Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and a related apparatus, so as to support the scenarios of access of more users. The communication method comprises: mapping M PTRSs to M subcarriers in each target resource block among N target resource blocks, wherein the number of subcarriers comprised in each of the N target resource blocks is the same, and the number of subcarriers comprised in each target resource block is greater than M; and on the basis of the M subcarriers in each target resource block, sending the M PTRSs, wherein M and N are positive integers.

Description

Communication methods and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411030130.X, filed on July 29, 2024, entitled "Communication Method and Related 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 related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] High frequencies (above 6 GHz) can provide large bandwidth for communication, enabling high throughput. However, phase noise is a significant problem in high-frequency bands, degrading the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or error vector magnitude (EVM) at the receiver, thus worsening demodulation performance. Therefore, in high-frequency communication via New Radio (NR), a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS) is introduced for phase noise estimation to improve demodulation performance under phase noise conditions.

[0004] When transmitting PTRS, it needs to be mapped onto subcarriers. Current protocols specify mapping at intervals of 2 resource blocks (RBs) or 4 RBs. However, analysis has revealed that the current method of transmitting PTRS may not support scenarios with multiple users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus to provide a PTRS transmission scheme that can support multi-user access scenarios.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a transmitting end, or by a component (such as a chip, chip system, etc.) configured in the transmitting end, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the transmitting end's functions; this application does not limit this. For example, the transmitting end can be a network device.

[0007] The communication method includes: mapping M PTRSs onto M subcarriers in each of N target resource blocks, wherein each target resource block in the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M; and transmitting M PTRSs based on the M subcarriers in each target resource block, where M and N are positive integers.

[0008] Understandably, the M subcarriers in each target resource block mentioned above are the subcarriers used to carry the M PTRS. That is, the transmitter maps the M PTRS to the M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks used to carry each PTRS. Correspondingly, transmitting M PTRS based on the M subcarriers in each target resource block is equivalent to transmitting M PTRS based on the M subcarriers in each target resource block used to carry the M PTRS.

[0009] The target resource block is also called the PTRS Block.

[0010] As can be seen, in this technical solution, when the transmitter maps M PTRSs, it divides the frequency domain resources into PTRS blocks at the granularity. Each PTRS block contains more than M subcarriers. The transmitter then maps the M PTRSs to the M subcarriers within each PTRS block that carry the M PTRSs. In other words, the transmitter maps the M PTRSs to the M subcarriers within each PTRS block using a block-based mapping method. This technical solution allows the spacing between the M subcarriers mapped within each PTRS block to be adjusted from a fixed 2RB or 4RB, based on system parameters (e.g., channel coherence bandwidth parameters). This enables the transmission of more PTRSs, supporting phase estimation for more access points and facilitating multi-user access scenarios.

[0011] Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in any two target resource blocks.

[0012] It should be noted that "same position" as mentioned here means that the M subcarriers carrying M PTRSs are in the same relative position to each target resource block. For example, if M equals 2, the M subcarriers in each target resource block used to carry M PTRSs are positioned as the first and second subcarriers in the target resource block.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes: determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

[0014] For example, determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold includes: if the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG). That is, if the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the PRG.

[0015] In this application, the target resource block determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than a first threshold is considered to be a first type of target resource block.

[0016] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M, and the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block may be uniform or non-uniform.

[0017] For example, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in the target resource block is:

[0018] K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

[0019] Optionally, when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, each of the M PTRSs is mapped to the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal coverage masks (OCC).

[0020] By making the M PTRS orthogonal based on different OCC codes, the receiving performance of the receiver can be guaranteed even in low signal-to-noise ratio scenarios. Furthermore, since the M PTRS are mapped to the same subcarrier, the processing complexity of the receiver can also be reduced.

[0021] For example, determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold includes: if the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on M.

[0022] For example, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block determined based on M is: Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

[0023] By determining each target resource block using this implementation method, it can be ensured that the overhead ratio of PTRS does not exceed the threshold ρ.

[0024] Optionally, when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, the subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRS in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS, and each of the M PTRS occupies different time domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

[0025] Understandably, the subcarrier mapped to each PTRS in each target resource block is comprised of the M subcarriers in each resource block used to carry the M PTRSs. For example, one of the M PTRSs is mapped to a subset of the M subcarriers used to carry the M PTRSs.

[0026] For example, the spacing between any two subcarriers of the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in the target resource block is: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS

[0027] Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The spacing of the subcarriers mapped by DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

[0028] Understandably, this implementation method ensures that the QCL criterion is satisfied when mapping M PTRS to frequency domain resources.

[0029] Optionally, the method further includes: sending first information, the first information indicating at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block, the type of each target resource block being a first type or a second type, the first type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than a first threshold, and the second type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0030] Secondly, this application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a receiving end, or by a component (such as a chip, chip system, etc.) configured in the receiving end, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the receiving end; this application does not limit this. For example, the receiving end can be a terminal device.

[0031] The communication method includes: receiving a first PTRS from M subcarriers in each of N target resource blocks, wherein the first PTRS is a PTRS allocated to the receiver from the M PTRS; wherein the M subcarriers in each target resource block are used to carry the M PTRS, and each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers that is greater than M, and M and N are positive integers.

[0032] Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in any two target resource blocks.

[0033] Optionally, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

[0034] Optionally, if the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than a first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG).

[0035] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M, wherein the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform or non-uniform.

[0036] Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block are evenly spaced, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block is:

[0037] K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

[0038] Optionally, each of the M PTRSs is mapped to one of the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal coverage masks (OCC).

[0039] Optionally, the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on M.

[0040] Optionally, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is:

[0041] Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

[0042] Optionally, the subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRSs in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS, and each of the M PTRSs occupies different time-domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

[0043] Optionally, the spacing between any two subcarriers of the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each target resource block: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS

[0044] Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The interval of the subcarriers mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

[0045] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving first information, the first information indicating at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block, the type of each target resource block being a first type or a second type, the first type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than a first threshold, and the second type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold; receiving a first PTRS from the M subcarriers of each of the N target resource blocks, including: receiving the first PTRS from the M subcarriers of each of the N target resource blocks according to the first information.

[0046] Thirdly, this application provides an apparatus including modules or units for implementing the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0047] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including modules or units for implementing the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement its corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0048] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising a processor and a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0049] A sixth aspect provides an apparatus comprising a processing circuit for processing data and / or information such that a method as in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented, or a method as in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof is implemented.

[0050] The processing circuit may include one or more processors, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors used for control or processing functions.

[0051] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions, and the processor for running the programs or instructions to implement the methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement the methods as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] Optionally, the device may also include the transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, including processing circuitry for running a program or instructions to cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or to cause the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0054] Optionally, the chip may further include a memory for storing programs or instructions.

[0055] Optionally, the chip may also include transceiver circuitry, or input / output interfaces.

[0056] Eighthly, an apparatus is provided, comprising one or more processors and a communication circuit, the communication circuit being used by the apparatus to perform at least one of signal input or output; the one or more processors being used to implement a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to implement a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0057] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented, or cause the method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0059] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, the communication system including means for performing the first or second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of several scenarios in which the technical solution of this application can be applied;

[0061] Figure 2 shows a resource mapping diagram for PTRS transmission for an 8-stream single UE.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of resource mapping when transmitting PTRS for 8 streams and 8 UEs;

[0063] Figure 4 shows another resource mapping diagram when 8 UEs transmit PTRS with 8 streams per UE;

[0064] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the method for transmitting PTRS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of frequency domain resource partitioning based on PTRS Block provided in this application;

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the process by which the transmitting end determines the size of the PTRS Block according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a PTRS mapping when the PTRS Block is of the first type, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another PTRS mapping when the PTRS Block is of the first type, provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another mapping of PTRS when the PTRS Block is of the first type, provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a PTRS mapping when the PTRS Block is of the second type, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Before introducing the communication method and related apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application, the following points should be noted:

[0075] First, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" in this application is solely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first information" and "second information" are simply different pieces of information, and there is no temporal sequence, size, or priority relationship between them.

[0076] Second, in this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send first information to the terminal" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive first information from a network device" can be understood as the source of the first information being the network device, which may include direct reception from the network device via the air interface or indirect reception from the network device via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0077] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between a terminal and a network device; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0078] Third, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship; the specific meaning can be understood in context. "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 mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0079] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0080] Fifth, for ease of understanding, this application uses multiple accompanying drawings to describe the method provided in this application. These drawings are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. For example, the order of steps shown in the drawings can be easily changed according to their function and internal logic; or, for example, all steps in the drawings can be performed, or only some of them can be performed, as long as the same function as in the embodiments of this application can be achieved.

[0081] Sixth, in this application, the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the words "example," "exemplarily," "for example," or "such as" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0082] To better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, some concepts used in the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0083] 1. Quasi-co-location (QCL)

[0084] If the wireless channel attributes of one antenna port can be inferred from the wireless channel attributes of the other, then the two antenna ports are quasi-co-located. In other words, whether two antenna ports are quasi-co-located depends on whether their wireless channel attributes are the same (or similar).

[0085] 2. Phase noise (PN)

[0086] Phase noise is noise caused by short-term random fluctuations in the phase of a wireless signal. It causes random phase rotation in the time domain, leading to common phase errors and inter-carrier interference in the frequency domain, thus affecting signal reception. Phase noise is typically caused by factors such as crystal oscillators in terminals and network equipment.

[0087] The system architecture of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. It should be understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0088] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to a communication system with multiple terminals accessing it. For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system to which the communication method of this application can be applied. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The radio access network (RAN) 100 may include at least one RAN node (as shown in Figure 1, 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (as shown in Figure 1, 120a-120j). The terminal is connected to the radio access network device wirelessly, and the radio access network device is connected to the core network wirelessly or via a wired connection. The core network device and the radio access network device can be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the radio access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device can integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the radio access network device. Terminals can be interconnected with each other, and radio access network devices can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections. Figure 1 is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 1000 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 1 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 1 can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0091] 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 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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.

[0094] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, 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, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0095] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0096] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1 can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0097] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0098] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0099] It is understood that the number of terminal devices shown in Figure 1 is merely an example. In practice, the number of terminal devices can be other than that shown. It should be noted that the specific forms of network devices and terminal devices are not limited in this embodiment.

[0100] High frequencies (6 GHz and above, mainly including 28 GHz, 39 GHz, 60 GHz, 73 GHz, etc.) can provide large bandwidth for communication to achieve high throughput. However, phase noise is a prominent problem in high-frequency bands. Phase noise can degrade the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or error vector magnitude (EVM) at the receiver, resulting in poor demodulation performance at the receiver. Therefore, phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is introduced in high-frequency NR communication to estimate and compensate for phase noise, thereby improving demodulation performance under phase noise conditions.

[0101] In this application, PTRS is also referred to as PT-RS, PTRS pilot, or PTRS signal, etc., which does not constitute a limitation of this application.

[0102] In the 3GPP Release 18 protocol, the configuration methods for PTRS are described as follows: Network devices can control whether to configure PTRS through parameters. For example, a network device can issue a `phaseTrackingRS` parameter to indicate whether to configure PTRS, also known as whether to enable PTRS. The time-domain density of PTRS is determined by the modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Depending on the MCS size, the time-domain density of PTRS has three intervals: 1 symbol, 2 symbols, and 4 symbols. The frequency-domain density of PTRS is determined by the bandwidth. Depending on the bandwidth, the frequency-domain density of PTRS has two intervals: 2 resource blocks (RBs) and 4 RBs. That is, in the frequency domain, PTRS is mapped to subcarriers every 2 RBs or every 4 RBs. Furthermore, the ports used to carry PTRS and the ports used to carry demodulation reference signals (DMRS) have a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship.

[0103] In this application, frequency domain density is also referred to as frequency domain spacing, for example.

[0104] Taking the resource mapping method of Type 1 dual-symbol DMRS in the R18 protocol, which supports a maximum of 8 antenna ports and has a time-domain density of 1 symbol in high MCS scenarios, and assuming that the subcarriers occupied by PTRS in the frequency domain are included in the subcarriers occupied by DMRS transmitted from the selected port of PTRS, Figure 2 shows the resource mapping diagram when transmitting PTRS for the UE in an 8-stream single UE scenario, assuming there is only 1 UE (receiver) in the system. As shown in Figure 2, the time-frequency resources occupied by DMRS transmitted on antenna ports 1000, 1001, 1004, and 1005 are the same, and the time-frequency resources occupied by DMRS transmitted on antenna ports 1002, 1003, 1006, and 1007 are also the same. When mapping the PTRS of a single UE, assuming that antenna port 1000 is selected for transmission, as shown in Figure 2, the time domain density of the PTRS in the time domain is 1 symbol, and the subcarrier occupied in the frequency domain is included in the subcarrier occupied by the DMRS transmitted from the selected antenna port 1000 of the PTRS.

[0105] Multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) is an important multi-user technology in the field of wireless communication. It increases the throughput of wireless networks by increasing the number of system streams and users (i.e., the number of UEs). In multi-user systems, phase noise also exists, and each user needs to estimate the phase noise based on PTRS.

[0106] However, analysis revealed that if the mapping is performed using the 2RB or 4RB method specified in the current protocol, there are scenarios where it cannot support more UE access:

[0107] 1) On the one hand, when multiple users access the network, there may be a problem that PTRS resources account for a large proportion, which cannot meet the transmission requirements.

[0108] Understandably, if the PTRS time-domain density is 1 symbol, and 1 RB consists of 12 subcarriers, and the PTRS frequency-domain density is set to 2 RBs or 4 RBs according to the protocol, then the PTRS resource allocation is... or UEnum represents the number of UEs that have accessed the network, and it is directly proportional to the number of UEs that have accessed the network.

[0109] For example, based on the example shown in Figure 2, if 7 more UEs are added, that is, there are 8 UEs in the system, and each UE's PTRS selects one antenna port for mapping, then the resource mapping diagram for 8 streams and 8 UEs transmitting PTRS is shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, in one RB as shown, when transmitting PTRS for 8 UEs, the time-domain density of each UE's PTRS in the time domain is 1 symbol, and in the frequency domain, each UE occupies 1 subcarrier in the RB, and the subcarrier frequency division is different for different UEs.

[0110] Furthermore, considering the resource mapping method of Type 2 dual-symbol enhanced DM-RS in the protocol, which supports a maximum of 24 antenna ports, in a scenario with 24 streams and 24 users, if the PTRS of different users are frequency-divided in the frequency domain, then the resource share of PTRS will reach 100%, resulting in the preemption of all time-frequency resources of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). In other words, it can be considered that PTRS has filled all the time-frequency resources of PDSCH except for DMRS, resulting in the problem of high PTRS resource overhead, which cannot meet the transmission requirements.

[0111] 2) On the other hand, the QCL criterion may not be met in multi-user scenarios.

[0112] Understandably, multi-user access systems lead to an increase in the total number of flows, causing the DMRS frequency domain spacing to become sparser. According to the QCL (Quality Principles of Communication) criteria for DMRS and PTRS, the PTRS frequency domain spacing becomes sparser with the DMRS spacing, making a fixed spacing of 2RB or 4RB insufficient to meet the QCL criteria. For example, in a scenario with 8 UEs and 8 flows per UE, totaling 64 flows, as shown in Figure 4, according to the DMRS dual-symbol resource mapping method, the DMRS frequency domain spacing needs to be extended to 32 subcarriers. With one PTRS configured for each UE, if PTRS and DMRS are required to be aligned in the frequency domain, the PTRS frequency domain spacing must be at least 32 subcarriers. However, the current protocol specifies a PTRS frequency domain density of 2RB, which cannot meet the QCL criteria.

[0113] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and related apparatus. In the communication method provided by this application, frequency domain resources are divided into target resource blocks, and then the PTRS of M users are mapped to M subcarriers in each target resource block for carrying the M PTRS based on PTRS resource blocks. One PTRS is transmitted through one antenna port, thereby enabling scenarios that can support more users accessing the network.

[0114] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0115] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 only illustrates the method from the perspective of the sending end and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application in any way. The sending end in Figure 5 can be replaced by a component configured in the sending end (such as a chip, chip system, processor, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the sending end.

[0116] As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0117] S501, the transmitting end maps M PTRS to M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks. Each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers, and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M.

[0118] In this embodiment, the target resource block is referred to as a PTRS resource block or PTRS Block. This name is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation of the embodiments of this application.

[0119] In this embodiment, M PTRS are PTRS sent from the transmitting end to M receiving ends, with one receiving end corresponding to one PTRS.

[0120] In this embodiment, when the transmitting end determines that M PTRSs need to be transmitted, as shown in Figure 6, it divides the frequency domain based on the granularity of PTRS Blocks, and then maps the M PTRSs to M subcarriers in each of the N PTRS Blocks for carrying the M PTRSs. These N target resource blocks include the same number of carriers, which can be interpreted as the N target resource blocks having the same size.

[0121] Additionally, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block must be greater than M. That is, the size of the PTRS Block (PTRS Block Size) must be greater than M.

[0122] For example, in one implementation, as shown in Figure 7, when the sender needs to send M PTRS, the sender performs the following:

[0123] S701, the transmitting end obtains the channel coherence bandwidth.

[0124] S702, the transmitting end determines whether the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold. If it is greater, execute S703; if it is less than or equal to the first threshold, execute S704.

[0125] S703, determine the PTRS Block corresponding to the first type, determine the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block based on the channel coherence bandwidth, or, in the case of precoding, determine the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block based on the PRG.

[0126] That is, the sending end determines the size of the PTRS Block based on the channel coherence bandwidth or based on the PRG.

[0127] Understandably, since the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block needs to be greater than M, the setting of the first threshold needs to satisfy the following: when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than M.

[0128] In this embodiment, the scenario where the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold is also referred to as the scenario where the channel coherence bandwidth is relatively large.

[0129] For example, when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block can be the number of subcarriers included in the channel coherence bandwidth.

[0130] For example, in scenarios with precoding, the number of subcarriers included in a PTRS Block can be the number of subcarriers included in a PRG, and the number of subcarriers included in a PRG is also called the PRG Size.

[0131] S704, the transmitter determines the corresponding second type of PTRS Block, and determines the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block based on M.

[0132] In other words, the sending end determines the size of the PTRS Block based on the number of users.

[0133] In this embodiment, the scenario where the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold is also referred to as the scenario where the channel coherence bandwidth is relatively small.

[0134] It's important to understand that when determining the number of subcarriers included in a PTRS Block based on M, it's also necessary to ensure that the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block determined based on M is greater than M. For example, the size of the PTRS Block can be equal to... ρ represents the resource share threshold of PTRS, and ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB). Understandably, when using the second type of PTRS block for mapping, it is possible to ensure that the overhead ratio of PTRS does not exceed the threshold ρ, while still satisfying the QCL criterion.

[0135] It should be noted that the above method of determining the PTRS Block type based on channel coherence bandwidth is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation of the embodiments of this application. For example, the PTRS Block type can also be determined based on other parameters instead of channel coherence bandwidth.

[0136] In this embodiment, after the transmitting end determines the type of the PTRS Block and the included subcarriers, it can map M PTRS blocks onto the M subcarriers in N target resource blocks used to carry the M PTRS blocks. Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS blocks in any two target resource blocks are in the same position within those two blocks. "Same position" here means that the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS blocks are in the same relative position to each target resource block. For example, if M equals 2, the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS blocks in each target resource block are located at the positions of the first and second subcarriers within that target resource block.

[0137] Optionally, if the determined PTRS Block is a first type of PTRS Block, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each PTRS Block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block and M.

[0138] For example, in one implementation, if the determined PTRS Block is a first-type PTRS Block, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each PTRS Block is uniform. For example, the spacing between any two adjacent subcarriers in the M subcarriers of each PTRS Block is: K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers in the M subcarriers. Indicates the number of subcarriers included in each PTRS Block. Ceil: rounds up to the nearest integer.

[0139] Optionally, after the transmitter divides the frequency domain resources based on the first type of PTRS Block and determines the spacing between the M subcarriers used to carry the M PTRS, when mapping the M PTRS to the M subcarriers in each PTRS Block, each of the M PTRS is mapped to these M subcarriers, and the M PTRS are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal cover codes (OCCs). That is, in each PTRS Block, the M PTRS occupy the same frequency domain position, and the different PTRS among the M PTRS are orthogonal based on OCC code division. Optionally, the transmitter can send the OCC used by each PTRS to the receiver receiving that PTRS.

[0140] Taking an example where the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than a first threshold, the size of the first type of PTRS Block is determined to be 8 RBs, and PTRS needs to be sent to 8 UEs, this paper exemplifies one resource mapping method for 8 PTRS. The transmitting end divides the frequency domain resources based on the granularity of the PTRS Block being 8 RBs. Then, when the transmitting end maps the 8 PTRS to each PTRS Block, as shown in Figure 8, each of the 8 PTRS occupies 8 subcarriers in each PTRS Block (i.e., the PTRS of the 8 UEs are in the same frequency domain position). The interval between any two subcarriers in these 8 subcarriers is 12 subcarriers (i.e., the frequency domain density of the 8 subcarriers is 12 subcarriers). The 8 PTRS are orthogonal through OCC code division. Figure 9 shows another resource mapping method for these 8 PTRS. As shown in Figure 9, when the transmitting end maps 8 PTRS to each PTRS Block, each of the 8 PTRS occupies 8 subcarriers in each PTRS Block (that is, the PTRS of the 8 UEs are in the same frequency domain position), but the interval between any two subcarriers in these 8 subcarriers is 1 subcarrier (that is, the frequency domain density of the 8 subcarriers is 1 subcarrier), and the 8 PTRS are orthogonal through OCC code division.

[0141] For example, in one implementation, if the determined PTRS Block is a first-type PTRS Block, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying M PTRS in each PTRS Block is non-uniform. For example, taking a first-type PTRS Block with a channel coherence bandwidth greater than a first threshold and a size of 8 RBs as an example, and PTRS need to be sent to 8 UEs, an exemplary resource mapping method for 8 PTRS is illustrated. The transmitting end divides the frequency domain resources based on the granularity of the PTRS Block being 8 RBs. Then, when the transmitting end maps the 8 PTRS to each PTRS Block, as shown in Figure 10, the 8 PTRS also occupy 8 subcarriers in each PTRS Block. The 8 PTRS are orthogonal through OCC code division, and the 8 subcarriers in each PTRS Block are not equally spaced.

[0142] Optionally, if the determined PTRS Block is a second-type PTRS Block, since the channel conditions within each PTRS Block cannot be guaranteed to remain unchanged, in order to accurately estimate the phase noise, it is necessary to ensure that the subcarrier mapped by each PTRS in each PTRS Block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS. Here, the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS refers to the antenna port that transmits that PTRS. That is, each PTRS needs to be aligned in the frequency domain with the DMRS transmitted on its corresponding antenna port. Therefore, in one implementation, the spacing between any two adjacent subcarriers among the M subcarriers used to carry M PTRS in each PTRS Block is K. PT-RS =K*K DM-RS Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS K is the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers occupied by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS. DM-RS This represents the frequency domain density of the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS. Optionally, the M PTRSs occupy the M subcarriers used to carry the M PTRSs through code division and frequency division.

[0143] Taking the example of a second type of PTRS block with a channel coherence bandwidth less than the first threshold and a size of 8 RBs, requiring PTRS to be sent to 8 UEs, another resource mapping method for 8 PTRS is illustrated. The transmitter divides the frequency domain resources based on 8 RBs. Then, when the transmitter maps the 8 PTRSs to each PTRS Block, as shown in Figure 11, the subcarriers mapped by the group of UEs 0, UE1, UE4 and UE5 and another group of UEs (UE2, UE3, UE6 and UE7) are frequency-divided in the frequency domain resources. The group of UEs 0, UE1, UE4 and UE5 are mapped to the same time domain resources and frequency domain resources in each PTRS Block (occupying the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th subcarriers in each PTRS Block in the frequency domain). The group of UEs 2, UE3, UE6 and UE7 are mapped to the same time domain resources and frequency domain resources in each PTRS Block (occupying the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th subcarriers in each PTRS Block in the frequency domain). UE0, UE1, UE4 and UE5 are orthogonal through different OCC code divisions, and UE2, UE3, UE6 and UE7 are orthogonal through different OCC code divisions.

[0144] S502, based on M subcarriers in each target resource block, transmit M PTRS, where M and N are positive integers.

[0145] Understandably, once the transmitter maps M PTRS to M subcarriers in each PTRS Block for carrying the M PTRS, it can transmit the M PTRS based on the M subcarriers in the target resource block.

[0146] As can be seen, in this technical solution, when the transmitter maps M PTRSs, it divides the frequency domain resources into PTRS blocks at the granularity. Each PTRS block contains more than M subcarriers. The transmitter then maps the M PTRSs to the M subcarriers within each PTRS block that carry the M PTRSs. In other words, the transmitter maps the M PTRSs to the M subcarriers within each PTRS block using a block-based mapping method. This technical solution allows the spacing between the M subcarriers mapped within each PTRS block to be adjusted from a fixed 2RB or 4RB, based on system parameters (e.g., channel coherence bandwidth parameters). This enables the transmission of more PTRSs, supporting phase estimation for more access points and facilitating multi-user access scenarios.

[0147] Understandably, after the transmitter sends M PTRSs using the method shown in Figure 5, the receiver receiving the first PTRS from the M PTRSs can receive the first PTRS from the M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks. Here, each target resource block has M subcarriers carrying M PTRSs, and each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers, with each target resource block having a number of subcarriers greater than M, where M and N are positive integers.

[0148] As an optional embodiment, the transmitting end may transmit first information indicating at least one of the following: the type of PTRS Block, the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block, and the spacing between the M subcarriers in the PTRS Block. Correspondingly, the receiving end receives the first PTRS from the M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks based on the first information. For example, for the receiving end receiving the first PTRS, at least one of the following may be determined based on the first information: the type of each PTRS Block, the number of subcarriers included in the PTRS Block, and the spacing between the M subcarriers in the PTRS Block. Then, the M subcarriers in each PTRS Block used to carry the M PTRS are determined, and the first PTRS is further received from the M subcarriers in each of the N PTRS Blocks based on the OCC (if any) corresponding to the first PTRS.

[0149] The communication method of the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. The apparatus provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG12 and FIG13.

[0150] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the device 1200 includes: a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202.

[0151] For example, in an embodiment of the first device, device 1200 is applied to a transmitting end. For example, the transmitting end is a network device.

[0152] Specifically, the processing module 1201 is used to map M phase tracking reference signals PTRS onto M subcarriers in each of N target resource blocks, wherein each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M.

[0153] The transceiver module 1202 is used to transmit the M PTRS based on the M subcarriers in each target resource block, where M and N are positive integers.

[0154] Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in the two target resource blocks.

[0155] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to: determine the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

[0156] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to: if the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, determine the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG).

[0157] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M, and the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform or non-uniform.

[0158] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is:

[0159] K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

[0160] Optionally, each of the M PTRSs is mapped to M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal coverage masks (OCC).

[0161] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to: if the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, determine the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on M.

[0162] Optionally, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, determined based on M, is:

[0163] Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

[0164] Optionally, the subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRSs in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS, and each of the M PTRSs occupies different time-domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

[0165] Optionally, the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS

[0166] Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The interval of the subcarriers mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

[0167] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is also used for:

[0168] Send first information, which indicates at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the interval between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block, wherein the type of each target resource block is a first type or a second type, wherein the first type indicates that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the second type indicates that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0169] For example, in an embodiment of the second device, device 1200 is applied to a receiving end. For example, the receiving end is a terminal device.

[0170] Specifically, the transceiver module 1202 is used to receive a first PTRS from M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks, wherein the first PTRS is a PTRS allocated to the receiving end among the M PTRS; wherein the M subcarriers in each target resource block are used to carry the M PTRS, and each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M, where M and N are positive integers.

[0171] Optionally, the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in the two target resource blocks.

[0172] Optionally, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

[0173] Optionally, the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG).

[0174] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M, and the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block may be uniform or non-uniform.

[0175] Optionally, the spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is:

[0176] K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

[0177] Optionally, each of the M PTRSs is mapped to M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal coverage masks (OCC).

[0178] Optionally, the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on M.

[0179] Optionally, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is:

[0180] Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

[0181] Optionally, the subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRSs in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS, and each of the M PTRSs occupies different time-domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

[0182] Optionally, the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS

[0183] Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The interval of the subcarriers mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

[0184] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to receive first information, the first information being configured to indicate at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the interval between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block, the type of each target resource block being a first type or a second type, the first type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the second type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold;

[0185] The transceiver module 1202 is further configured to receive a first PTRS from M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks according to the first information.

[0186] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device shown in Figure 13 can be used to perform the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0187] As shown in Figure 13, the device 1300 of this embodiment includes a memory 1301 and a processor 1302. In one implementation, the device 1300 further includes a communication interface 1303 and a bus 1304. The memory 1301, processor 1302, and communication interface 1303 are interconnected via the bus 1304.

[0188] The memory 1301 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1301 may store a program, and when the program stored in the memory 1301 is executed by the processor 1302, the processor 1302 performs the various steps of the method shown in FIG. 5.

[0189] The processor 1302 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, used to execute relevant programs to implement the method shown in FIG5 of the embodiment of this application.

[0190] The processor 1302 can also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method in Figure 5 of this embodiment can be accomplished by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor 1302 or by software instructions.

[0191] The processor 1302 described above can also be 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 devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or a conventional processor, etc.

[0192] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 1301. The processor 1302 reads the information in memory 1301 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the functions required by the units included in the device of this application. For example, it can execute the various steps / functions of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[0193] The communication interface 1303 can use, but is not limited to, transceivers to enable communication between the device 1300 and other devices or communication networks.

[0194] Bus 1304 may include a pathway for transmitting information between various components of device 1300 (e.g., memory 1301, processor 1302, communication interface 1303).

[0195] It should be understood that the device 1300 shown in the embodiments of this application can be an electronic device, or it can be a chip configured in an electronic device. The device 1300 can be deployed in a terminal device, or it can be deployed in a network device.

[0196] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as 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 a usable medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center containing one or more sets of usable media. The usable 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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 limit the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: M phase tracking reference signals (PTRS) are mapped onto M subcarriers in each of N target resource blocks, wherein each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M. The M PTRS are transmitted based on the M subcarriers in each target resource block, where M and N are positive integers.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in any two target resource blocks.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold includes: If the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M. The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block may be uniform or non-uniform.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is: K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Each of the M PTRSs is mapped to one of the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal overlay masks (OCCs).

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold includes: If the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on M.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, determined based on M, is: Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRSs in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS. Each of the M PTRSs occupies different time-domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The interval of the subcarriers mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information, which indicates at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the interval between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block, wherein the type of each target resource block is a first type or a second type, wherein the first type indicates that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the second type indicates that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the receiving end, including: A first PTRS is received from M subcarriers in each of N target resource blocks, wherein the first PTRS is the PTRS allocated to the receiver from among the M PTRSs; In this context, the M subcarriers in each target resource block are used to carry the M PTRS, and each of the N target resource blocks includes the same number of subcarriers, and the number of subcarriers in each target resource block is greater than M, where M and N are positive integers.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in any two of the N target resource blocks are in the same position in any two target resource blocks.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth and a first threshold.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on the channel coherence bandwidth or the physical resource block group (PRG).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is determined based on the number of subcarriers included in the target resource block and M. The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block may be uniform or non-uniform.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The spacing between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is uniform, and the spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block is: K PT-RS This represents the interval between any two adjacent subcarriers. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, Each of the M PTRSs is mapped to one of the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRSs in each target resource block, and the M PTRSs are orthogonal to each other through different orthogonal overlay masks (OCCs).

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is determined based on M.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The number of subcarriers included in each target resource block is: Where ρ is a positive number less than 1. This indicates the number of subcarriers included in a resource block (RB).

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The subcarrier mapped by each of the M PTRSs in each target resource block is included in the subcarrier mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS. Each of the M PTRSs occupies different time-domain resources from the DMRS transmitted on the corresponding antenna port.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The spacing between any two subcarriers among the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block: K PT-RS =K*K DM-RS Where K is a positive integer, K DM-RS The interval of the subcarriers mapped by the DMRS transmitted on the antenna port corresponding to each PTRS.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of each target resource block, the number of subcarriers included in each target resource block, the interval between the M subcarriers carrying the M PTRS in each target resource block, the type of each target resource block being a first type or a second type, the first type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is greater than the first threshold, and the second type indicating that each target resource block is determined when the channel coherence bandwidth is less than or equal to the first threshold; Receiving the first PTRS from M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks includes: Based on the first information, the first PTRS is received from M subcarriers in each of the N target resource blocks.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor, The processor is configured to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24 by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

30. A chip, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and at least one processor being interconnected via a line, the at least one processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

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