digital channel estimation matrix, a hybrid beamforming operation is performed. The processor is specifically used for: Based on the multiple channel-level channel estimates of each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray is determined; Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, the all-digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, and the all-digital channel estimation matrix includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray. The processor is also specifically used for: Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed. The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

7. The network-side device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The antenna subarray includes multiple antennas; the processor is specifically used for: For each channel-level channel estimate, a channel-level model for the channel-level channel estimate is determined based on the channel-level channel estimate and the antenna-level channel estimates of the multiple antennas. The subarray overdetermined equation set includes a channel-level model of the multiple channel-level channel estimates.

8. The network-side device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The channel-level model is as follows: ； in, This indicates that the SRS is being performed for the first time. The channel-level channel estimate obtained from this measurement. Indicates proceeding to the first During the second measurement Simulated beam weights for each antenna, The first of the plurality of antennas Antenna-level channel estimates for each antenna.

9. The network-side device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The processor is specifically used for: Obtain the topology information of the plurality of antenna subarrays; the topology information includes the mapping relationship between the antenna positions of all antennas in the plurality of antenna subarrays and the antenna indices of all antennas; For each antenna index, the antenna-level channel estimation value corresponding to the antenna index in the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the plurality of antenna subarrays is added to the target position of the all-digital channel estimation matrix, and the target position corresponds to the antenna position corresponding to the antenna index in the topology information.

10. The network-side device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The terminal device includes N detection ports, each with a fully digital channel estimation matrix, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The processor is specifically used for: The fully digital channel estimation matrices of the N detection ports are respectively converted into column vectors of the N detection ports; The column vectors of the N detection ports are combined to obtain the target channel estimation matrix, and the hybrid beamforming operation is performed based on the target channel estimation matrix.

11. An apparatus for constructing an all-digital channel estimation matrix, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) sent by the terminal device through multiple antenna subarrays; The measurement module is used to perform multiple measurements on the SRS received by each antenna subarray to obtain multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray. The determination module is used to determine the all-digital channel estimation matrix based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray. The beamforming processing module is used to perform hybrid beamforming operations based on the all-digital channel estimation matrix. The determining module is specifically used for: Based on multiple channel-level channel estimates for each antenna subarray, the antenna-level channel estimation matrix for each antenna subarray is determined. Based on the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray, a fully digital channel estimation matrix is ​​determined, which includes elements from the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of each antenna subarray. The determining module is also specifically used for: Based on the channel estimates of multiple channels of the antenna subarray, an overdetermined set of equations for the subarray is constructed. The overdetermined equations of the subarray are solved to obtain the antenna-level channel estimation matrix of the antenna subarray.

12. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program for causing the processor to execute the method for constructing the all-digital channel estimation matrix according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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