Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus are provided to help solve the technical problem of high CSI reporting overhead caused by the RI occupying a fixed number of bits across N antenna ports, thereby reducing CSI reporting overhead. The method includes: a terminal determining, based on a first RI across M antenna ports, to use T bits to carry a second RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required for the first RI; the terminal sending the second RI to a RAN node based on this number of bits; and the RAN node determining, based on the first RI, that the number of bits carrying the second RI is T, and obtaining the second RI carried by the T bits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In a communication system, one method for measuring and reporting channel state information (CSI) is as follows: The base station configures channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for M antenna ports to the terminal. The terminal measures and reports the CSI of the M antenna ports and the CSI of N antenna ports out of these M antenna ports, where M>N>0.

[0003] CSI includes channel quality indication (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and rank indicator (RI). The RI for M antenna ports and the RI for N antenna ports each occupy a fixed number of bits.

[0004] However, the above method has the problem of high CQI reporting overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that helps to solve the technical problem of high CSI reporting overhead caused by the RI of N antenna ports occupying a fixed number of bits, and can reduce the CSI reporting overhead.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal, by a module applied to the terminal (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0007] The method includes: determining a first RI for M antenna ports and a second RI for N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports; determining, based on the first RI, to use T bits to carry the second RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; and transmitting the first CSI for the M antenna ports and the second CSI for the N antenna ports, where the first CSI contains the first RI, the second CSI contains the second RI, and the second RI is carried in T bits.

[0008] In this method, the number of bits required to carry the second RI is dynamically selected based on the size of the first RI. Compared to the fixed number of bits required to carry the second RI, this method can reduce the number of bits required to carry the second RI when the first RI is small, thereby reducing the CSI reporting overhead.

[0009] In one possible design, determining the first RI of M antenna ports and the second RI of N antenna ports includes: determining the first RI and the second RI based on the channel measurement results of the CSI-RS of the M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include the N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0010] In this design, determining the RI of two antenna port sets based on the same channel measurement results saves resources compared to determining the RI of two separate antenna port sets based on different channel measurement results. Here, one antenna port set contains the M antenna ports, and the other contains the N antenna ports.

[0011] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a RAN node, or by a module applied to a RAN node (such as a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a RAN node.

[0012] The method includes: receiving a first CSI with M antenna ports and a second CSI with N antenna ports, wherein the first CSI contains a first RI with M antenna ports and the second CSI contains a second RI with N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI of the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI of the M antenna ports; determining the number of bits carrying the second RI as T based on the first RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; and obtaining the second RI carried by T bits in the second CSI.

[0013] In one possible design, the first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the CSI-RS with M antenna ports, where the M antenna ports include N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. These modules may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0015] In one possible design, the device may include a processing module and a communication module. The processing module is configured to determine a first RI for M antenna ports and a second RI for N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports; based on the first RI, determine how many bits are needed to carry the second RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; the communication module is configured to transmit the first CSI for the M antenna ports and the second CSI for the N antenna ports, where the first CSI contains the first RI, the second CSI contains the second RI, and the second RI is carried on T bits.

[0016] In one possible design, the processing module is specifically used to: determine the first RI and the second RI based on the channel measurement results of CSI-RS with M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0017] In one design, the device can be a terminal, or a device, module, circuit, or chip configured in the terminal, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the terminal.

[0018] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. This communication device may include modules corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0019] In one possible design, the device may include a processing module and a communication module. The communication module is configured to receive a first CSI with M antenna ports and a second CSI with N antenna ports. The first CSI contains a first RI with M antenna ports, and the second CSI contains a second RI with N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI values ​​for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI values ​​for the M antenna ports. The processing module is configured to determine, based on the first RI, the number of bits T carrying the second RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; and to obtain the second RI carried by T bits from the second CSI.

[0020] In one possible design, the first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the CSI-RS with M antenna ports, where the M antenna ports include N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0021] In one design, the device can be a RAN node, or a device, module, circuit, or chip configured in the RAN node, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the RAN node.

[0022] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, including a processor, wherein instructions, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0023] Optionally, the device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0024] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus including a processor, wherein instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0025] Optionally, the device may further include a storage medium that stores the instructions executed by the processor.

[0026] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to cause the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0027] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0028] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0029] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to implement a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0030] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0031] Optionally, the chip may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0032] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0034] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including computer program code or instructions, which, when the computer program code or instructions are run, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0035] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions that, when the computer program code or instructions are executed, cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: means for performing the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and means for performing the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0037] It is understood that the technical effects of any of the second to thirteenth aspects of this application can be referred to the relevant content in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of measurement reporting to CSI according to one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of measurement reporting to CSI according to another embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figures 4-5 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer architecture of CU-DU in several embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figures 6-7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to several embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a reported RI according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figures 10-11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to several embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0047] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item or a plurality of items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0048] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in 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" are not necessarily different.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0050] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0051] It is understood that in this application, "...when" and "if" both refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require a judgment action to be performed during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0052] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies of this application is given below.

[0055] In communication systems, such as fifth-generation mobile communication technology new radio (5G NR) systems, base stations need to configure dedicated CSI-RS to transmit data to terminals in order to measure the CSI of each type of antenna port. Specifically, the base station configures CSI-RS for M antenna ports to the terminal, and the terminal performs measurements based on the M-port CSI-RS and reports the CSI of all M antenna ports, where M is a positive integer. The base station then selects an appropriate number of antenna ports based on the CSI reported by the terminal and uses the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) to transmit data, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0056] It is understood that when a signal is transmitted through an antenna port, the channel that the signal experiences is the same as the channel experienced by other signals transmitted through that antenna port; that is, one antenna port corresponds to one channel that needs to be detected. In this embodiment, the antenna port is simply referred to as a port.

[0057] CSI-RS can be understood as a reference signal specifically used to measure the channel quality of each port. CSI can be understood as information indicating channel quality based on CSI-RS measurements, which can include three quantities: CQI, RI, and PMI. CQI indicates the modulation order (Qm) and code rate (R) used for downlink PDSCH channel transmission. RI indicates the rank used for downlink PDSCH channel transmission. PMI indicates the index of the precoding matrix used for downlink PDSCH channel transmission.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the number of antenna ports that can be used to measure CSI can be 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, or 32.

[0059] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a measurement reporting (CSI) method according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the base station is configured with a CSI-RS with 32 antenna ports, and the terminal performs measurements and reports the CSI data of all 32 antenna ports based on the CSI-RS. Alternatively, the base station can be configured with a CSI-RS with 16 antenna ports, and the terminal performs measurements and reports the CSI data of all 16 antenna ports based on the CSI-RS.

[0060] To save CSI-RS resources, the base station configures the terminal with CSI-RS for M antenna ports. The terminal performs measurements based on the CSI-RS of the M antenna ports and reports the CSI of the M antenna ports and the CSI of N antenna ports among these M antenna ports, where M>N>0.

[0061] For example, taking M=32 and N=16 as an example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of measurement reporting (CSI) according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the base station is configured with CSI-RS for 32 antenna ports. The terminal performs measurements based on the CSI-RS for 32 antenna ports and reports the CSI for 32 antenna ports and the CSI for 16 antenna ports.

[0062] In determining the CSI for 32 antenna ports, some implementations require the terminal to traverse all ranks and PMIs. After obtaining the CSI for 32 antenna ports, the terminal can derive the CSI for 16 antenna ports based on it. For example, setting the maximum rank for traversing the CSI for 16 antenna ports to the rank corresponding to the CSI for 32 antenna ports can save on the number of rank traversals and reduce computational complexity.

[0063] The following example, with M=32, N=16, and 4 terminal antenna ports, illustrates the measurement and reporting process of CSI.

[0064] Step 1: Measure the CSI of the 32 antenna ports.

[0065] An exemplary transmission model is as follows:

[0066] y 4*1 =H 4*32 W 32*Rank x Rank*1 +n 4*1 (1)

[0067] In the formula, y 4*1 This indicates the received signals on the four antenna ports of the terminal; H 4*32 This represents the channel matrix obtained by the terminal based on CSI-RS measurements from 32 antenna ports; W 32*Rank This represents a precoding matrix with 32 antenna ports and rank Rank; xRank*1 This represents the transmission signal of the Rank stream to be estimated; n 4*1 This indicates the noise on the four antenna ports of the terminal.

[0068] 1) Based on the rank sum PMI to be measured, obtain the precoding matrix W from the codebook corresponding to the 32 antenna ports. 32*Rank Based on H 4*32 W 32*Rank The equivalent channel matrix is ​​determined by formula (1).

[0069] 2) Based on Minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimation is performed to obtain an estimate of the transmitted signal. The following formula (2) must be satisfied:

[0070]

[0071] In the formula, G Rank*4 This represents the weighting coefficient of MMSE.

[0072] 3) Based on The average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of all Rank streams is determined. Based on the obtained average SNR, the CQI is obtained by looking up the SNR threshold table. The modulation order (Qm) and code rate (R) are then obtained by mapping the CQI, and finally the transport block size (TBS) is obtained.

[0073] 4) Iterate through the set of all ranks that need to be measured [1,2,…,Rank] max The PMI index set [0,1,…,PMI] of the codebook with 32 antenna ports. max ], the RI corresponding to the largest TBS 32 PMI 32 CQI 32 The final 32-antenna-port CSI.

[0074] Step 2: Measure the CSI of the 16 antenna ports.

[0075] An exemplary transmission model is as follows:

[0076] y 4*1 =H 4*32 V 32*16 W 16*Rank x Rank*1 +n 4*1 (3)

[0077] In the formula, y4*1 This indicates the received signals on the four antenna ports of the terminal; H 4*32 This represents the channel matrix obtained by the terminal based on CSI-RS measurements from 32 antenna ports; V 32*16 Represents the virtual port mapping (VAM) matrix; W 16*Rank This represents a precoding matrix with 16 antenna ports and rank Rank; x Rank*1 This represents the transmission signal of the Rank stream to be estimated; n 4*1 This indicates the noise on the four antenna ports of the terminal.

[0078] V 32*16 It can be obtained based on the following formulas (4) and (5).

[0079]

[0080]

[0081] 1) Based on the rank sum PMI to be measured, obtain the precoding matrix W from the codebook corresponding to the 16 antenna ports. 16*Rank Based on H 4*32 V 32*16 W 16*Rank The equivalent channel matrix is ​​determined by formula (3).

[0082] 2) Based on Perform MMSE estimation to obtain an estimate of the transmitted signal. Satisfy the following formula:

[0083]

[0084] In the formula, G Rank*4 This represents the weighting coefficient of MMSE.

[0085] 3) Based on The average SNR of all Rank streams is determined. Based on the obtained average SNR, the CQI is obtained by looking up the SNR threshold table. The modulation order (Qm) and code rate (R) are then obtained by mapping the CQI, and finally the TBS is obtained.

[0086] 4) Traverse the set of ranks [1,2,…,Rank] 32 The PMI index set [0,1,…,PMI] of the codebook with 16 antenna ports. max ], the RI corresponding to the largest TBS 16 PMI 16 CQI 16 This serves as the final 16 antenna ports for the CSI. Among them, Rank 32This refers to the rank corresponding to the 32 antenna ports calculated in step one.

[0087] Step 3: Report the CSI for 32 antenna ports and the CSI for 16 antenna ports.

[0088] The terminal sends CSI data for 32 antenna ports and CSI data for 16 antenna ports to the base station. The CSI data for the 32 antenna ports includes RI (Radio Interference Response). 32 PMI 32 CQI 32 The CSI with 16 antenna ports includes RI. 16 PMI 16 CQI 16 .

[0089] It should be noted that RI 32 and RI 16 Each occupies a fixed number of bits for reporting. That is, the base station configures the CSI-RS for M antenna ports to the terminal. The terminal performs measurements based on the CSI-RS of the M antenna ports and reports the CSI of the M antenna ports and the CSI of N antenna ports among these M antenna ports. The RI of the M antenna ports and the RI of the N antenna ports each occupy a fixed number of bits. Typically, the fixed number of bits is sufficient to indicate at least the maximum rank required to traverse the M antenna ports.

[0090] Analysis revealed that the fixed number of bits occupied by the RI (Reference Indicator) across N antenna ports leads to high overhead in CSI (Cellular System Indicator) reporting. For example, the maximum rank that the terminal needs to measure is 4. max =4, then Rank 32 and Rank 16 Each has four possible values: 1, 2, 3, and 4. RI 32 with RI 16 All require 2 bits for reporting, when Rank 16 When the value is 1 or 2, and 2 bits are used for reporting, then RI will exist. 16 The issue of reporting high expenses.

[0091] However, for N antenna ports, the maximum rank required for traversal, or the maximum value of the rank, is the rank corresponding to M antenna ports. For RI 16 The maximum rank required to measure the CSI of 16 antenna ports is the rank corresponding to 32 antenna ports, which is called Rank. 32 .

[0092] Therefore, it can be determined that the rank of N antenna ports is less than or equal to the rank of M antenna ports. Thus, the number of bits required to carry the rank of N antenna ports can be flexibly determined based on the rank of M antenna ports. When the rank of M antenna ports is less than the maximum rank that needs to be traversed for M antenna ports, the number of bits required to carry N antenna ports can be reduced, thereby reducing the transmission overhead of CSI.

[0093] Based on this, this application provides a new technical solution for transmitting CSI. The technical solution provided by this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be used in various communication systems, including third-generation partnership project (3GPP) communication systems, such as fourth-generation (4G) systems like Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5G systems like New Radio (NR), hybrid LTE and 5G networks, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or other future communication systems. The communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system; there is no limitation on this.

[0095] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to those described herein. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions described herein. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0096] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the communication system 30 includes a radio access network (RAN) 300 and a core network (CN) 400. The RAN 300 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 3 310a and 310b (collectively referred to as 310) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 3 RAN 300 (320a-320j, collectively referred to as 320) primarily provides wireless connectivity and is located between terminal 320 and core network 400. RAN 300 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 3(Not shown in the image). Terminal 320 is connected to RAN node 310 wirelessly. RAN node 310 is connected to core network 400 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 400 and RAN node 310 in RAN 300 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0097] RAN 300 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. RAN 300 can also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 300 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0098] RAN node 310, sometimes also referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 310 in the communication system 30 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 310 and terminal 320 are relative, for example... Figure 3 The network element 320i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 320j that access RAN 300 through network element 320i, network element 320i is a base station; however, for base station 310a, network element 320i is a terminal. RAN node 310 and terminal 320 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 3 Network elements 310a and 310b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 320a-320j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0099] In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 3 310a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 3The RAN node can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a node base station (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) network, a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0100] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0101] 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. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. 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 and hardware modules.

[0102] It is understood that in the description of the following embodiments, the network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both CU nodes and DU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as a network device in the access network (RAN) or a network device in the core network (CN), and no limitation is imposed here.

[0103] Terminal 320 can also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), access terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, UE terminal, mobile terminal, wireless communication equipment, multimedia equipment, streaming media equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, terminal in future networks, or terminal in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0104] In some scenarios, communication between RAN node 310 and terminal 320 follows a specific protocol layer structure, which may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0105] As one possible implementation, the CU and DU respectively implement some of the protocol layer functions of the access network device. For example, some protocol layer functions are implemented in the CU, and the remaining or all protocol layer functions are implemented in the DU. The CU can control one or more DUs.

[0106] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer architecture of a CU-DU according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 In the protocol layer architecture of the CU-DU shown, the CU can deploy the RRC layer, SDAP layer, and PDCP layer. In other words, the CU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP layers of the access network equipment. Therefore, the CU has the processing capabilities of the RRC, PDCP, and SDAP layers. Of course, the CU can also implement or carry other control functions. Similarly, the DU can deploy the RLC layer, MAC layer, and PHY layer. In other words, the DU can be understood as a logical node carrying the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Therefore, the DU has the processing capabilities of the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers. Of course, the DU can also implement or carry other functions.

[0107] Optionally, the CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which can be E2 interfaces, etc. Furthermore, the CU can also implement some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which can be interfaces such as F1. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). For example, F1 supports control plane functions through F1-C and user plane functions through F1-U.

[0108] In one example, the CU may include CU-CP and CU-UP. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol layer architecture of a CU-DU according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 In the protocol layer architecture of the CU-DU shown, CU-CP can be understood as a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the PDCP control plane (PDCP control plane part of PDCP, PDCP-C), used to implement the control plane functions of the CU. CU-CP can communicate with the DU through F1-C. CU-UP can be understood as a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the PDCP user plane (PDCP user plane part of PDCP, PDCP-U), used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. CU-UP can communicate with the DU through F1-U.

[0109] CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function network elements, such as the AMF network element in a 5G system. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements can be, for example, UPF network elements.

[0110] The functional division of CU and DU described above is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU. Furthermore, the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured as a node with more protocol layer functions, or as a node with partial protocol layer processing functions. For instance, some functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. As another example, the functions of CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency, placing functions that need to meet low latency requirements in the DU and functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements in the CU.

[0111] For example, in some examples, the CU may not carry the PDCP layer, i.e., it may only carry the RRC layer. CU-CP may not carry PDCP-C, CU-UP may not carry PDCP-U, or CU-UP may not exist. In other examples, the DU may not carry the RLC layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to have only the DU without a CU.

[0112] Table 1 shows the correspondence between network elements in the ORAN system and the protocol layers they can implement.

[0113] Table 1

[0114] Net Element 3GPP protocol layer functions CU-CP RRC, PDCP-C CU-UP SDAP, PDCP-U DU RLC, MAC+PHY-high RU PHY-low

[0115] In scenarios where multiple network devices assist terminals in achieving wireless access, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The communication system shown includes CN, CU, DU, RU, and a terminal. CU, DU, and RU cooperate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access.

[0116] In some implementations, CU and DU are included in BBU. In other implementations, CU, DU, and RU constitute RAN.

[0117] The CU performs some functions of layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3), the DU performs some functions of layer 1 (L1) and layer 2, and the RU performs the calculations of layer 1 and the digital functions of the RF.

[0118] The midhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and DU, the backhaul interface carries traffic between the CU and CN, and the fronthaul interface carries traffic between the RU and DU. The integrated DU includes the functions of both the DU and RU mentioned above.

[0119] The CU and / or DU hardware includes a chassis platform, motherboard, peripherals, and cooling system. The motherboard contains processing units, memory, internal I / O interfaces, and external connection ports. Its hardware accelerators are designed with interfaces, and hardware functional components include: storage for software, hardware, and system debugging interfaces, and a single-board management controller.

[0120] The CU and / or DU include processors and hardware accelerators. The processors may include x86 processors or non-x86 processors, and the hardware accelerators may include FPGAs, GPUs, or other accelerators.

[0121] Taking DU as an example, DU can be implemented using a multi-core processor and one or more hardware accelerators. Parts of the DU protocol stack can be implemented in software running on a multi-core processor, while computationally intensive L1 and L2 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators; or all L1 functions can be offloaded to FPGA- or GPU-based hardware accelerators, while other protocol stack components are implemented in software running on the processor; or the entire protocol stack can be implemented in software running on the processor. The hardware accelerator supports interconnection with x86 or non-x86 processors. Similarly, the accelerator has a multi-channel PCIe interface pointing to the CPU and external connections via GbE.

[0122] An RU can include three parts: an O-RAN processing unit (OPU), an O-RU digital processing unit (DPU), and a radio frequency (RF) processing unit.

[0123] The OPU receives eCPRI frames from the O-RAN fronthaul and performs fronthaul interface, lowest-level L1 (encoding, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding), synchronization, beamforming, and resource unit mapping. The OPU can be a CPU, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0124] The DPU can perform synchronous operation, DDC (digital downconversion in UL), DUC (digital upconversion in DL), CFR, and DPD, improving power amplifier efficiency by reducing PAPR / ACLR at the RF front end; the DPU can be an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0125] The RF processing unit may include a transceiver module, up / down converters, power amplifiers (PAs), low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), and Tx / Rx filters. All conversions between the analog and digital domains (DAC and ADC), such as RF sampling, frequency conversion using RF, IF, and LO mixing during up-conversion and down-conversion, are performed within the transceiver module. In some implementations, the physical and logical partitions within the RF processing unit do not require specific boundaries.

[0126] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the core network equipment in the core network 400, exemplarily, refers to equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support to the terminal. The core network equipment may further include at least one of the following: access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, unified data management (UDM) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, application function (AF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, data network (DN) network elements, and network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements, etc. Of course, the core network 400 may also include other core network equipment, without limitation.

[0127] The AMF (Agency Flow Management) network element is primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user registration, user handover, reachability detection, SMF (Service Flow Management) node selection, and mobility state transition management. The SMF (Service Flow Management) network element is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release, and user plane node selection. The UPF (User Plane Functional Element) network element is responsible for connecting to external networks and processing user packets, such as forwarding, charging, packet routing and forwarding, mobility anchors, uplink classifiers to support routing service flows to the data network, and branch points to support multi-homed PDU sessions. The PCF (Programmable Flow Management) network element is primarily responsible for providing policies to the AMF and SMF, such as Quality of Service (QoS) policies, slice selection policies, flow-based charging control, and detection and gating based on service data flows and applications. The UDM (User Flow Management) network element is used to store user data, such as subscription information and authentication / authorization information. The AUSF (User USF) network element is primarily used to provide authentication services. The AF (Agency Flow Management) network element is responsible for providing services to the 3GPP network, influencing service flow routing, access network capability exposure, and policy control. NEF network elements are primarily used to securely expose services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, such as third-party services, edge computing, and AF. DN network elements are primarily used to provide services, such as carrier services, internet access, or third-party services. NWDAF network elements are primarily used for collecting and analyzing network data using technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence.

[0128] It should be noted that in this application, network elements can also be referred to as entities or functional entities. For example, an AMF network element can also be referred to as an AMF entity or an AMF functional entity. Furthermore, the aforementioned SMF network elements, UPF network elements, PCF network elements, UDM network elements, AUSF network elements, AF network elements, NEF network elements, DN network elements, and NWDAF network elements may have other names in future communication systems, and this application does not impose specific limitations on them.

[0129] It should be noted that core network equipment can correspond to different devices in different systems. For example, in 3G, it can correspond to the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and / or the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) for General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); in 4G, it can correspond to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and / or the Serving Gateway (S-GW); and in 5G, it can correspond to AMF, SMF, or UPF network elements.

[0130] It should be noted that the communication system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0131] The communication method provided in this application will be described below using the aforementioned communication system as an example, taking the interaction between the terminal and the RAN node. It should be noted that the message names, parameter names, or information names between the terminal and the RAN node in the following embodiments are merely examples, and may be different in other embodiments. The method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0132] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the terminal or RAN node may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0133] It is understood that this application uses RAN nodes and terminals as examples to illustrate the execution of the interaction, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the method executed by the RAN node in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the RAN node (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node's functions; similarly, the method executed by the terminal in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0134] Furthermore, in this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "terminal sending information" can be understood as a terminal sending information to another device (such as a RAN node), or it can be understood as logical module 1 (such as a processing module) in the terminal sending information to logical module 2 (such as a communication module) in the terminal.

[0135] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "RAN node receiving information" can be understood as the RAN node receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 (such as a processing module) in the RAN node receiving information from logical module 2 (such as a communication module) in the RAN node.

[0136] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a RAN node)" or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the RAN node. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the RAN node. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or the related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. 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.

[0137] See Figure 8 Here is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application, which may include the following steps:

[0138] S801. The terminal determines the first RI of M antenna ports and the second RI of N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI of the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI of the M antenna ports.

[0139] For example, with M=32, N=16, and the number of terminal antenna ports being 4, it is possible to measure the CSI of 32 antenna ports based on step one above, and measure the CSI of 16 antenna ports based on step two above. The CSI of 32 antenna ports includes the RI of 32 antenna ports, i.e., the first RI; the CSI of 16 antenna ports includes the RI of 16 antenna ports, i.e., the second RI.

[0140] Of the 32 antenna ports, when the rank is 1, the maximum rank of the 16 antenna ports is 1; when the rank is 2, the rank of the 16 antenna ports can be either 1 or 2, so the maximum rank of the 16 antenna ports is 2; when the rank is 3, the rank of the 16 antenna ports can be 1, 2, or 3, so the maximum rank of the 16 antenna ports is 3; when the rank is 4, the rank of the 16 antenna ports can be 1, 2, 3, or 4, so the maximum rank of the 16 antenna ports is 4. In other words, the maximum value of the RI for the 16 antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the 32 antenna ports.

[0141] S802. The terminal determines, based on the first RI, to use T bits to carry the second RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI.

[0142] T represents the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI. This can be understood as: T only needs to be equal to the number of bits that can cover the maximum value of the current rank of the M antenna ports.

[0143] For example, when M is 32, N is 16, and the number of terminal antenna ports is 4, T only needs to be equal to the number of ports that can carry the current Rank. 32 The maximum number of bits is sufficient. That is, when Rank 32 When the value is 1 or 2, Rank 16 If the value is 1 or 2, then T = 1; when Rank 32 When the value is 3 or 4, Rank 16 If the value is 1, 2, 3 or 4, then T = 2.

[0144] S803, The terminal sends a first CSI for M antenna ports and a second CSI for N antenna ports. The first CSI includes a first RI, the second CSI includes a second RI, and the second RI is carried on T bits.

[0145] For example, when M is 32, N is 16, and the number of terminal antenna ports is 4, the CSI of the 32 antenna ports is measured in step one (i.e., the first CSI), and the CSI of the 16 antenna ports is measured in step two (i.e., the second CSI). The CSI of the 32 antenna ports includes the RI of the 32 antenna ports, meaning the first CSI includes the first RI; the CSI of the 16 antenna ports includes the RI of the 16 antenna ports, meaning the second CSI includes the second RI.

[0146] Accordingly, the RAN node receives the first channel state information (CSI) for M antenna ports and the second CSI for N antenna ports. The first CSI contains the first RI for the M antenna ports, and the second CSI contains the second RI for the N antenna ports. M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports.

[0147] S804, the RAN node determines the number of bits T to carry the second RI based on the first RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI.

[0148] T represents the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI. This can be understood as: T only needs to be equal to the number of bits that can cover the maximum value of the current rank of the M antenna ports.

[0149] Taking M=32, N=16, and the number of terminal antenna ports as an example, T only needs to be equal to the number of ports that can carry the current Rank. 32 The maximum number of bits is sufficient. That is, when Rank 32 When the value is 1 or 2, T = 1; when Rank 32 When the value is 3 or 4, T = 2.

[0150] S805, the RAN node obtains the second RI, which carries T bits, in the second CSI.

[0151] For example, when M is 32, N is 16, and the number of terminal antenna ports is 4, when T=1, the RAN node obtains 1 bit of the 16 antenna port RI carried in the CSI of the 16 antenna ports; when T=2, the RAN node obtains 2 bits of the 16 antenna port RI carried in the CSI of the 16 antenna ports.

[0152] Based on the above scheme, the problem of high CSI reporting overhead caused by the RI occupying a fixed number of bits on N antenna ports can be solved, and the CSI reporting overhead can be reduced, thereby freeing up more resources for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) scheduling.

[0153] As one possible implementation, determining a first RI for M antenna ports and a second RI for N antenna ports includes: determining the first RI and the second RI based on channel measurement results of the M antenna ports using CSI-RS, wherein the M antenna ports comprise N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0154] In some implementations, the first CSI also includes PMI and / or CQI for M antenna ports.

[0155] In some implementations, the second CSI also includes PMI and / or CQI for N antenna ports.

[0156] For example, taking M=32, N=16, and the number of terminal antenna ports as 4, the specific implementation process of the above communication method can be as follows:

[0157] 1) Measure the CSI of 32 antenna ports and the CSI of 16 antenna ports.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the CSI of 32 antenna ports and the CSI of 16 antenna ports can be obtained based on the methods described in steps one and two above.

[0159] 2) The terminal determines the RI of 16 antenna ports based on the RI of 32 antenna ports using T bits.

[0160] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a Reporting RI (Report Request) according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, when the maximum rank that the terminal needs to measure is 4, i.e., Rank max =4, then Rank 32 and Rank 16 Each has four possible values: 1, 2, 3, and 4. When Rank 32 When the value is 1, 2, 3 or 4, RI 32 Each is carried in 2 bits; when Rank 32 When the value is 1 or 2, the corresponding Rank 16 The value can be 1 or 2, based on RI 32 Determine to use 1 bit to carry RI 16 When Rank 32 When the value is 3 or 4, the corresponding Rank 16 The value can be 1, 2, 3, or 4, based on RI. 32 It is determined that 2 bits will be used to carry RI. 16 .

[0161] 3) The terminal sends the first CSI for 32 antenna ports and the second CSI for 16 antenna ports.

[0162] For example, the first CSI includes RI 32 , among which, RI 32 Carried in 2 bits. The second CSI includes RI. 16 , among which, RI 16 It is carried in T bits, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI. That is, when Rank 32 When the value is 1 or 2, T = 1; when Rank 32 When the value is 3 or 4, T = 2.

[0163] In some implementations, the first CSI also includes PMI. 32 and / or CQI 32 Among them, PMI 32 Carried in a fixed number of bits, and / or CQI 32 It is carried in a fixed number of bits.

[0164] In some implementations, the second CSI also includes PMI. 16 and / or CQI 16 Among them, PMI 16 Carried in a fixed number of bits, and / or CQI 16 It is carried in a fixed number of bits.

[0165] Accordingly, the RAN node receives the first CSI and the second CSI.

[0166] 4) RAN nodes are based on RI 32 Determine the bearing RI 16 The number of bits is T.

[0167] 5) RAN nodes in RI 16 Obtain the RI carried by T bits. 16 .

[0168] It should be noted that the above description is only an example using M=32 and N=16, and the communication method in this application is applicable to the case where M>N>0.

[0169] The method provided in this application has been described above. In addition, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the functions described in the above method embodiments.

[0170] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, 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 and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0171] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0172] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 100 includes a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002. The communication device 100 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned terminal or RAN node.

[0173] In some embodiments, the communication device 100 may further include a storage module. Figure 10 (Not shown in the image) is used to store program instructions and data.

[0174] In some embodiments, the communication module 1002, also known as a transceiver unit, is used to implement sending and / or receiving functions. The communication module 1002 may consist of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a communication interface.

[0175] In some embodiments, the communication module 1002 may include a receiving module and a transmitting module, respectively configured to perform the receiving and transmitting steps performed by the terminal or RAN node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein; the processing module 1001 may be configured to perform the processing steps performed by the terminal or RAN node in the above method embodiments, and / or other processes to support the technology described herein.

[0176] In one possible implementation of the communication device 100 for functioning as a terminal:

[0177] Processing module 1001 is used to determine a first RI for M antenna ports and a second RI for N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports; based on the first RI, it determines to use T bits to carry the second RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; the communication module 1002 is used to send the first CSI for M antenna ports and the second CSI for N antenna ports, where the first CSI contains the first RI, the second CSI contains the second RI, and the second RI is carried in T bits.

[0178] In one possible design, the processing module 1001 is specifically used to: determine the first RI and the second RI based on the channel measurement results of CSI-RS with M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0179] In one possible implementation of the communication device 100 for implementing the functions of a RAN node: the communication module 1002 is used to receive a first CSI with M antenna ports and a second CSI with N antenna ports, the first CSI containing a first RI with M antenna ports, the second CSI containing a second RI with N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI of the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI of the M antenna ports; the processing module 1001 is used to determine the number of bits carrying the second RI as T based on the first RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; and to obtain the second RI carried by T bits from the second CSI.

[0180] In one possible design, the first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the CSI-RS with M antenna ports, where the M antenna ports include N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

[0181] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] In this application, the communication device 100 can be presented in an integrated manner by dividing it into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0183] In some embodiments, when Figure 10 When the communication device 100 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of the communication module 1002 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of the processing module 1001 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0184] Since the communication device 100 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0185] As a possible product form, the terminal or RAN node described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0186] As another possible product form, the terminal or RAN node in this application can adopt... Figure 11 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 11 The components shown. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 can be a terminal or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a terminal; or it can be a RAN node or a module, chip or system-on-a-chip in a RAN node.

[0187] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 includes at least one processor 1101 and at least one communication interface. Figure 11 (This is merely an example illustration, using a communication interface 1104 and a processor 1101 as examples.) Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a communication bus 1102, a memory 1103, and a computer-readable medium 1107.

[0188] Processor 1101 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (e.g., x86, RISC microprocessor (advanced RISC machine, ARM)), a microcontroller, a PLD, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, or any combination thereof. Processor 1101 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0189] The communication bus 1102 is used to connect different components in the communication device 1100, enabling communication between them. The communication bus 1102 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 11 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0190] The communication bus 1102 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. The communication bus 1102 couples various circuits together, including one or more processors 1101 (typically represented by a processor), memory 1103, and computer-readable medium 1107 (typically represented by a computer-readable medium). The communication bus 1102 may also connect various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits. These circuits are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0191] Communication interface 1104 is used for communicating with other devices or communication networks. Exemplarily, communication interface 1104 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication. Optionally, communication interface 1104 can also be an input / output interface located within processor 1101, used to implement signal input and signal output for the processor. Communication interface 1104 can provide communication between communication bus 1102 and the transceiver, or communication between communication bus 1102 and other interfaces.

[0192] The memory 1103 may be a device with storage function, used to store instructions and / or data. The instructions may be computer programs.

[0193] For example, the memory 1103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0194] Processor 1101 is responsible for managing communication bus 1102 and general processing functions, including executing software stored on computer-readable medium 1107. When executed by processor 1101, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device.

[0195] The processor 1101, memory 1103, and computer-readable medium 1107 can perform functions such as: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding cyclic prefix (CP), and removing CP.

[0196] It should be noted that the memory 1103 can exist independently of the processor 1101, or it can be integrated with the processor 1101. The memory 1103 can be located inside or outside the communication device 1100, without limitation. The processor 1101 can be used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1103 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0197] As an optional implementation, the communication device 1100 may further include an output device 1105 and an input device 1106. The output device 1105 communicates with the processor 1101 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 1105 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 1106 communicates with the processor 1101 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 1106 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0198] For example, the output device 1105 and input device 1106 described above can also be integrated into a transceiver, which can be used to communicate with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium through a communication interface or device. The transceiver can be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array can be used together to communicate with a corresponding network device type. The transceiver provides at least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) for communication via the communication bus 1102 or via an external transmission medium. The transceiver can implement both transmitting and receiving functions. When the transceiver implements the transmitting function, it can be called a transmitting module (sometimes also called a transmitting unit), and when the transceiver implements the receiving function, it can be called a receiving module (sometimes also called a receiving unit). The transmitting module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, called a transceiver module, which implements both transmitting and receiving functions; or the transmitting module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the transceiver module can also be a collective term for these functional modules.

[0199] In some embodiments, the hardware implementation will be apparent to those skilled in the art as described above. Figure 10 The communication device 100 shown can be adopted Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown is in the form of this device.

[0200] As an example, Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1001 can be achieved through... Figure 11 The processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 1103 to implement the function. Figure 10 The function / implementation process of the communication module 1002 can be obtained through Figure 11 This is achieved through the communication interface 1104 in the communication device 1100 shown.

[0201] It should be noted that, Figure 11The structures shown do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal or RAN node. For example, in other embodiments of this application, the terminal or RAN node may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0202] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0203] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs and data. The computer program may include instructions, which a processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above method embodiments. Alternatively, the memory may not be present in the communication device.

[0204] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0205] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0206] It is understood that the communication device can be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0207] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0208] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0209] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] It is understood that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described in this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0211] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0212] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0213] 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. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)). In embodiments of this application, the computer may include the aforementioned apparatus.

[0214] 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 a plurality. 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.

[0215] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from its scope. Thus, if such modifications and modifications fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Determine the first rank indicator RI of M antenna ports and the second rank indicator RI of N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer and N is a positive integer. The maximum value of the RI of the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI of the M antenna ports. Based on the first RI, it is determined that T bits will be used to carry the second RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; The first channel state information (CSI) of the M antenna ports and the second CSI of the N antenna ports are transmitted. The first CSI includes the first RI, the second CSI includes the second RI, and the second RI is carried in T bits.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the first rank indicator RI for the M antenna ports and the second rank indicator RI for the N antenna ports includes: The first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) of the M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include the N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first channel state information (CSI) for M antenna ports and second CSI for N antenna ports. The first CSI contains first rank indicators (RI) for the M antenna ports, and the second CSI contains second RI for the N antenna ports. M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports. Based on the first RI, the number of bits carrying the second RI is determined to be T, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; In the second CSI, obtain the second RI carried by T bits.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) of the M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include the N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

5. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a processing module and a communication module; The processing module is used to determine the first rank indicator RI of M antenna ports and the second rank indicator RI of N antenna ports, where M is a positive integer and N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI of the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI of the M antenna ports; based on the first rank indicator RI, it determines to use T bits to carry the second rank indicator RI, where T is a positive integer, and T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first rank indicator RI. The communication module is used to send the first channel state information (CSI) of the M antenna ports and the second CSI of the N antenna ports. The first CSI includes the first RI, the second CSI includes the second RI, and the second RI is carried on T bits.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing module is specifically used for: The first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) of the M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include the N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a processing module and a communication module; The communication module is used to receive first channel state information (CSI) for M antenna ports and second CSI for N antenna ports. The first CSI contains first rank indicators (RI) for the M antenna ports, and the second CSI contains second RI for the N antenna ports. M is a positive integer, N is a positive integer, and the maximum value of the RI for the N antenna ports is less than or equal to the RI for the M antenna ports. The processing module is configured to determine the number of bits carrying the second RI as T based on the first RI, where T is the minimum number of bits required to indicate the first RI; and to obtain the second RI carried by T bits in the second CSI.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first RI and the second RI are determined based on the channel measurement results of the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) of the M antenna ports, wherein the M antenna ports include the N antenna ports, and N is a positive integer less than M.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor; the processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-2, or to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 3-4.

10. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, The chip or chip system includes a processor coupled to a memory for storing programs or instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-2 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 3-4 to be performed.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-2 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 3-4 to be performed.

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions; when some or all of the computer instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-2 to be performed, or cause the method as described in any one of claims 3-4 to be performed.

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