Phase tracking reference signal indication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a terminal device receives downlink control information from a network device, wherein a PTRS-DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicate a DMRS port associated with a PTRS.

Description

Phase tracking reference signal indication method and device Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies. Background Art

[0002] In NR 5G, the Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS) is introduced for phase noise tracking. For uplink transmission, up to two PTRS ports can be configured. The PTRS port should be associated with the Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) port, and the association is given by the PTRS and DMRS association field (PTRS-DMRS association field) in the Downlink Control Information (DCI). In NR Rel-15 / Rel-16 / Rel-17, uplink transmission supports up to 4 layers, and the PTRS-DMRS association field is 0 bits or 2 bits.

[0003] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is merely intended to provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of this application and facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Simply because these solutions are described in the background technology section of this application, it should not be assumed that the above technical solutions are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors found that in NR Rel-18, 8Tx uplink transmission has been introduced for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Terminal devices with 8Tx can support up to 8 layers of transmission in the uplink, so PTRS needs to be enhanced.

[0006] To address at least one of the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a method and apparatus for indicating a phase tracking reference signal.

[0007] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is provided, which is applied to a terminal device capable of supporting 8-transmission (8Tx) uplink transmission, the method comprising:

[0008] The terminal device receives downlink control information from the network device;

[0009] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0010] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication device is provided, configured in a terminal device capable of supporting 8Tx uplink transmission, the device comprising:

[0011] a receiving unit, configured to receive downlink control information from a network device;

[0012] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0013] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is provided, which is applied to a network device, and the method includes:

[0014] The network device sends downlink control information to the terminal device;

[0015] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0016] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication device is provided, configured in a network device, the device comprising:

[0017] A sending unit, which sends downlink control information to the terminal device;

[0018] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0019] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication system is provided, including:

[0020] A network device that sends downlink control information to a terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS;

[0021] A terminal device receives downlink control information from a network device.

[0022] One of the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application is that PTRS is enhanced to increase flexibility and reliability.

[0023] With reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present application are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present application can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the present application include many variations, modifications and equivalents.

[0024] Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments.

[0025] It should be emphasized that the term "include / comprising" when used herein refers to the presence of features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The elements and features described in one figure or one embodiment of the present application can be combined with the elements and features shown in one or more other figures or embodiments. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals represent corresponding parts in several figures and can be used to indicate corresponding parts used in more than one embodiment.

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The above and other features of the present application will become apparent through the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description and the accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present application are disclosed in detail, which illustrate some embodiments in which the principles of the present application can be adopted. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the described embodiments. On the contrary, the present application includes all modifications, variations and equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish different elements from the name, but do not indicate the spatial arrangement or temporal order of these elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. The term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. refer to the presence of the stated features, elements, components or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components or components.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, the singular forms "a," "the," etc. include plural forms and should be broadly understood to mean "a" or "a type" rather than being limited to "one." Furthermore, the term "said" should be understood to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term "according to" should be understood to mean "at least in part based on...", and the term "based on" should be understood to mean "at least in part based on...", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "communication network" or "wireless communication network" may refer to a network that complies with any of the following communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), enhanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A, LTE-Advanced), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), etc.

[0038] Furthermore, communication between devices in the communication system may be carried out according to communication protocols of any stage, for example, including but not limited to the following communication protocols: 1G (generation), 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G and 5G, New Radio (NR), future 6G, etc., and / or other communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0039] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "network device" refers to, for example, a device in a communication system that connects a terminal device to the communication network and provides services to the terminal device. Network devices may include, but are not limited to, the following devices: base station (BS), access point (AP), transmission reception point (TRP), broadcast transmitter, mobile management entity (MME), gateway, server, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), etc.

[0040] Among them, base stations may include but are not limited to: NodeB (NodeB or NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) and 5G base station (gNB), IAB host, etc., and may also include remote radio head (RRH, Remote Radio Head), remote radio unit (RRU, Remote Radio Unit), relay (relay) or low-power node (such as femeto, pico, etc.). The term "base station" can include some or all of their functions. Each base station can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area. The term "cell" can refer to a base station and / or its coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "user equipment" (UE) or "terminal equipment" (TE) refers to, for example, a device that accesses a communication network through a network device and receives network services. A terminal device can be fixed or mobile and may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a terminal, a subscriber station (SS), an access terminal (AT), a station, and so on.

[0042] Among them, terminal devices may include but are not limited to the following devices: cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless modems, wireless communication devices, handheld devices, machine-type communication devices, laptop computers, cordless phones, smart phones, smart watches, digital cameras, etc.

[0043] For another example, in scenarios such as the Internet of Things (IoT), the terminal device can also be a machine or device for monitoring or measurement, including but not limited to: machine type communication (MTC) terminal, vehicle-mounted communication terminal, device-to-device (D2D) terminal, machine-to-machine (M2M) terminal, and so on.

[0044] In addition, the term "network side" or "network device side" refers to one side of the network, which can be a base station or one or more network devices as described above. The term "user side" or "terminal side" or "terminal device side" refers to the user or terminal side, which can be a UE or one or more terminal devices as described above. Unless otherwise specified herein, "device" can refer to either network equipment or terminal equipment.

[0045] The following describes the scenarios of the embodiments of the present application through examples, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application, schematically illustrating a situation using a terminal device and a network device as an example. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 may include a network device 101 and terminal devices 102 and 103. For simplicity, FIG1 illustrates only two terminal devices and one network device as an example, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present application, existing services or future services can be transmitted between the network device 101 and the terminal devices 102 and 103. For example, these services may include but are not limited to: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC), etc.

[0048] It is worth noting that FIG1 shows that both terminal devices 102 and 103 are within the coverage range of network device 101, but the present application is not limited thereto. Both terminal devices 102 and 103 may not be within the coverage range of network device 101, or one terminal device 102 may be within the coverage range of network device 101 while the other terminal device 103 is outside the coverage range of network device 101.

[0049] In NR Rel-18, 8Tx uplink transmission has been introduced for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Terminal devices with 8Tx can support up to 8 layers of transmission in the uplink. The maximum number of PTRS ports for 8Tx terminal devices remains 2. In some cases, the number of bits used for PTRS-DMRS association needs to be extended to 4.

[0050] Table 1 schematically shows an example of PTRS-DMRS association, which is used for single-port PTRS, with a maximum rank (maxRank) greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, and can be used for both 4-port (2-port) PUSCH operation and 8-port PUSCH operation.

[0051] Table 1 single PTRS port,1 <maxRank<=4

[0052] Table 2 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association, which is used for a single-port PTRS, a maximum rank (maxRank) greater than 4, and is used for an 8-port PUSCH operation.

[0053] Table 2 single PTRS port,maxRank>4

[0054] Table 3 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association, which is used for dual-port PTRS, with a maximum rank (maxRank) greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, and can be used for both 4-port (2-port) PUSCH operation and 8-port PUSCH operation. The MSB is the most significant bit and the LSB is the least significant bit.

[0055] Table 3 Two PTRS ports,1 <maxRank<=4

[0056] Table 4 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association, which is used for dual-port PTRS, with a maximum rank (maxRank) greater than 4, and for 8-port PUSCH operation, where MSB is the most significant bit and LSB is the least significant bit.

[0057] Table 4 Two PTRS ports, maxRank>4

[0058] The inventors have found that for an 8-port partially coherent / incoherent terminal device, when two-port PTRS is configured and maxRank<=4, Table 3 is used for PTRS-DMRS association. In this case, each PTRS port can be associated with the first DMRS port or the second DMRS port.

[0059] However, for partially coherent terminal devices with two antenna groups, it is possible to transmit four layers on one antenna group. In this case, the PTRS port can be associated with any of the first to fourth DMRS ports. However, according to Table 3 above, association with the third or fourth DMRS port is excluded.

[0060] In addition, for 8Tx terminal devices supporting full power mode 2, if the port numbers of SRS resources in the SRS resource set are different, for example, when both 4-port SRS and 8-port SRS are configured, the PTRS port number for 4-port PUSCH transmission should be clarified.

[0061] In addition, the sizes of the PTRS-DMRS association fields for 4-port and 8-port may be different and should also be aligned.

[0062] Therefore, there is a need to enhance PTRS to increase flexibility and reliability.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, the high-layer signaling may be, for example, radio resource control (RRC) signaling; for example, an RRC message, including, for example, an MIB, system information, or a dedicated RRC message; or an RRC information element (RRC IE). The high-layer signaling may also be, for example, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling; or a MAC control element (MAC CE). However, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0064] In the following description, to avoid confusion, the terms "PDCCH" and "Physical Downlink Control Channel" or "downlink control information" are interchangeable, and the terms "PDSCH" and "Physical Downlink Data Channel" or "downlink data" are also interchangeable. Furthermore, transmitting or receiving a PDCCH can be understood as transmitting or receiving downlink control information carried by the PDCCH; transmitting or receiving a PDSCH can be understood as transmitting or receiving downlink data carried by the PDSCH.

[0065] Embodiments of the first aspect

[0066] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for indicating a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), which is described from the perspective of a terminal device capable of supporting 8 transmit (8Tx) uplink transmission. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the method for indicating a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS) according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes:

[0067] 201, the terminal device receives downlink control information from the network device; wherein, the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates the DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0068] It should be noted that the above FIG. 2 only schematically illustrates the embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order between various operations can be appropriately adjusted. In addition, some other operations can be added or some of the operations can be reduced. Those skilled in the art can make appropriate modifications according to the above content, not limited to the records in the above FIG. 2.

[0069] In some embodiments, for partially coherent or non-coherent terminal devices with 8 ports, two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0070] For example, for a partially coherent UE / non-coherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (for example, the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 4, then the PTRS-DMRS association is 4 bits.

[0071] Table 5 schematically shows another example of the PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS, where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, with the MSB being the most significant bit and the LSB being the least significant bit.

[0072] Table 5 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0and 1,1<maxRank<=4

[0073] Table 6 schematically shows an example of describing the PTRS-DMRS association.

[0074] Table 6

[0075] Table 7 schematically shows another example of describing the PTRS-DMRS association.

[0076] Table 7

[0077] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent or incoherent terminal device, two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 2, the associated domain of the PTRS and DMRS is 2 bits; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, the associated domain of the PTRS and DMRS is 4 bits.

[0078] For example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if maxRank = 2, the PTRS-DMRS associated domain is 2 bits.

[0079] Table 8 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for a two-port PTRS with a maximum rank (maxRank) equal to 2. Here, MSB is the most significant bit and LSB is the least significant bit.

[0080] Table 8 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1, maxRank = 2

[0081] For another example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 2 < maxRank <= 4, the PTRS-DMRS associated domain is 4 bits.

[0082] Table 9 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for a two-port PTRS with a maximum rank (maxRank) greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4. Here, MSB is the most significant bit and LSB is the least significant bit.

[0083] Table 9 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1, 2 < maxRank <= 4

[0084] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent or incoherent terminal device, two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the associated domain of the PTRS and DMRS is 2 bits.

[0085] For example, for a partially coherent UE or non-coherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (e.g., the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 4, the PTRS-DMRS association is 2 bits. In this case, Table 10 or Table 11 is used for the association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI.

[0086] Table 10 schematically shows another example of the PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 or port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4.

[0087] Table 10 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 or port 1, 1 < maxRank <= 4

[0088] Table 11 schematically shows another example of the PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4.

[0089] Table 11 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1, 1 < maxRank <= 4

[0090] For example, if 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (both PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1 are used), Table 11 is used for the association. If a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (either PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1 is used), Table 10 is used.

[0091] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or non-coherent terminal device, two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0092] For example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when configuring two-port PTRS (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 3, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 2 bits. For 1 < maxRank <= 3, Table 12 or Table 13 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI.

[0093] Table 12 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 or port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 3.

[0094] Table 12 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 or port 1,1 < maxRank <= 3

[0095] Table 13 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 3.

[0096] Table 13 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1,1 < maxRank <= 3

[0097] For example, if 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (using both PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1), Table 13 is used for association. If a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (using PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1), Table 12 is used.

[0098] For another example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when configuring two-port PTRS (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if maxRank > 3, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 4 bits. For maxRank > 3, Table 14 is used for association.

[0099] Table 14 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 3. Here, MSB is the most significant bit and LSB is the least significant bit.

[0100] Table 14 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1, maxRank>3

[0101] In some embodiments, for partially coherent or non-coherent terminal devices with 8 ports, two-port PTRS is configured; when the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; when the maximum rank is equal to 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; when the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0102] For example, for a partially coherent UE / non-coherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 2, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 1 bit. When 1 < maxRank <= 2, Table 15 or Table 16 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined according to the indicated TPMI by the actual number of PTRS ports used.

[0103] Table 15 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for dual-port PTRS (port 0 or port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2.

[0104] Table 15 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 or port 1, 1 < maxRank <= 2

[0105] Table 16 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for dual-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2.

[0106] Table 16 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and 1, 1 < maxRank <= 2

[0107] For example, if 2 PTRS ports are used (both PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1 are used) after the indicated TPMI, then Table 16 is used for association. If a single PTRS port is used (PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1 is used) after the indicated TPMI, then Table 15 is used for association.

[0108] For another example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if maxRank = 3, the PTRS-DMRS association domain is 2 bits. When maxRank = 3, Table 12 or Table 13 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI.

[0109] If 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (both PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1 are used), Table 13 is used for association. If a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (either PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1 is used), Table 12 is used for association.

[0110] For another example, for a partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if maxRank > 3, the PTRS-DMRS association domain is 4 bits. When maxRank > 3, Table 14 is used for association.

[0111] In some embodiments, for an 8-port incoherent terminal device, two-port PTRS is configured; the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, then the association domain of the PTRS and DMRS is 2 bits.

[0112] For example, for an 8-port incoherent UE, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 4, the PTRS-DMRS association domain is 2 bits. Table 17 or Table 18 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used and the number of layers shared by one PTRS port according to the indicated TPMI.

[0113] Table 17 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for two-port PTRS (port 0 or port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4.

[0114] Table 17 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 or port 1, 1 < maxRank <= 4

[0115] Table 18 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association, which is used for dual-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), and the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4.

[0116] Table 18 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and port 1,1 <maxRank<=4

[0117] For example, if a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (either PTRS Port 0 or PTRS Port 1 is used), then Table 17 is used.

[0118] For another example, if two PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1 are used at the same time), and there is one PTRS port shared by three layers, Table 17 is used to indicate the PTRS-DMRS association of the PTRS port shared by the three layers. For the other PTRS port, this indication is unnecessary because it is shared by only one layer. For example, after the indicated rank-4 TPMI, PTRS port 0 is shared by one layer, and PTRS port 1 is shared by three layers, then Table 17 is used to indicate the association of PTRS port 1. For PTRS port 0, since it is shared by only one layer, the association defaults to 1. st DMRS port, no indication required.

[0119] For another example, if two PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1 are used), and the number of layers shared by each PTRS port is less than 3, Table 18 is used to indicate PTRS-DMRS association.

[0120] In one embodiment, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; if the maximum rank is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0121] For example, for a partially coherent UE or an incoherent UE with 8 ports, when two-port PTRS is configured (parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if 1 < maxRank <= 2, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 1 bit; if 3 <= maxRank <= 4, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 2 bits; if 4 < maxRank, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0122] For example, for a partially coherent UE, when 1 < maxRank <= 2, Table 15 or Table 16 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI. If 2 PTRS ports (using PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1) are used after the indicated TPMI, Table 16 is used for association. If a single PTRS port (using PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1) is used after the indicated TPMI, Table 15 is used.

[0123] For another example, for a partially coherent UE, when 3 <= maxRank <= 4, Table 19 or Table 20 is used for association. Which table to use can be determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI.

[0124] Table 19 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for dual-port PTRS (port 0 or port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4.

[0125] Table 19 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 or port 1, 3 <= maxRank <= 4

[0126] Table 20 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for dual-port PTRS (port 0 and port 1), where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4.

[0127] Table 20 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0 and port 1, 3 <= maxRank <= 4

[0128] For example, if 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (using PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1), Table 20 is used for association. If a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (using either PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1), Table 19 is used.

[0129] For non-coherent UEs, when 1 < maxRank <= 2, Table 15 or Table 16 is used for association. Which table to use is determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used according to the indicated TPMI. If 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (using PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1), Table 16 is used for association. If a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (using either PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1), Table 15 is used.

[0130] For non-coherent UEs, when 3 <= maxRank <= 4, Table 19 or Table 20 is used for association. Which table to use is determined by the actual number of PTRS ports used and the number of layers shared by one PTRS port according to the indicated TPMI.

[0131] For example, for non-coherent UEs, if a single PTRS port is used after the indicated TPMI (using either PTRS port 0 or PTRS port 1), Table 19 is used.

[0132] For another example, for non-coherent UEs, if 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (using PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1), and there is one PTRS port shared by 3 layers, Table 19 is used to indicate the PTRS-DMRS association for this PTRS port shared by 3 layers. For the other PTRS port, such indication is unnecessary because it is only shared by 1 layer. For example, after the indicated rank-4 TPMI, PTRS port 0 is shared by 1 layer, and PTRS port 1 is shared by 3 layers, then Table 19 is used to indicate the association of PTRS port 1. For PTRS port 0, since it is only shared by 1 layer, the association is defaulted to 1 st DMRS port, no indication is required.

[0133] For another example, for non-coherent UEs, if 2 PTRS ports are used after the indicated TPMI (using PTRS port 0 and PTRS port 1), and the number of layers shared by each PTRS port is less than 3, Table 20 is used to indicate the PTRS-DMRS association.

[0134] In some embodiments, for an 8-port fully coherent terminal device, partially coherent terminal device, or incoherent terminal device, a single-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0135] For example, for an 8-port fully coherent UE / partially coherent UE / incoherent UE, when a single-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n1'), if 1 < maxRank <= 4, then the PTRS-DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0136] Table 21 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for a single-port PTRS where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4. The selected codeword is the scheduled codeword, or the selected codeword is codeword 0.

[0137] Table 21 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0, 1 < maxRank <= 4

[0138] In some embodiments, for an 8-port fully coherent terminal device, partially coherent terminal device, or incoherent terminal device, a single-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 2, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit.

[0139] For example, for an 8-port fully coherent UE / partially coherent UE / incoherent UE, when a single-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n1'), if maxRank = 2, then the PTRS-DMRS association field is 1 bit.

[0140] Table 22 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for a single-port PTRS where the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 2.

[0141] Table 22 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0, maxRank = 2

[0142] In some embodiments, for an 8-port fully coherent terminal device, partially coherent terminal device, or incoherent terminal device, a single-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0143] For example, for a fully coherent UE / partially coherent UE / incoherent UE with 8 ports, when a single-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n1'), if 2 < maxRank <= 4, the PTRS-DMRS association domain is 2 bits.

[0144] Table 23 schematically shows another example of PTRS-DMRS association for a single-port PTRS where the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4.

[0145] Table 23 PTRS-DMRS association for UL PTRS ports 0, 2 < maxRank <= 4

[0146] In some embodiments, for a terminal device with 8Tx that supports full power mode 2, two-port PTRS is configured; SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports. Then, for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) to be a single-port PTRS;

[0147] Or,

[0148] SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports. Then, for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) to be a two-port PTRS.

[0149] For example, for an 8Tx UE that supports full power mode 2, when two-port PTRS is configured (the parameter maxNrofPorts is set to 'n2'), if the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports (or 2 ports), then for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS (or for a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS), it is assumed to be a single-port PTRS. Alternatively, for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS (or for a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS), it is assumed to be a two-port PTRS.

[0150] In some embodiments, for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the first codebook subset (fullyAndPartialAndNonCoherent) is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0151] In some embodiments, for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the second codebook subset (partialAndNon Coherent) or the third codebook subset (noncoherent) is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0152] For example, if the fullyAndPartialAndNonCoherent codebook subset is configured for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation), the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) is assumed to be 1. If the partialAndNonCoherent codebook subset or the noncoherent codebook subset is configured for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation), the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) is assumed to be 2.

[0153] In some embodiments, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined based on the terminal device capability. If the terminal device reports the capability of supporting fully coherent uplink transmission for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0154] In some embodiments, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined based on the terminal device capability. The terminal device reports the capability of supporting partially coherent uplink transmission or incoherent uplink transmission for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, and the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0155] For example, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) may depend on the UE capability report. For example, if the UE reports the capability of supporting 4-port (or 2-port) fully coherent uplink transmission, that is, the UE reports the capability of fullyAndPartialAndNonCoherent transmission, then the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) is assumed to be 1. Table 1 can be used for PTRS-DMRS association.

[0156] If the UE reports the capability of supporting 4-port (or 2-port) partially coherent or non-coherent uplink transmission, that is, when the UE reports the capability of partialAndNonCoherent or noncoherent transmission, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) is assumed to be 2. Table 3 is used for PTRS-DMRS association.

[0157] In some embodiments, the terminal device has a terminal device capability for a PTRS port number of 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

[0158] For example, a new UE capability for the (maximum) number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) may be introduced.

[0159] In some embodiments, the terminal device also receives an RRC configuration of the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

[0160] For example, a new RRC configuration parameter regarding the (maximum) number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) may be introduced, such as maxNrofPorts-4Tx (or maxNrofPorts-2x), etc., but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0161] In some embodiments, the terminal device has a terminal device capability for a number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; wherein one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0162] In some embodiments, the terminal device has terminal device capabilities for a number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; where more than one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0163] For example, a new UE capability for the number of antenna groups for 4-port operation (or 2-port operation) may be introduced. If only one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is assumed to be 1. If more than one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is assumed to be 2.

[0164] In some embodiments, for an 8Tx terminal device supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; the maximum rank (maxRank) is configured to be greater than 4, then for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) that the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 4.

[0165] For example, for an 8Tx UE with support for full power mode 2, when the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, if maxRank is configured to be greater than 4, then for 4-port operation or 2-port operation indicated by 4-port SRS or 2-port SRS, when determining the table to be used for the PTRS-DMRS association domain, it is assumed that maxRank = 4.

[0166] In some embodiments, for an 8Tx terminal device supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; for different numbers of SRS ports, the number of bits of the PTRS and DMRS association fields is different, and the field length of the PTRS and DMRS association fields is determined by the maximum bit width of different SRS ports.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the bit width of an SRS port is smaller than the field length of the PTRS and DMRS association field, 0s are inserted or padded in the field of the PTRS and DMRS association field.

[0168] For example, for an 8Tx UE supporting full power mode 2, when the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of SRS ports, if the number of bits of PTRS-DMRS association 2 is different for different numbers of SRS ports, the length of the PTRS-DMRS association field is determined by the maximum bit width of the different SRS ports. If the operation of a specific number of SRS ports is indicated, which has fewer bits than the PTRS-DMRS association field, zeros should be padded or inserted in the PTRS-DMRS association field.

[0169] In one example, the UE is configured with 4-port SRS and 8-port SRS, and the number of bits of the PTRS-DMRS association field for 4-port operation is L 4Tx , the number of bits in the PTRS-DMRS related field for 8-port operation is L 8Tx The length of the PTRS-DMRS association domain is max{L 4Tx , L 8Tx}.

[0170] For example, when two-port PTRS is configured and maxRank = 8. For 8-port operation, using Table 4, the PTRS-DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0171] For another example, for 4-port operation, assuming a 2-port PTRS, the 2-bit Table 3 can be used; therefore, the final PTRS-DMRS association field is 4 bits. When indicating 4-port operation, two bits or two zeros can be inserted in the field. Alternatively, Table 4 can be used for 4-port operation, and the UE can ignore the last two rows.

[0172] For another example, for 4-port operation, assuming a single-port PTRS, the 2-bit Table 1 can be used. Therefore, the final PTRS-DMRS association field is 4 bits. When indicating 4-port operation, two bits or two zeros can be inserted in the field.

[0173] In some embodiments, the maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association domains for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2 are the same, or the maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association domains for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2 are different.

[0174] For example, when maxRank<=4, for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2, the PTRS-DMRS association domain (including domain length and PTRS-DMRS association table) should be the same.

[0175] For another example, when maxRank<=4, the PTRS-DMRS association fields (including field length and PTRS-DMRS association table) may be different for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 02_2.

[0176] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0177] It can be seen from the above embodiments that enhancing PTRS can increase flexibility and reliability.

[0178] Embodiments of the second aspect

[0179] The embodiment of the present application provides a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), which is described from the perspective of a network device. The embodiment of the second aspect can be combined with the embodiment of the first aspect, and the same contents as the embodiment of the first aspect are not repeated here.

[0180] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

[0181] 301. A network device sends downlink control information to a terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0182] It is worth noting that FIG3 above is merely a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the execution order of the various operations may be appropriately adjusted, and other operations may be added or some operations may be reduced. Those skilled in the art may make appropriate modifications based on the above description, and are not limited to the description of FIG3 above.

[0183] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used individually, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0184] It can be seen from the above embodiments that enhancing PTRS can increase flexibility and reliability.

[0185] Embodiments of the third aspect

[0186] The present application provides a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication device. The device may be, for example, a terminal device, or one or more components or assemblies configured in the terminal device. The same contents as those in the first aspect of the embodiment are not repeated here.

[0187] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device 400 includes:

[0188] A receiving unit 401, which receives downlink control information from a network device;

[0189] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0190] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or an incoherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0191] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0192] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or an incoherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0193] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0194] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; if the maximum rank is equal to 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0195] In some embodiments, for an 8-port non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits. For example, the association is determined by the number of PTRS ports used and the number of layers shared by a PTRS port according to the indicated TPMI.

[0196] In some embodiments, for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; if the maximum rank is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0197] In some embodiments, for an 8-port fully coherent terminal device or a partially coherent terminal device or an incoherent terminal device, a single-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0198] In some embodiments, for an 8-port fully coherent terminal device or a partially coherent terminal device or a non-coherent terminal device, a single-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; if the maximum rank (maxRank) is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0199] In some embodiments, for an 8-Tx terminal device supporting full power mode 2, a two-port PTRS is configured; SRS resources in an SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports. For a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) to be a single-port PTRS.

[0200] or,

[0201] The SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports. For the 4-port operation indicated by the 4-port SRS or the 2-port operation indicated by the 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) to be a two-port PTRS.

[0202] In some embodiments, for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the first codebook subset (fullyAndPartialAndNonCoherent) is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0203] In some embodiments, for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the second codebook subset (partialAndNon Coherent) or the third codebook subset (noncoherent) is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0204] In some embodiments, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined based on the terminal device capability. The terminal device reports the capability of supporting fully coherent uplink transmission for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, and the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0205] In some embodiments, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined based on the terminal device capability. The terminal device reports the capability of supporting partially coherent uplink transmission or incoherent uplink transmission for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, and the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0206] In some embodiments, the terminal device has a terminal device capability for a PTRS port number of 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

[0207] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 401 further receives an RRC configuration of the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal device has a terminal device capability for a number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; wherein one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is determined (assumed) to be 1.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal device has terminal device capabilities for a number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; where more than one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is determined (assumed) to be 2.

[0210] In some embodiments, for an 8Tx terminal device supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; the maximum rank (maxRank) is configured to be greater than 4, then for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, it is determined (assumed) that the maximum rank (maxRank) is equal to 4.

[0211] In some embodiments, for an 8Tx terminal device supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; for different numbers of SRS ports, the number of bits of the PTRS and DMRS association fields is different, and the field length of the PTRS and DMRS association fields is determined by the maximum bit width of different SRS ports.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the bit width of an SRS port is smaller than the field length of the PTRS and DMRS association field, 0s are inserted or padded in the field of the PTRS and DMRS association field.

[0213] In some embodiments, the maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, then for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2, the PTRS and DMRS association domains are the same.

[0214] In some embodiments, the maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, and the PTRS and DMRS association domains are different for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2.

[0215] The above embodiments are merely exemplary of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications may be made based on the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be used alone, or one or more of the above embodiments may be combined.

[0216] It is worth noting that the above only describes the components or modules related to the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. The phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator 400 may also include other components or modules. For the specific contents of these components or modules, please refer to the relevant art.

[0217] In addition, for the sake of simplicity, FIG4 only illustrates the connection relationship or signal direction between various components or modules. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that various related technologies such as bus connection can be used. The above-mentioned components or modules can be implemented by hardware facilities such as processors, memories, transmitters, and receivers; the implementation of this application is not limited to this.

[0218] It can be seen from the above embodiments that enhancing PTRS can increase flexibility and reliability.

[0219] Embodiments of the fourth aspect

[0220] The present invention provides a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device. The device can be, for example, a network device, or one or more components or assemblies configured on the network device. The contents that are the same as those in the first and second aspects of the embodiment are not repeated here.

[0221] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device 500 includes:

[0222] The sending unit 501 sends downlink control information to the terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates the DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0223] In some embodiments, the sending unit 501 further sends the RRC configuration of the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

[0224] It is worth noting that the above only describes the components or modules related to the present application, but the present application is not limited thereto. The phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indicator device 500 may also include other components or modules. For the specific contents of these components or modules, please refer to the relevant art.

[0225] In addition, for simplicity, FIG5 only illustrates the connection relationship or signal path between various components or modules. However, those skilled in the art should be aware that various related technologies such as bus connection can be used. The above-mentioned components or modules can be implemented by hardware facilities such as processors, memories, transmitters, and receivers; this application is not limited to this.

[0226] It can be seen from the above embodiments that enhancing PTRS can increase flexibility and reliability.

[0227] Embodiments of the fifth aspect

[0228] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, and reference may be made to FIG1 . The contents that are the same as those in the first to fourth aspects of the embodiments will not be repeated.

[0229] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include at least:

[0230] A network device that sends downlink control information to a terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS;

[0231] A terminal device receives downlink control information from a network device.

[0232] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network device, which may be, for example, a base station, but the present application is not limited thereto and may also be other network devices.

[0233] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6 , network device 600 may include a processor 610 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) and a memory 620 ; the memory 620 is coupled to the processor 610 . The memory 620 may store various data and may also store an information processing program 630 , which is executed under the control of the processor 610 .

[0234] For example, the processor 610 may be configured to execute a program to implement the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method as described in the embodiment of the second aspect. For example, the processor 610 may be configured to perform the following control: sending downlink control information to the terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0235] In addition, as shown in FIG6 , network device 600 may further include: a transceiver 640 and an antenna 650, etc.; wherein, the functions of the above components are similar to those in the prior art and are not described in detail here. It is worth noting that network device 600 does not necessarily include all the components shown in FIG6 ; in addition, network device 600 may also include components not shown in FIG6 , and reference may be made to the prior art for details.

[0236] The embodiment of the present application also provides a terminal device, but the present application is not limited thereto and may also be other devices.

[0237] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7 , terminal device 700 may include a processor 710 and a memory 720. Memory 720 stores data and programs and is coupled to processor 710. It should be noted that this diagram is exemplary; other types of structures may be used to supplement or replace this structure to implement telecommunication or other functions.

[0238] For example, the processor 710 may be configured to execute a program to implement the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method as described in the embodiment of the first aspect. For example, the processor 710 may be configured to perform the following control: receive downlink control information from a network device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0239] As shown in Figure 7 , the terminal device 700 may further include: a communication module 730, an input unit 740, a display 750, and a power supply 760. The functions of these components are similar to those in the prior art and are not described in detail here. It is worth noting that the terminal device 700 does not necessarily include all of the components shown in Figure 7 , and these components are not essential. Furthermore, the terminal device 700 may also include components not shown in Figure 7 , for which reference may be made to the prior art.

[0240] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program, wherein when the program is executed in a terminal device, the program enables the terminal device to execute the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0241] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a terminal device to execute the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0242] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program, wherein when the program is executed in a network device, the program enables the network device to execute the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method described in the embodiment of the second aspect.

[0243] An embodiment of the present application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program enables a network device to execute the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method described in the embodiment of the second aspect.

[0244] The above devices and methods of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software. The present application relates to such a computer-readable program that, when executed by a logic component, enables the logic component to implement the devices or components described above, or enables the logic component to implement the various methods or steps described above. The present application also relates to a storage medium for storing the above program, such as a hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a DVD, a flash memory, etc.

[0245] The method / device described in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. For example, one or more of the functional block diagrams shown in the figure and / or one or more combinations of functional block diagrams can correspond to various software modules of the computer program flow or to various hardware modules. These software modules can respectively correspond to the various steps shown in the figure. These hardware modules can be implemented by solidifying these software modules, for example, using a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0246] The software module may be located in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. A storage medium may be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium; or the storage medium may be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. The software module may be stored in the memory of the mobile terminal or in a memory card that can be inserted into the mobile terminal. For example, if the device (such as a mobile terminal) uses a large-capacity MEGA-SIM card or a large-capacity flash memory device, the software module may be stored in the MEGA-SIM card or the large-capacity flash memory device.

[0247] One or more of the functional blocks and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), 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 any appropriate combination thereof for performing the functions described in this application. One or more of the functional blocks and / or one or more combinations of functional blocks described in the accompanying drawings may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in communication with a DSP, or any other such configuration.

[0248] The present application has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these descriptions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present application based on the spirit and principles of the present application, and such modifications and variations are also within the scope of the present application.

[0249] Regarding the implementation methods including the above embodiments, the following additional notes are also disclosed:

[0250] 1. A method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), applied to a terminal device capable of supporting 8-transmit (8Tx) uplink transmission, the method comprising:

[0251] The terminal device receives downlink control information from the network device;

[0252] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0253] 2. The method according to Note 1, wherein for an 8-port non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured;

[0254] If the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

[0255] 3. The method according to Note 2, wherein the association is determined by the number of used PTRS ports and the number of layers shared by one PTRS port according to the indicated TPMI.

[0256] 4. The method according to Note 1, wherein for an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or an incoherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured;

[0257] If the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit;

[0258] If the maximum rank is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits;

[0259] If the maximum rank is greater than 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

[0260] 5. The method according to Supplement 1, wherein:

[0261] The maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, then the PTRS and DMRS association domains are the same for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2.

[0262] or,

[0263] If the maximum rank is less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association domains are different for DCI format 0_1 ​​and DCI format 0_2.

[0264] 6. A method for indicating a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), applied to a network device, the method comprising:

[0265] The network device sends downlink control information to the terminal device;

[0266] The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

[0267] 7. A terminal device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method as described in Note 1.

[0268] 8. A network device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to implement the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) indication method as described in Note 6.

Claims

1. A phase tracking reference signal indication device, configured in a terminal device capable of supporting 8Tx uplink transmission, comprising: A receiving unit, which receives downlink control information from a network device; The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For an 8-port partially coherent terminal device or an incoherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits or 2 bits; or, For an 8-port non-coherent terminal device, a two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; or, For 8-port partially coherent terminal devices or non-coherent terminal devices, two-port PTRS is configured; if the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; if the maximum rank is greater than or equal to 3 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; if the maximum rank is greater than 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8-port partially coherent terminal devices or non-coherent terminal devices, two-port PTRS is configured; The maximum rank is equal to 2, or the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 3, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; If the maximum rank is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, or the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8-port partially coherent terminal devices or non-coherent terminal devices, two-port PTRS is configured; If the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 2, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; The maximum rank is equal to 3, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits; If the maximum rank is greater than 3, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 4 bits.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8-port fully coherent terminal devices or partially coherent terminal devices or non-coherent terminal devices, a single-port PTRS is configured; If the maximum rank is greater than 1 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8-port fully coherent terminal devices or partially coherent terminal devices or non-coherent terminal devices, a single-port PTRS is configured; The maximum rank is equal to 2, then the PTRS and DMRS association field is 1 bit; If the maximum rank is greater than 2 and less than or equal to 4, the PTRS and DMRS association field is 2 bits.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8Tx terminal devices supporting full power mode 2, two-port PTRS is configured; The SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports, then for the 4-port operation indicated by the 4-port SRS or the 2-port operation indicated by the 2-port SRS, it is determined to be a single-port PTRS; or, The SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports, at least one SRS resource is configured with 8 ports, and at least one SRS resource is configured with 4 ports or 2 ports. For the 4-port operation indicated by the 4-port SRS or the 2-port operation indicated by the 2-port SRS, it is determined to be a two-port PTRS.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: For 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the first codebook subset is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined to be 1.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein: For 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the second codebook subset or the third codebook subset is configured, and the number of PTRS ports for the 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined to be 2.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein: Determine the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation based on the terminal equipment capabilities. If the terminal device reports the capability of supporting fully coherent uplink transmission for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation is determined to be 1.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein: Determine the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation based on the terminal equipment capabilities. The terminal device reports the support of partially coherent uplink transmission or incoherent uplink for 4-port operation or 2-port operation. If the PTRS port number is set to 2 for 4-port operation or 2-port operation, the PTRS port number is set to 2 for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

12. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The terminal device has a terminal device capability of the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

13. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The receiving unit also receives an RRC configuration of the number of PTRS ports for a 4-port operation or a 2-port operation.

14. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The terminal device has a terminal device capability for the number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; Wherein, one antenna group is used, and the number of PTRS ports is determined to be 1.

15. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The terminal device has a terminal device capability for the number of antenna groups for 4-port operation or 2-port operation; Where more than one antenna group is used, the number of PTRS ports is determined to be 2.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein For 8Tx terminal devices supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; The maximum rank is configured to be greater than 4, then for a 4-port operation indicated by a 4-port SRS or a 2-port operation indicated by a 2-port SRS, the maximum rank is determined to be equal to 4.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: For 8Tx terminal devices supporting full power mode 2, the SRS resources in the SRS resource set are configured with different numbers of ports; For different numbers of SRS ports, the number of bits of the PTRS and DMRS association domain is different, and the domain length of the PTRS and DMRS association domain is determined by the maximum bit width of different SRS ports; In the case where the bit width of an SRS port is smaller than the field length of the PTRS and DMRS associated field, 0 is inserted or padded in the field of the PTRS and DMRS associated field.

18. A phase tracking reference signal indication device, configured in a network device, comprising: A sending unit, which sends downlink control information to a terminal device; The PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein: The sending unit also sends the RRC configuration of the number of PTRS ports for 4-port operation or 2-port operation.

20. A communication system comprising: A network device, which sends downlink control information to a terminal device; wherein the PTRS and DMRS association field in the downlink control information indicates a DMRS port associated with the PTRS; A terminal device receives downlink control information from a network device.

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