Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The receiver type of the terminal equipment is indicated to the network equipment, so that the network equipment can send downlink information to the terminal equipment based on the receiver type of the terminal equipment, and the communication quality can be improved. The method comprises: sending first information to a network device, the first information being used for indicating a first receiver type, the first receiver type indicating a receiver comprising a plurality of antenna groups; and receiving service data from the network equipment, wherein the service data is sent based on the first receiver type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a communication method and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to improve the communication quality, a multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology is widely used in a communication system. The MIMO technology refers to a communication technology that uses multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas in a network device and a terminal device respectively, and provides a higher data transmission rate by using a multi-layer parallel transmission mode. The MIMO includes a single-user (SU)-MIMO and a multi-user (MU)-MIMO.

[0003] With the development of the communication technology, the maximum number of layers of the MIMO transmission supported by the network device is increasing, for example, the network device currently supports a maximum of 8-layer downlink SU-MIMO transmission. For the terminal device, a receiver including a larger number of receive antennas needs to be used to receive the downlink information. For example, for the 8-layer downlink SU-MIMO transmission, the terminal device needs to use a receiver including 8 receive antennas to receive the downlink information. With the increase of the number of layers of the downlink information, the complexity of the terminal device in receiving and processing the downlink information is high. In order to reduce the complexity of receiving and processing the downlink information, the terminal device currently can use other types of receivers to receive and process the downlink information.

[0004] However, such a method can cause poor communication quality between the terminal device and the network device. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, and the network device can send downlink information to the terminal device based on the receiver type of the terminal device, which helps to improve the communication quality.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, and the method includes: sending first information to a network device, the first information being used to indicate a first receiver type, the first receiver type indicating a receiver including a plurality of antenna groups; and receiving service data from the network device, the service data being sent based on the first receiver type.

[0007] In the communication method of the present application, the receiver of a terminal device includes multiple antenna groups, allowing the terminal device to receive and process downlink information of a large number of layers through the multiple antenna groups, thereby reducing the complexity of decoding the downlink information by the terminal device. In addition, by indicating the receiver type of the terminal device to the network device, the network device can send downlink information to some or all of the multiple antenna groups based on the receiver type of the terminal device, thereby adapting the transmission processing of the network device to the reception processing of the terminal device, thereby achieving effective communication between the terminal device and the network device.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method includes: sending second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0009] In this way, the network device can determine the receiver type of the terminal device corresponding to each frequency domain resource, which makes it easier for the network device to reasonably schedule the terminal devices in different frequency domain resources and helps to improve communication quality.

[0010] In a second aspect, another communication method is provided, which includes: receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, and the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups; based on the first receiver type, sending service data to the terminal device.

[0011] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information from a terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0012] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the first information belongs to the second information, and the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0013] In this way, the network device can determine the receiver type corresponding to each frequency domain resource according to the second information.

[0014] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the second information includes a downlink characteristic set and / or a carrier downlink characteristic set.

[0015] In this way, the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type in existing signaling, so that the signaling overhead of the terminal device indicating the first receiver type to the network device is small.

[0016] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the first information is carried in a user equipment UE capability message.

[0017] In this way, the terminal device can use the existing UE capability message to indicate the first receiver type to the network device, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0018] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the network device through signaling.

[0019] In this way, the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type to the network device within the range of multiple receiver types, which helps to reduce the signaling overhead of the terminal device reporting the first receiver type.

[0020] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the multiple receiver types include a first type and a second type, and the first type and the second type both indicate a receiver including multiple antenna groups; wherein the baseband processing functional modules of the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first type are independent; and the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the second type use the same channel decoding module.

[0021] In this way, the first type of receiver can independently process the downlink data from the network device, which helps to reduce the complexity of the terminal device receiving the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the business data is less than or equal to 4, the number of codewords corresponding to the business data is 1, and the channel decoding module shared by the second type of receiver can obtain the complete codeword, which helps to successfully decode the codeword.

[0022] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, the second type includes the third type and / or the fourth type; wherein, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

[0023] In this way, the third type of receiver can independently process downlink data from the network device, for example, performing MIMO processing on portions of the downlink data, helping to reduce the complexity of receiving downlink data on the terminal device. For the fourth type of receiver, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is small, the terminal device can perform MIMO equalization and other processing more effectively. When the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is large, the fourth type of receiver can sequentially perform MIMO processing and other processing on portions of the downlink data, helping to reduce the complexity of receiving downlink data on the terminal device.

[0024] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the service data corresponds to 2 codewords CW; or, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the service data corresponds to 1 CW, and, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 4, the service data corresponds to 2 CWs.

[0025] In this way, it helps that the channel decoding module included in each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can respectively obtain a complete codeword, so that each channel decoding module can successfully decode each codeword.

[0026] In certain implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than a preset threshold, the receiver indicated by the first receiver type includes multiple antenna groups that independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data, and the preset threshold is greater than or equal to 1.

[0027] In this way, it helps that the channel decoding module included in each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can obtain a complete codeword, so that each channel decoding module can successfully decode each codeword.

[0028] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect. Specifically, the device includes a module configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, another communication device is provided, configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect. Specifically, the device includes a module configured to execute the method in any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides another communication device, comprising a processor coupled to a memory and configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of any possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor coupled to the communication interface.

[0031] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device. When the apparatus is a terminal device, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0032] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a terminal device. When the device is a chip configured in a terminal device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0033] In one implementation, the apparatus is a network device. When the apparatus is a network device, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0034] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a network device. When the device is a chip configured in a network device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0036] In a specific implementation process, the processor may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and receive signals via a receiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method of any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0038] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0039] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0040] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0041] It should be understood that related data interaction processes, such as sending indication information, can be processes for outputting indication information from a processor, and receiving capability information can be processes for receiving input capability information from a processor. Specifically, the output data of the processor can be output to a transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from a receiver. The transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0042] The processing device in the seventh aspect mentioned above can be a chip. The processor can be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading the software code stored in the memory. The memory can be integrated in the processor or can be located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0043] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0044] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first or second aspect above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a receiver of the first receiver type provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a receiver of the second receiver type provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of a receiver of the third type provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the communication process between a network device and a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 7A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] In the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. For example, the first and second numerical values ​​are merely used to distinguish different numerical values ​​and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0055] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character "以是" generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, a--c, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or plural.

[0057] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), future evolved communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) system, etc.

[0058] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, etc.

[0059] The terminal device may be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The present application does not limit the terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc.

[0060] By way of example, and without limitation, in the present application, the terminal device can be a terminal device in an internet of things (IoT) system. The internet of things is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. Illustratively, the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a wearable device. The wearable device can also be referred to as a wearable smart device, which is a general term for smart devices that can be worn, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes, which are designed and developed by applying wearable technology to daily wear. The wearable device is a portable device that can be directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. The wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also can realize powerful functions through software support and data interaction, cloud interaction. The general wearable smart device includes a full function, large size, and can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as a smart watch or smart glasses, and only focuses on a certain application function, and needs to cooperate with other devices such as a smart phone, such as various smart wristbands, smart jewelry, and the like for monitoring vital signs.

[0061] By way of example, and without limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in machine type communication (MTC). In addition, the terminal device can also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip, or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. built-in as one or more components or units in a vehicle. The vehicle can implement the method provided in the present application by built-in vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit, etc. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the Internet of Vehicles, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology, etc.

[0062] The network device involved in this application can be a device that communicates with a terminal device. The network device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device. It can be a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a home base station (for example, home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the network device can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. It can also be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​an NR system. The above-mentioned network devices can also be urban base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, femto base stations, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0063] To facilitate understanding, some technical terms involved in this application are first introduced.

[0064] 1. The radio frequency front-end (RFFE) can be understood as the part between the antenna and the baseband circuitry. In the RFFE, signals are transmitted in the form of radio frequency. For a wireless receiver, the RFFE may include, but is not limited to, amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, and RF connection and matching circuits.

[0065] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can receive downlink data from the network device through the RF front end. The downlink data is data that has undergone channel coding, constellation mapping, layer mapping, and MIMO processing by the network device. In addition, after the terminal device receives the downlink data from the network device through the RF front end, it can sequentially perform MIMO equalization, layer demapping, constellation demapping, and channel decoding on the downlink data.

[0066] 2. MIMO equalization refers to an anti-fading technology used to improve the transmission performance of communication systems in fading channels.

[0067] It should be understood that MIMO equalization can also be called MIMO estimation equalization, MIMO channel equalization, channel equalization, etc., and this application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0068] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, MIMO equalization can be linear equalization or nonlinear equalization, and the terminal device can use a MIMO equalization algorithm, such as a sorted serial interference cancellation algorithm, to perform MIMO equalization. This application does not specifically limit the implementation method of MIMO equalization.

[0069] 3. Layer demapping can be understood as the inverse process of layer mapping. Layer mapping can refer to the technology of performing complex modulation operations on each codeword (CW) of the data to be transmitted and mapping the symbols after the operation to one or more transmission layers. The number of layers in layer mapping corresponds one-to-one to the rank of the channel matrix, and the rank of the channel matrix can be determined based on the minimum number of transmit antennas and receive antennas. Through layer mapping, the transmitter can make the number of layers of the data stream to be transmitted correspond to the number of transmit antennas or the number of receive antennas.

[0070] It should be understood that in a communication system, such as in downlink transmission, the network device performs layer mapping on the downlink information sent, and correspondingly, the terminal device performs layer de-mapping on the downlink information received from the network device.

[0071] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the layer represents at least one layer obtained by the network device performing layer mapping on the downlink information sent to the terminal device. For the sake of brevity, this will not be described in detail below.

[0072] 4. Constellation demapping: After demapping the received data, the receiver obtains at least one symbol. The receiver then deconstellates the at least one symbol to obtain at least one bit group. Constellation demapping can also be understood as the inverse process of constellation mapping.

[0073] It should be understood that in a communication system, such as downlink transmission, the network device uses a constellation diagram to perform constellation mapping on the downlink information sent, and correspondingly, the terminal device uses the same constellation diagram to de-constellation map the downlink information from the network device.

[0074] 5. Channel decoding can be understood as the inverse process of channel coding. Through channel decoding, the encoded sequence can be restored to the original sequence.

[0075] It should be understood that in a communication system, for example, in downlink transmission, a network device performs channel coding on downlink information sent, and correspondingly, a terminal device performs channel decoding on downlink information received from the network device.

[0076] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, Figure 1 A communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is described in detail.

[0077] Figure 1Schematic diagram of a communication system 100 used in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system 100 may include at least one network device, such as Figure 1 The network device 110 shown; the communication system 100 may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1 The terminal device 120 is shown. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link. In one possible scenario, the network device 110 can act as a transmitter and the terminal device 120 can act as a receiver, with the network device 110 sending a signal to the terminal device 120. In another possible scenario, the network device 110 can act as a receiver and the terminal device 120 can act as a transmitter, with the terminal device 120 sending a signal to the network device 110.

[0078] Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment shows a network device 110 and a terminal device 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include multiple network devices and / or multiple terminal devices. The network device 110 may be a router, a base station, etc., and the terminal device 120 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart bracelet, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0079] The above-mentioned communication devices, such as Figure 1 The network device 110 or terminal device 120 in the embodiment may be configured with multiple antennas. The multiple antennas may include at least one transmitting antenna for sending signals and at least one receiving antenna for receiving signals. In addition, each communication device also includes a transmitter chain and a receiver chain. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of them may include multiple components related to signal transmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators, demultiplexers, or antennas, etc.). Therefore, the network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate using multi-antenna technology.

[0080] Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0081] It should be understood that the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various communication systems including the 5G new radio (NR) system. Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown is only an example. This application does not limit the specific architecture of the applicable system, nor does it limit the number and form of various devices included in each communication system.

[0082] With the advancement of communication technology, the maximum number of MIMO transmission layers supported by network devices is increasing. For example, network devices currently support downlink SU-MIMO transmission with a maximum of eight layers. Accordingly, terminal devices need to use receivers with a larger number of receive antennas to receive downlink information from the network device. For example, the network device sends downlink information corresponding to eight layers to the terminal device; the terminal device is equipped with a receiver with eight receive antennas and uses this receiver to receive the downlink information from the network device.

[0083] However, as the number of downlink information layers increases, the difficulty of performing MIMO equalization and other processing on the downlink information by the terminal device increases exponentially. This makes it more complex and expensive for the terminal device to receive downlink information, making it difficult to commercially use terminal devices equipped with multiple receive antennas, such as those with eight receive antennas (8-Rx).

[0084] Based on this, a terminal device can be configured with multiple antenna groups, which are used to reconstruct a receiver including a large number of receive antennas. For example, for a terminal device that needs to receive downlink information with a number of layers of eight, two antenna groups can be configured, each including four receive antennas. In this way, when the number of layers of downlink information sent by the network device is large, each of the multiple antenna groups can independently receive and process part of the downlink information. For example, each of the multiple antenna groups can perform MIMO equalization on a portion of the downlink information. Compared to a single antenna group performing MIMO equalization on the entire downlink information, this can reduce the complexity of the terminal device receiving the downlink information.

[0085] However, if the terminal device's receiver includes multiple antenna groups, if the network device cannot determine the terminal device's receiver type, the network device's transmission processing of the downlink information may not be compatible with the terminal device's reception processing, which may cause the terminal device to be unable to successfully decode the downlink information, resulting in low communication quality between the terminal device and the network device. For example, if the network device cannot determine the terminal device's receiver type, the downlink information sent by the network device to the terminal device corresponds to one codeword, but the terminal device decodes the downlink information according to two codewords, resulting in a decoding failure.

[0086] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, in which the receiver of a terminal device includes multiple antenna groups. The terminal device indicates the type of receiver used by the terminal device to a network device, so that the network device determines a scheduling strategy for downlink information based on the type of receiver used by the terminal device. In this way, the transmission processing of the network device and the reception processing of the terminal device can be adapted, which helps to achieve high-quality communication between the network device and the terminal device.

[0087] The following combination Figures 2 to 6The communication method of the present application is described in detail. The embodiments shown in this application illustrate the communication method provided by this application from the perspective of device interaction. The specific form and quantity of each device shown therein are only examples and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the method provided by this application. Below, the communication method of the embodiment of this application is described in detail, taking the terminal device and network device as the execution entities as an example.

[0088] It should be understood that the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device to implement the communication method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device. The network device can be the network device itself, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device to implement the communication method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the network device. This application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0089] For ease of understanding, the following Figures 2 to 4 , taking the case where the receiver of the terminal device is provided with two antenna groups as an example, the receiver type used by the terminal device is explained.

[0090] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of a receiver of the first type provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, antenna group 1 and antenna group 2 independently receive and process downlink information sent by the network device.

[0091] The terminal device is equipped with 8 receiving antennas, of which 4 are included in antenna group 1 and the remaining 4 are included in antenna group 2.

[0092] In addition, the receiving processing channel corresponding to antenna group 1 includes RF front-end 1, MIMO equalization module 1, de-layer mapping module 1, de-constellation mapping module 1 and channel decoding module 1; the receiving processing channel corresponding to antenna group 2 includes RF front-end 2, MIMO equalization module 2, de-layer mapping module 2, de-constellation mapping module 2 and channel decoding module 2.

[0093] Assume that the downlink information sent by the network device includes information 1 and information 2. Antenna group 1 can receive and process information 1. That is, the four receiving antennas included in antenna group 1 receive information 1; RF front-end 1 performs RF processing and other processing on information 1; MIMO equalization module 1 performs MIMO equalization on information 1 after processing by RF front-end 1; de-layer mapping module 1 performs de-layer mapping on information 1 after MIMO equalization; constellation de-mapping module 1 performs constellation de-mapping on information 1 after de-layer mapping; and channel decoding module 1 performs channel decoding on information 1 after de-constellation mapping to obtain channel-decoded information 1.

[0094] Antenna group 2 can receive and process information 2. That is, the other four receiving antennas included in antenna group 2 receive information 2; RF front end 2 performs RF processing and other processing on information 2; MIMO equalization module 2 performs MIMO equalization on information 2 processed by RF front end 2; de-layer mapping module 2 performs de-layer mapping on information 2 after MIMO equalization; constellation de-mapping module 2 performs constellation de-mapping on information 2 after de-layer mapping; and channel decoding module 2 performs channel decoding on information 2 after de-constellation mapping to obtain channel-decoded information 2.

[0095] Optionally, information 1 and information 2 may each correspond to some layers of the downlink information. For example, assuming that the network device maps the downlink information to eight layers through layer mapping, information 1 may correspond to four of the eight layers, and information 2 may correspond to the remaining four layers.

[0096] By using the first receiver type in the terminal device, two receivers with four receiving antennas can be used to construct a receiver that can achieve the functions of a receiver with eight receiving antennas. That is, the complexity of constructing a receiver with more receiving antennas is low.

[0097] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a receiver of the second type provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, antenna group 3 and antenna group 4 independently receive downlink information sent by the network device, and independently perform MIMO equalization on part of the received downlink information.

[0098] The terminal device is equipped with 8 receiving antennas, of which 4 are included in antenna group 3 and the remaining 4 are included in antenna group 4.

[0099] In addition, the receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 3 includes RF front-end 3 and MIMO equalization module 3; the receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 4 includes RF front-end 4 and MIMO equalization module 4. The receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 3 and the receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 4 share the same de-layer mapping module, the same de-constellation mapping module, and the same channel decoding module.

[0100] Assume that the downlink information sent by the network device includes information 3 and information 4. Antenna group 3 can receive and process information 3. That is, the four receive antennas included in antenna group 3 can receive information 3; RF front-end 3 performs RF processing and other processing on information 3; MIMO equalization module 3 performs MIMO equalization on information 3 processed by RF front-end 3 to obtain MIMO-equalized information 3. Antenna group 4 can receive and process information 4. That is, the other four receive antennas included in antenna group 4 can receive information 4; RF front-end 4 performs RF processing and other processing on information 4; MIMO equalization module 4 performs MIMO equalization on information 4 processed by RF front-end 4 to obtain MIMO-equalized information 4.

[0101] Optionally, information 3 and information 4 may each correspond to some layers of the downlink information. For example, assuming that the network device maps the downlink information to eight layers through layer mapping, information 3 may correspond to four of the eight layers, and information 4 may correspond to the remaining four layers.

[0102] Afterwards, the de-layer mapping module performs de-layer mapping on the MIMO equalized information 3 and the MIMO equalized information 4 to obtain downlink information after de-layer mapping; the constellation de-mapping module performs constellation de-mapping on the downlink information after de-layer mapping to obtain downlink information after constellation demapping; and the channel decoding module performs channel decoding on the downlink information after constellation demapping to obtain downlink information after channel decoding.

[0103] Compared to the first receiver type, the receiver corresponding to the second receiver type includes antenna group 3 and antenna group 4 that share the same channel decoding module. In this way, the channel decoding module can obtain all bits of each codeword corresponding to the downlink information, facilitating the terminal device to complete decoding of each codeword of the downlink information through the channel decoding module.

[0104] In addition, since one codeword is carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) when the number of layers of information transmitted via the PDSCH is less than or equal to 4, if the terminal device is equipped with a receiver of the second receiver type, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is less than or equal to 4, the terminal device can also obtain all bits of the codeword through the one channel decoding module and complete decoding of the codeword.

[0105] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram of a receiver of the third type provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4As shown, antenna group 5 and antenna group 6 can receive downlink information sent by the network device. The receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 5 includes RF front-end 5, and the receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 6 includes RF front-end 6. The receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 5 and the receive processing channel corresponding to antenna group 6 share the same MIMO equalization module, the same de-layer mapping module, the same de-constellation mapping module, and the same channel decoding module.

[0106] The terminal device is equipped with 8 receiving antennas, of which 4 are included in antenna group 5 and the remaining 4 are included in antenna group 6.

[0107] When the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is less than or equal to four, the four receive antennas included in antenna group 5 receive the downlink information, and the RF front end 5 performs RF processing and other processing on the downlink information. Alternatively, the receive antennas included in antenna group 6 receive the downlink information, and the RF front end 6 performs RF processing and other processing on the downlink information. The MIMO equalization module then performs MIMO equalization on the downlink information after RF processing and other processing to obtain MIMO-equalized downlink information. This allows the terminal device to achieve better MIMO equalization of the downlink information when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is small.

[0108] If the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is greater than four, the four receive antennas in antenna group 5 receive a portion of the downlink information; RF front-end 5 performs RF processing and other processing on this portion of the downlink information. The other four receive antennas in antenna group 6 receive the remaining downlink information; RF front-end 6 performs RF processing and other processing on the remaining downlink information. For example, if the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is eight, antenna group 5 receives downlink information corresponding to four of the layers, and antenna group 6 receives downlink information corresponding to the remaining four layers.

[0109] The MIMO equalization module then performs MIMO equalization on the partial downlink information processed by the RF front-end 5 and the remaining partial downlink information processed by the RF front-end 6, respectively, to obtain the MIMO-equalized partial downlink information and the MIMO-equalized remaining partial downlink information. For example, if the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is 8, the MIMO equalization module independently performs MIMO equalization on the downlink information corresponding to 4 layers and the downlink information corresponding to the remaining 4 layers. In this way, the MIMO equalization module can independently perform MIMO equalization on each portion of the downlink information, reducing the complexity of the MIMO equalization performed by the MIMO equalization module.

[0110] The partial downlink information after MIMO equalization and the remaining downlink information after MIMO equalization can be understood as the downlink information after MIMO equalization. After that, the terminal device can obtain the downlink information after channel decoding after layer demapping by the demapping module, constellation demapping by the constellation demapping module, and channel decoding by the channel decoding module.

[0111] By enabling the terminal device to adopt a receiver of the third receiver type, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is less than 4 or equal to 4, the terminal device can perform MIMO equalization on the downlink information through the MIMO equalization module, thereby achieving a better MIMO equalization effect; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information is greater than 4, the terminal device can independently perform MIMO equalization on each part of the downlink information through the MIMO equalization module, thereby reducing the complexity of the MIMO equalization performed by the terminal device.

[0112] It should be understood that the hardware of the third receiver type can be the same as that of a conventional receiver, and the MIMO equalization module determines the MIMO equalization method for the downlink information based on the number of layers corresponding to the downlink information. For example, if the terminal device uses a receiver including 8 receive antennas, the receiver can be the same as a conventional receiver including 8 receive antennas.

[0113] It should be noted that Figures 2 to 4 The receiver types shown are only examples. The receiver may include more antenna groups, and the number of receiving antennas included in each antenna group may be more or less, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0114] It should also be noted that Figures 2 to 4 The receiver types shown are examples only. A terminal device may include more types of receivers. For example, the terminal device may employ a receiver of the fourth receiver type. Compared to the receiver of the second receiver type, the two antenna groups included in the fourth receiver type may be equipped with different de-layer mapping modules and / or different de-constellation mapping modules. Receivers of other receiver types receive and process downlink information in a manner similar to that of the three receiver types shown above. For details, please refer to the description above and will not be listed here.

[0115] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, after the terminal device performs channel decoding on the downlink information, other processing can be performed on the downlink information after channel decoding. The present application does not specifically limit the method of other processing.

[0116] When a receiver of a terminal device includes multiple antenna groups, the communication quality can be improved through the following communication method.

[0117] Figure 5 The following is a flow chart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 includes the following steps:

[0118] S501: A terminal device sends first information to a network device, where the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, where the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information from the terminal device.

[0119] Each of the multiple antenna groups can receive and process part or all of the service data. The multiple antenna groups can be, for example, 2 antenna groups, 4 antenna groups, etc. The first receiver type can be one or more receiver types.

[0120] The first information may be an index of one or more receiver types. For example, the first information includes 0 and 1, where 0 and 1 respectively indicate a receiver type.

[0121] The first information may also be a bitmap, where 1 may indicate selected and 0 may indicate unselected; or, alternatively, 1 may indicate unselected and 0 may indicate selected. For example, if the first information is 110 and 1 indicates selected, then the two 1s in 110 indicate the receiver type is the first receiver type.

[0122] Optionally, the first information may be carried in a radio resource control (RRC) message, such as a UE capability (UE capability) message, etc. In this way, the network device may determine the receiver type of the terminal device through an existing RRC message.

[0123] It should be noted that the multiple antenna groups can be hardware-independent. For example, each antenna group can be provided on a separate chip; alternatively, the multiple antenna groups can be integrated into a single chip. Furthermore, the multiple antenna groups can be provided with the same software module or with different software modules. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0124] S502: Based on the first receiver type, the network device sends service data to the terminal device.

[0125] Optionally, the network device may determine the number of multiple antenna groups included in the receiver of the terminal device according to the first receiver type.

[0126] In addition, based on the first receiver type, the network device can also determine whether the multiple antenna groups independently receive and process part or all of the service data. Figure 2For the first receiver type shown, the network device may determine that two antenna groups independently receive and process part of the service data.

[0127] In this way, the network device can communicate with the terminal device by adopting a reasonable CSI measurement mechanism and scheduling strategy according to the first receiver type.

[0128] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the network device 610 includes 16 transmit antennas in a first polarization direction and 16 transmit antennas in a second polarization direction. The receiver of the terminal device 620 includes two antenna groups, namely antenna group 0 and antenna group 1. Antenna group 0 and antenna group 1 each include four receive antennas.

[0129] Assume that the receiver type of terminal device 620 is the first receiver type described above. When the number of layers corresponding to the number of services is greater than 1, network device 610 may send a portion of the service data to antenna group 0; accordingly, antenna group 0 receives the portion of data; network device 610 may send another portion of the data to antenna group 1; accordingly, antenna group 1 receives the other portion of the data. For example, network device 610 may use a transmitting antenna with a first polarization direction to send the portion of data via beam 630; accordingly, antenna group 0 of terminal device 620 may receive and process the portion of data. Network device 610 may use a transmitting antenna with a second polarization direction to send the other portion of data via beam 640; accordingly, antenna group 1 of terminal device 620 may receive and process the other portion of data.

[0130] The four receive antenna (Rx) receivers in antenna group 0 receive the portion of data. This portion of data may correspond to four layers of service data and corresponds to a codeword, namely, CW 0. The CW 0 decoder in antenna group 0 then decodes CW 0 to obtain decoded data 0. The four receive antenna receivers in antenna group 1 then receive the other portion of data. This other portion of data may correspond to another four layers of service data and corresponds to a codeword, namely, CW 1. The CW 1 decoder in antenna group 1 then decodes CW 1 to obtain decoded data 1. In this way, terminal device 620 can determine the decoded service data based on decoded data 0 and decoded data 1.

[0131] Optionally, the network device can send part of the downlink information to different antenna groups through different beams. Figure 6 The CSI reported by terminal device 620 to network device 610 may include the CSI corresponding to antenna group 0 and the CSI corresponding to antenna group 1. In this way, network device 610 can determine a portion of data to be sent using beam 630 and another portion of data to be sent using beam 640.

[0132] It should be noted that Figure 6 This is just an example, and the network device may also send a portion of data and another portion of data through the same beam. This application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0133] Optionally, the network device may also determine data 1 to be sent to each of the multiple antenna groups based on channel state information (CSI) from the terminal device, where data 1 is service data. For example, network device 610 may determine precoding matrix 0 for precoding a portion of the data based on the CSI corresponding to antenna group 0, and determine precoding matrix 1 for precoding another portion of the data based on the CSI corresponding to antenna group 1. In this way, network device 610 may process one portion of the data and another portion of the data using different precoding matrices, respectively, and then send the precoded portion of the data to antenna group 0 and the precoded portion of the data to antenna group 1, respectively.

[0134] In the communication method of the present application, the receiver of a terminal device includes multiple antenna groups, allowing the terminal device to receive and process downlink information of a large number of layers through the multiple antenna groups, thereby reducing the complexity of decoding the downlink information by the terminal device. In addition, by indicating the type of the terminal device's receiver to a network device, the network device can send downlink information to some or all of the multiple antenna groups based on the type of the terminal device's receiver, thereby adapting the network device's transmission processing to the terminal device's reception processing, thereby achieving effective communication between the terminal device and the network device.

[0135] Transmit processing may include precoding, constellation mapping, layer mapping, and MIMO processing performed by network equipment on downlink information before it is sent. Receive processing may include MIMO equalization, layer demapping, constellation demapping, and channel decoding performed by terminal equipment on downlink information during its reception.

[0136] On different frequency domain resources, terminal devices can use different types of receivers, which are described in detail below.

[0137] As an optional embodiment, the method 500 further includes: the terminal device sending second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information from the terminal device.

[0138] The frequency domain resources may include but are not limited to one or more of the following: a frequency band, a carrier, or a bandwidth part (BWP).

[0139] The frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type can also be understood as: when the frequency domain resources used by the terminal device are the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type, the receiver of the terminal device is the first receiver type. Each receiver type in the first receiver type can correspond to one or more frequency domain resources.

[0140] In one case, a receiver type corresponds to a frequency domain resource. For example, the first receiver type may include receiver type 1, receiver type 2, and receiver type 3, and the frequency domain resources include frequency domain resource 1, frequency domain resource 2, and frequency domain resource 3. That is, receiver type 1 corresponds to frequency domain resource 1, receiver type 2 corresponds to frequency domain resource 2, and receiver type 3 corresponds to frequency domain resource 3.

[0141] In another case, a receiver type corresponds to multiple frequency domain resources. For example, the first receiver type may include receiver type 1, and the frequency domain resources include frequency domain resource 1 and frequency domain resource 2. Receiver type 1 corresponds to frequency domain resource 1 and frequency domain resource 2. If the frequency domain resource used by the terminal device is frequency domain resource 1 or frequency domain resource 2, the receiver of the terminal device may be a receiver of receiver type 1.

[0142] In another case, a receiver type corresponds to one or more frequency domain resources. For example, the first receiver type may include receiver type 1 and receiver type 2, and the frequency domain resources include frequency domain resource 1, frequency domain resource 2, and frequency domain resource 3. Receiver type 1 corresponds to frequency domain resource 1 and frequency domain resource 2, and receiver type 3 corresponds to frequency domain resource 3.

[0143] It should be understood that the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type can also be replaced with supported, available, etc., and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0144] In some possible implementations, the second information is carried in a message such as an RRC message.

[0145] In addition, the second information and the first information may be carried in the same or different signaling. Furthermore, when the second information and the first information are carried in the same signaling, the first information and the second information may be carried in the same or different fields of the signaling, or the first information and the second information may be carried in the same or different cells of the signaling, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0146] The second information may be, for example, an index or bitmap of a frequency domain resource. For example, if the second information is 1 and 1, 1 and 2 represent different frequency domain resources, respectively; and if the first information is 00 and 01, 00 and 01 represent different receiver types, then the receiver type represented by 00 may correspond to the frequency domain resource represented by 1; and the receiver type represented by 01 may correspond to the frequency domain resource represented by 2. Alternatively, if the second information is 110 and the first information is 0, and 1 is selected, the frequency domain resources represented by the two 1s in 110 correspond to the receiver type represented by 1.

[0147] In another optional embodiment, the first information belongs to the second information, and the second information is used to indicate the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type. That is, S501 can be implemented as follows: the terminal device sends the second information to the network device, where the second information includes the first information. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second information from the terminal device.

[0148] Optionally, the second information is carried in a message such as an RRC message.

[0149] The second information may be, for example, one or more fields, information elements, function sets, or feature sets in a signaling or message. Different fields, information elements, function sets, or feature sets may indicate different frequency domain resources. For example, in an RRC message, the first feature set may be a feature set corresponding to a first frequency domain resource, and the second feature set may be a feature set corresponding to a second frequency domain resource.

[0150] In this way, the first information can be carried in or included in the second information, so that the network device can determine the receiver type corresponding to each frequency domain resource through the information indicating the receiver type carried in the field, information element, function set, or feature set corresponding to each frequency domain resource. Exemplarily, if the first information is included in the first feature set, the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first feature set correspond to the first receiver type. That is, when the terminal device uses the frequency domain resources corresponding to the first feature set, the receiver type of the terminal device is the first receiver type.

[0151] Optionally, the second information includes a downlink feature set (feature set downlink) and / or a carrier downlink feature set (feature set downlink per CC). Alternatively, it can also be understood that the second information is a downlink feature set and / or a carrier downlink feature set.

[0152] It should be understood that the downlink feature set and the carrier downlink feature set may be feature sets in the UE capability message, and different downlink feature sets may correspond to different frequency bands, and different carrier downlink feature sets may correspond to different carriers.

[0153] In one example, the downlink feature set includes a carrier downlink feature set with ID 1 and a carrier downlink feature set with ID 2. The carrier downlink feature set with ID 1 may carry 0, where 0 indicates a receiver type, for example Figure 2 The first receiver type shown, the carrier corresponding to the carrier downlink feature set with ID 1 corresponds to the receiver type 0. The carrier downlink feature set with ID 2 can carry 1, 1 represents a receiver type, for example Figure 3 For the second receiver type shown, the carrier corresponding to the carrier downlink characteristic set with ID 2 corresponds to the receiver type represented by 1.

[0154] In another example, the downlink characteristic set 0 includes the first information 0, and the receiver type represented by 0 corresponds to the frequency band corresponding to the downlink characteristic set represented by 0.

[0155] Through the above implementation, the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type in existing signaling, so that the signaling overhead of the terminal device indicating the first receiver type to the network device is relatively small.

[0156] Based on the above embodiment, the first receiver type may be one or more receiver types in a preset receiver type set, which will be described in detail below.

[0157] As an optional embodiment, the first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the network device through signaling.

[0158] The multiple receiver types may also be understood as a receiver type set including multiple receiver types, such as 3 or 4 receiver types.

[0159] In this manner, the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type to the network device within the range of multiple receiver types, which helps reduce the signaling overhead of the terminal device reporting the first receiver type. For example, if the multiple receiver types are three, the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type to the network device using a three-bit bitmap.

[0160] Optionally, method 500 further includes: the network device sending third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to indicate multiple receiver types. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the network device. In this way, the terminal device can determine multiple receiver types, so that the terminal device can indicate the first receiver type within the range of the multiple receiver types to the network device.

[0161] It should be understood that the third information and the first information may be carried in the same or different signaling. Furthermore, when the third information and the first information are carried in the same signaling, the first information and the third information may be carried in the same or different fields of the signaling, or the first information and the third information may be carried in the same or different cells of the signaling, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0162] The following describes the various receiver types in detail.

[0163] In one possible embodiment, multiple receiver types include a first type and a second type, and both the first type and the second type indicate a receiver including multiple antenna groups; wherein the baseband processing functional modules of the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first type are independent; and the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the second type use the same channel decoding module.

[0164] Baseband processing may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: MIMO equalization, layer demapping, constellation demapping, or channel decoding. The independent functional modules of baseband processing for multiple antenna groups can also be understood as the multiple antenna groups independently performing baseband processing on the received information.

[0165] The first type can be, for example, Figure 2 The first receiver type shown. That is, each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can independently receive and process part of the downlink data. In addition, when the number of codewords corresponding to the downlink data is 1, one antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can be used to receive and process all the downlink data. For example, Figure 2 The RF front end 1 in the antenna group 1 shown receives downlink data, and sequentially passes through the MIMO equalization of the MIMO equalization module 1, the de-layering mapping of the de-layering mapping module 1, the de-constellation mapping of the de-constellation mapping module 1, and the channel decoding of the channel decoding module 1, and the terminal device can determine the decoded downlink data.

[0166] Optionally, the network device may determine a first antenna group according to the CSI, where the first antenna group is an antenna group among multiple antenna groups for receiving and processing downlink data when the number of codewords corresponding to the downlink data is 1.

[0167] The second type can be, for example, Figure 3 The second receiver type shown or Figure 4 The third receiver type shown in FIG. By enabling multiple antenna groups to use the same channel decoding module, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the number of codewords corresponding to the service data is 1, and the one channel decoding module can obtain and decode the one codeword.

[0168] It should be understood that downlink data, for example, can also be understood as the business data mentioned above, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0169] Based on the above embodiments, the second type may include the third type and / or the fourth type; wherein, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

[0170] It should be understood that the third and fourth types of receivers can receive downlink data without changing the current protocol. Downlink data can also be understood as downlink information, service data, etc. That is, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the number of codewords corresponding to the downlink data is 1. By having multiple antenna groups share the same channel decoding module, the channel decoding module can obtain a complete codeword, allowing the terminal device to successfully decode the codeword through the channel decoding module.

[0171] Among them, the third type can be, for example, Figure 3 The second receiver type shown. Multiple antenna groups independently receive and process different layers corresponding to downlink data, which can be understood as follows: the downlink data corresponds to multiple layers, each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups receives and processes part of the multiple layers, and the partial layers received and processed by the multiple antenna groups are different, and the sum of the layers received and processed by the multiple antenna groups is the multiple layers corresponding to the downlink data. For example, the multiple antenna groups include antenna group 3 and antenna group 4, and the downlink data corresponds to 8 layers. Antenna group 3 can receive and process 4 of the layers, and antenna group 4 can receive and process the remaining 4 layers. In addition, the multiple antenna groups can independently perform MIMO equalization on part of the received downlink data. For example, antenna group 3 performs MIMO equalization on the data corresponding to 4 of the layers, and antenna group 4 performs MIMO equalization on the data corresponding to the remaining 4 layers.

[0172] The fourth type can be, for example, Figure 4The third type of receiver shown. Multiple antenna groups jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data can be understood as: each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups receives all layers corresponding to the downlink data. For example, the multiple antenna groups include antenna group 5 and antenna group 6, and the downlink data corresponds to 8 layers, and the antenna group 5 and the antenna group 6 receive the 8 layers. In addition, the multiple antenna groups included in the fourth type of receiver can share the same MIMO equalization module, and in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the MIMO equalization module performs MIMO equalization on the downlink data. In this way, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is small, the terminal device can have a better MIMO equalization effect.

[0173] Optionally, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is greater than 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the fourth type of receiver independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data. For example, the multiple antenna groups include antenna group 5 and antenna group 6, and the downlink data corresponds to 8 layers, and the antenna group 5 receives and processes 4 layers, and the antenna group 6 receives and processes the remaining 4 layers. In addition, the multiple antenna groups included in the fourth type of receiver can share the same MIMO equalization module, and in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is greater than 4, the MIMO equalization module independently performs MIMO equalization on the downlink data received by each antenna group. That is, the MIMO equalization module performs MIMO equalization on the data corresponding to the 4 layers received by the antenna group 5, and performs MIMO equalization on the data corresponding to the remaining 4 layers received by the antenna group 4. In this way, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is large, the complexity of the terminal device performing MIMO equalization on the downlink data is low.

[0174] It should be noted that in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data is 1, the terminal device can receive and process the downlink data through one antenna group in the multiple antenna groups. And the network device can determine the one antenna group through the CSI reported by the terminal device.

[0175] The following describes in detail the way in which the network device sends service data.

[0176] As an optional embodiment, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the service data corresponds to 2 codewords (CW); or, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the service data corresponds to 1 CW, and, in the case that the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 4, the service data corresponds to 2 CW.

[0177] Among them, when the first receiver type is the first type among the above-mentioned multiple receiver types, if the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the service data corresponds to 2 codewords CW. In this way, when the number of layers is greater than 1, if the multiple antenna groups are 2 antenna groups, each antenna group in the 2 antenna groups can receive and process 1 codeword. Since the channel decoding module is not shared between the multiple antenna groups, in this way, the channel decoding module included in each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can respectively obtain a complete codeword, so that each channel decoding module can successfully decode each codeword. For example, combined with Figure 2 , channel decoding module 1 can obtain a codeword, and channel decoding module 2 can obtain another codeword.

[0178] In the case where the first receiver type is the second type among the above-mentioned multiple receiver types, if the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the service data corresponds to 1 CW; and, if the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 4, the service data corresponds to 2 CWs.

[0179] Because multiple antenna groups share the same channel decoding module, and the current protocol stipulates that when the number of layers is less than or equal to 4, service data corresponds to one codeword; when the number of layers is greater than 4, service data corresponds to two CWs, this approach reduces the complexity of MIMO equalization in terminal devices without changing the current protocol. Furthermore, the channel decoding module can obtain complete codewords, resulting in a higher success rate for decoding each codeword.

[0180] Optionally, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is 1, the terminal device may receive and process the downlink data through one antenna group among the multiple antenna groups, and the network device may determine the one antenna group through the CSI reported by the terminal device.

[0181] As an optional embodiment, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than a preset threshold, the receiver indicated by the first receiver type includes multiple antenna groups that independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data, and the preset threshold is greater than or equal to 1.

[0182] In this way, when the number of layers corresponding to the business data is greater than a preset threshold, the MIMO equalization module included in each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups can perform MIMO equalization on the data received by each antenna group respectively. Compared with performing MIMO equalization on all business data, the complexity of the terminal device performing MIMO equalization on part of the business data is relatively small, which can reduce the difficulty of the terminal device in receiving business data, and help solve the problem of commercial difficulties in terminal devices including more receiving antennas.

[0183] The preset threshold may be a preset positive integer, such as 1 or 4.

[0184] In the case where the first receiver type is the first type described above, the preset threshold may be 1. If the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the multiple antenna groups independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data. Figure 2 In addition, the service data received by each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups may correspond to a codeword, so that the channel decoding module included in each antenna group in the multiple antenna groups may obtain a complete codeword.

[0185] In the case where the first receiver type is the second type described above, the preset threshold may be 4. For example Figure 3 The second receiver type shown and Figure 4 The third receiver type is shown.

[0186] It should be understood that the order of execution of the above methods does not necessarily mean the order in which they are executed. The order in which each process is executed should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0187] Combined with the above Figures 2 to 6 , describes the communication method of the embodiment of the present application in detail, and the following is combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 , describes in detail the communication device of the embodiment of the present application.

[0188] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the apparatus 700 includes: a sending module 701 and a receiving module 702 .

[0189] In a possible implementation, the apparatus 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method 500.

[0190] The sending module 701 sends first information to the network device, where the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, where the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups; the receiving module 702 is used to receive service data from the network device, where the service data is sent based on the first receiver type.

[0191] Optionally, the sending module 701 is further used to send second information to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0192] Optionally, the first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the network device through signaling.

[0193] Optionally, the second type includes the third type and / or the fourth type; wherein, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

[0194] In another possible implementation, the apparatus 700 is used to implement the steps corresponding to the network device in the above method 500.

[0195] The receiving module 702 is used to receive first information from the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, where the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups; the sending module 701 is used to send service data to the terminal device based on the first receiver type.

[0196] Optionally, the receiving module 702 is further used to receive second information from the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0197] Optionally, the first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by the protocol or configured by the device 700 through signaling.

[0198] Optionally, the second type includes a third type and / or a fourth type; wherein, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the device 700 is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the device 700 is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

[0199] On the basis of any one of the two possible implementations described above, the apparatus 700 may further implement the following solution.

[0200] Optionally, the first information belongs to the second information, and the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

[0201] Optionally, the second information includes a downlink characteristic set and / or a carrier downlink characteristic set.

[0202] Optionally, the first information is carried in a user equipment UE capability message.

[0203] Optionally, multiple receiver types include a first type and a second type, and the first type and the second type both indicate a receiver including multiple antenna groups; wherein the baseband processing functional modules of the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first type are independent; and the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the second type use the same channel decoding module.

[0204] Optionally, when the number of layers corresponding to the business data is greater than 1, the business data corresponds to 2 codewords CW; or, when the number of layers corresponding to the business data is less than or equal to 4, the business data corresponds to 1 CW, and, when the number of layers corresponding to the business data is greater than 4, the business data corresponds to 2 CWs.

[0205] Optionally, when the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than a preset threshold, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first receiver type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data, and the preset threshold is greater than or equal to 1.

[0206] It should be understood that the device 700 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 700 can be specifically a terminal device or a network device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the device 700 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0207] The apparatus 700 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or network device in the above method; the above functions can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0208] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 7 The device 700 may also be a chip, such as a SOC.

[0209] Figure 8Schematic diagram of the structure of an apparatus 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The apparatus 800 includes a processor 801, a transceiver 802, and a memory 803. The processor 801, the transceiver 802, and the memory 803 communicate with each other via an internal connection path. The memory 803 is used to store instructions, and the processor 801 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 803 to control the transceiver 802 to send and / or receive signals.

[0210] It should be understood that the apparatus 800 can be specifically a terminal device or network device in the above-described embodiment, and can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or network device in the above-described method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 803 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 801 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 801 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 801 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above-described method embodiment. The transceiver 802 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter can be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the above-described transceiver for performing a sending action, and the receiver can be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the above-described transceiver for performing a receiving action.

[0211] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0212] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0213] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program, and the computer program is used to implement the method shown in the above method embodiment.

[0214] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer can execute the method shown in the above method embodiment.

[0215] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0216] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and modules described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0217] 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 schematic. For example, the division of the modules is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0218] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment according to actual needs.

[0219] In addition, each functional module in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing module, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module.

[0220] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0221] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, and such changes or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending first information to a network device, where the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, where the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups; Service data is received from the network device, where the service data is sent based on the first receiver type.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second information is sent to the network device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information belongs to second information, and the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The second information includes a downlink characteristic set and / or a carrier downlink characteristic set.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first information is carried in a user equipment UE capability message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by a protocol or configured by the network device through signaling.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The plurality of receiver types include a first type and a second type, the first type and the second type both indicating a receiver including a plurality of antenna groups; The baseband processing function modules of the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first type are independent; and the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the second type use the same channel decoding module.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The second type includes the third type and / or the fourth type; In which, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that In the case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the service data corresponds to 2 codewords CW; or, In a case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the service data corresponds to 1 CW, and in a case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 4, the service data corresponds to 2 CWs.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that When the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than a preset threshold, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first receiver type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data, and the preset threshold is greater than or equal to 1.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving first information from a terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a first receiver type, where the first receiver type indicates a receiver including multiple antenna groups; Based on the first receiver type, service data is sent to the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Second information is received from the terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first information belongs to second information, and the second information is used to indicate frequency domain resources corresponding to the first receiver type.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The second information includes a downlink characteristic set and / or a carrier downlink characteristic set.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The first information is carried in a user equipment UE capability message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The first receiver type belongs to multiple receiver types, and the multiple receiver types are agreed upon by a protocol or configured by a network device through signaling.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of receiver types include a first type and a second type, the first type and the second type both indicating a receiver including a plurality of antenna groups; The baseband processing function modules of the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first type are independent; and the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the second type use the same channel decoding module.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The second type includes the third type and / or the fourth type; Among them, when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the third type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the downlink data; when the number of layers corresponding to the downlink data sent by the network device is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the fourth type jointly receive and process all layers corresponding to the downlink data.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that In the case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 1, the service data corresponds to 2 codewords CW; or, In a case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is less than or equal to 4, the service data corresponds to 1 CW, and in a case where the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than 4, the service data corresponds to 2 CWs.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that When the number of layers corresponding to the service data is greater than a preset threshold, the multiple antenna groups included in the receiver indicated by the first receiver type independently receive and process different layers corresponding to the service data, and the preset threshold is greater than or equal to 1.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, the processor being coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, wherein when the processor calls the computer program, the device is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or any one of claims 11 to 20.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Used to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or any one of claims 11 to 20.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or any one of claims 11 to 20.

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