Communication method and related product

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and a related product. The method comprises: a network device sending a first reference signal to a UE, the first reference signal corresponding to N ports, the N ports being divided into a first port set and a second port set; and the UE sending first information to the network device, the first information indicating the CSI of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, any one port in the first port set corresponding to the first code word under different ranks, and any one port in the second port set corresponding to the second code word under different ranks. By adopting the scheme provided by the invention, when the terminal equipment measures and reports the reference signals on the first port set and the second port set, the accuracy of CSI measurement can be improved by specifying that any one port in one port set corresponds to the same code word under different ranks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related products. Background Technology

[0002] Using an 8-receiver (8R) receiver, i.e., eight receiving antennas, during downlink transmission can effectively improve spectral efficiency. However, for high-stream transmission (e.g., transmission streams greater than four), traditional 8R receiver schemes are characterized by high implementation difficulty and computational complexity. A feasible solution is to split the 8R receiver into two "virtual receivers" (hereinafter referred to as low-complexity 8R receivers) each containing 4R antennas. Each "virtual receiver" (or sub-receiver) performs signal reception and processing separately, which can effectively solve the problems of high implementation difficulty and computational complexity of current 8R receivers.

[0003] In the fifth generation (5 th In 5G (New Radio) mobile communication systems, the Channel State Information Reporting Configuration (CSI) element (IE) is a parameter used to configure how the terminal reports Channel State Information (CSI). If a terminal is configured with CSI-ReportConfig and the reportQuantity parameter is set to 'cri-RI-CQI', but the non-PMI-PortIndication parameter is not configured, for low-complexity 8R receivers, this will cause one sub-receiver to demodulate the signal sent to another sub-receiver, resulting in significant performance loss.

[0004] Therefore, improving the accuracy of CSI measurements when using a low-complexity 8R receiver is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related products that improves the accuracy of CSI measurements by fixing the correspondence between any port in a set of ports and codewords under different ranks.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal device side, such as the terminal device or the communication module in the terminal device, or to the circuit or chip of the terminal device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example.

[0007] In this method, the terminal device receives a first reference signal, which corresponds to N ports, where N is a positive integer. The N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The terminal device also sends first information, which indicates the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set. Any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

[0008] Using this method, when the terminal device performs reference signal measurement and reporting on the first port set and the second port set, it can improve the accuracy of CSI measurement by specifying that any port in a port set corresponds to the same codeword under different ranks.

[0009] Secondly, a communication method is provided. Exemplarily, the method can be applied to a network device side, such as a network device or a communication module within a network device, or to a circuit or chip within a network device. The above method is exemplified by its application to a network device side.

[0010] In this method, the network device sends a first reference signal, which corresponds to N ports, where N is a positive integer. The N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The network device also receives first information, which indicates the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set. Any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

[0011] Using this method, when configuring terminal devices in network devices to perform reference signal measurements and reports on the first and second port sets, the accuracy of CSI measurements can be improved by specifying that any port in a port set corresponds to the same codeword under different ranks.

[0012] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible design, the rank takes the value of any one of 5 to 7.

[0013] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in another possible design, the first port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, and the second port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007.

[0014] This design ensures that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions (i.e., different ranks), preventing the first reference signal port from being associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. Specifically, when measuring channel state information corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword. This improves the accuracy of channel state information measurement.

[0015] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in another possible design, when the rank is 5, the first port set includes ports 3000 and 3001, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006; when the rank is 6, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006; when the rank is 7, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007.

[0016] This design ensures that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions (i.e., different ranks), preventing the first reference signal port from being associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. This improves the accuracy of channel state information measurements.

[0017] In another possible design, combining the first or second aspect, any port in the first port set corresponds to a first probe reference signal port group under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second probe reference signal port group under different ranks.

[0018] This design establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the probe reference signal port groups and codewords; that is, the first probe reference signal port group corresponds to the first codeword, and the second probe reference signal port group corresponds to the second codeword. Therefore, each port is associated with a fixed codeword under any reporting condition, preventing the first reference signal port from being associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. This improves the accuracy of channel state information measurement.

[0019] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in another possible design, when the rank is 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group; when the rank is 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group; when the rank is 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group.

[0020] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in another possible design, the index of the port in the first port set is predefined, and the index of the port in the first port set is associated with the rank, the first codeword, and the number of layers corresponding to the first codeword; and / or the index of the port in the second port set is predefined, and the index of the port in the second port set is associated with the rank, the second codeword, and the number of layers corresponding to the second codeword.

[0021] This design predefines port indices based on rank, codeword, and the corresponding layer number of the codeword. Each port is associated with a fixed codeword under any reporting condition, preventing the first reference signal port from being associated with different codewords in different reporting situations. This improves the accuracy of channel state information measurement.

[0022] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in another possible design, at least one of the following is also true: the index of the port in the first port set is also associated with the first probe reference signal port group, and the index of the port in the second port set is also associated with the second probe reference signal port group.

[0023] This design predefines port indices based on rank, probe reference signal port group, codeword, and the layer number corresponding to the codeword. Each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions, preventing the first reference signal port from being associated with different codewords in different reporting situations. This improves the accuracy of channel state information measurement.

[0024] Thirdly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to the terminal device side, such as the terminal device or the communication module in the terminal device, or to the circuit or chip of the terminal device (such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip), or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a terminal device as an example.

[0025] In this method, a terminal device receives first information, which configures a first reference signal resource and a second reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource are associated with a first reporting resource; the terminal device receives a first reference signal on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource; and the terminal device sends second information on the first reporting resource, the second information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first reference signal resource corresponding to a first rank, or indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the second reference signal resource corresponding to a second rank, wherein the first rank is any value from 5 to 8, and the second rank is any value from 1 to 4.

[0026] Using this method, the network device configures two reference signal resources, each corresponding to the same reporting resource. The network device configures the UE to measure the CSI corresponding to the first rank of the first reference signal received on the first reference signal resource, and to measure the CSI corresponding to the second rank of the first reference signal received on the second reference signal resource. This ensures that the CSI under both the first and second ranks can be measured accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of CSI measurement.

[0027] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. Exemplarily, the method can be applied to a network device side, such as a network device or a communication module within a network device, or it can be applied to a circuit or chip within a network device. The above method is exemplified by its application to a network device side.

[0028] In this method, a network device sends first information, which configures a first reference signal resource and a second reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource are associated with a first reporting resource; the network device sends a first reference signal on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource; and the network device receives second information on the first reporting resource, the second information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first reference signal resource corresponding to a first rank, or indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the second reference signal resource corresponding to a second rank, wherein the first rank is any value from 5 to 8, and the second rank is any value from 1 to 4.

[0029] Using this method, the terminal device receives two reference signal resources configured by the network device. The two reference signal resources correspond to the same reporting resource. The network device configures the UE to measure the CSI corresponding to the first rank of the first reference signal received on the first reference signal resource and the CSI corresponding to the second rank of the first reference signal received on the second reference signal resource. This allows the CSI under both the first and second ranks to be measured accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of CSI measurement.

[0030] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can be designed using the methods described in the first aspect, the third aspect, or any one of the first and third aspects. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a terminal device. The above methods can be designed using software, hardware, or by executing corresponding software through hardware.

[0031] In one possible design, the device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0032] Wherein, when the apparatus is used to design the method described in the first aspect or any design of the first aspect, the transceiver unit is used to receive a first reference signal, the first reference signal corresponding to N ports, where N is a positive integer, and the N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set; the processing unit is used to generate first information, the first information indicating the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, where any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks; and the transceiver unit is also used to transmit the first information.

[0033] Further features and beneficial effects can be found in the relevant description in the first aspect.

[0034] Wherein, when the apparatus is used to design the method described in the third aspect or any of the designs of the third aspect, the transceiver unit is used to receive first information, the first information configuring a first reference signal resource and a second reference signal resource, the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource being associated with a first reporting resource; the transceiver unit is also used to receive a first reference signal on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource; the processing unit is used to generate second information, the second information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first reference signal resource corresponding to a first rank, or indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the second reference signal resource corresponding to a second rank, the first rank being any value from 5 to 8, and the second rank being any value from 1 to 4; and the transceiver unit is also used to transmit the second information on the first reporting resource.

[0035] Sixthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device can be designed using the methods described in the second and fourth aspects, or any one of the second and fourth aspects. For example, the communication device can be a chip or a network device. The above methods can be designed using software, hardware, or by executing corresponding software through hardware.

[0036] In one possible design, the device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0037] Wherein, when the apparatus is used to design the method described in the second aspect or any of the designs of the second aspect, the transceiver unit is used to transmit a first reference signal, the first reference signal corresponding to N ports, where N is a positive integer, the N ports being divided into a first port set and a second port set; and the transceiver unit is also used to receive first information, the first information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

[0038] Further features and beneficial effects can be found in the relevant description in the second part.

[0039] Wherein, when the apparatus is used to design the method described in the fourth aspect or any of the designs of the fourth aspect, the processing unit is used to generate first information, the first information configuring a first reference signal resource and a second reference signal resource, the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource being associated with a first reporting resource; the transceiver unit is used to transmit the first information; the transceiver unit is also used to transmit a first reference signal on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource; and the transceiver unit is also used to receive second information on the first reporting resource, the second information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first reference signal resource corresponding to a first rank, or indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the second reference signal resource corresponding to a second rank, wherein the first rank is any value from 5 to 8, and the second rank is any value from 1 to 4.

[0040] In another possible design, the communication device described in aspects five and six above includes a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the channel state information reporting method described above. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores necessary computer programs (or computer-executable instructions) and / or data for the device. Optionally, the communication device may further include a communication interface for supporting communication between the device and other network elements, such as the transmission or reception of data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface. Optionally, the memory may be located internally within the communication device and integrated with the processor; or it may be located externally to the communication device.

[0041] In another possible design, the communication device described in aspects five and six above includes a processor and a transceiver device. The processor is coupled to the transceiver device and is used to execute computer programs or instructions to control the transceiver device to receive and send information. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions, it is also used to design the above-described method through logic circuits or execution code instructions. The transceiver device can be a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or input / output interface, used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. When the communication device is a chip, the transceiver device is a transceiver circuit or an input / output interface.

[0042] When the communication device in the fifth and sixth aspects above is a chip, the transmitting unit can be an output unit, such as an output circuit or a communication interface; the receiving unit can be an input unit, such as an input circuit or a communication interface. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transmitting unit can be a transmitter or a receiver; the receiving unit can be a receiver or a receiver.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a communication device as described in the fifth aspect or any design of the fifth aspect, and a communication device as described in the sixth aspect or any design of the sixth aspect.

[0044] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, are designed as described in the first aspect or any of the designs of the first aspect, or as described in the second aspect or any of the designs of the second aspect, or as described in the third aspect or any of the designs of the third aspect, or as described in the fourth aspect or any of the designs of the fourth aspect.

[0045] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided that, when executed on a computing device, is designed as described in the first aspect or any of the designs of the first aspect, or as described in the second aspect or any of the designs of the second aspect, or as described in the third aspect or any of the designs of the third aspect, or as described in the fourth aspect or any of the designs of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of obtaining the CSI of the downlink channel;

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a low-complexity 8R receiver;

[0049] Figures 4-5 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figures 6-7 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G communication systems, future communication systems, or multiple communication convergence systems, as well as existing communication systems. The application scenarios of the technical solution provided in this application can include various scenarios, such as machine-to-machine (M2M), macro-micro communication, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (uRLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). These scenarios may include, but are not limited to, communication scenarios between terminal devices, communication scenarios between network devices, and communication scenarios between network devices and terminal devices. Network devices include both network devices and core network devices. The following descriptions all use the scenario of communication between network devices and terminal devices as examples.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 1000 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one network device (such as...). Figure 1 110a and 110b in the above), may also include at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 (e.g., 120a-120j). Terminal devices connect to network devices wirelessly, and network devices connect to the core network wirelessly or via wired connections. Core network devices and network devices can be independent physical devices, or they can integrate the functions of core network devices and the logical functions of network devices onto the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some core network device functions and some network device functions. Terminal devices and network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections. Figure 1 This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 It is not shown in the middle.

[0054] Optionally, in practical applications, the wireless communication system may include multiple network devices (also known as access network devices) and multiple terminal devices simultaneously. A network device can serve one or more terminal devices simultaneously. A terminal device can also access one or more network devices simultaneously. This application embodiment does not limit the number of terminal devices and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0055] In this context, a network device can be an entity on the network side used to transmit or receive signals. A network device can also be an access device that allows terminal devices to wirelessly connect to the wireless communication system; for example, a network device can be a base station. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: radio access network (RAN) node, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), access network equipment in open radio access network (O-RAN), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), multi-standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, building baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), centralized unit (CU), and distributed unit (CU). Network devices include units (DU), radio units (RU), centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) nodes, centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) nodes, and positioning nodes. Base stations can be macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. Network equipment can also refer to communication modules, modems, or chips installed within the aforementioned devices or apparatuses. Network equipment can also be mobile switching centers and devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, network-side equipment in 6G networks, and devices that perform base station functions in future communication systems. Network equipment can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0056] Network devices can be fixed or mobile. For example, base stations 110a and 110b are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception from one or more cells of terminal device 120. Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i shown can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station 120i. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120i) can be configured as a terminal device to communicate with base station 110b.

[0057] In this application, the communication device used to implement the above-mentioned network access functions can be an access network device, a network device with some access network functions, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of access network functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or hardware circuit plus software module. This device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. In the method of this application, the example of an access network device being used as the communication device to implement the access network device functions is described.

[0058] A terminal device can be a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. Terminal devices can be used to connect people, things, and machines. They can communicate with one or more core networks via network devices. Terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, or in-vehicle devices. Terminal devices can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, D2D, V2X, point-to-point (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.Examples of terminal devices include: user equipment (UE) conforming to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, fixed equipment, mobile equipment, handheld devices, wearable devices, cellular phones, smartphones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, laptops, personal computers, smart books, vehicles, satellites, global positioning system (GPS) devices, target tracking devices, drones, helicopters, aircraft, ships, remote control devices, smart home devices, industrial equipment, personal communication service (PCS) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless network cameras, tablets, handheld computers, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smartwatches, VR devices, AR devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, and smart city applications. Wireless terminals in various scenarios include smart gas pumps, high-speed rail terminals, and smart home terminals such as smart speakers, smart coffee machines, and smart printers. Terminal devices can be wireless devices in these scenarios or devices installed on wireless devices, such as communication modules, modems, or chips. Terminal devices can also be called terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), mobile terminals (MT), etc. Terminal devices can also be used in future wireless communication systems. Terminal devices can be used in dedicated network equipment or general-purpose equipment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0059] Optionally, the terminal device can be used to act as a base station. For example, the UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in V2X, D2D, or P2P, etc. Figure 1As shown, cellular phone 120a and car 120b communicate with each other using a side link signal. Cellular phone 120a communicates with smart home device 120e without needing to relay communication signals through base station 110b.

[0060] In this application, the communication device used to implement the functions of the terminal device can be a terminal device, a terminal device having some of the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the functions of the aforementioned terminal device, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete components. The technical solutions provided in this application are described using the example of a terminal device or UE as the communication device.

[0061] Optionally, wireless communication systems typically consist of cells. Base stations manage the cells and provide communication services to multiple mobile stations (MS) within them. A base station includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU can be located in different places; for example, the RRU can be deployed remotely to a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in a central equipment room. Alternatively, the BBU and RRU can be located in the same equipment room. The BBU and RRU can also be different components within the same rack. Optionally, a cell can correspond to one carrier or a member carrier.

[0062] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, DU, or CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0063] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or RUs. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0064] RAN nodes can support one or more types of fronthaul interfaces, each corresponding to a DU and RU with different functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), the DU is configured to implement one or more baseband functions, and the RU is configured to implement one or more radio frequency functions. If the fronthaul interface between the DU and RU is another type of interface, relative to CPRI, some downlink and / or uplink baseband functions, such as, for downlink, precoding, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more of inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix addition (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU; and for uplink, one or more of digital beamforming (BF), or fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix removal (CP), are moved from the DU to the RU. In one possible implementation, the interface can be an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI). Under the eCPRI architecture, the segmentation between DU and RU differs, corresponding to different categories (Cat) of eCPRI, such as eCPRI Cat A, B, C, D, E, F.

[0065] Taking eCPRI Cat A as an example, for downlink transmission, layer mapping is used as the dividing line. DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding layer mapping (i.e., coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping), while other functions following layer mapping (e.g., RE mapping, digital beamforming (BF), or one or more inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) / cyclic prefix (CP) addition) are moved to RU. For uplink transmission, deRE mapping is used as the dividing line. DU is configured to implement one or more functions preceding deRE mapping (i.e., decoding, rate matching de-matching, descrambling, demodulation, inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), channel equalization, and deRE mapping), while other functions following deRE mapping (e.g., digital BF or fast Fourier transform (FFT) / CP removal) are moved to RU. It is understandable that the functional descriptions of the DU and RU corresponding to various types of eCPRI can be found in the eCPRI protocol, and will not be elaborated here.

[0066] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0067] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0068] In this embodiment, the apparatus for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself; it can also be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device. In this embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is provided only and does not constitute a limitation on the solutions described in this embodiment.

[0069] It is understood that this application can be applied between network devices and terminal devices.

[0070] Communication between network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer. Similarly, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer. In one possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can be included above the PDCP layer.

[0071] Optionally, the protocol layer structure between network devices and terminal devices may also include an artificial intelligence (AI) layer for transmitting data related to AI functions.

[0072] Taking data transmission between network devices and terminal devices as an example, data transmission needs to pass through user plane protocol layers, such as the SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer. The SDAP layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, and physical layer can also be collectively referred to as the access layer. Based on the direction of data transmission, it is divided into sending and receiving; each of these layers is further divided into a sending part and a receiving part. Taking downlink data transmission as an example, after the PDCP layer obtains data from the upper layer, it transmits the data to the RLC layer and MAC layer. The MAC layer then generates a transport block, and finally, it is wirelessly transmitted through the physical layer. Data is encapsulated in corresponding ways at each layer. For example, data received by a layer from the upper layer is considered a Service Data Unit (SDU) of that layer. After encapsulation by that layer, it becomes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) and is then passed to the next layer.

[0073] For example, the terminal device may also have an application layer and a non-access layer. The application layer can be used to provide services to applications installed on the terminal device. For instance, downlink data received by the terminal device can be sequentially transmitted from the physical layer to the application layer, and then provided to the application by the application layer. Alternatively, the application layer can acquire data generated by the application and sequentially transmit the data to the physical layer for transmission to other communication devices. The non-access layer can be used to forward user data, such as forwarding uplink data received from the application layer to the SDAP layer, or forwarding downlink data received from the SDAP layer to the application layer.

[0074] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number and type of devices in the communication system shown are for illustrative purposes only. This application is not limited to this. In actual applications, the communication system may include more terminal devices, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as core network devices and / or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions.

[0075] It is understandable that all or part of the functions implemented by one or more of the terminal devices, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be virtualized, that is, implemented through one or more of dedicated or general-purpose processors and corresponding software modules. Among these, the terminal devices and access network devices involve air interface transmission, and the transmit and receive functions of this interface can be implemented in hardware. Core network devices, such as operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network elements, can also be virtualized. Optionally, one or more of the functions of the virtualized terminal devices, access network devices, core network devices, or network elements used to implement artificial intelligence functions can be implemented by cloud devices, such as cloud devices in over-the-top (OTT) systems.

[0076] Taking 5G communication systems as an example, 5G communication systems place higher demands on system capacity and spectral efficiency. In 5G communication systems, the application of massive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technology plays a crucial role in improving the system's spectral efficiency. When using MIMO technology, network devices need to precode the downlink data before sending it to the UE. How to perform precoding relies on channel state information; therefore, accurate feedback of channel state information is a significant factor affecting system performance.

[0077] In frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, the spacing between uplink and downlink frequency bands is greater than the bandwidth, therefore, there is no complete reciprocity between the uplink and downlink channels. In traditional FDD systems, the UE needs to feed back the CSI of the downlink channel to the base station, and the basic process is as follows: Figure 2The diagram illustrates the process of obtaining the downlink channel CSI. It includes the following steps: S201. The base station sends channel measurement configuration information to the UE, informing the UE of the time and behavior of channel measurement; S202. The base station sends a pilot (i.e., reference signal, RS) to the UE for channel measurement; S203. The UE performs measurements based on the pilot sent by the base station, calculates the final CSI feedback, and feeds back the CSI to the base station; S204. The base station then transmits data based on the CSI fed back by the UE. Specifically, the base station uses the rank indication (RI) fed back by the UE to determine the number of data streams to be transmitted to the UE; the base station uses the channel quality indicator (CQI) fed back by the UE to determine the modulation order and channel coding rate of the data transmitted to the UE; and the base station uses the precoding matrix indication (PMI) fed back by the UE to determine the precoding of the data transmitted to the UE.

[0078] In a time-division duplex (TDD) system, uplink and downlink channels transmit signals on different time resources within the same frequency domain. Within a relatively short timeframe (the channel propagation coherence time), the channel fading experienced by the signals on the uplink and downlink channels is considered identical, thus exhibiting reciprocity. The base station can utilize this reciprocity to obtain the downlink channel state information using the uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) channel estimation results, and then perform precoding. However, in some cases, such as for UEs at the cell edge, due to the lower transmit power of the UE, the estimation error of the uplink channel obtained by the base station is larger. In such cases, precoding can also be determined based on the channel state information fed back by the UE. The specific process is similar to that of an FDD system.

[0079] CSI (Content Status Index) is a key concept in wireless communication systems. It refers to a series of information about the wireless channel conditions, measured by the UE and reported to the base station to help the base station make better resource allocation and transmission decisions. CSI typically includes the following types of information:

[0080] 1. Channel Quality Indicator (CQI): CQI is a measure of downlink channel quality by the UE, typically expressed as signal-to-noise ratio plus noise ratio (SINR). CQI guides the base station in selecting the most suitable modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to maximize transmission rate and reliability.

[0081] 2. Rank Indicator (RI): RI reflects the spatial correlation and multipath propagation characteristics of the downlink channel and is used for spatial multiplexing in MIMO systems. It indicates how many independent data streams a base station can transmit simultaneously.

[0082] 3. Layer indicator (LI): LI indicates how many transport layers the UE believes should be allocated to it in a multi-user MIMO system.

[0083] 4. Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI): PMI is the precoding matrix information suggested by the UE, used for signal preprocessing in MIMO systems to maximize signal transmission quality and efficiency.

[0084] 5. Channel Rank Indicator (CRI): CRI is used to indicate the rank of a channel, that is, how many independent data streams the channel can support.

[0085] 6. Synchronization Signal Block Reference Information (SSBRI): SSBRI is the measurement information of the reference signal associated with the SSB (synchronization signal block), used for cell search and synchronization.

[0086] 7. Layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP): L1-RSRP is the received power of the reference signal measured by the UE, which is used for mobility management and cell selection.

[0087] Clear market demand indicates that the downlink peak transmission rate needs to be increased to 1.6Gbps. To meet this demand, 8R receivers are required to effectively improve spectral efficiency during downlink transmission. An 8R receiver refers to a receiver device containing eight receiving antennas. Compared to 4R receivers, 8R receivers can significantly increase the downlink throughput for individual users in a cell and also increase coverage for users at the cell edge. 8R receivers are also one of the main methods for enabling 256QAM and higher-order modulation schemes within practically operable signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) limits.

[0088] However, when performing high-stream transmission (e.g., with more than 4 streams), traditional 8R receiver schemes are characterized by high implementation difficulty and computational complexity. For example... Figure 3 The diagram shows a low-complexity 8R receiver. One feasible solution is to split the 8R receiver into two "virtual receivers" containing 4R (hereinafter referred to as low-complexity 8R receivers). Each "virtual receiver" (or sub-receiver) performs signal reception and processing separately, which can effectively solve the problems of high implementation difficulty and high computational complexity of the current 8R receiver.

[0089] Accurate CSI reporting is crucial for the performance of wireless communication systems, as it directly impacts spectrum utilization, transmission rate, and coverage. Base stations use CSI to adjust scheduling strategies, optimize resource allocation, and perform beamforming and beam management operations; this is also true for low-complexity 8R receivers.

[0090] For low-complexity 8R receivers, the base station needs to acquire the channel information of each sub-receiver for downlink precoding. This is achieved by grouping SRS ports. The following are the definitions of SRS resource sets and SRS resources:

[0091] In 5G NR, the SRS resource set is a set of parameters used to define the time-domain and frequency-domain resources of the SRS. The configuration of the SRS resource set includes the following key aspects:

[0092] SRS Resource Set Identifier (ID): Each SRS resource set has a unique identifier used to distinguish different resource sets.

[0093] SRS Resource ID: Within each resource set, multiple SRS resources can be defined, and each resource has a unique resource ID.

[0094] Resource type: can be periodic, aperiodic, or semi-persistent.

[0095] In 5G NR, the configuration parameters of SRS resources define the transmission characteristics of SRS, including its location in the time and frequency domains, transmission power, etc. Below are some key SRS resource configuration parameters:

[0096] SRS Resource ID (SRS-ResourceId): Within a resource set, it is used to uniquely identify an SRS resource.

[0097] Comb Offset (combOffset-n2 or combOffset-n4): Defines the comb structure offset of the SRS in the frequency domain.

[0098] Cyclic Shift (cyclicShift-n2 or cyclicShift-n4): Defines the cyclic shift of an SRS sequence.

[0099] Number of ports (nrofSRS-Ports): Defines the number of antenna ports used for SRS transmission, which can be 1, 2 or 4.

[0100] To acquire channel information for each sub-receiver, the SRS ports contained in all SRS resources within the SRS resource set are grouped. First, all ports in the SRS resource set are numbered. For example, assuming the SRS resource set contains 4 SRS resources, and each SRS resource contains two SRS ports, meaning the resource set contains a total of 8 ports, the existing technology numbers these 8 ports in ascending order of their SRS resource IDs (e.g., port 0 of SRS resource 0 is numbered 1000, port 1 of SRS resource 0 is numbered 1001, port 0 of SRS resource 1 is numbered 1002, port 1 of SRS resource 1 is numbered 1003, and so on). Then, the ports are divided into two groups based on whether their numbers are odd or even (e.g., ports numbered (1000, 1002, 1004, 1006) are in one group, and ports numbered (1001, 1003, 1005, 1007) are in another).

[0101] With SRS port groups established, they are associated with codewords, so that each of the two SRS port groups corresponds to a codeword. Associating SRS port group #1 with the second codeword means that the base station will utilize the channel information measured through SRS port group #1 when performing downlink precoding on the second codeword.

[0102] With the above relationships established, the low-complexity 8R receiver can associate sub-receivers with different SRS port groups or with codewords during implementation. For example, sub-receiver #1 can be associated with SRS port group #1, meaning that each port in SRS port group #1 corresponds to the antenna of sub-receiver #1. In other words, by receiving the signal from SRS port group #1, the uplink channel of sub-receiver #1 can be obtained. Another example is that sub-receiver #1 can be associated with a second codeword. This means that when the low-complexity 8R receiver performs PDSCH reception, it will use the received signal from sub-receiver #1 to demodulate the second codeword. Furthermore, because the second codeword is associated with SRS port group #1, it is equivalent to sub-receiver #1 being associated with SRS port group #1. Similarly to the previous example, the uplink channel of sub-receiver #1 can also be obtained by measuring the signal from SRS port group #1.

[0103] CSI measurement related technologies:

[0104] In 3GPP TS38.214 V16.1.0, the Channel State Information - Report Configuration Element (CSI-ReportConfigIE) is a parameter used to configure how the UE reports CSI. It defines in detail the rules for CSI reporting and the content reported by the UE, including the reporting periodicity, the amount of reporting, the triggering conditions for reporting, and codebook configuration, including but not limited to:

[0105] reportConfigId: Used to uniquely identify a CSI report configuration.

[0106] reportConfigType: Defines the type of report, which can be periodic, semi-persistent, non-periodic, or semi-persistent based on PUCCH / PUSCH.

[0107] resourcesForChannelMeasurement: Specifies the ID of the CSI-RS resource configuration used for channel measurement.

[0108] resourcesForInterferenceMeasurement: Specifies the ID of the CSI-RS resource configuration used for interference measurement.

[0109] nzp-CSI-RS-ResourceSetId: A reference to a non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS resource set that will be used for CSI measurements.

[0110] ssb-ResourceSetId: A reference to an SSB resource set that will be used for CSI measurements.

[0111] csi-IM-ResourceSetId: A reference to a CSI interference measurement resource set.

[0112] reportQuantity: Defines the quantity of report content, such as CRI, RI, PMI, CQI, etc.

[0113] reportInterval: Specifies the time interval for reporting.

[0114] reportAltitude: Specifies the time slot offset for the report.

[0115] triggerType: Defines the trigger type of the report, such as a semi-persistent report based on PUCCH or a non-periodic report.

[0116] triggerOffset: Specifies the slot offset for triggering the report.

[0117] reportFreqConfiguration: Defines the frequency domain configuration of the report, such as wideband or subband reporting.

[0118] codebookConfig: Configures the codebook for PMI reports.

[0119] non-PMI-PortIndication: Indicates the antenna port used when PMI is not reported.

[0120] Among them, `reportQuantity` is a key parameter in the CSI-ReportConfig IE, which defines the quantity and type of CSI information that the UE needs to report. The configuration of `reportQuantity` can include the following types:

[0121] none: The UE does not report any CSI measurements.

[0122] cri-RI-PMI-CQI: The UE reports CRI (CSI-RS Resource Indicator), the corresponding RI (Rank Indicator), PMI (Precoding Matrix Indicator), and CQI (Channel Quality Indicator).

[0123] cri-RI-i1: The i1 part of the CRI and the corresponding RI and PMI reported by the UE.

[0124] cri-RI-CQI: The UE reports the CRI and the corresponding RI and CQI.

[0125] cri-RSRP: The UE reports the CRI and the corresponding RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power).

[0126] ssb-Index-RSRP: The UE reports the SSBRI (SSB Index) and the corresponding RSRP.

[0127] cri-SINR: The UE reports CRI and the corresponding SINR (signal interference plus noise ratio).

[0128] ssb-Index-SINR: The SINR reported by the UE for the SSBRI and the corresponding SSBRI.

[0129] Additionally, non-PMI-PortIndication is a parameter in CSI-ReportConfig IE used to indicate which antenna ports should be used to calculate RI / CQI when PMI is not reported. This parameter is typically used in the absence of PMI feedback; it assigns a port to each rank of the CSI-RS resource used for each channel measurement, indicating which ports to use for the measurement.

[0130] If the UE is configured with CSI-ReportConfig and the higher-level parameter reportQuantity is set to 'cri-RI-CQI',

[0131] If the UE is configured with the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication included in CSI-ReportConfig, then for rank r, r ports will be indicated in strata order, and each CSI-RS resource in the CSI resource settings will be linked to CSI-ReportConfig according to the order of the NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceId associated with the channel measurement given by the higher-layer parameter resourcesForChannelMeasurement. The configured higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication contains a sequence of port indices. in R is the CSI-RS port index associated with rank v, where R∈{1,2,…,P}, and P∈{1,2,4,8} is the number of ports of the CSI-RS resource.

[0132] If the UE does not configure the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication, the CSI-RS port index is as follows for each CSI-RS resource in the CSI resource settings associated with CSI-ReportConfig. It is associated with the rank v = 1, 2, ..., P, where P ∈ {1, 2, 4, 8} is the number of ports of the CSI-RS resource.

[0133] Codewords and layer mapping:

[0134] In 3GPP TS38.211 V16.1.0, codeword and layer mapping is a crucial step in multi-antenna technology, used to convert data from its encoded and modulated form into a format suitable for transmission over multiple antennas. The following is the codeword and layer mapping relationship:

[0135] 1. Single codeword mapping: When a codeword exists, the modulated symbols can be mapped to up to four layers. This mapping is commonly used in transport diversity techniques, such as space-time block coding (STBC).

[0136] 2. Dual codeword mapping: When two codewords exist, MIMO transmission at layers 5 to 8 can be supported. In this case, different codewords can be mapped to different layers to achieve spatial multiplexing and improve system throughput.

[0137] 3. Layer Mapping Algorithm: The specific algorithm for layer mapping can be found in section 7.3.1.3 of 3GPP TS 38.211. For a single codeword, modulation symbols will be mapped to different layers according to certain rules. For example, when there are two layers, symbols may be mapped to the two layers alternately.

[0138] For example:

[0139] When the number of layers is 5, it will be mapped to 2 codewords. The first codeword corresponds to the first 2 layers, and the second codeword corresponds to the last 3 layers.

[0140] When the number of layers is 6, it will be mapped to 2 codewords. The first codeword corresponds to the first 3 layers, and the second codeword corresponds to the last 3 layers.

[0141] When the number of layers is 7, it will be mapped to 2 codewords. The first codeword corresponds to the first 3 layers, and the second codeword corresponds to the last 4 layers.

[0142] When the number of layers is 8, it will be mapped to 2 codewords. The first codeword corresponds to the first 4 layers, and the second codeword corresponds to the last 4 layers.

[0143] In 3GPP TS38.214 V16.1.0, if the UE has configured CSI-ReportConfig and the higher-layer parameter reportQuantity is set to 'cri-RI-CQI', and if the UE has not configured the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication, for each CSI-RS resource in the CSI resource settings associated with CSI-ReportConfig, the CSI-RS port index is... It is associated with the rank v = 1, 2, ..., P, where P ∈ {1, 2, 4, 8} is the number of ports of the CSI-RS resource.

[0144] Under this configuration, a fixed association between CSI-RS ports and ranks is defined, as described above. Specifically, it is fixed as follows: Rank1 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000, Rank2 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3001, Rank3 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3002, Rank4 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3003, Rank5 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3004, Rank6 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3005, Rank7 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3006, and Rank8 corresponds to CSI-RS Port3000-3007.

[0145] To further explain, assuming the base station is configured with an 8-port CSI-RS, with port indices 3000-3007, based on the codeword and layer mapping mentioned earlier,

[0146] Therefore, different ports may correspond to different codewords at different ranks, as shown in Table 1 below:

[0147] Table 1

[0148] CSI-RS Port Index Rank v=5 3000,3001,3002,3003,3004 Rank v=6 3000,3001,3002,3003,3004,3005 Rank v=7 3000,3001,3002,3003,3004,3005,3006 Rank v=8 3000,3001,3002,3003,3004,3005,3006,3007

[0149] It can be seen that when the terminal reports Rank 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3002, 3003, and 3004 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3003, 3004, and 3005 correspond to the second codeword. A comparison shows that CSI-RS port 3002 is associated with the second codeword when reporting Rank 5, but with the first codeword when reporting Rank 6. This means that there are cases where CSI-RS ports are associated with different codewords at different ranks. This is incompatible with low-complexity 8R receivers. For a low-complexity 8R receiver, the first codeword is associated with the first SRS port group and the first sub-receiver. In other words, the layer carried by the first codeword is specifically sent to the first sub-receiver. To put it another way, the layer corresponding to the first codeword and the layer corresponding to the second codeword are fixed and cannot be exchanged. Once they are exchanged, it means that the second sub-receiver will have to demodulate the signal sent to the first sub-receiver, which will result in a huge performance loss.

[0150] To this end, this application provides a communication scheme that improves the accuracy of CSI measurements by specifying that any port in a port set corresponds to the same codeword under different ranks when measuring and reporting reference signals on a first port set and a second port set.

[0151] The communication method provided in this application is described below based on the aforementioned communication system:

[0152] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0153] S401. The network device sends a first reference signal to the UE.

[0154] Accordingly, the UE receives the first reference signal.

[0155] Here, the first reference signal corresponds to N antenna ports (hereinafter referred to as "ports"), where N is a positive integer, meaning the network device transmits the first reference signal on N ports. For example, N > 4. These N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The first port set includes one or more ports, and the second port set includes one or more ports.

[0156] The first port set corresponds to the first codeword (e.g., codeword #0), and the second port set corresponds to the second codeword (e.g., codeword #1). For example, the first codeword and the second codeword are different.

[0157] In this application, “corresponding” can be understood as or replaced with “associated”.

[0158] The UE can be a low-complexity 8R receiver, which may include a first sub-receiver and a second sub-receiver. The first sub-receiver corresponds to a first codeword, and the second sub-receiver corresponds to a second codeword. The first sub-receiver receives and measures the first reference signal transmitted on the first port set, and the second sub-receiver receives and measures the first reference signal transmitted on the second port set.

[0159] For example, the first reference signal is CSI-RS. This application does not limit the type of the first reference signal. The following description uses CSI-RS as the first reference signal and CSI-RS port as the antenna port (transmitting CSI-RS on the antenna port) as an example.

[0160] S402. The UE sends the first message to the network device.

[0161] Accordingly, the network device receives this first information.

[0162] For example, before performing step S402, the network device may send a CSI-ReportConfig information element to the UE to configure the parameters for the UE to report CSI.

[0163] In this embodiment, the network device configures the higher-layer parameter reportQuantity as 'cri-RI-CQI' in the CSI-ReportConfig information element, which means that the network device instructs the UE to report CRI, RI and CQI.

[0164] If the UE is not a low-complexity 8R receiver and the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication is not configured, the CSI-RS port index is as follows for each CSI-RS resource in the CSI resource settings associated with CSI-ReportConfig.

[0165] It is associated with the rank v = 1, 2, ..., P, where P ∈ {1, 2, 4, 8} is the number of ports of the CSI-RS resource.

[0166] If the UE is a low-complexity 8R receiver and no higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication is configured, for each CSI-RS resource in the CSI resource settings associated with CSI-ReportConfig, when the number of ports P∈{1,2,4} of the CSI-RS resource, the CSI-RS port index is... Associated with rank v = 1, 2, ..., P; when the number of ports P ∈ {8} of the CSI-RS resource and rank v ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4}, the CSI-RS port index... It is associated with the rank v = 1, 2, ..., 4.

[0167] When the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are as shown in Table 1 above, there are cases where CSI-RS ports are associated with different codewords at different ranks. This is not suitable for low-complexity 8R receivers.

[0168] In this embodiment, CSI-RS corresponds to N ports (exemplarily, N=8). These N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The first port set corresponds to a first codeword, and the second port set corresponds to a second codeword. The first port set includes one or more ports, and the second port set includes one or more ports. Based on the CSI-RS corresponding to the 8 ports, CSI corresponding to different ranks can be measured. Specifically, when measuring CSI corresponding to Rank 5 to 7, the first sub-receiver receives the first codeword (i.e., receives the CSI-RS transmitted by the ports on the first port set), and the second sub-receiver receives the second codeword (i.e., receives the CSI-RS transmitted by the ports on the second port set). CSI corresponding to different ranks can be measured, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to the first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to the second codeword under different ranks. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, the correspondence between ports and codewords remains constant. This avoids the performance loss that occurs when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, as shown in Table 1 above, where the UE is a low-complexity 8R receiver. One port may correspond to different codewords, requiring different sub-receivers to receive CSI-RS.

[0169] For example, when measuring the CSI corresponding to Rank 5 to 7, the first port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, and the second port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007. It is understood that this description uses eight ports (3000 to 3007) as an example. 3000 is a reference value for a port index, and the port numbers are 0, 1, 2, ..., 7, so the corresponding ports are 3000, 3001, 3002, ..., 3007. This application uses 3000 as the reference value, but different reference values ​​are also possible. In this first set of ports, any port corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword. Similarly, in the second set of ports, any one of ports corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword. It's important to understand that this description uses eight ports (3000-3007) as an example; in practice, the port indices could also be 3000-3007 plus an offset.

[0170] When the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource, the CSI-RS port index... The association with rank v = 5, ..., P can be implemented in the following ways:

[0171] In the first implementation, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... The correlation between the rank v = 5, ..., P is shown in Table 2 below:

[0172] Table 2

[0173] CSI-RS Port Index Rank v=5 3000,3001,3004,3005,3006 Rank v=6 3000,3001,3002,3004,3005,3006 Rank v=7 3000,3001,3002,3004,3005,3006,3007 Rank v=8 3000,3001,3002,3003,3004,3005,3006,3007

[0174] When the terminal reports Rank 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 8, ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword.

[0175] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under any reporting condition (i.e., different ranks), and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0176] In the second implementation, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... The correlation between the rank v = 5, ..., P is shown in Table 3 below:

[0177] Table 3

[0178]

[0179]

[0180] When the terminal reports Rank 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 8, ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword.

[0181] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0182] In the third implementation, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... The association relationships with the rank v = 5, ..., P and the SRS port group are shown in Table 4 below:

[0183] Table 4

[0184] First SRS port group Second SRS port group Rank v=5 3000,3001 3004,3005,3006 Rank v=6 3000,3001,3002 3004,3005,3006 Rank v=7 3000,3001,3002 3004,3005,3006,3007 Rank v=8 3000,3001,3002,3003 3004,3005,3006,3007

[0185] When the terminal reports Rank 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first SRS port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second SRS port group; when the terminal reports Rank 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first SRS port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second SRS port group; when the terminal reports Rank 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first SRS port group, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second SRS port group; when the terminal reports Rank 8, ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 correspond to the first SRS port group, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second SRS port group.

[0186] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed SRS port group under any reporting condition, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different SRS port groups under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first SRS port group; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second SRS port group.

[0187] As mentioned earlier, there is a one-to-one correspondence between SRS port groups and codewords. That is, the first SRS port group corresponds to the first codeword, and the second SRS port group corresponds to the second codeword. Therefore, each port is associated with a fixed codeword under any reporting condition, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. Specifically, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; and any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0188] In the fourth implementation, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... Associated with rank v = 5, 6, ..., P Associated with rank v, the first codeword (CW#0), and the layer number corresponding to the first codeword. Associated with rank v, second codeword (CW#1), and the layer number corresponding to the second codeword.

[0189] When the terminal reports Rank5, it can be determined based on the rank, codeword, and layer mapping. Ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank6, the codeword and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank. Ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank 7, the codewords and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank. Ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank 8, the codewords and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank. Ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 correspond to the first codeword, while ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword.

[0190] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0191] In the fifth implementation, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... Associated with rank v = 5, 6, ..., P The first codeword associated with rank v, the first SRS port group (SRS port group #0), the first codeword, and the layer number associated with the first codeword. The second codeword associated with rank v, the second SRS port group (SRS port group #1), and the layer number associated with the second codeword.

[0192] When the terminal reports Rank5, it can be determined based on the codeword and layer mapping. Ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank6, the codeword and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank. Ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank 7, the codewords and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank.

[0193] Ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword. When the terminal reports Rank 8, the codewords and layer mapping can be used to determine the Rank. Ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 correspond to the first codeword, while ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second codeword.

[0194] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3002, and 3003 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0195] For example, the above implementations can be implemented independently or in combination. For instance, the first and second implementations can be combined, where the port and codeword have a fixed association under different ranks. The first, second, and third implementations can also be combined, where the port, SRS port group, and codeword also have a fixed association under different ranks.

[0196] It is understood that the above implementations are described using the example that the first port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, and the second port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007. In reality, the ports included in the first and second port sets are not limited to the examples above. For example, when the number of ports P∈{8} and the rank v∈{5,6,7,8} of the CSI-RS resource are... The relationship with ranks v = 5, ..., P can also be shown in Table 5 below:

[0197] Table 5

[0198] First Code Second code Rank v=5 3000,3001 3002,3003,3004 Rank v=6 3000,3001,3006 3002,3003,3004 Rank v=7 3000,3001,3006 3002,3003,3004,3005 Rank v=8 3000,3001,3006,3007 3002,3003,3004,3005

[0199] When the terminal reports Rank 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3002, 3003, and 3004 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3006 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3002, 3003, and 3004 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3006 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3002, 3003, 3004, and 3005 correspond to the second codeword; when the terminal reports Rank 8, ports 3000, 3001, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the first codeword, and ports 3002, 3003, 3004, and 3005 correspond to the second codeword.

[0200] It can be seen that each port is associated with a fixed codeword under all reporting conditions, and there will be no situation where a CSI-RS port is associated with different codewords under different reporting conditions. That is, when measuring CSI corresponding to different ranks, any one of ports 3000, 3001, 3006, and 3007 corresponds to the first codeword; any one of ports 3002, 3003, 3004, 3005, and 3 corresponds to the second codeword.

[0201] After the UE obtains one or more rank-corresponding CSIs measured on the first port set and the second port set, it sends first information to the network device. This first information indicates the CSI of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set.

[0202] It is understandable that the first port set is associated with the first codeword and used to measure the CSI corresponding to the first codeword. Then, the CSI-RS corresponding to the second port set can be regarded as the interference measurement resource for the first codeword. In other words, when the UE measures the CSI of the first codeword, it can also measure the interference based on the CSI-RS on the second port set. Correspondingly, the second port set is associated with the second codeword and used to measure the CSI corresponding to the second codeword. Then, the CSI-RS corresponding to the first port set can be regarded as the interference measurement resource for the second codeword. In other words, when the UE measures the CSI of the second codeword, it can also measure the interference based on the CSI-RS on the first port set.

[0203] According to a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, when measuring and reporting reference signals on a first port set and a second port set, the accuracy of CSI measurement can be improved by specifying that any port in a port set corresponds to the same codeword under different ranks.

[0204] The above embodiments describe how demodulation performance can be improved if the UE is not a low-complexity 8R receiver and is not configured with the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication, by specifying that any port in a set of ports corresponds to the same codeword at different ranks.

[0205] In another embodiment, if the UE is a low-complexity 8R receiver, the network device can also be configured with the higher-layer parameter non-PMI-PortIndication to prevent the CSI-RS port from being associated with different codewords at different ranks, thereby enabling accurate CSI measurements.

[0206] Low-complexity 8R receiver PDSCH precoding:

[0207] When performing PDSCH transmission, if the number of downlink streams (or layers) is 5 to 8, it needs to be carried on two codewords. Each of the two sub-receivers at the terminal needs to demodulate one codeword to complete the reception. In a low-complexity 8R receiver, downlink interference can exist between the two sub-receivers. That is, the downlink signal sent by the network device to sub-receiver #1 will interfere with the downlink signal sent by the network device to sub-receiver #2, leading to an overall performance degradation. Thanks to the network device's access to the uplink channel information corresponding to each sub-receiver, the network device can pre-cancel the interference between sub-receivers by adjusting the precoding method to reduce interference. However, pre-cancellation also reduces the transmit power, resulting in a decrease in the power of the received useful signal, thus causing performance degradation. However, the loss due to power reduction is often less than the loss due to interference; therefore, network devices typically choose to pre-cancel the interference.

[0208] When PDSCH transmission is performed, if the number of downstream transmission streams (or layers) is 1 to 4, it only needs to be carried on 1 codeword. Only 1 sub-receiver at the terminal needs to demodulate 1 codeword to complete the reception. Therefore, there is no downlink interference between the two sub-receivers, and no network equipment is required to perform interference pre-cancellation.

[0209] In summary, during downlink PDSCH transmission, network devices will make different precoding choices (i.e., whether or not to perform interference pre-cancellation) depending on the number of transmission streams.

[0210] To measure accurate channel state information, the downlink CSI-RS resource needs to use the same precoding as the PDSCH. In other words, when measuring downlink CSI transmissions at layers 1 / 2 / 3 / 4, the CSI-RS port does not need to perform interference pre-cancellation, while when measuring downlink CSI transmissions at layers 5 / 6 / 7 / 8, the CSI-RS port needs to perform interference pre-cancellation.

[0211] The low-complexity 8R receiver has different precoding when transmitting downlink PDSCH at different layers. Therefore, if only one 8-port CSI-RS resource is configured, interference pre-cancellation will be performed between the ports of the 8-port CSI-RS resource. Using it to measure the channel state information of Rank 1 to 4 will not match the PDSCH transmission, resulting in inaccurate measurements.

[0212] To this end, this application provides a communication scheme that configures two reference signal resources, each corresponding to the same reporting resource. The network device is configured to measure the CSI corresponding to the first rank of the first reference signal received on the first reference signal resource and the CSI corresponding to the second rank of the first reference signal received on the second reference signal resource. This allows the CSI under both the first and second ranks to be measured accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of CSI measurement.

[0213] like Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates a flowchart of another communication method provided in this application embodiment. Exemplarily, the method may include the following steps:

[0214] S501. The network device sends the first information to the UE.

[0215] Accordingly, the UE receives this first information.

[0216] For example, the UE can be a low-complexity 8R receiver.

[0217] In this embodiment, the network device configures the higher-layer parameter reportQuantity as 'cri-RI-CQI' in the CSI-ReportConfig information element, which means that the network device instructs the UE to report CRI, RI and CQI.

[0218] The network device sends first information to the UE. This first information configures a first reference signal resource and a second reference signal resource. The first and second reference signal resources are related to each other (indicating that two reference signal resources are used simultaneously for CSI measurement), and the first and second reference signal resources are associated with a first reporting resource (i.e., the first and second reference signal resources are associated with the same reporting resource).

[0219] The first reference signal resource is used to measure the CSI corresponding to the first rank, where the first rank is any value from 5 to 8; the second reference signal resource is used to measure the CSI corresponding to the second rank, where the second rank is any value from 1 to 4.

[0220] For example, the first reference signal resource may be an 8-port resource, and the second reference signal resource may be a 4-port resource.

[0221] For example, the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource may be CSI-RS resources. This application does not limit the type of reference signal resource.

[0222] For example, the first information can be carried in any of the following signaling: RRC signaling, downlink control information (DCI), or medium access control-control element (MAC-CE).

[0223] S502. The network device sends a first reference signal to the UE on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource.

[0224] Accordingly, the UE receives the first reference signal on the first reference signal resource and the second reference signal resource.

[0225] When the network device transmits a first reference signal to the UE on the first reference signal resource, interference may occur between the UE's two sub-receivers (the first sub-receiver and the second sub-receiver) when they receive the first reference signal on the first reference signal resource. Since the first reference signal resource is an 8-port resource, with 4 ports corresponding to the first sub-receiver and the other 4 ports corresponding to the second sub-receiver, a zero-forcing process is performed between the UE's two sub-receivers to ensure that the first reference signal sent to one sub-receiver (e.g., the first sub-receiver) does not interfere with the first reference signal sent to the other sub-receiver (e.g., the second sub-receiver). For example, the direction of the first reference signal sent to the first sub-receiver from one or more ports can be changed so that it does not interfere with the first reference signal sent to the second sub-receiver.

[0226] When the network device sends the first reference signal to the UE on the second reference signal resource, since the second reference signal resource is a 4-port resource and 4 ports correspond to one sub-receiver, there will be no interference between the sub-receivers, and there is no need to perform zero forcing between the two sub-receivers of the UE.

[0227] S503. The UE sends the second information to the network device on the first reporting resource.

[0228] Accordingly, the network device receives this second information.

[0229] After receiving the first reference signal transmitted on the first reference signal resource, the UE measures the CSI corresponding to the first rank (i.e., the CSI of the first reference signal measured on the first reference signal resource corresponding to the first rank); and after receiving the first reference signal transmitted on the second reference signal resource, the UE measures the CSI corresponding to the second rank (i.e., the CSI of the first reference signal measured on the second reference signal resource corresponding to the second rank).

[0230] After the UE measures and obtains the CSI corresponding to the first rank and the CSI corresponding to the second rank, it compares them to obtain the CSI with the best channel quality, and sends the second information to the network device on the first reporting resource. The second information indicates either the CSI corresponding to the first rank or the CSI corresponding to the second rank.

[0231] According to an embodiment of this application, a communication method is provided. By configuring two reference signal resources, which correspond to the same reporting resource, the network device is configured to measure the CSI corresponding to the first rank of the first reference signal received on the first reference signal resource and the CSI corresponding to the second rank of the first reference signal received on the second reference signal resource. This allows the CSI under both the first and second ranks to be measured accurately, thereby improving the accuracy of CSI measurement.

[0232] In this application, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., UE)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the UE. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the UE. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., UE)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., UE)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the UE. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the UE. The information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0233] It is understood that this application uses the UE and network device as examples to illustrate the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the UE in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the UE, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the UE; the network device in the method provided by this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor applied to the network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the network device's functions.

[0234] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the network device and UE include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0235] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the UE or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be as follows: Figure 1One of the UE120a-120j shown can also be as follows: Figure 1 The network devices 110a or 110b shown can also be modules (such as chips) applied to UEs or network devices.

[0236] like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620. The communication device 600 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 4 , Figure 5 The method embodiments shown illustrate the function of the UE or network device.

[0237] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of the UE: the transceiver unit 620 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the UE performs one or more operations in steps S401 and S402; or, the transceiver unit 620 is used to implement, for example... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the UE performs one or more operations in steps S501 to S503.

[0238] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the functions of a network device: the transceiver unit 620 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more operations implemented by the network device in steps S401 and S402; or, the transceiver unit 620 is used to implement, for example... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more operations are implemented by the network device in steps S501 to S503.

[0239] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0240] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the UE, the UE chip implements the functions of the UE in the above method embodiments. The UE chip receives information from other modules in the UE (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), which is sent to the UE by the network device; or, the UE chip sends information to other modules in the UE (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), which is sent to the network device by the UE.

[0241] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to a network device, the network device chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is sent by the UE to the network device; or, the network device chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the network device, which is sent by the network device to the UE.

[0242] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver unit and / or processing unit can be implemented through virtual modules. For example, the processing unit can be implemented through software functional units or virtual devices, and the transceiver unit can be implemented through software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, the processing unit or transceiver unit can also be implemented through physical devices. For example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing unit is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0243] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 includes a processor 710 and may also include an interface circuit 720. The processor 710 and the interface circuit 720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 720 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 730 (shown as dashed lines in the figure) for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, or storing input data required by the processor 710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 710 executes instructions.

[0244] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of the UE: the interface circuit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the UE implements one or more operations in steps S401 and S402; or, the interface circuit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the UE performs one or more operations in steps S501 to S503.

[0245] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the functions of a network device: the interface circuit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more operations are implemented by the network device in steps S401 and S402; or, the interface circuit 720 is used to implement, for example... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, one or more operations are implemented by the network device in steps S501 to S503.

[0246] For a more detailed description of the processor 710 and interface circuit 720 mentioned above, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0247] The module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various examples of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0248] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices (PLDs), transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0249] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0250] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0251] This application also provides a communication system, including the communication device described above.

[0252] This application also provides a circuit coupled to a memory, which is used to perform the methods shown in the above embodiments. This circuit may include a chip circuit.

[0253] When the aforementioned communication device is a module applied to a network device, the network device module implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The network device module receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the network device; this information is sent by the UE to the network device. Alternatively, the network device module sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) within the network device; this information is sent by the network device to the UE. Here, the network device module can be the baseband chip of the network device, or a CU, DU, or other module, or a device under an open radioaccess network (O-RAN) architecture, such as an open CU, open DU, etc.

[0254] It should be noted that one or more of the above units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above units is implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow.

[0255] In this application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or all or part of the circuitry in the aforementioned devices used to implement the processing functions, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application can be directly embodied in the execution of the hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0256] When the above units or components are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0257] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, including: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the chip system performs the method in any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0258] The memory in this application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of performing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data. Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. For example, memory can be non-volatile memory, such as digital versatile disc (DVD), hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM).

[0259] It should be understood that in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B; where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply difference. In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or explanation. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0260] It is understood that in this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A. In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index, or indirectly indicating the information to be instructed by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or agreed upon in advance. For example, the instruction of specific information can also be achieved by using the arrangement order of various information in advance (e.g., as specified by a protocol), thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information to be sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0261] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0262] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0263] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0264] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0265] The components in the device described in this application embodiment can be combined, divided, or removed according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can combine or integrate the different embodiments and features described in this specification.

[0266] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first reference signal, the first reference signal corresponds to N ports, N is a positive integer, and the N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set; Send a first message, which indicates the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first reference signal, which corresponds to N ports, where N is a positive integer. The N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. Receive first information, the first information indicating the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rank can be any value from 5 to 7.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, and the second port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the rank is 5, the first port set includes ports 3000 and 3001, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006. When the rank is 6, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006. When the rank is 7, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Any port in the first port set corresponds to a first probe reference signal port group under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second probe reference signal port group under different ranks.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the rank is 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005 and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group. When the rank is 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group. When the rank is 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The indices of the ports in the first port set are predefined, and these indices are associated with the rank, the first codeword, the layer number corresponding to the first codeword, and / or The indices of the ports in the second port set are predefined, and the indices of the ports in the second port set are associated with the rank, the second codeword, and the layer number corresponding to the second codeword.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The indexes of the ports in the first port set are also associated with the first probe reference signal port group and / or the indexes of the ports in the second port set are also associated with the second probe reference signal port group.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: The transceiver unit is used to receive a first reference signal, which corresponds to N ports, where N is a positive integer. The N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The processing unit is configured to generate first information, which indicates the channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first information.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a transceiver unit and a processing unit; wherein: The processing unit is used to generate a first reference signal, which corresponds to N ports, where N is a positive integer, and the N ports are divided into a first port set and a second port set. The transceiver unit is used to transmit the first reference signal; The transceiver unit is further configured to receive first information, the first information indicating channel state information of the first reference signal measured on the first port set and the second port set, wherein any port in the first port set corresponds to a first codeword under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second codeword under different ranks.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The rank can be any value from 5 to 7.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The first port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3000, 3001, 3002, 3003, and the second port set includes some or all of the following ports: 3004, 3005, 3006, 3007.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, When the rank is 5, the first port set includes ports 3000 and 3001, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006. When the rank is 6, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, and 3006. When the rank is 7, the first port set includes ports 3000, 3001, and 3002, and the second port set includes ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10-14, characterized in that, Any port in the first port set corresponds to a first probe reference signal port group under different ranks, and any port in the second port set corresponds to a second probe reference signal port group under different ranks.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, When the rank is 5, ports 3000 and 3001 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005 and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group. When the rank is 6, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, and 3006 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group. When the rank is 7, ports 3000, 3001, and 3002 correspond to the first detection reference signal port group, and ports 3004, 3005, 3006, and 3007 correspond to the second detection reference signal port group.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10-16, characterized in that, The indices of the ports in the first port set are predefined, and these indices are associated with the rank, the first codeword, the layer number corresponding to the first codeword, and / or The indices of the ports in the second port set are predefined, and the indices of the ports in the second port set are associated with the rank, the second codeword, and the layer number corresponding to the second codeword.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The indexes of the ports in the first port set are also associated with the first probe reference signal port group and / or the indexes of the ports in the second port set are also associated with the second probe reference signal port group.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices besides the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9 through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip.

21. A chip module, characterized in that, It includes a transceiver component and a chip, said chip being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

22. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes relevant program instructions, which, when executed, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images