Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. In the method, a terminal can receive a first reference signal and send first information. The first reference signal comprises information of a plurality of ports, and the plurality of ports have an association relationship with a plurality of beam groups for receiving a second reference signal by a network device. The first information indicates a relative phase difference between different ports among the plurality of ports, and the relative phase difference is determined on the basis of the first reference signal. Thus, the network device can determine channel information on the basis of the relative phase difference between different ports reported by the terminal and the second reference signal, thereby reducing the impact of the relative phase difference between different ports among the plurality of ports on a channel information measurement result, and improving the accuracy of the channel information acquired by the network device.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202411249895.2 filed on September 5, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] In wireless communication, in order to achieve reasonable resource scheduling, a network device needs to obtain channel information. For example, when performing channel measurement on a packet, the network device can receive a reference signal sent by a terminal through different ports, and determine channel information according to the received reference signal. However, due to the phase difference between different ports of the network device, the channel information determined by the network device according to the reference signals received by different ports is inaccurate. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can determine channel information corresponding to multiple ports based on the relative phase difference between different ports measured by a terminal, and improve the accuracy of the channel information.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be used in a terminal-side communication apparatus. For example, the communication apparatus can be a terminal, a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus integrated with a circuit, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the above-mentioned devices or apparatus, without limitation. It should be noted that in the present application, when referring to a terminal, it can refer to the terminal itself, or a chip, functional module, or integrated circuit in the terminal that completes the method provided by the present application, without limitation. In the first aspect and its possible implementation manners, the method is taken as an example executed by a terminal for description.

[0007] The method comprises: receiving a first reference signal, and sending first information. The first reference signal contains information of multiple ports. The first information indicates the relative phase difference of different ports in the multiple ports, which is determined according to the first reference signal.

[0008] Based on the method provided in the first aspect, the terminal receives the first reference signal and sends the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports through the first information. The relative phase difference determined according to the first reference signal is also applicable to other reference signals sent or received through the plurality of ports. In this way, when the network device determines the channel information through the other reference signals, the network device can reduce the influence of the relative phase difference on the measurement result when measuring the channel and improve the accuracy of the channel measurement result by combining the relative phase difference.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second reference signal, and the plurality of ports are associated with a plurality of beam groups through which the network device receives the second reference signal. Based on this, the relative phase difference determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal is also applicable to the plurality of beam groups through which the second reference signal is received. The relative phase difference sent by the terminal makes the accuracy of the channel information corresponding to the plurality of beam groups determined by the network device according to the second reference signal.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the plurality of ports have a one-to-one correspondence relationship with the plurality of beam groups through which the network device receives the second reference signal. Based on this, the information of the plurality of ports contained in the first reference signal received by the terminal can be the information of the plurality of ports corresponding to the plurality of beam groups through which the network device receives the second reference signal, so that the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports can be used to determine the channel information based on the second reference signal by the network device, to improve the accuracy of the channel measurement result.

[0011] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first reference signal, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information indicating one or more of the following: a port quantity corresponding to the first reference signal, and a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; wherein the port quantity is related to the number of the plurality of beam groups through which the network device receives the second reference signal. Based on this, before receiving the first reference signal, the terminal can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal according to the received second information: the port quantity of the sending end corresponding to the first reference signal, and the frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal. The port quantity is also the port quantity corresponding to the plurality of ports, and the terminal can receive the first reference signal on the configured resource and determine the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports based on the first reference signal.

[0012] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first reference signal, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: a reference port, a receiving port; the reference port is included in a plurality of ports, and the receiving port is used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; and the relative phase difference includes a phase difference between each port of the plurality of ports other than the reference port and the reference port. Based on this, before receiving the first reference signal, the terminal can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal according to the received third information: a reference port corresponding to the first reference signal, and a receiving port corresponding to the first reference signal. The reference port is one of the plurality of ports of the sending end corresponding to the first reference signal, and the reference port is used as a reference for other ports when the relative phase difference is determined. The receiving port is a port of the terminal used to receive the first reference signal. The terminal can receive the first reference signal on the configured resource, and determine the relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports based on the first reference signal.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the relative phase difference is determined according to the first reference signal, including: the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal. Based on this, when determining the relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports, the terminal first needs to determine the reference port of the plurality of ports. Then the terminal can determine the relative phase difference of other ports of the plurality of ports relative to the reference port based on the reference port.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether to start or stop measurement of the relative phase difference. Based on this, the terminal can determine whether to determine the corresponding relative phase difference according to the first reference signal according to the received first indication information. For example, when the first indication information indicates to start measurement of the relative phase difference, the terminal measures the relative phase difference according to the first reference signal and sends the relative phase difference, so as to improve the accuracy of the obtained channel information. When the first indication information indicates to stop measurement of the relative phase difference, the terminal does not need to determine the relative phase difference, so as to save the terminal overhead.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and the second reference signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be used in a network-side communication device, for example, the communication device can be a network equipment, can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus integrated with a circuit, or a chip, a chip system, a module, or a control unit in the foregoing devices or apparatus, and the specific embodiments are not limited in the present application. It should be noted that in the present application, when referring to the network equipment, it can refer to the network equipment itself, or the chip, functional module or integrated circuit in the network equipment that completes the method provided by the present application, and the specific embodiments are not limited in the present application. In the second aspect and its possible implementation manners, the method is taken as an example for description.

[0017] The method comprises: sending a first reference signal, the first reference signal containing information of a plurality of ports; and receiving first information, the first information indicating relative phase differences between different ports in the plurality of ports, the relative phase differences being determined according to the first reference signal, and the relative phase differences being used to determine channel information corresponding to a plurality of beam groups.

[0018] Based on the method provided in the second aspect, the network equipment sends the first reference signal, and receives the relative phase differences between different ports in the plurality of ports carried by the first information. The relative phase differences determined according to the first reference signal are also applicable to other reference signals sent or received through the plurality of ports. In this way, when determining the channel information through other reference signals, the network equipment can combine the relative phase differences to reduce the influence of the relative phase differences on the measurement results during channel measurement, and improve the accuracy of the channel measurement results.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: receiving a second reference signal, the plurality of ports being in an association relationship with a plurality of beam groups through which the network equipment receives the second reference signal; and determining the channel information based on the second reference signal and the relative phase differences. Based on this, the relative phase differences determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal are also applicable to the plurality of beam groups through which the second reference signal is received. After receiving the second reference signal, the network equipment determines the channel information corresponding to the plurality of beam groups according to the second reference signal. The relative phase differences between different ports in the plurality of ports can reduce the influence of the phase differences between the plurality of ports on the channel information when the network equipment determines the channel information corresponding to the plurality of beam groups, and improve the accuracy of the channel information determined by the network equipment.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of ports have a one-to-one correspondence relationship with a plurality of beam groups through which the network equipment receives the second reference signal. Based on this, the information of the plurality of ports contained in the first reference signal sent by the network equipment can be the information of the plurality of ports corresponding to the plurality of beam groups through which the network equipment receives the second reference signal. Therefore, the relative phase differences between different ports in the plurality of ports can be used by the network equipment to determine the channel information, so as to improve the accuracy of the channel measurement results.

[0021] In a possible implementation, before the first reference signal is sent, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information indicating one or more of the following: a quantity of ports corresponding to the first reference signal, or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; the quantity of ports is related to a quantity of beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal. Based on this, the network device can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal before sending the first reference signal: a quantity of ports of a sending end corresponding to the first reference signal, or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal. The quantity of ports is also a quantity of ports corresponding to the plurality of ports, and the network device can send the first reference signal on the configured resource, to determine the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports.

[0022] In a possible implementation, before the first reference signal is sent, the method further includes: sending third information, the third information indicating one or more of the following: a reference port, or a receiving port; the reference port is included in the plurality of ports, and the receiving port is used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; the relative phase difference includes a phase difference between each port in the plurality of ports except the reference port and the reference port. Based on this, the network device can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal before sending the first reference signal: the reference port corresponding to the first reference signal, or the receiving port corresponding to the first reference signal. The reference port is one of the plurality of ports of the sending end corresponding to the first reference signal, and the reference port is used as a reference for other ports when the relative phase difference is determined. The receiving port is a port used to receive the first reference signal. The network device can send the first reference signal on the configured resource, to determine the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the relative phase difference is determined according to the first reference signal, and includes: the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal. Based on this, when the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports is determined, the reference port in the plurality of ports needs to be determined first. Then the terminal can determine the relative phase difference of other ports in the plurality of ports sending the first reference signal relative to the reference port based on the reference port.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether to start or stop measurement of the relative phase difference. Based on this, the network device can indicate whether to determine the corresponding relative phase difference according to the first reference signal and send the relative phase difference by sending the first indication information. When the first indication information indicates to start, the terminal measures the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports according to the first reference signal, so as to improve the accuracy of the channel information acquisition. When the first indication information indicates to stop, the terminal does not need to determine the relative phase difference, so as to save the calculation overhead.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is a CSI-RS, and the second reference signal is an SRS.

[0026] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the first aspect. The communication apparatus can be a terminal-side communication apparatus in the first aspect, for example, a terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can be composed of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to receive the first reference signal, the first reference signal including information of the multiple ports; and the processing module is configured to control the interface module to send the first information, the first information indicating the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports, the relative phase difference being determined according to the first reference signal.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the multiple ports have a one-to-one correspondence relationship with multiple beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send the second reference signal, and the multiple ports have an association relationship with multiple beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive second information, the second information indicating one or more of a quantity of ports corresponding to the first reference signal, or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; and the quantity of ports is related to a quantity of the plurality of beam groups in which the network device receives the second reference signal.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive third information, the third information indicating one or more of a reference port, or a receiving port; the reference port is included in the plurality of ports, and the receiving port is used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; and the relative phase difference includes a phase difference between each port in the plurality of ports other than the reference port and the reference port.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether to start or stop measurement of the relative phase difference.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the method in the second aspect. The communication apparatus can be the network side communication apparatus in the second aspect, for example, a network device or a communication module in the network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the network device. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and an interface module. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The processing module can be, for example, a processor. The interface module, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is used to implement the sending and / or receiving functions in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof. The interface module can be composed of an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the interface module is configured to send the first reference signal, the first reference signal containing information of the plurality of ports; and the processing module is configured to control the interface module to receive first information, the first information indicating relative phase differences of different ports in the plurality of ports, the relative phase differences being determined according to the first reference signal, and the relative phase differences being used to determine channel information corresponding to the plurality of beam groups.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the plurality of ports have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of beam groups in which the network device receives the second reference signal.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to receive the second reference signal, and the plurality of ports have an association relationship with a plurality of beam groups in which the network device receives the second reference signal.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send second information, and the second information indicates one or more of the following: a quantity of ports corresponding to the first reference signal, or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; and the quantity of ports is associated with a quantity of the plurality of beam groups in which the network device receives the second reference signal.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send third information, and the third information indicates one or more of the following: a reference port, or a receiving port; the reference port is included in the plurality of ports, and the receiving port is configured to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; and the relative phase difference includes a phase difference between each port in the plurality of ports other than the reference port and the reference port.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the interface module is further configured to send first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether to start or stop measurement of the relative phase difference.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor, and the processor is configured to cause the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the above aspects by executing a computer program (or computer executable instructions) stored in a memory and / or through a logic circuit. The communication apparatus can be the terminal in the first aspect or the network device in the second aspect. Optionally, the number of processors can be one or more.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a memory.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together; or the memory is independent of the processor.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further includes a communication interface, which is configured to enable the communication apparatus to communicate with other devices, for example, to send or receive data and / or signals. Exemplarily, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, the chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instructions and transmit the computer program or instructions to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions, so that the communication apparatus performs the method in any of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the terminal in the first aspect or the network device in the second aspect.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication apparatus is a chip system, the chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0051] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer can perform the method in any of the preceding aspects.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes instructions, when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer can perform the method in any of the preceding aspects.

[0053] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the terminal for performing the method in the first aspect and the network device for performing the method in the second aspect.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a chip apparatus is provided, which includes a processor configured to invoke a computer program or computer instructions in a memory, so that the processor performs any of the implementations in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0055] Optionally, the processor is coupled with the memory through an interface.

[0056] Optionally, the chip apparatus further includes a memory, which stores the computer program or the computer instructions. The technical effects brought by any of the implementations in the third aspect to the tenth aspect can refer to the technical effects brought by the different possible implementations in the first aspect or the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0057] It can be understood that the solutions in the aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions are not contradictory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a subarray hybrid beamforming architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a downlink measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a downlink measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG. 9 is a detailed flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Before the technical solutions of the present application are introduced, related technical terms involved in the present application are explained and described. It can be understood that these explanations and descriptions are for the sake of making the present application easier to be understood, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection required by the present application.

[0070] 1. Port

[0071] A port is also referred to as an antenna port. A port and a reference signal (such as the first reference signal or the second reference signal in the embodiments described below) have an association relationship, which can be understood as a transceiving interface on a channel experienced by the reference signal. For a low-frequency communication system, one port can correspond to one or more antenna array elements, and these array elements jointly transmit the reference signal, and the receiving end can regard the array elements jointly transmitting the reference signal as a whole, without distinguishing these array elements. For a high-frequency communication system, one port can correspond to one antenna array element, and similarly, the receiving end needs to regard these antenna array elements as one interface, without distinguishing each array element.

[0072] 2. Reference signal

[0073] In a communication system, the reference signals include uplink reference signals and downlink reference signals. The uplink reference signals include SRS, PUCCH-DMRS, PUSCH-DMRS, PTRS, uplink positioning RS, etc. The downlink reference signals include PSS, SSS, PDCCH-DMRS, PDSCH-DMRS, downlink PTRS, CSI-RS, CRS, TRS, downlink positioning RS, etc.

[0074] 3、SRS.

[0075] SRS is one of uplink reference signals. The network device can use SRS to estimate the uplink channel quality of different frequency bands, and also use SRS for uplink beam management, including beam training, beam switching, etc. SRS can also be used to estimate the uplink timing. In a time division duplexing (TDD) system, SRS can be used to perform downlink channel estimation to determine the downlink transmission weight and the full antenna domain channel information by utilizing the channel interconnection.

[0076] 4、CSI-RS.

[0077] CSI-RS is one of downlink reference signals. After receiving the CSI-RS, the terminal can feed back the channel state information to the network device. After obtaining the channel state information, the network device can schedule the master control set (MCS) and resource block (RB) for transmission resource allocation according to the channel quality reflected by the channel state information. The network device can also perform beamforming according to the channel state information to improve the transmission rate.

[0078] 5、beam.

[0079] Beam is a kind of communication resource. The beam can be a wide beam, or a narrow beam, or other types of beams. The beam can also be divided into transmit beams and receive beams. Among them, the transmit beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after the signal is transmitted by the antenna, and the receive beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received by the antenna. It can be understood that one or more ports forming a beam group can also be regarded as a port group. The beam can also be embodied in one or more of the spatial filter, the transmission method, or the transmission mode in the protocol. In the communication system, the beam can be represented by one or more of the resources, signals, and reference signals. One beam can correspond to one or more ports, and the beam can be used to transmit reference signals, data channels, control channels, or sounding signals, etc. In addition, the beam can also be understood as transmission configuration indicator (TCI), transmission and reception point (TRP), or sounding reference signal resource indicator (SRS resource indicator, SRI), that is, different beams can also be represented by different TCIs or TRPs or SRIs.

[0080] In a communication system, a network device can use a large-scale array antenna to counteract path loss caused by frequency band rising through higher array gain to improve the coverage capability of the network device. For example, the network device can weight signals through digital channels, each of which is connected to an antenna unit, can arbitrarily adjust the amplitude and phase of the signal, and realize digital beamforming (DBF). The network device can also be connected to an antenna unit through a phase shifter, which can adjust the weight phase, and the signal is weighted through joint digital and analog two levels to form a concentrated effect on a specific direction in space, realizing hybrid beamforming (HBF). According to the number of phase shifters connected by the digital channel, HBF is divided into subarray HBF and full connection HBF. Each digital channel is connected to a partial analog channel in subarray HBF, and all analog channels are connected in full connection HBF. For example, see FIG. 1, which shows a subarray HBF architecture diagram. Taking a digital to analog converter (DAC) as an example, each DAC is connected to a partial analog channel, and the analog channel is connected to the corresponding antenna unit. In order to fully utilize the gain of the HBF architecture, the network device acquires channel information of the full antenna domain, and then performs resource scheduling according to the channel information.

[0081] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the network device can acquire channel information through the following measurement method. The measurement method includes the following steps:

[0082] S1: The network device sends configuration information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the configuration information from the network device.

[0083] Optionally, the network device can send the above-mentioned configuration information to the terminal through radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The configuration information is used to configure the resource of the reference signal.

[0084] S2: The terminal sends a reference signal to the network device on the resource configured by the above-mentioned configuration information. Correspondingly, the network device receives the reference signal from the terminal on the resource configured by the above-mentioned configuration information.

[0085] S3: The network device measures channel information based on the reference signal.

[0086] Optionally, the network device measures according to one or more parameters such as the port number of the reference signal, the codebook type, and the codebook subset limit.

[0087] However, due to the phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports of the network device, the accuracy of the channel information determined based on the reference signals received by the multiple ports is low. For example, referring to FIG. 3, taking the network device performing channel information measurement through two ports as an example, the two ports correspond to two beam groups (for example, beam group 1 and beam group 2) respectively, each beam group uses the last three time slots in the corresponding S frame for channel information transmission, however, due to the inter-group phase rotation between the time slots corresponding to the S frames of different beam groups, there is a relative phase difference between the two beam groups, and correspondingly, there is also a relative phase difference between the two ports. The relative phase difference will affect the accuracy of the channel information obtained by the network device during the channel measurement.

[0088] Therefore, the present application provides a communication method and device, which can reduce the influence of the phase difference between different ports on the determination of channel information, and improve the accuracy of the channel information obtained by the network device.

[0089] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] The method provided by the present application can be used in various communication systems. For example, the communication system can be a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) related communication system, a future communication system evolved after 5G, or a system integrating multiple systems, etc., without limitation. The 5G can also be referred to as new radio (NR).

[0091] The method provided by the present application will be described below taking the communication system 1000 shown in FIG. 4 as an example. FIG. 4 is only a schematic diagram and does not constitute a limitation on the applicable scenarios of the technical solutions provided by the present application.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4, an architecture diagram of a communication system 1000 provided by the present application is shown. In FIG. 4, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. The RAN 100 includes at least one network device (e.g., 110a and 110b in FIG. 4, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a-120j in FIG. 4, collectively referred to as 120). Other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in FIG. 4), etc., can also be included in the RAN 100. The terminal 120 is connected to the network device 110 in a wireless manner. The network device 110 is connected to the core network 200 in a wireless or wired manner. The core network device in the core network 200 and the network device 110 in the RAN 100 can be different physical devices respectively, or can be the same physical device integrated with the logical functions of the core network and the logical functions of the radio access network.

[0093] The RAN 100 can be a 3GPP related cellular system, such as a 4G, 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolution system. The RAN 100 can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a WiFi system. The RAN 100 can also be a communication system that combines two or more of the above systems.

[0094] The network device 110, which can also be referred to as a RAN node, a RAN entity, or an access node, etc., constitutes a part of the communication system to help the terminal to implement wireless access. The multiple network devices 110 in the communication system 1000 can be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types.

[0095] In a possible scenario, the network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission and reception point (TRP), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The network device can be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG. 4), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG. 4), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the network device 110 includes but is not limited to: an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (such as a home evolved NodeB or home Node B (HNB)), a baseband unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a WIFI system, a macro base station, a micro base station, a wireless relay node, a donor node, a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a TRP. The network device can also be an access network device in a 5G mobile communication system. For example, a next generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a TRP, a TP, or one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system. Alternatively, the network device can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point. For example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged or can be included in the same network element. For example, a BBU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit. For example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).Alternatively, the network device can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. In some scenarios, the roles of the network device 110 and the terminal 120 are opposite, for example, a helicopter or a drone usually configured as a terminal can also be configured as a mobile base station, and a device accessed to the RAN by the helicopter or the drone is configured as a terminal.

[0096] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices cooperate to assist a terminal to implement wireless access, and different network devices respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. Specifically, the network device can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) or a radio unit (RU), etc.

[0097] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0098] In some examples, the network device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus integrated with a circuit, or a chip, a chip system, a module or a control unit in the above-mentioned device or apparatus, and the specific application is not limited. It should be noted that in this application, when referring to the network device, it can refer to the network device itself, or refer to the chip, functional module or integrated circuit in the network device that completes the method provided in this application, and the specific application is not limited.

[0099] The terminal 120 is a device or module with wireless transceiver function. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user device, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal is usually provided with a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions, and is also provided with program instructions configured for performing corresponding communication functions. The terminal can be deployed on land, including indoors, outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); and can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.). The terminal can also be referred to as a terminal, which can be user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device for providing voice or data connectivity to a user. Among them, the UE includes handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed rails, etc.), wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.), or computing devices. Exemplarily, the UE can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a satellite terminal or a computer with wireless transceiver function. The UE can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless modem, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a smart robot, a mechanical arm, a workshop device, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart transportation, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a road side unit (RSU) with terminal function, or a flight device (such as a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. The terminal can also be other devices with terminal functions, for example, the terminal can also be a device with terminal function in device to device (D2D) communication.The terminal can also be a device or module with corresponding communication functions shown in the above communication system, and the terminal is usually provided with a communication module, circuit or chip for performing corresponding communication functions, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the terminal can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus integrated with a circuit, or a chip, chip system, module or control unit in the above-mentioned device or apparatus, and the specific application is not limited. It should be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to a terminal device itself, or a chip, functional module or integrated circuit in the terminal device that completes the method provided in this application, and the specific application is not limited.

[0101] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal can be a wearable device. The wearable device can also be called a wearable smart device, which is a general term for devices that apply wearable technology to the intelligent design and development of daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes, etc. The wearable device is a portable device that can be directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. For example, the wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also a device that realizes powerful functions through software support and data interaction, cloud interaction. The broad sense of wearable smart device includes devices with full functions, large size, and devices that can realize complete or partial functions without relying on smart phones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, etc., and devices that focus on only one application function and need to cooperate with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart wristbands, smart jewelry, etc.

[0102] In this application, the terminal can be a terminal in an Internet of Things (IoT) system, and the IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. The terminal in this application can be a terminal in machine type communication (MTC).

[0103] In some embodiments, the communication system 1000 shown in FIG. 4 can be applied to the network shown in FIG. 5. The network shown in FIG. 5 includes a terminal, a network device accessed by the terminal, and a core network device connected with the network device. The network device and the core network device can communicate through a backhaul link. In addition, the network device in the communication system 1000 can correspond to the network device shown in FIG. 5, and the terminal in the communication system 1000 can correspond to the terminal shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] In FIG. 5, the network device can include a baseband unit and a radio frequency unit. The baseband unit and the radio frequency unit can communicate through a front-haul link. The baseband unit can include a control unit and a distributed unit, and the control unit and the distributed unit can communicate through a mid-haul link. In addition, the network device and the core network device can communicate through a backhaul link, and the network device and the terminal can communicate through an air interface.

[0105] The composition structure and communication mode of the CU, the DU and the RU will be introduced in detail below taking the network device in FIG. 6 as an example.

[0106] In some examples, the CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer and other control functions of the network device. The CU is connected to network nodes such as the core network through some interfaces.

[0107] In some examples, the CU can be split into a CU control plane (CU-CP) and a CU user plane (CU-UP), wherein the CU-CP is a logical node that carries the RRC layer and the PDCP-C (control plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network that are used to implement the control plane function. The CU-UP is a logical node that carries the SDAP layer and the PDCP-U (user plane part of PDCP) layer, and is used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network that are used to implement the user plane function. The above configuration of the CU and the DU is only an example, and the CU and the DU can have other functions according to needs.

[0108] In some examples, the DU is a logical node that hosts a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a higher physical layer (Higher PHY), and other functions. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be a fronthaul interface. In some examples, the Higher PHY includes parts of the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, and other processing functions.

[0109] In some examples, the RU is a logical node that hosts a lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP TRP or a remote radio head (RRH) or other similar functional entity. In some examples, the Lower PHY includes parts of the Physical Layer (PHY) processing, such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast Fourier transformation (IFFT), digital beamforming and filtering, and other processing functions. The RU communicates with one or more UEs over a wireless link.

[0110] The DU and the RU can or can not be co-located. The DU and the RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a lower-layer split-cus-plane (LLS-CUS) interface over a fronthaul link. The LLS-CUS can include a LLS-C interface and a LLS-U interface that provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. In some examples, the control plane (C-Plane) refers to real-time control between the DU and the RU. The DU and the RU exchange management information via a LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and the RU.

[0111] It can be understood that the communication system 1000 shown in FIG. 4 is merely used for example and is not used to limit the technical solutions of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, in the specific implementation process, the communication system 1000 can also include other devices, and the number of network devices and terminals can also be determined according to specific needs, and is not limited.

[0112] Optionally, the terminal or network device in FIG. 4 of the present application can also be referred to as a communication apparatus, which can be a general-purpose device or a special-purpose device, and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto.

[0113] Optionally, the related functions of the terminal or network device in FIG. 4 of the present application can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices together, or by one or more functional modules within a device, and the present application does not make specific limitations thereto. It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in a hardware device, software functions running on a special-purpose hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0114] In specific implementation,

[0115] In specific implementation, the terminal and network device in FIG. 4 of the present application can adopt the constituent structure shown in FIG. 7, or include the components shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a hardware structure schematic diagram of a communication apparatus applicable to the present application. It can be understood that the communication apparatus 70 includes at least one processor 701 and at least one communication interface 704, for implementing the method provided by the present application. The communication apparatus 70 can also include a communication line 702 and a memory 703.

[0116] The processor 701 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of programs of the present application.

[0117] The communication line 702 can include a path for transmitting information between the above components, such as a bus.

[0118] The communication interface 704 is used for communication with other devices or communication networks. The communication interface 704 can be any transceiver-like device, such as an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area networks (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, a pin, a bus, an interface circuit, or a transceiver circuit, etc.

[0119] The memory 703 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), a cache, or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, and can be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage 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 that can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory can exist independently and be coupled to the processor 701 through the communication line 702. The memory 703 can also be integrated with the processor 701. The memory provided in the present application can generally have non-volatility.

[0120] The memory 703 is configured to store computer-executed instructions related to the schemes provided in the present application, and the processor 701 is configured to control the execution. The processor 701 is configured to execute the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory 703, so as to implement the method provided in the present application. Alternatively, in the present application, the processor 701 can also be configured to perform the processing-related functions in the method provided in the present application, and the communication interface 704 is responsible for communication with other devices or communication networks, which is not limited in the present application.

[0121] Alternatively, the computer-executed instructions in the present application can also be referred to as application program codes, which are not limited in the present application.

[0122] The coupling in the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information interaction between devices, units or modules.

[0123] When the communication device 70 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input-output circuit or a communication interface. The processor can be an integrated processing module on the chip or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit.

[0124] As an embodiment, the communication interface 704 can be an input-output interface of the chip, and the sending operation in the method embodiment can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation in the method embodiment can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0125] As an example, the communication interface 704 can be a transceiver of the communication device 70, including a receiver and / or a transmitter. The transceiver can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver module, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiver can also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver module, or a receiver circuit, etc. The transmitter can also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter module, or a transmitter circuit, etc.

[0126] As an example, the processor 701 can include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 7.

[0127] As an example, the communication device 70 can include multiple processors, such as the two processors 701 in FIG. 7. Each of these processors can be a single-CPU processor or a multi-CPU processor. The processor herein can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0128] As an example, the communication device 70 can further include an output device 705 and / or an input device 706. The output device 705 is coupled to the processor 701 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device 705 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 706 is coupled to the processor 701 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device 706 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device, etc.

[0129] It can be understood that the constituent structure shown in FIG. 7 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and the communication device can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 7, or combine certain components, or different component arrangements.

[0130] In some examples, the network device in the present application can also be replaced by a chip in the network device. The terminal in the present application can be replaced by a chip in the terminal. That is, the communication device structure diagram shown in FIG. 7 can also represent a chip structure diagram applicable to the present application.

[0131] The method provided by the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following examples can have the components shown in FIG. 7, which will not be described here.

[0132] In the present application, it can be understood that the names of messages between various network elements in the following embodiments of the present application or the names of various parameters in the messages are only examples, and other names can also be used in specific implementations, which are not limited in the present application.

[0133] In order to facilitate the description of the technical solutions of the present application, in the present application, the same or similar technical features can be distinguished by using "first", "second", etc. The "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily mean different. In the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean example, illustration, or description, and any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. The words "exemplary" or "for example" are intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner and facilitate understanding.

[0134] It can be understood that "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the present application.

[0135] It can be understood that in the present application, "when", "in the case of", "if" and "if" all refer to making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, not limited to time, and do not require a judgment action when implementing, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0136] It can be understood that in the present application, "indication" can include direct indication, indirect indication, display indication, and implicit indication. When describing that certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0137] It can be understood that some optional features in the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. In some scenarios, the features can be combined with other features according to demand. Correspondingly, the devices given in the present application can also implement these features or functions, which are not described here.

[0138] It can be understood that the same step or the step with the same function or the technical features in the present application can be mutually referenced and learned between different embodiments.

[0139] It can be understood that the network device and the terminal are taken as an example to illustrate the method in the method provided by the present application, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, the network device in the method provided by the embodiment of the present application can also be a chip, a chip system or a processor supporting the server to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device function; the terminal in the method provided by the present application can also be a chip, a chip system or a processor supporting the terminal to implement the method, and can also be a logic node, a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal function.

[0140] The above mainly introduces the system architecture adopted by the present application. Correspondingly, based on the system structure, the present application provides a communication method. Referring to FIG. 8, it shows a flowchart of the communication method provided by the present application. The communication method comprises:

[0141] S801: The network device sends a first reference signal to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first reference signal from the network device.

[0142] In the present application, the network device can be any network device in the communication system 1000. The terminal is any terminal accessing the network device in the communication system 1000. For example, the network device can be the network device 110 in FIG. 4, and the terminal can be any terminal accessing the network device 110 in the communication system 1000.

[0143] A possible design is that the first reference signal contains information of multiple ports. Wherein, the multiple ports are multiple ports used by the network device to send the first reference signal.

[0144] Optionally, the information of the multiple ports can include channel information of the multiple ports. For example, the channel information of the multiple ports can be determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal.

[0145] Optionally, the information about the multiple ports in the first reference signal can be understood as that the first reference signal directly carries the information about the multiple ports, or can be understood as that the information about the multiple ports is indicated. In one possible design, the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal are associated with the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal. The multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal are associated with the multiple ports used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal, and the multiple beam groups used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal are also associated with the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal. Therefore, any two or more of the following are associated with each other: the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal, the multiple beam groups used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal, the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal, and the multiple ports used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal.

[0146] The following describes the association between the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal and the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal. It should be understood that in the following embodiments, the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal can be replaced by the multiple beam groups used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal, and the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal can be replaced by the multiple ports used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal.

[0147] In addition, in this application, any two ports of the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal belong to different port groups, and any two ports of the multiple ports used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal belong to different port groups. However, the two port groups are the same. That is, the network device can determine multiple ports in multiple port groups to transmit the first reference signal, or can determine multiple ports in the multiple port groups to receive the second reference signal. The multiple ports used for transmitting the first reference signal and the multiple ports used for receiving the second reference signal can be completely the same, completely different, or partially the same, without limitation. In addition, the multiple beam groups used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal are the same as the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal.

[0148] Optionally, the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal and the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal have a one-to-one correspondence. In this way, the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports used by the network device for transmitting the first reference signal can be regarded as the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups used by the network device for receiving the second reference signal.

[0149] In an example, the network device uses the same plurality of ports for transmitting the first reference signal and for receiving the second reference signal. The network device uses a plurality of beam groups for receiving the second reference signal, each beam group of the plurality of beam groups corresponding to one-to-one to each port of the plurality of ports for receiving the second reference signal.

[0150] In another example, the network device uses the same plurality of port groups for the plurality of ports for transmitting the first reference signal and for receiving the second reference signal. The network device uses a plurality of beam groups for receiving the second reference signal, each beam group of the plurality of beam groups corresponding to one-to-one to each port group of the plurality of port groups for receiving the second reference signal. For example, the plurality of ports for transmitting the first reference signal can be selected from the plurality of port groups, and the ports within different groups of the plurality of port groups are also used for receiving the second reference signal. The plurality of port groups correspond to the plurality of beam groups one-to-one.

[0151] Optionally, the network device selects one or more beams from each beam group of the plurality of beam groups for receiving the second reference signal for transmitting the first reference signal. Optionally, the network device can select a beam with better performance in each beam group for transmitting the first reference signal. For example, a beam with high reference signal received power (RSRP) or a beam with strong reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ) can be selected for transmitting the first reference signal.

[0152] S802: The terminal transmits first information to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the first information from the terminal.

[0153] The first information indicates the relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports, and the relative phase difference is determined according to the first reference signal. Based on the foregoing description, the phase difference here can be regarded as, or understood as, the relative phase difference between different beam groups of the plurality of beam groups for receiving the second reference signal by the network device.

[0154] Optionally, after receiving the first reference signal, the terminal determines the channel information of the plurality of ports according to the first reference signal. The terminal determines the relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports according to the first reference signal and the channel information of the plurality of ports. The plurality of ports are the transmitting ports for transmitting the first reference signal by the network device, and are also the receiving ports for receiving the second reference signal by the network device. Therefore, the relative phase difference determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal is also applicable to the process of measuring the channel information by the network device through the second reference signal.

[0155] For example, when the terminal determines the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports according to the first reference signal and the channel information of the plurality of ports, the terminal can determine the relative phase difference between different ports in the plurality of ports according to the received first reference signal, the channel information of the receiving port of the terminal, and the weight of the port of the network device sending the first reference signal

[0156] Example 1: Taking that the network device measures the channel information through two port groups as an example, the two port groups correspond to two beam groups, beam group 1 and beam group 2. The network device selects one port from each of the two port groups to send a first reference signal to the terminal. The first reference signal, the channel information of the receiving port of the terminal, and the weight of the port of the network device sending the first reference signal satisfy the following relationship:

[0157] If beam group 1 is taken as the reference beam group, the above relationship can also be transformed into the following relationship:

[0158] Wherein, y represents the first reference signal received by the terminal, h ref,0 represents the channel information of the receiving port of the terminal, w group1,0 represents the weight of the 0th beam in the beam group 1, w group2,0 represents the weight of the 0th beam in the beam group 2. h ref,0 w group1,0 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam in the beam group 1. h ref,0 w group2,0 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam in the beam group 2. represents the relative phase difference between the beam group 1 and the beam group 2.

[0159] The above example is introduced taking two beam groups as an example. In specific applications, the number of beam groups can also be greater than 2.

[0160] Example 2: Taking three beam groups, such as beam group 1, beam group 2, and beam group 3, as an example, the first reference signal, the channel information of the receiving port of the terminal, and the weight of the port of the network device sending the first reference signal satisfy the following relationship:

[0161] If beam group 1 is taken as the reference beam group, the above relationship can also be transformed into:

[0162] Wherein, y represents the first reference signal received by the terminal, h ref,0 represents the channel information of the receiving port of the terminal, w group1,0 represents the weight of the 0th beam in the beam group 1, w group2,0 represents the weight of the 0th beam in the beam group 2, wgroup3,0 w represents the weight of the 0th beam in the beam group 3. ref,0 w group1,0 w represents the channel information corresponding to the beam in the beam group 1. ref,0 w group2,0 w represents the channel information corresponding to the beam in the beam group 2. ref,0 w group3,0 w represents the channel information corresponding to the beam in the beam group 3. w represents the relative phase difference between the beam group 1 and the beam group 2. w represents the relative phase difference between the beam group 1 and the beam group 3.

[0163] It can be understood that the above-mentioned reference beam group is pre-configured or defined in the protocol. Alternatively, the reference port corresponding to the above-mentioned reference beam group is pre-configured or defined in the protocol. The reference beam group here belongs to the above-mentioned multiple beam groups, and the reference port here belongs to the above-mentioned multiple ports. Therefore, the terminal can determine the phase difference between the reference beam group and other beam groups in the multiple beam groups as a reference based on the reference beam group.

[0164] Optionally, the network device transmits the multiple beam groups for the first reference signal and the multiple beam groups for the second reference signal with the same relative phase difference. The terminal can determine the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups through the first reference signal, and the relative phase difference can also be applied to the network device to measure the channel information through the second reference signal.

[0165] Optionally, the multiple ports and the multiple beam groups have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports can also be the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups.

[0166] In some embodiments, after the terminal determines the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports or the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups according to the first reference signal, the terminal transmits the relative phase difference to the network device through the first information.

[0167] In the present application, after the network device obtains the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports or the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups, the network device can apply the relative phase difference to the measurement process of the channel information.

[0168] Optionally, after performing S802, referring to FIG. 9, the communication method further includes the following steps:

[0169] S803: The terminal transmits the second reference signal to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device receives the second reference signal.

[0170] The second reference signal and the relative phase difference are used by the network device to determine channel information corresponding to the multiple beam groups or the multiple ports.

[0171] Optionally, the network device receives the second reference signal through the multiple ports from which the first reference signal is sent, or receives the second reference signal through the multiple beam groups from which the first reference signal is sent. In this way, it can be ensured that the relative phase difference determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal in the above embodiment can be applicable to the case where the network device determines the channel information according to the second reference signal.

[0172] Optionally, when the beam group from which the first reference signal is sent is selected from the beam group from which the second reference signal is received, the network device receives the second reference signal through the beam group to which the beam group from which the first reference signal is sent belongs. In this way, it can be ensured that the relative phase difference determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal in the above embodiment can be applicable to the case where the network device determines the channel information according to the second reference signal.

[0173] S804: The network device determines the channel information according to the second reference signal and the relative phase difference.

[0174] Optionally, when determining the channel information corresponding to the multiple ports, the network device can combine the above relative phase difference to reduce or even eliminate the influence of the phase difference existing between the multiple ports on the acquisition of the channel information by the network device, and improve the accuracy of the channel information acquired by the network device.

[0175] For example, when the network device determines the channel information corresponding to the multiple beam groups through the second reference signal, the network device can use the relative phase difference determined by the terminal according to the first reference signal in the above embodiment, such as to improve the accuracy of the channel information.

[0176] For example, the network device can adjust the channel information determined by the network device through the reception of the second reference signal according to the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports determined by the terminal in S802.

[0177] Taking the above example 1 as an example, the channel information compensated by the network device is: The relative phase difference and the channel information satisfy the following relationship:

[0178] wherein H group1 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam group 1, H group2 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam group 2, is the relative phase difference between the beam group 2 and the beam group 1 calculated and fed back by the terminal side in S804.

[0179] Taking the above example 2 as an example, the channel information compensated by the network device is: The relative phase difference and the channel information satisfy the following relationship:

[0180] wherein H group1 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam group 1, H group2 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam group 2, H group3 represents the channel information corresponding to the beam group 3.

[0181] Optionally, the network device can configure the corresponding resource for the first reference signal before sending the first reference signal to the terminal. Therefore, before performing S801, the communication method further includes the following steps:

[0182] S800a: The network device sends second information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the second information from the network device.

[0183] The second information indicates one or more of the following: the port number corresponding to the first reference signal, and the frequency domain bandwidth. The port number is related to the number of the plurality of beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal.

[0184] In some embodiments, before receiving the first reference signal, the terminal can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal according to the received second information: the port number of the sending end corresponding to the first reference signal, and the frequency domain bandwidth for sending the first reference signal.

[0185] Optionally, the port number is also the port number corresponding to the plurality of ports of the network device sending the first reference signal. The network device can indicate the port number for which the relative phase difference needs to be determined to the terminal through the second information.

[0186] Optionally, when the plurality of ports have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of beam groups, the port number is the same as the number of the plurality of beam groups. The network device can indicate the number of beam groups for which the relative phase difference needs to be determined to the terminal through the second information.

[0187] For example, the network device uses 2 ports to send the first reference signal or receive the second reference signal, and the second information indicates that the port number is 2. The network device uses 2 beam groups to send the first reference signal or receive the second reference signal, and the second information indicates that the port number is 2. The network device uses 4 ports to send the first reference signal or receive the second reference signal, and the second information indicates that the port number is 4. The network device uses 4 beam groups to send the first reference signal or receive the second reference signal, and the second information indicates that the port number is 4.

[0188] Optionally, since the phase drifts corresponding to different beams in a beam group are the same, the full-bandwidth phase offset of the entire beam group can be characterized by measuring a small part of the frequency-domain bandwidth in different beam groups, and the terminal is indicated by the second information. For example, the frequency-domain bandwidth for measuring the relative phase difference in the second information can be set to 4 RBs.

[0189] Optionally, the network device can configure resources for the first reference signal on the RRC.

[0190] Optionally, when configuring the corresponding resources for the first reference signal, the network device can also configure one or more of the reference ports and the receiving ports for the terminal, and the communication method further includes the following steps:

[0191] S800b: The network device sends the third information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the third information from the network device.

[0192] The third information indicates one or more of the reference ports or the receiving ports. The reference ports are included in a plurality of ports, and the receiving ports are used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports. That is, in this scenario, the network device can configure the reference ports for the terminal, so that the terminal determines which port or beam group to take as a reference to determine the above-mentioned relative phase difference.

[0193] Optionally, before receiving the first reference signal, the terminal can configure one or more of the following resources for the first reference signal according to the received third information: the reference port corresponding to the first reference signal, and the receiving port corresponding to the first reference signal.

[0194] Optionally, the reference port is one of the plurality of ports used by the network device to send the first reference signal, and the reference port can be used as a reference for other ports when the terminal determines the relative phase difference. The relative phase difference includes the phase difference between each port other than the reference port and the reference port in the plurality of ports.

[0195] Optionally, when the plurality of ports have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of beam groups, the reference port has a corresponding reference beam group, and therefore the third information can also indicate the reference port by indicating the reference beam group.

[0196] In one embodiment, when the terminal determines the relative phase difference, it can be determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal. The terminal can determine the reference port in the plurality of ports used by the network device to send the first reference signal according to the third information. The terminal can also determine the reference beam group in the plurality of beam groups used by the network device to send the first reference signal according to the third information, and then determine the corresponding reference port according to the reference beam group.

[0197] Optionally, the second information and the third information can be sent through the same or different signaling in the resource configuration process. When sent through different signaling, the second information and the third information can be sent in any order, which is not limited herein.

[0198] Optionally, before the network device sends the first reference signal to the terminal, the network device can instruct the terminal whether to perform the measurement of the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports. For example, before performing S801, the communication method further includes the following steps:

[0199] S800c: The network device sends first indication information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the first indication information from the network device.

[0200] The first indication information is used to indicate whether to start or stop the measurement of the relative phase difference.

[0201] Optionally, the terminal can determine whether to determine the corresponding relative phase difference according to the first reference signal and send the relative phase difference to the network device according to the received first indication information.

[0202] For example, when the first indication information indicates to start the measurement of the relative phase difference, the terminal measures the relative phase difference according to the first reference signal and sends it, so as to improve the accuracy of the obtained channel information. When the first indication information indicates to stop the measurement of the relative phase difference, the terminal does not need to determine the relative phase difference, so as to save the terminal overhead.

[0203] In a possible implementation, the first reference signal is a CSI-RS, and the second reference signal is an SRS. That is, through the method provided in the present application, the terminal can determine the relative phase difference between different ports in the multiple ports according to the CSI-RS. Or the terminal can determine the relative phase difference between different beam groups in the multiple beam groups according to the CSI-RS. Subsequently, the terminal sends the obtained relative phase difference to the network device, so that the network device can improve the accuracy of the obtained channel information according to the relative phase difference when measuring the channel information through the SRS.

[0204] As an example, referring to FIG. 10, the communication method of the above embodiment is described, taking the first reference signal as CSI-RS, the second reference signal as SRS, and the beam group for transmitting the first reference signal as two as an example. The network device selects one beam in beam group 1 and beam group 2 for receiving the SRS (i.e., the second reference signal in the foregoing embodiment) respectively, and transmits the CSI-RS (i.e., the first reference signal in the foregoing embodiment), and the terminal performs the relative phase difference between beam group 1 and beam group 2 according to the received CSI-RS, and feeds back the relative phase difference between beam group 1 and beam group 2 (also known as inter-group phase difference) to the network device. The network device can obtain high-accuracy channel information in subsequent SRS measurement based on the relative phase difference.

[0205] The various embodiments mentioned in the foregoing of the present application can be combined without contradiction in scheme, and are not limited.

[0206] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the present application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, the present application also provides a communication device, which can be a terminal in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above terminal, or a component that can be used for the terminal; or the communication device can also be a network device in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above network device, or a component that can be used for the network device. It can be understood that the above terminal or network device etc. contains the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that the units and algorithm operations of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed in the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0207] The present application can divide the functional modules of the terminal or network device according to the above method examples, for example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software functional module. It can be understood that the division of modules in the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical functional division, and actual implementation can have another division manner.

[0208] For example, in the case of dividing the functional modules in an integrated manner, FIG. 11 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 1100. The communication apparatus 110 includes an interface module 1101 and a processing module 1102. The interface module 1101, which can also be referred to as an interface unit, is configured to perform a transceiving operation, for example, can be an interface circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface, etc. The processing module 1102, which can also be referred to as a processing unit, is configured to perform an operation other than the transceiving operation, for example, can be a processing circuit or a processor, etc.

[0209] In some embodiments, the interface module 1101, which can also be referred to as a transceiving module or a transceiving unit, can include a sending module (unit) and / or a receiving module (unit); the sending module is configured to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments, and the receiving module is configured to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0210] It can be understood that the communication apparatus 900 can include a sending module and not include a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication apparatus 900 can include a receiving module and not include a sending module. Specifically, whether the communication apparatus 900 includes a sending action and a receiving action in the above scheme can be determined according to the implementation of the communication apparatus 900.

[0211] In some embodiments, the communication apparatus 110 can further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 11) configured to store program instructions and data. In an example, the communication apparatus is a terminal, which can be used to implement any of the above-mentioned methods performed by the terminal.

[0212] For example, a terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or a chip responsible for a communication function in the terminal. The communication apparatus 1100 can be a terminal or a component configurable to a terminal.

[0213] For example, the interface module 1101 is configured to receive a first reference signal, the first reference signal containing information of a plurality of ports; and the processing module 1102 is configured to control the interface module 1101 to send first information, the first information indicating a relative phase difference of different ports in the plurality of ports, the relative phase difference being determined according to the first reference signal. For example, the interface module 1101 is configured to perform S801. The processing module 1102 is configured to perform S802. In another example, the communication apparatus is a network device, which can be used to implement any of the above-mentioned methods performed by the network device. For example, the communication apparatus 1100 is a network device or a communication module in the network device, or a circuit or a chip responsible for a communication function in the network device. The communication apparatus 1100 can be a network device or a component configurable to a network device.

[0214] For example, the interface module 1101 is configured to send a first reference signal, the first reference signal comprising information of a plurality of ports; and the processing module 1102 is configured to control the interface module 1101 to receive first information, the first information indicating a relative phase difference of different ports in the plurality of ports, the relative phase difference being determined according to the first reference signal, and the relative phase difference being used to determine channel information corresponding to the plurality of ports. For example, the interface module 1101 is configured to perform the S801 described above. The processing module 1102 is configured to perform the S802 described above. When the communication apparatus is configured to implement the functions of a terminal or a network device, the other functions of the communication apparatus 110 can be referred to the related descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

[0215] In a simple embodiment, the communication apparatus 110 can be in the form shown in FIG. 7, which can be conceived by those skilled in the art. For example, the processor 701 in FIG. 7 can invoke the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory 703, so that the communication apparatus 110 performs the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0216] For example, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1102 and the interface module 1101 in FIG. 11 can be implemented by the processor 701 in FIG. 7 invoking the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory 703. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1102 in FIG. 11 can be implemented by the processor 701 in FIG. 7 invoking the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory 703, and the functions / implementation processes of the interface module 1101 in FIG. 11 can be implemented by the communication interface 704 in FIG. 7.

[0217] It can be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units is implemented in software, the software exists in the form of computer programs or instructions, and is stored in the memory. The processor can be configured to execute the programs / instructions and implement the above method processes. The processor can be built in a SoC (System on a Chip) or an ASIC, or be a separate semiconductor chip. The processor can further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a logic circuit for implementing special logic operations, in addition to the core for executing software instructions for operations or processing.

[0218] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, dedicated digital circuit, hardware accelerator or non-integrated discrete device, which can run necessary software or not rely on software to perform the above method flows.

[0219] Optionally, the present application also provides a chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface, the at least one processor is coupled with a memory through the interface, when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instructions in the memory, the method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In a possible implementation, the chip system further comprises the memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can contain a chip and other discrete devices, which are not specifically limited in the present application.

[0220] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer readable storage medium. All or part of the flows in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing related hardware, which can be stored in the above computer readable storage medium, and when the program is executed, the flows of the above method embodiments can be included. The computer readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device, such as the hard disk or the memory of the communication device. The above computer readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the communication device, such as the plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc. equipped on the communication device. Further, the above computer readable storage medium can include both the internal storage unit and the external storage device of the communication device. The above computer readable storage medium is used to store the above computer program and other programs and data required by the communication device. The above computer readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0221] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the flows in the above method embodiments can be completed by a computer program instructing related hardware, which can be stored in the above computer program product, and when the program is executed, the flows of the above method embodiments can be included.

[0222] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the processes in the method embodiments can be instructed by the computer instruction to relevant hardware (such as a computer, a processor, a terminal or a network device, etc.) to complete. The program can be stored in the computer readable storage medium or the computer program product.

[0223] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, comprising the terminal and the network device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

[0224] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, comprising the terminal and the network device in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

[0225] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is taken as an example for illustration, and in actual application, the above functions can be completed by different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0226] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic, for example, the division of the modules or units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0227] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, can be located in one place, or can be distributed to multiple different places. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0228] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0229] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed by the present application should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving a first reference signal, the first reference signal comprising information of a plurality of ports; sending first information, the first information indicating a relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports, the relative phase difference being determined according to the first reference signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: sending the second reference signal, the plurality of ports being associated with a plurality of beam groups of a network device receiving the second reference signal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the receiving the first reference signal, the method further comprises: receiving second information, the second information indicating one or more of a port quantity corresponding to the first reference signal or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; wherein the port quantity is associated with a quantity of the plurality of beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the receiving the first reference signal, the method further comprises: receiving third information, the third information indicating one or more of a reference port or a receiving port, the reference port being included in the plurality of ports, the receiving port being used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; the relative phase difference comprising a phase difference between each port of the plurality of ports other than the reference port and the reference port.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The relative phase difference is determined according to the first reference signal, comprising: the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate to turn on or turn off measurement of the relative phase difference.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending a first reference signal, the first reference signal comprising information of a plurality of ports; receiving first information, the first information indicating a relative phase difference between different ports of the plurality of ports, the relative phase difference being determined according to the first reference signal, the relative phase difference being used to determine channel information corresponding to the plurality of ports.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the second reference signal, the plurality of ports being associated with a plurality of beam groups receiving the second reference signal; determining the channel information based on the second reference signal and the relative phase difference.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Before the sending the first reference signal, the method further comprises: sending second information, the second information indicating one or more of a port quantity corresponding to the first reference signal or a frequency domain bandwidth corresponding to the first reference signal; wherein the port quantity is associated with a quantity of the plurality of beam groups of the network device receiving the second reference signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, Before the sending the first reference signal, the method further comprises: sending third information, the third information indicating one or more of a reference port or a receiving port, the reference port being included in the plurality of ports, the receiving port being used to receive the first reference signal sent by the plurality of ports; the relative phase difference comprising a phase difference between each port of the plurality of ports other than the reference port and the reference port.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The relative phase difference is determined according to the first reference signal, comprising: the relative phase difference is determined according to the reference port and the first reference signal.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending first indication information, the first indication information being used for indicating to start or stop the measurement of the relative phase difference.

13. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 1-6, or units or modules for performing the method of any of claims 7-12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium has stored thereon computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, implement the method of any of claims 1-6, or implement the method of any of claims 7-12.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that, The computer program product, when running on a computer, causes the method of any of claims 1-6 to be implemented, or causes the method of any of claims 7-12 to be implemented.

16. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor, which, by executing computer programs or computer executable instructions, causes the device to perform the method of any of claims 1-6, or to perform the method of any of claims 7-12.

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