Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus, used for ensuring intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality when more reference signal ports are supported. The method comprises: acquiring a reference signal sequence set, and transmitting a reference signal on the basis of the reference signal sequence set, wherein the reference signal sequence set is a tensor product of a first sequence set and a second sequence set; the first sequence set comprises K1 groups of sequences, and among the K1 groups of sequences, any two sequences in each group of sequences are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two groups of sequences are quasi-orthogonal; the second sequence set comprises K2 groups of sequences, and among the K2 groups of sequences, any two sequences in each group of sequences are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two groups of sequences are quasi-orthogonal; K1 and K2 are integers greater than 1, and K1 is equal to K2; in the first sequence set, the number of sequences of each group of sequences is the same as the length of each sequence, or in the second sequence set, the number of sequences of each group of sequences is the same as the length of each sequence.

Description

Communication methods and devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410504690.8, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on April 24, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems, Rel-15 to Rel-17 systems support a maximum of 12 orthogonal demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports, such as frequency domain (FD) orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC)2, time domain (TD) orthogonal cover code (TD-OCC)2, and frequency domain multiplexing (FDM)3. Rel-18 supports a maximum of 24 orthogonal DMRS ports, such as FD-OCC4, TD-OCC2, and FDM3. Considering beamforming gain, it is necessary to design intra-group orthogonal and inter-group quasi-orthogonal DMRS sequences so that different DMRS ports of the same user are orthogonal. That is, the same user obtains orthogonal DMRS ports through orthogonal sequences, while the DMRS ports of different users are quasi-orthogonal. In other words, interference between users is minimized by using quasi-orthogonal sequences and beamforming to minimize interference between non-orthogonal DMRS ports.

[0004] However, future communication systems may need to support more DMRS ports, and how to ensure intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality for these DMRS ports is currently a hot research topic. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to ensure intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality while supporting more reference signal ports.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, or by a module applied to the first device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device. For ease of description, the following description assumes that the method is executed by the first device. The method includes: acquiring a set of reference signal sequences, and transmitting reference signals according to the set of reference signal sequences. The set of reference signal sequences is the tensor product of a first set of sequences and a second set of sequences; the first set of sequences includes K1 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two sets are quasi-orthogonal; the second set of sequences includes K2 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two sets are quasi-orthogonal; K1 and K2 are integers greater than 1, and K1 = K2; the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the first set is the same as the sequence length, or the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the second set is the same as the sequence length.

[0008] Based on the method described in the first aspect, the first sequence set includes K1 sets of sequences. In the K1 sets, any two sequences in each set are orthogonal, and any sequences in any two sets are quasi-orthogonal. That is, the first sequence set is a set of sequences that are orthogonal within a set and quasi-orthogonal between sets. Similarly, the second sequence set includes K2 sets of sequences. In the K2 sets, any two sequences in each set are orthogonal, and any sequences in any two sets are quasi-orthogonal. That is, the second sequence set is also a set of sequences that are orthogonal within a set and quasi-orthogonal between sets. Thus, by constructing a reference signal sequence set through the tensor product of the first and second sequence sets, the sequence length and number of sequences are greater, supporting more reference signal ports and improving transmission capacity. Furthermore, it can inherit the characteristics of both the first and second sequence sets, ensuring orthogonality within a set and quasi-orthogonality between sets.

[0009] In one possible design, each sequence in group K1 is a matrix, totaling K1 matrices; each sequence in group K2 is a matrix, totaling K2 matrices; the reference signal sequence set is determined by the Kronecker product of the k-th matrix in group K1 and the k-th matrix in group K2, where k is an integer ranging from 1 to K1 or K2. Thus, each sequence in the reference signal sequence set is constructed from the Kronecker product of a corresponding sequence in group K1 and a corresponding sequence in group K2, allowing each sequence in the reference signal sequence set to support more reference signal ports. If different groups of sequences in the reference signal sequence set can be configured for different users, different users can use more reference signal ports, thereby improving the overall transmission capacity.

[0010] Optionally, the number of sequences in each group of sequences in the first sequence set is M1, the number of sequences in each group of sequences in the second sequence set is M2, the length of each group of sequences in the first sequence set is L1, and the length of each group of sequences in the second sequence set is L2. The reference signal sequence set includes K groups of sequences, K = K1 = K2, the number of sequences in each group of K groups of sequences is M1·M2, and the length of each group of sequences in K groups of sequences is L1·L2. Based on this, since the values ​​of M1 and L1 may be different, or the values ​​of M2 and L2 may be different, the number of sequences and the length of each group of sequences in K groups of sequences can also be different, allowing for a more flexible sequence structure to meet future more flexible air interface transmission requirements.

[0011] Furthermore, the maximum inner product between any two different sequences in the K sets of sequences is... That is, to achieve quasi-orthogonality between groups.

[0012] Furthermore, M1 and L1 are integers greater than 1, and M1 = L1, and L2 is an integer greater than 1, and M2 = 1; or; M2 and L2 are integers greater than 1, and M2 = L2, and L1 is an integer greater than 1, and M1 = 1. M2 = 1 or M1 = 1 ensures that the maximum value of the inner product between the K groups of sequences is minimized, thereby further reducing inter-group interference.

[0013] In one possible design, the first sequence set is a set of sequences with no biased basis, and the second sequence set is a set of sequences with difference. The sequence structures of the set of sequences with no biased basis and the set of sequences with difference are different, such as having different numbers of sequences, so that the sequence structure of the reference signal sequence set constructed can be more flexible. Alternatively, the first and second sequence sets can also be other similar sequence sets, and there are no restrictions on the specific implementation.

[0014] Optionally, in the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a q×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), q×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as:

[0015] Where k∈{0,1,…,K1-1}, m∈{0,1,…,M1-1}, and the operator… M1 = L1 = q = p n n is a positive integer, and p is a prime number. For example, the values ​​of p and q are p = 7, q = 7, or p = 2, q = 16, or any other possible values. There are no restrictions on the specific implementation.

[0016] Optionally, any two sequences in the K2 sets form a complex isogonal line to ensure quasi-orthogonality between sets.

[0017] Optionally, the difference set is determined based on the indices of at least some columns in the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) matrix, such as the indices indicating the 1st, 2nd, and 4th columns in a 7-dimensional IDFT matrix, or any other possible columns, without any specific restrictions.

[0018] In one possible design, the reference signal is either the demodulation reference signal DMRS or the probe reference signal SRS, or it can be any possible reference signal, such as a newly defined reference signal in the communication system. The specific implementation is not limited.

[0019] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, or by a module applied to the second device (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device. For ease of description, the following description assumes that the method is executed by a second device. The method includes: receiving a reference signal, and performing channel estimation or channel measurement based on a set of reference signal sequences corresponding to the reference signal. The set of reference signal sequences is the tensor product of a first set of sequences and a second set of sequences; the first set of sequences includes K1 sets of sequences, where any two sequences in each set of K1 sequences are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two sets of sequences are quasi-orthogonal; the second set of sequences includes K2 sets of sequences, where any two sequences in each set of K2 sequences are orthogonal, and the sequences in any two sets of sequences are quasi-orthogonal; K1 and K2 are integers greater than 1, and K1 = K2; the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the first set is the same as the sequence length, or the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the second set is the same as the sequence length.

[0020] In one possible design, each sequence in the K1 group is a matrix, for a total of K1 matrices; each sequence in the K2 group is a matrix, for a total of K2 matrices; the reference signal sequence set is determined by the Kronecker product of the kth matrix in the K1 matrices and the kth matrix in the K2 matrices, where k is an integer from 1 to K1 or K2.

[0021] Optionally, the number of sequences in each group of sequences in the first sequence set is M1, the number of sequences in each group of sequences in the second sequence set is M2, the sequence length of each group of sequences in the first sequence set is L1, and the sequence length of each group of sequences in the second sequence set is L2; ​​the reference signal sequence set includes K groups of sequences, K = K1 = K2, the number of sequences in each group of K groups of sequences is M1·M2, and the sequence length of each group of K groups of sequences is L1·L2.

[0022] Furthermore, the maximum value of the inner product between the K sets of sequences is...

[0023] Furthermore, M1 and L1 are integers greater than 1, and M1 = L1, and L2 is an integer greater than 1, and M2 = 1; or; M2 and L2 are integers greater than 1, and M2 = L2, and L1 is an integer greater than 1, and M1 = 1.

[0024] In one possible design, the first sequence set is a set of sequences with no biased basis, and the second sequence set is a set of sequences with difference.

[0025] Optionally, in the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a q×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), q×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as:

[0026] Where k∈{0,1,…,K1-1}, m∈{0,1,…,M1-1}, and the operator… M1 = L1 = q = p n n is a positive integer, and p is a prime number.

[0027] Optionally, any two sequences in the K2 sets form a complex isogonal line.

[0028] Optionally, the difference set is determined based on the indices of at least some columns in the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) matrix.

[0029] In one possible design, the reference signal is either a demodulation reference signal DMRS or a detection reference signal SRS.

[0030] It is understandable that the technical effects of the method described in the second aspect can also refer to the relevant introduction of the method described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including modules (or units or means) for performing the methods described in the first or second aspect above.

[0032] In one possible design, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the third aspect and other communication devices.

[0033] In one possible design, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a memory. This memory may be integrated with the processor or disposed separately. The memory may be used to store instructions relating to the methods described in the first or second aspect.

[0034] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the third aspect may be a terminal or network device, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may include the terminal or network device.

[0035] It is understood that the technical effects of the device described in the third aspect can also be referred to the relevant descriptions of the methods in the first or second aspects above, and will not be repeated here.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first or second aspect.

[0037] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in the fourth aspect and other communication devices.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may be a terminal or a network device, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may include the terminal or network device.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first or second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0041] In one possible design, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may further include a transceiver. This transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used by the communication device described in the fifth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0042] In the embodiments of this application, the communication device described in the fifth aspect may be a terminal or a network device, or may be a chip (system) or other component or assembly disposed in the terminal or network device, or may include the terminal or network device.

[0043] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the first or second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprising: a controller and an interface circuit, wherein the controller is configured to interact with other devices via the interface circuit to perform the method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0045] A seventh aspect provides a communication system. The communication system includes a first means for performing the method of the first aspect and a second means for performing the method of the second aspect.

[0046] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including storage of a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in the first or second aspect to be performed.

[0047] A ninth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when run, cause the method described in the first or second aspect to be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the DMRS port;

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a scenario where the groups are orthogonal within each group and quasi-orthogonal between each group.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Wi-Fi wireless network systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, such as 5.5G and sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems.

[0056] For ease of understanding, the technical terms used in this application will be introduced below.

[0057] 1. Communication sequence:

[0058] Communication sequences are widely used in LTE / NR standard protocols, including downlink synchronization, random access, and reference signals such as sounding reference signals (SRS) and demodulation reference signals (DMRS). Common sequence evaluation metrics include autocorrelation, cross-correlation, sequence capacity, frequency offset resistance, peak-to-average power ratio, and dual-domain constant modulus. The sequences involved in the NR protocol include three types: pseudo-random sequences (m-sequences, Gold sequences), polyphase sequences (ZC (Zadoff-Chu) sequences), and computer-generated sequences (CGS), also known as short sequences. Based on their purpose, sequences are mainly classified into six categories: 1) random access uses ZC sequences; 2) reference signals use Gold sequences, ZC sequences, or short sequences; 3) synchronization signals use m-sequences / Gold sequences; 4) sequence modulation uses short sequences; 5) sequence scrambling uses Gold sequences; and 6) sequence frequency hopping uses Gold sequences.

[0059] The LTE / NR orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform DMRS uses a Gold sequence modulated by quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) in the frequency domain. The initial value of the Gold sequence can be determined by the cell identifier or scrambling identifier. During the evolution of NR OFDM waveform DMRS, for multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems, as shown in Figure 1(a), Rel-15 to Rel-17 support a maximum of 12 orthogonal DMRS ports, such as frequency domain (FD) orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC)2, time domain (TD) orthogonal cover code (TD-OCC)2, and frequency domain multiplexing (FDM)3, as shown in Figure 1(b). Rel-18 supports a maximum of 24 orthogonal DMRS ports, such as FD-OCC4, TD-OCC2, and FDM3.

[0060] It can be seen that the number of orthogonal time-frequency resources determines the number of DMRS ports. Increasing the number of orthogonal time-frequency resources can increase the number of DMRS ports, but it will lead to greater pilot resource overhead and reduced spectral efficiency. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, in a MU-MIMO system, considering beamforming gain, it is necessary to design intra-group orthogonal and inter-group quasi-orthogonal DMRS sequences so that different DMRS ports of the same user are orthogonal. That is, the same user obtains orthogonal DMRS ports through orthogonal sequences, and the DMRS ports of different users are quasi-orthogonal. In other words, interference between users is minimized by using quasi-orthogonal sequences and beamforming to minimize interference between non-orthogonal DMRS ports.

[0061] 2. Mutually unbiased bases:

[0062] The definition of mutually unbiased bases is as follows: (Setting) and For linear space An orthonormal basis, if Then it is called and They are mutually unbiased bases. The operators < and > denote inner product, and the operator | denotes the modulo operation on a complex number. A sequence satisfying the condition of being mutually unbiased bases is constructed as follows: Where, the sequence length q = p n p is a prime number, and n is a positive integer. It is a q-dimensional identity matrix. In this case, the sequence forms q+1 linear spaces. Mutually unbiased bases.

[0063] For example, when the sequence length q is a prime number, if a ≠ 0 and b = 0, then ν a It can be a ZC sequence with q-1 distinct roots. If b≠0 and a=0, then ν a It can be a q-dimensional discrete Fourier transformation (DFT) matrix. q-1 distinct ZC sequences, 1 q-dimensional DFT matrix, and 1 q-dimensional identity matrix constitute q+1 mutually unbiased bases.

[0064] It should be understood that q+1 mutually unbiased bases can also be interpreted as intra-group orthogonal and inter-group quasi-orthogonal.

[0065] 3. Complex equiangular lines:

[0066] Linear L-dimensional vector The conditions for forming a complex isogonal are: 1) 2) Based on this, construct a sequence that satisfies the complex isogonal condition, specifically: the number of sequences is K, the sequence length is L, and the set u = {u1, u2, ..., u...} L} is a set A subset of set u, if the elements in set u form L(L-1) differences. If we take all non-zero values ​​1, 2, ..., N-1, and each value appears λ = L(L-1) / (K-1) times, then the set u is called the difference set (K, L, λ). The partial columns of the discrete inverse Fourier transform (IDFT) matrix corresponding to the elements in the difference set u constitute a complex isogonal sequence.

[0067] For example, for a 7-dimensional IDFT matrix, the 7 columns of the IDFT matrix are as follows: At this point, the 1st, 2nd, and 4th columns of the IDFT matrix form a difference triplet (7,3,1), and any two sequences in these three columns form a complex isogonal line.

[0068] It should be understood that the formation of a complex isogonal line between any two sequences in the difference set can also be interpreted as the two sequences satisfying inter-group quasi-orthogonality.

[0069] In a MU-MIMO scenario, there are K users (groups), each user sending M pilot signals (i.e., the number of sequences, or the number of sequences within a group is M), the number of orthogonal resources is L (i.e., the sequence length is L), the sequences within a group are orthogonal, and the maximum dot product between sequences is P, forming a quadruple (K, M, L, P). As described above regarding mutually unbiased base cases, the characteristic of mutually unbiased base cases is that the number of pilot signals (e.g., the number of DMRS ports M) for the same user equals the number of orthogonal resources L, corresponding to a quadruple (K, M, L, P). As explained above regarding the complex isogonal property, for the difference set to satisfy the complex isogonal property, the number of pilot signals M for the same user must be equal to 1, meaning that each set contains one sequence, corresponding to a quadruple.

[0070] In other words, in MU-MIMO scenarios, if intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality are to be achieved through mutual unbiased bases, the number of pilots for each user must be the same as the number of orthogonal resources. If intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality are to be achieved through complex isogonal lines, the number of pilots for each user must be 1. These are undoubtedly two rather restrictive conditions, which means that they can only be applied to specific scenarios and cannot be applied to scenarios where the number of pilots and orthogonal resources for users are more flexible.

[0071] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application propose the following technical solutions.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct and indirect instructions, as well as explicit and implicit instructions. The information indicated by a certain piece of information is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also instruct only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, the common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and uniformly indicated to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information. Furthermore, the specific instruction method can also be any existing instruction method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned instruction methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various instruction methods can be found in the prior art, and will not be elaborated upon here. As can be seen from the above, for example, when it is necessary to indicate multiple pieces of information of the same type, the instruction methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required instruction method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected instruction method. Therefore, the instruction methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that can enable the party to be instructed to know the information to be instructed.

[0073] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages sent separately, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the sending device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0074] 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, "network device sending information" can be understood as a network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0075] 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, "network device receiving information" can be understood as a network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal or other network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0076] In this application, phrases such as "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as indicating that the destination of the information is a terminal. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a terminal. Similarly, phrases such as "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., a terminal)," or related illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as indicating that the source of the information is a terminal. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a 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.

[0077] "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into the encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0078] The “protocol” mentioned in the embodiments of this application may refer to a protocol family in the field of communication, a standard protocol with a similar protocol family frame structure, or a related protocol applied to future communication systems. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0079] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time. They do not require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0080] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being used as an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme 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 schemes. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0081] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do 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.

[0082] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail first, taking a communication system as an example. For example, as shown in FIG3, the communication system mainly includes a first device and a second device. The first device may be a terminal or a network device, and the second device may also be a terminal or a network device.

[0083] For example, one possible, non-limiting architecture of the communication system can be shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system 10 includes network devices, such as a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 4, collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 4). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wired connected to core network 200. The core network devices in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0084] RAN 100 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0085] RAN node 110, 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 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 4 can be a helicopter or drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; but for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes both referred to as communication devices. For example, network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 4 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0086] In one possible scenario, the 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 next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 4, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 4, 110b), 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 that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node.

[0087] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node performing 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 separate entities 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). CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP) or RU can be used to perform the methods of the embodiments of this application, or CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP) or RU can also cooperate with DU to perform the methods of the embodiments of this application. For example, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP) or RU performs the transmit and receive functions of the methods of the embodiments of this application, and DU performs other functions of the methods of the embodiments of this application besides the transmit and receive functions.

[0088] 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.

[0089] It is understood that the RAN node mentioned above can be a newly defined name, and RAN nodes can also be described in different ways, such as access node, network device, wireless access node, etc., without limitation. Unless otherwise specified in this application, network device will be used as the term.

[0090] A terminal can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, 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 grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0091] In this communication system, either the first or second device can construct a set of reference signal sequences based on the tensor product of a first set of sequences and a second set of sequences. The first set of sequences includes K1 groups of sequences, where any two sequences in each group are orthogonal, and any sequences in any two groups are quasi-orthogonal; that is, the first set of sequences is orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups. Similarly, the second set of sequences includes K2 groups of sequences, where any two sequences in each group are orthogonal, and any sequences in any two groups are quasi-orthogonal; that is, the second set of sequences is also orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups. Thus, the reference signal sequence set constructed based on these two sets has a longer sequence length and a larger number of sequences, supporting more reference signal ports and thus increasing transmission capacity. It also inherits the characteristics of both the first and second set of sequences, ensuring orthogonality within groups and quasi-orthogonality between groups.

[0092] The communication method and apparatus will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that this application uses the first and second devices as examples of the execution entities in the interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution entities in the interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the first device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the first device (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device; similarly, the method executed by the second device in this application can also be executed by a module applied to the second device (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device.

[0093] The interaction process between the devices in the above communication system will be described in detail below through method embodiments.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5, this communication method is applicable to the aforementioned communication system and mainly involves the interaction between the first device and the second device. The process of this method is as follows:

[0095] S501, the first device acquires a set of reference signal sequences.

[0096] The reference signal sequence set consists of orthogonal sequences within a group and quasi-orthogonal sequences between groups. The reference signal sequence set can contain K groups of sequences, where K is an integer greater than 1. Within each K group, any two sequences are orthogonal, and any two groups are quasi-orthogonal (or, the maximum inner product of the sequences contained in any two groups is less than or equal to a preset threshold, which can be dynamically set to ensure normal demodulation between groups). Specifically, the reference signal sequence set can be the tensor product of a first sequence set and a second sequence set. This tensor product is equivalent to the Kronecker product of the kth sequence in the first sequence set and the kth sequence in the second sequence set, where 1 ≤ k ≤ K. The reference signal sequence set can be used to generate a reference signal, which can be a DMRS or SRS, or any possible reference signal, such as a newly defined reference signal in the communication system. The specific implementation is not limited.

[0097] The first device can construct a reference signal sequence set based on the tensor product of the first sequence set and the second sequence set, or the reference signal sequence set can be pre-configured or predefined by the protocol locally on the first device.

[0098] For example, the set of reference signal sequences can be pre-configured in the form of table entries or predefined locally on the first device. This table entry can contain the values ​​of (K, M, L) for the set of reference signal sequences, and the expression for each reference signal sequence corresponding to (K, M, L) (refer to Equation 3 above). The table entry can also contain sequences from the prior art, i.e., extensions based on existing entries, or it can be a newly defined entry, different from the reference signal sequence entries in the prior art; the specific implementation is not limited. Furthermore, the sequence corresponding to which (K, M, L) values ​​the first device needs to use can be predefined by the protocol or dynamically configured by the network side. For example, the first device can receive first indication information (such as first indication information from an access network device). The first indication information can carry at least one of any possible signaling, such as radio resource control (RRC), media access control-control element (MAC-CE), or downlink control information (DCI). The first indication information can be used to indicate at least one of: K, M, or L. Thus, the first device can determine the set of reference signal sequences it needs to use from the above entries based on the values ​​of (K,M,L).

[0099] Of course, the pre-configuration of the reference signal sequence set on the local side of the first device is just one example and is not limited. The first device can also dynamically obtain the reference signal sequence set from the network side (such as access network equipment). The specific implementation is not limited.

[0100] Additionally, the network side can instruct the first device to use the set of reference signal sequences defined in the embodiments of this application, or to use sequences from the prior art, in order to achieve backward compatibility.

[0101] S502, the first device transmits a reference signal based on the reference signal sequence set. The second device receives the reference signal.

[0102] At least one set of reference signal sequences can be configured for use by the first device, such as by the network side. For example, the first device can receive second indication information (such as second indication information from an access network device). The second indication information can carry at least one of any possible signaling, such as RRC, MAC-CE, or DCI. The second indication information can be used to indicate a reference signal port number, such as a DMRS port or any other possible reference signal port. For example, the second indication information can carry the reference signal port number to explicitly indicate the reference signal port number, or it can carry information related to the reference signal port number to implicitly indicate the reference signal port number.

[0103] The reference signal port number corresponds to at least one sequence in K sets of sequences. For example, the reference signal port number has a correspondence with the sequence number / index of at least one sequence in the K sets of sequences. This correspondence can be pre-configured or predefined locally on the first device, or it can be dynamically indicated by first indication information or other indication information. Thus, the first device can transmit reference signals based on the second indication information and at least one set of reference signal sequences. For example, the first device can determine at least one set of sequences corresponding to the reference signal port number from the set of reference signal sequences based on the first indication information, and generate multiple corresponding reference signals based on the at least one set of sequences. For instance, the first device can map this at least one / set of sequences to frequency domain resources (optionally time-frequency resources), such as the frequency domain resources of OFDM waveforms, to obtain reference signals, and then transmit the reference signals to the second device. Correspondingly, the second device can receive these reference signals on the frequency domain resources. In this way, the transmitting end (i.e., the first device) can know which sets of reference signal sequences it is configured to use, thus avoiding transmission failure due to the use of unconfigured reference signal sequences.

[0104] S503, the second device performs channel estimation or channel measurement based on the set of reference signal sequences corresponding to the reference signal.

[0105] The second device can know in advance that the first device uses at least one set of sequences as described above. For example, the network side can indicate the index of this set of sequences to the second device. The specific implementation is similar to that of the first device and will not be repeated here. Alternatively, it can be predefined by the protocol, and the specific implementation is not limited. Therefore, after receiving multiple reference signals, the second device can use this at least one set of sequences to determine the noise carried by the multiple reference signals, thereby realizing channel estimation or channel measurement.

[0106] The S501 will be described in detail below:

[0107] The first set of sequences can be a set of sequences that are orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups.

[0108] For example, the first sequence set may include K1 sets of sequences. Each of the K1 sets of sequences can be a matrix, for a total of K1 matrices. The number of sequences in each set is M1, and the length of each set is L1. K1 is an integer greater than 1, and M1 and L1 are integers greater than 1, with M1 = L1, or L1 is an integer greater than 1 and M1 = 1. Therefore, the quadruple of the first sequence set can be...

[0109] Therefore, intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality mean that in K1 groups of sequences, any two sequences in each group are orthogonal, and any two sequences in each group are quasi-orthogonal. For example, the first set of sequences can be a set of sequences with no biased basis. According to the relevant introduction in "2. No Biased Basis" above, according to the above representation of sequences with no biased basis, in K1 groups of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th group is a q×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), q×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as follows:

[0110] Where k∈{0,1,…,K1-1}, m∈{0,1,…,M1-1}, and the operator… M1 = L1 = q = p n n is a positive integer, and p is a prime number. For example, the values ​​of p and q are p = 7, q = 7, or p = 2, q = 16, or any other possible values. There are no restrictions on the specific implementation.

[0111] Similar to the first set of sequences, the second set of sequences can also be a set of sequences that are orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups.

[0112] For example, the second sequence set may include K2 sets of sequences. In each of the K2 sets of sequences, the sequence can be a matrix, resulting in a total of K2 matrices. The number of sequences in each set is M2, and the length of each set is L2. K2 is an integer greater than 1, and M2 and L2 are integers greater than 1, with M2 = L2, or L2 is an integer greater than 1, with M2 = 1. Therefore, the quadruple of the second sequence set can be...

[0113] Building upon this, intra-group orthogonality and inter-group quasi-orthogonality mean that in the K2-group sequences, any two sequences within each group are orthogonal, and any sequences within any two groups are quasi-orthogonal. For example, the second set of sequences can be the set of sequences from the difference set. In this case, any two sequences within the K2-group sequences form a complex isogonal line to ensure inter-group quasi-orthogonality. This difference set can be determined based on the indices of at least some columns in the IDFT matrix, such as the indices pointing to columns 1, 2, and 4 in a 7-dimensional IDFT matrix, or it can be any other possible columns; the specific implementation is not limited.

[0114] Based on the detailed descriptions of the first and second sequence sets above, the reference signal sequence set can be determined by the Kronecker product of the kth matrix in K1 matrices and the kth matrix in K2 matrices, where k is an integer ranging from 1 to K1 / K2. In other words, each sequence in the reference signal sequence set is the Kronecker product of a corresponding sequence in K1 and a corresponding sequence in K2, thus allowing each sequence set to support more reference signal ports. If different sequences in the reference signal sequence set can be configured for different users, then different users can use more reference signal ports, thereby improving the overall transmission capacity.

[0115] For example, the set of reference signal sequences may include K sets of sequences, K = K1 = K2.

[0116] K sets of sequences can correspond to different users (such as terminals), or in other words, K sets of sequences can be configured for use by different terminals. For example, one or more sets of sequences can be configured for use by a single terminal. For instance, K=7, and K sets of sequences include sequences 1 to 7. One configuration method is: sequence 1 is configured for UE#1, sequence 2 for UE#2, sequence 3 for UE#3, and so on, until sequence 7 is configured for UE#7; or, another configuration method is: sequences 1 and 2 are configured for UE#1, sequences 3 and 4 for UE#2, and sequences 5, 6, and 7 for UE#3; or there can be other many-to-one configuration methods, or combinations of many-to-one and one-to-one configurations, which will not be elaborated here. The number of sequences in each set of K sets is M1·M2, and the sequence length of each set of K sets is L1·L2. Based on this, since the values ​​of M1 and L1 may be different, or the values ​​of M2 and L2 may be different, the number of sequences and the sequence length of each sequence in the K sets of sequences can also be different, and the structure of the sequences can be more flexible to meet the more flexible air interface transmission requirements in the future.

[0117] Based on this, the quadruplets of the reference signal sequence set can be... Since M1 = 1 or M2 = 1, taking M2 = 1 as an example, in the set of reference signal sequences, the maximum value of the inner product between the K sets of sequences is: That is, the constructed sequence also satisfies the quasi-orthogonality between groups.

[0118] To make it easier to understand, the following two examples will be used to introduce the reference signal sequence set:

[0119] Example 1:

[0120] The quadruple of the reference signal sequence set can be To construct this set of reference signal sequences, the first set of sequences can be a quadruple. With mutually unbiased bases, the second sequence set can be a quadruple. The difference set will be introduced separately below.

[0121] 1) Mutually unbiased bases:

[0122] In mutually unbiased base U k In the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a 7×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), 7×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as follows:

[0123] 2) Difference set:

[0124] The difference set is the 1st, 2nd, and 4th columns of the 7-dimensional IDFT matrix; for example, the 1st column. Column 2 Column 4 It can be seen that the elements in these three columns of the IDFT matrix are the same, so they can be considered as one sequence. Given K² sequences, the k-th sequence contains a 3×1 column vector V. k ,

[0125] Therefore, the tensor product of the first sequence set and the second sequence set is... Operators Representing the Kronecker product, the corresponding matrix dimension of the reference signal sequence set is... Specifically, it can be shown in the following formula (1):

[0126] As shown in equation (1), the Kronecker product is U k Each element in V k Multiplying them yields a 3×1 column vector, which is then used to replace the element, or fill its position. For example, U k The element 1 in the first row and first column of the middle is V k Multiply, we get e j2π / 7 ;e j4π / 7 ;e j8π / 7 Then replace element 1 with e j2π / 7 ;e j4π / 7 ;e j8π / 7This increases the matrix size, and so on. Thus, the reference signal sequence set contains 7 sets of sequences. The k-th set can be represented by a 21×7 matrix, where each column represents a sequence of length 21 used by a reference signal port. This set contains 7 orthogonal reference signal ports. Within these 7 sets of sequences, sequences within the same set are orthogonal, and the maximum value of the inner product between sets is... This ensures quasi-orthogonality. It's understandable that Example 1 supports 49 reference signal ports using 21 orthogonal resources.

[0127] Example 2:

[0128] The quadruple of the reference signal sequence set can be To construct the reference signal sequence set, the first sequence set can be mutually unbiased bases of the quadruple (7, 16, 16, 1 / 4), and the second sequence set can be the quadruple... The difference set will be introduced separately below.

[0129] 1) Mutually unbiased bases:

[0130] In mutually unbiased base U k In the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a 16×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), 16×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as follows:

[0131] 2) Difference set:

[0132] Similar to the difference set in Example 1 above, this difference set is also the 1st, 2nd, and 4th columns of the 7-dimensional IDFT matrix, and the kth sequence contains a sequence of 3×1 dimensional column vectors V. k ,

[0133] Therefore, the tensor product of the first sequence set and the second sequence set is... Accordingly, the matrix dimension of the reference signal sequence set is Specifically, it can be shown in the following formula (1):

[0134] Therefore, the tensor product of the first sequence set and the second sequence set is... Accordingly, the matrix dimension of the reference signal sequence set is Specifically, it can be shown in the following formula (2):

[0135] As shown in equation (2), the reference signal sequence set contains 7 sets of sequences. The k-th set of sequences can be a 48×16 dimensional matrix, where each column represents a sequence of length 48 used by a reference signal port. This set of sequences contains 16 orthogonal reference signal ports. Within these 7 sets of sequences, sequences within the same set are orthogonal, and the maximum value of the inner product between sets is... This ensures quasi-orthogonality. It's understandable that Example 2 supports 112 reference signal ports using 48 orthogonal resources.

[0136] For example, some exemplary configuration combinations of the number of sequence groups K, the number of sequences within a group M, the sequence length L, and the unit root of the reference signal sequence set can be shown in Table 1 below.

[0137] Table 1

[0138] In summary, the first sequence set includes K1 sets of sequences. Within each K1 set, any two sequences are orthogonal, and any two sequences within the same K1 set are quasi-orthogonal. That is, the first sequence set is a set of sequences that are orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups. Similarly, the second sequence set includes K2 sets of sequences. Within each K2 set, any two sequences are orthogonal, and any two sequences within the same K2 set are quasi-orthogonal. That is, the second sequence set is also a set of sequences that are orthogonal within groups and quasi-orthogonal between groups. Thus, by constructing a reference signal sequence set through the tensor product of the first and second sequence sets, the set has a longer sequence length and a larger number of sequences, supporting more reference signal ports and increasing transmission capacity. It also inherits the characteristics of both the first and second sequence sets, ensuring orthogonality within groups and quasi-orthogonality between groups.

[0139] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above with reference to FIG. 5. The communication apparatus used to perform the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6-7.

[0140] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. As exemplarily shown in Figure 6, the communication device 600 includes a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. For ease of explanation, Figure 6 only shows the main components of the communication device.

[0141] The transceiver module 601 is used to perform the transceiver function of the method shown in Figure 5 above, and the processing module 602 is used to perform other functions of the method shown in Figure 5 above besides the transceiver function.

[0142] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may include a transmitting module (not shown in FIG. 6) and a receiving module (not shown in FIG. 6). The transmitting module is used to implement the transmitting function of the communication device 600, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function of the communication device 600.

[0143] Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 6) that stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 602 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 600 can perform the functions of the terminal and / or network device (such as access and mobility management network element) in the method shown in FIG. 5 above.

[0144] It is understood that the communication device 600 may be a terminal or network device, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set in the terminal or network device, or a device that includes the terminal or network device. This application does not limit it in this respect.

[0145] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 600 can be referred to the technical effects of the method shown in Figure 5, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Figure 7 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a terminal, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the terminal. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 700 may include a processor 701. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 702 and / or a transceiver 703. The processor 701 is coupled to the memory 702 and the transceiver 703, and may be connected via a communication bus.

[0147] The following section, with reference to Figure 7, provides a detailed description of each component of the communication device 700:

[0148] The processor 701 is the control center of the communication device 700. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 701 can be one or more central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0149] Optionally, the processor 701 can perform various functions of the communication device 700 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 702 and calling data stored in the memory 702, such as performing the method shown in FIG5 above.

[0150] In a specific implementation, as one example, processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG7.

[0151] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the communication device 700 may also include multiple processors, such as processors 701 and 704 shown in FIG. 7. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). Here, a processor may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0152] The memory 702 is used to store the software program that executes the solution of this application, and is controlled by the processor 701 to execute it. The specific implementation method can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] Optionally, the memory 702 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), 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, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. The memory 702 may be integrated with the processor 701 or may exist independently and be coupled to the processor 701 through the interface circuit of the communication device 700 (not shown in FIG. 7). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0154] Transceiver 703 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, if communication device 700 is a terminal, transceiver 703 can be used to communicate with a network device or with another terminal device. As another example, if communication device 700 is a network device, transceiver 703 can be used to communicate with a terminal or with another network device.

[0155] Optionally, transceiver 703 may include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown separately in Figure 7). The receiver is used to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0156] Optionally, the transceiver 703 can be integrated with the processor 701 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 701 through the interface circuit of the communication device 700 (not shown in FIG. 7). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0157] It is understood that the structure of the communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. The actual communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0158] Furthermore, the technical effects of the communication device 700 can be referred to the technical effects of the method described in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0160] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0161] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or 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 website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. 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. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0162] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0163] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple 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.

[0164] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can 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 coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0168] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0169] 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.

[0170] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0171] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain a set of reference signal sequences; wherein the set of reference signal sequences is the tensor product of a first set of sequences and a second set of sequences; the first set of sequences includes K1 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal and any two sequences in each set are quasi-orthogonal; the second set of sequences includes K2 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal and any two sequences in each set are quasi-orthogonal; K1 and K2 are integers greater than 1, K1 = K2; the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the first set of sequences is the same as the sequence length, or the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the second set of sequences is the same as the sequence length; A reference signal is transmitted based on the set of reference signal sequences.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each sequence in the K1 group is a matrix, with a total of K1 matrices; each sequence in the K2 group is a matrix, with a total of K2 matrices; the reference signal sequence set is determined by the Kronecker product of the kth matrix in the K1 matrices and the kth matrix in the K2 matrices, where k is an integer from 1 to K1 or K2.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sequence set has M1 sequences in each group, the second sequence set has M2 sequences in each group, the first sequence set has L1 sequences in each group, and the second sequence set has L2 sequences in each group. The reference signal sequence set includes K sequences, K = K1 = K2, the K sequences have M1·M2 sequences in each group, and the K sequences have L1·L2 sequences in each group.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The maximum value of the inner product between the K sets of sequences is:

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: M1 and L1 are integers greater than 1, and M1 = L1; and L2 is an integer greater than 1, and M2 = 1; or; M2 and L2 are integers greater than 1, and M2 = L2, and L1 is an integer greater than 1, and M1 = 1.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The first set of sequences is a set of sequences without mutual bias, and the second set of sequences is a set of sequences with difference.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a q×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), the q×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as: Where k∈{0,1,…,K1-1}, m∈{0,1,…,M1-1}, and the operator… M1 = L1 = q = p n n is a positive integer, and p is a prime number.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Any two sequences in the K2 group form a complex isogonal line.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that: The difference set is determined based on the indices of at least some columns in the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) matrix.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The reference signal is either a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) or a detection reference signal (SRS).

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive reference signal; Channel estimation or channel measurement is performed based on the set of reference signal sequences corresponding to the reference signal. Wherein, the reference signal sequence set is the tensor product of a first sequence set and a second sequence set; the first sequence set includes K1 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal and any two sequences in each set are quasi-orthogonal; the second sequence set includes K2 sets of sequences, in which any two sequences in each set are orthogonal and any two sequences in each set are quasi-orthogonal; K1 and K2 are integers greater than 1, K1 = K2; the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the first sequence set is the same as the sequence length, or the number of sequences in each set of sequences in the second sequence set is the same as the sequence length.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each sequence in the K1 group is a matrix, with a total of K1 matrices; each sequence in the K2 group is a matrix, with a total of K2 matrices; the reference signal sequence set is determined by the Kronecker product of the kth matrix in the K1 matrices and the kth matrix in the K2 matrices, where k is an integer from 1 to K1 or K2.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first sequence set has M1 sequences in each group, the second sequence set has M2 sequences in each group, the first sequence set has L1 sequences in each group, and the second sequence set has L2 sequences in each group. The reference signal sequence set includes K sequences, K = K1 = K2, the K sequences have M1·M2 sequences in each group, and the K sequences have L1·L2 sequences in each group.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The maximum value of the inner product between the K sets of sequences is:

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: M1 and L1 are integers greater than 1, and M1 = L1; and L2 is an integer greater than 1, and M2 = 1; or; M2 and L2 are integers greater than 1, and M2 = L2, and L1 is an integer greater than 1, and M1 = 1.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that: The first set of sequences is a set of sequences without mutual bias, and the second set of sequences is a set of sequences with difference.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the K1 sets of sequences, the m-th sequence in the k-th set is a q×1 dimensional column vector u. k,m (l), the q×1 dimensional column vector u k,m (l) is represented as: Where k∈{0,1,…,K1-1}, m∈{0,1,…,M1-1}, and the operator… M1 = L1 = q = p n n is a positive integer, and p is a prime number.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that: Any two sequences in the K2 group form a complex isogonal line.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 18, characterized in that: The difference set is determined based on the indices of at least some columns in the Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) matrix.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that: The reference signal is either a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) or a detection reference signal (SRS).

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processor; the processor is coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes at least one of the following: a first means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, and a second means for performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 11-20.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-20 to be performed.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-20 to be performed.

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