Communication methods and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are communication methods and a communication apparatus. A method comprises: receiving configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, wherein the configuration information of each of the plurality of reference signals comprises a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time-domain resource, and the plurality of reference signals have the same time-domain resource; on the basis of the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals, receiving the plurality of reference signals; and transmitting indication information, wherein the indication information indicates MPC information, and the MPC information is obtained by performing measurement on the basis of the plurality of reference signals. By measuring MPC information on the basis of a plurality of reference signals that are transmitted simultaneously, the measurement accuracy of the MPC information can be improved. In addition, an MPC may reflect the information of each path when a reference signal is transmitted by means of a radio channel. Therefore, some operations may be performed on the basis of the MPC information, for example, acquiring channel state information on the basis of the MPC information. Compared with the feedback of channel state information based on a codebook index and a quantization coefficient corresponding to the basis of the codebook index, the feedback overhead and delay can be reduced.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411334240.5, filed on September 23, 2024, and entitled "Communication method and communication apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system, feedback of channel quality is crucial for network scheduling. For example, a network device can determine a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), precoding, etc. according to a channel quality indicator (CQI).

[0004] With the development of Massive MIMO technology, the number of antenna ports increases, and the spatial domain resources are more abundant, thereby supporting more scheduling of transmission layers. Currently, the CQI fed back by the terminal is mainly codeword-level CQI and subband-level CQI, wherein the codeword-level CQI is a CQI in the spatial domain dimension, and the subband-level CQI is a CQI in the frequency domain dimension. Currently, each codeword supports a maximum of four transmission layers for mapping, and therefore, the codeword-level CQI can indicate the channel quality of the maximum four transmission layers. With the increase in the number of scheduled transmission layers and the increase in the number of subbands, if CQI feedback is performed based on such a mode, the feedback overhead will increase exponentially, affecting the spectral efficiency.

[0005] To address the above challenges, it can be considered to utilize multipath component (MPC) information to perform some operations, such as channel estimation, etc. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, and designs a scheme capable of obtaining multipath component (MPC) information, so that the MPC information can be utilized to assist in performing some operations, such as assisting in channel estimation, etc.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to (or performed by) a communication apparatus, which can be a communication device (e.g., a terminal device) or a component (e.g., a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module) in a communication device. For ease of description, the first communication apparatus is mainly taken as an example for illustration.

[0008] The method can include: receiving configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals including a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; receiving the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and transmitting indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the second communication apparatus simultaneously transmits a plurality of reference signals, i.e., the second communication apparatus transmits the plurality of reference signals on a plurality of ports, the first communication apparatus can jointly receive the plurality of reference signals of the plurality of ports and measure based on the plurality of reference signals to obtain MPC information, and feed back the MPC information to the second communication apparatus. By measuring the MPC information based on the plurality of reference signals (i.e., the plurality of reference signals of the plurality of ports) transmitted simultaneously, the measurement accuracy of the MPC information can be improved. In addition, considering that the MPC can reflect the information of each path when the reference signal is transmitted through the wireless channel, the second communication apparatus can also perform some operations based on the MPC information fed back by the first communication apparatus, for example, the second communication apparatus can obtain channel state information based on the MPC information. In this way, compared with the feedback of the channel state information based on the codebook index and the quantization coefficient corresponding to the base of the codebook index, the feedback overhead and delay can be reduced.

[0010] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to (or performed by) a communication apparatus, which can be a communication device (e.g., a terminal device) or a component (e.g., a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module) in a communication device. For ease of description, the first communication apparatus is mainly taken as an example for illustration.

[0011] The method can include: receiving configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals including a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; receiving the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and transmitting indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect or the second aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes transmitting capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the multiple reference signals.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can provide capability information to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can configure configuration information of the multiple reference signals for the first communication device according to the capability information of the first communication device, so that the configuration information is adapted to the capability of the first communication device as much as possible.

[0014] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a communication device (or said to be performed by the communication device), which can be a communication equipment (such as a network device), or the communication device can be a component (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module) in the communication equipment. For ease of description, the second communication device is mainly taken as an example for description.

[0015] The method can include: transmitting configuration information of multiple reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the multiple reference signals including a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the multiple reference signals being the same; receiving the multiple reference signals based on the configuration information of the multiple reference signals; and transmitting indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information, the MPC information being obtained based on measurement of the multiple reference signals.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to a communication device (or said to be performed by the communication device), which can be a communication equipment (such as a network device), or the communication device can be a component (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module) in the communication equipment. For ease of description, the second communication device is mainly taken as an example for description.

[0017] The method can include: transmitting configuration information of multiple reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the multiple reference signals including a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the multiple reference signals being the same; receiving the multiple reference signals based on the configuration information of the multiple reference signals; and transmitting indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information, the MPC information being obtained based on measurement of the multiple reference signals.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the second aspect to the fourth aspect can be referred to the related description in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0019] With reference to the third or fourth aspect, in some implementations, the method further includes receiving capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the multiple reference signals.

[0020] With reference to any of the first to fourth aspects, in some implementations, the capability information includes at least one of: a number of available ports of the multiple reference signals, an available bandwidth of each of the multiple reference signals, a total available bandwidth of the multiple reference signals, available values of a power offset of each of the multiple reference signals.

[0021] With reference to any of the first to fourth aspects, in some implementations, the configuration information of each of the multiple reference signals further includes at least one of: a power offset of each of the multiple reference signals, port information of each of the multiple reference signals, a frequency domain range of each of the multiple reference signals, a mapping relationship within the frequency domain range of each of the multiple reference signals, rate matching information; wherein the power offset indicates an offset of a power of a reference signal relative to a reference power spectral density.

[0022] With reference to any of the first to fourth aspects, in some implementations, the power offset of each of the multiple reference signals is the same.

[0023] Based on the above technical solutions, the power offsets of the multiple-port reference signals are the same, so that the measurement results of the multiple-port reference signals have the same or similar channel characteristics, which facilitates the receiving end (i.e., the end receiving the reference signals) to jointly process the received multiple-port multiple reference signals to obtain the MPC, and also reduces the processing complexity.

[0024] With reference to any of the first to fourth aspects, in some implementations, a total bandwidth of the multiple reference signals is greater than or equal to a first value, and / or the total bandwidth of the multiple reference signals is less than or equal to a bandwidth threshold, wherein the first value represents an inverse of a time delay width of a single path or a minimum value of a time delay difference between two adjacent paths.

[0025] With reference to any of the first to fourth aspects, in some implementations, a number of frequency domain units of each of the multiple reference signals is the same; or the number of frequency domain units of each of the multiple reference signals is different.

[0026] Based on the above technical solution, the frequency domain unit numbers of the reference signals of the multiple ports can be the same, so that the frequency domain resources of the reference signals of the multiple ports can be determined based on the total bandwidth directly, and implementation is simple. Alternatively, the frequency domain unit numbers of the reference signals of the multiple ports can be different, so that the frequency domain resources of the reference signals of the multiple ports can be determined according to actual situations of the multiple ports, and resource utilization is improved.

[0027] In some implementations, the frequency domain ranges of different reference signals of the multiple reference signals do not overlap or partially overlap.

[0028] In some implementations, the measurement identifier of the MPC included in the configuration information of each reference signal of the multiple reference signals is associated with the weighting coefficient of the reference signal.

[0029] In some implementations, the indication information further includes a measurement identifier of the MPC associated with the MPC information.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which is configured to execute the method in the first aspect and / or the possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0031] In an implementation manner, the apparatus is a communication device (for example, a terminal device, or a network device). When the apparatus is a communication device, the communication unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; and the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0032] In another implementation manner, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit, or a communication module for a communication device (for example, a terminal device, or a network device). When the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit for a communication device, the communication unit can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuit on the chip, the chip system, or the circuit; and the processing unit can be at least one processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes at least one processor configured to cause the apparatus to execute the method in the first aspect and / or the possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0034] Optionally, the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions to perform the method in the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0035] Optionally, the apparatus further includes a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions.

[0036] Optionally, the at least one processor is coupled with a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions. The memory can be disposed outside the apparatus.

[0037] Optionally, the apparatus further includes a communication interface through which the processor reads the instructions on the memory. It can be understood that the communication interface is coupled with the processor, and can be configured to input the computer program or instructions to the processor, or output the information in the processor.

[0038] For the operations of sending, acquiring / receiving and the like involved, if no special description is made, or if it is not contrary to the actual role or inherent logic in the related description, it can be understood as output, input and the like, or as the sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and the antenna, which are not limited in the present application.

[0039] In an implementation manner, the apparatus is a communication device (such as a terminal device, or a network device).

[0040] In another implementation manner, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system or a circuit or a communication module for a communication device (such as a terminal device, or a network device). Optionally, the chip is a Modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, and the computer readable medium stores a computer program (for example, program code) or instructions, which, when running on a communication apparatus, causes the communication apparatus to perform the method in the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided, which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method in the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner thereof.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device is configured to perform the method provided in any of the implementations of the first aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method provided in any of the implementations of the fourth aspect; or the first communication device is configured to perform the method provided in any of the implementations of the second aspect, and the second communication device is configured to perform the method provided in any of the implementations of the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a channel MPC.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of transmitting multiple reference signals through multiple ports.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 800 provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 900 provided by embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Before introducing the solutions of the present application, the following points are explained.

[0055] (1) In the present application, “indication” can include direct indication, indirect indication, explicit indication, implicit indication, etc. When describing that a certain indication information indicates A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, carries an identifier of A, carries B having an association relationship with A, carries an identifier of B having an association relationship with A, etc. In other words, if the receiving side of the certain indication information can determine A according to the indication information, it can be described that the indication information indicates A, and the specific determination is not limited. When it is understood that the indication information carries A, “indication” can be replaced by “includes”, and at this time, similar to the expression “sending / receiving indication information, the indication information indicating A”, it can be replaced by “sending / receiving A”.

[0056] In the present application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or the index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be only indicated in part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, the protocol stipulates), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately into multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0057] (2) In the present application, the expression " / " is used to represent that the objects before and after the association are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to represent that the objects before and after the association can be in an association relationship of and or or; for example, A and / or B can represent the following cases: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist together, wherein A, B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to represent any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and (or) C can represent the following cases: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist together, B and C exist together, A and C exist together, A, B and C exist together, wherein A, B, C can be single or multiple.

[0058] (3) In the present application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as that the destination of the information is XX, which can include direct sending through the air interface, or indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as that the source of the information is YY, which can include direct receiving from YY through the air interface, or indirect receiving from YY through the air interface from other units or modules. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be carried out between devices, for example, between network devices and terminal devices, or can be carried out within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within a device through a bus, wire or interface.

[0059] (4) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0060] (5) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2," and "#A" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate in order to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0061] (6) In this application, "predefined" can mean a standard protocol predefined, or it can mean a pre-agreed or pre-negotiated agreement between devices. Here, "protocol" can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include fourth-generation (4G) protocols. th Generation 4G network, fifth generation (5G) network th This application does not limit the scope to network protocols such as 5G (generation, 5G), New Radio (NR), 5.5G, and related protocols applied in future communication networks.

[0062] (7) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the term “example” is used to present concepts in a specific manner.

[0063] (8) In this application, “of”, “corresponding, relevant”, “corresponding”, and “related” can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, they have the same meaning.

[0064] (9) In this application, the terms “identifier”, “index”, “number” and “serial number” may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, they have the same meaning.

[0065] (10) In this application, “when…”, “if” and “if” all refer to the device making a corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0066] Next, we will introduce the communication system to which this application applies.

[0067] The technical solutions provided in the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, and the like. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication networks. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and internet of things (IoT) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in the present application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication.

[0068] As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and a terminal device. The satellite base station provides communication services for the terminal device. The satellite base station can also communicate with a base station. The satellite can act as a base station or a terminal device. The satellite can refer to a drone, a hot air balloon, a low earth orbit satellite, a medium earth orbit satellite, a high earth orbit satellite, and the like. The satellite can also refer to a non-ground base station or a non-ground device, and the like.

[0069] As an example, V2X communication can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0070] A device in a communication system can send a signal to another device or receive a signal from another device. The signal can include information, signaling, or data, and the like. The device can also be replaced by an entity, a network entity, a communication device, a communication module, a node, a communication node, and the like. The device is described as an example in the embodiments of the present application.

[0071] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions for accessing the above-mentioned communication system. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication functions, which can be used to connect people, things, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer to peer, M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city UAV, robot, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. The terminal device can be a user equipment (UE) of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard, a terminal, a fixed device, a mobile station device or a mobile device, a subscriber unit, a handset, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a smart book, a vehicle, a satellite, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a target tracking device, an aircraft (such as a drone, a helicopter, a multi-copter, a quad-copter, or an airplane, etc.), a ship, a remote control device, a smart home device, an industrial device, a transport vehicle with wireless communication function, a communication module, a road side unit (RSU) with terminal function, or a device built-in the above-mentioned device (such as a communication module, a modem or a chip in the above-mentioned device, etc.), or other processing devices connected to the wireless modem.

[0072] It should be understood that in some scenarios, the UE can also be used as a base station. For example, the UE can act as a scheduling entity, which provides sidelink signals between UEs in V2X, D2D or peer to peer scenarios, etc.

[0073] In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the function of the terminal device, i.e., the terminal apparatus, can be a terminal device or an apparatus capable of supporting the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip or a circuit or a communication module (i.e., a communication module performing a communication function), which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices. In addition, the apparatus can further be configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0074] The network device in the embodiments of the present application can be a device or a module with a corresponding communication function. The network device can be a device for communicating with the terminal device, and the network device can also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device, such as a network device, which can be a base station. The network device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) for accessing the terminal device to a wireless network. The base station can broadly cover various names in the following or be replaced by the following names, such as: Node B (NodeB), evolved Node B (eNB), next generation Node B (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmission point, primary station, secondary station, multiple standard radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node, or the like, or a combination thereof. The base station can also refer to a communication module, a modem, or a chip for being disposed in the foregoing devices or apparatuses. The base station can also be a mobile switching center and a device assuming a base station function in D2D, V2X, M2M communication, a device assuming a base station function in a future communication system, etc. The base station can support networks of the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the network device.

[0075] A base station can be fixed, or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, with one or more cells moving according to the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a device that communicates with another base station.

[0076] In some deployments, the network device mentioned in embodiments of the present application can be a device including a CU, or a DU, or a device including a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and a user plane CU node (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), and a DU node.

[0077] In some deployments, a plurality of RAN nodes cooperate to assist a terminal device to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node can be a CU, a DU, a CU-CP, a CU-UP, or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a BBU. The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as an RRU, an AAU, or an RRH.

[0078] 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, the wireless access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) architecture, in which the CU can also be referred to as an open CU (O-CU), the DU can also be referred to as an open DU (O-DU), the CU-CP can also be referred to as an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), the CU-UP can also be referred to as an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and the RU can also be referred to as an open RU (O-RU). Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in the present application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the function of the network device can be a network device, or can be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a chip or a circuit or a communication module (i.e., a communication module performing a communication function), which can be installed in the network device. In an embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices. In addition, program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions can also be configured in the apparatus. In an embodiment of the present application, only the apparatus for implementing the function of the network device is taken as an example of the network device, and the scheme of the embodiment of the present application is not limited.

[0080] The network device and the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on the water surface; and can also be deployed on airplanes, balloons and satellites in the air. The scenario in which the network device and the terminal device are located is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 1, as an example, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system suitable for an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system includes a radio access network 100. The radio access network 100 can be a future or higher version radio access network, or a conventional (for example, 5G, 4G, 3G or 2G) radio access network. One or more terminal devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be connected to each other or connected to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the radio access network 100. The network elements in the wireless communication system are connected through an interface (such as NG, Xn), or connected through an air interface.

[0082] In the communication between the network device and the terminal device, the network device can manage one or more cells, and each cell can include at least one terminal device. The cell can be understood as an area within the coverage range of the wireless signal of the network device.

[0083] FIG. 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the wireless communication system can also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, etc., which are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, as an example, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system suitable for an embodiment of the present application. The ORAN system includes a core network, an access network device and a UE. As an example, the ORAN system can also include other components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, which are not limited in the present application.

[0085] The access network device can communicate with a core network (CN) through a backhaul. The access network device can communicate with a UE through an air interface. Specifically, a BBU in the access network device communicates with the core network through the backhaul. An RU in the access network device communicates with at least one UE through the air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU through a fronthaul, and the BBU and the RU can be co-located or not. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and the DU can communicate through at least one midhaul. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and the DU can communicate through at least one midhaul.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, as an example, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an access network device suitable for embodiments of the present application.

[0087] Optionally, the access network device includes a CU. The CU is a logical node that carries the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network device. The CU can be connected to network nodes such as core networks through some interfaces. For example, the E2 interface. The CU can have part of the functions of the core network. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and / or higher layers of the CU) is connected to the DU (e.g., the radio link control (RLC) layer and lower layers of the DU) through some interfaces. For example, the F1 interface. Optionally, the F1 interface can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). F1AP is the application protocol of the F1 interface, which defines the signaling procedures of F1 in some examples. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0088] As an example, the CU includes a CU-CP and a CU-UP. Among them, the CU-CP is a logical node carrying the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer of RRC layer and packet data convergence protocol layer, used to implement the control plane function of the CU. The CU-CP can interact with a network element in the core network for implementing the control plane function. The network element in the core network for implementing the control plane function can be an access and mobility function network element, such as an access and mobility management (AMF) in a 5G system. The AMF network element is used to be responsible for the mobility management in the mobile network, such as location update of the terminal device, registration network of the terminal device, handover of the terminal device, etc. The CU-UP is a logical node carrying the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer of SDAP layer and packet data convergence protocol layer, used to implement the user plane function of the CU. The CU-UP can interact with a network element in the core network for implementing the user plane function. The network element in the core network for implementing the user plane function, for example, a user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, is used to be responsible for the forwarding and receiving of data in the terminal device. The above configuration of the CU and the DU is only an example, and in actual application, the CU and the DU can also be configured to have functions according to needs. For example, the CU or the DU can be configured to have more functions of protocol layers, or the CU or the DU can be configured to have partial processing functions of protocol layers. For example, part of the functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are arranged in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are arranged in the DU. For another example, the functions of the CU or the DU can be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, for example, according to the delay, the functions that need to meet the delay requirement are arranged in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are arranged in the CU.

[0089] Optionally, the access network device includes a DU. As shown in FIG. 3, the DU is a logical node carrying an RLC layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, a higher physical (Higher PHY) layer and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU is connected to the RU through some interfaces, which can be a front interface. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes part of the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.

[0090] Optionally, the access network device includes a RU. As shown in FIG. 3, the RU is a logical node that carries lower physical layer (Lower PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP transmission reception point (TRP) or a remote radio head (RRH) or other similar functional entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of 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.

[0091] The DU and the RU can be co-located or not co-located. The DU and the RU exchange control plane information and user plane information over a fronthaul link via a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. The LLS-CUS can include a lower-layer split control (LLS-C) interface and a lower-layer split user (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 have a LLS-M interface of the fronthaul link to exchange management information, and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and the RU.

[0092] The DU and the RU can cooperate to collectively implement the functionality of the PHY layer. One DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functionality of the DU and the RU can be configured in multiple ways according to design. For example, the DU is configured to implement baseband functionality, and the RU is configured to implement intermediate RF functionality. For another example, the DU is configured to implement high-layer functionality in the PHY layer, and the RU is configured to implement low-layer functionality in the PHY layer or to implement the low-layer functionality and RF functionality. The high-layer functionality in the PHY layer can include a portion of the functionality of the PHY layer that is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functionality in the PHY layer can include another portion of the functionality of the PHY layer that is closer to the intermediate RF side.

[0093] The above-described FIGS. 1-3 are illustrative, and embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0094] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the present application are briefly explained.

[0095] In order to better understand the technical solutions of the present application, some related technologies involved in the technical solutions of the present application are introduced.

[0096] 1. Multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technology: using the resource of spatial dimension, the signal can obtain array gain, multiplexing and diversity gain and interference cancellation gain in space without increasing the system bandwidth, which can multiply the capacity and spectrum efficiency of the communication system. For example, in the LTE system, the MIMO system can support up to 8 layers of transmission at the sending end and receiving end by using multiple antennas.

[0097] 2. Reference signal (RS): refers to a physical signal carrying a sequence for realizing a specific function. Specifically, the reference signal is a physical signal generated by mapping a specific sequence to the corresponding resource according to a pre-designed resource mapping manner. The reference signal can also be referred to as a pilot, a reference sequence, a reference signal, etc.

[0098] In this application, the reference signal involved can be, as an example, any of the following: channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), sounding reference signal (SRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), cell reference signal (CRS), etc. Among them, the DMRS can be used for demodulation of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) or the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The CSI-RS can be used for channel information measurement and implementation of reporting of channel state information (CSI), which includes at least one of the following: precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), and channel quality indicator (CQI).

[0099] It should be understood that the reference signals listed above are only examples and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of defining other reference signals in future protocols to achieve the same or similar functions.

[0100] 3. Beam: a kind of communication resource. Different beams can be considered as different resources. The same information or different information can be transmitted through different beams.

[0101] The beam in the NR protocol can be a spatial domain filter, or a spatial filter or a spatial parameter. The beam used for transmitting a signal can be referred to as a transmission beam (Tx beam), and the beam used for receiving a signal can be referred to as a reception beam (Rx beam).

[0102] A transmit beam can refer to a distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted by an antenna, and a receive beam can refer to a distribution of signal strength in different directions in space for a wireless signal received by an antenna.

[0103] In addition, a beam can be a wide beam, or a narrow beam, or another type of beam. Techniques for forming a beam can be beamforming techniques or other techniques. Beamforming techniques can be digital beamforming techniques, analog beamforming techniques, or hybrid digital / analog beamforming techniques, etc.

[0104] As an example, multiple beams with the same or similar communication characteristics can be considered as one beam.

[0105] One beam can correspond to one or more antenna ports for transmitting data channels, control channels, sounding signals, etc. One or more antenna ports corresponding to one beam can also be considered as one antenna port set.

[0106] 4. Port: also referred to as an antenna port, can include a transmit port and a receive port. One port can be configured for each virtual antenna, and each virtual antenna can be a weighted combination of multiple physical antennas. The transmit port can be understood as a virtual antenna identified by a receive end. The receive port can be understood as a receive antenna of the receive end. For example, in downlink transmission, the receive port can refer to a receive antenna of a terminal device, and the receive port can also be understood as a virtual antenna.

[0107] A port is a logical concept, and a port is usually associated with a reference signal, so a port can also be understood as a transceiving interface on a channel experienced by a reference signal. For low frequencies, one port can correspond to one or more antenna elements, and these elements jointly transmit a reference signal, and a receive end can treat them as a whole and does not need to distinguish these elements. For high-frequency systems, a port can correspond to a beam, and similarly, a receive end can treat this beam as an interface and does not need to distinguish each element.

[0108] A port can be represented by an antenna port or a port, or can be represented by a resource (such as a CSI-RS resource, an SRS resource, a DMRS resource, a PT-RS resource, a CRS resource, a TRS resource, a synchronization signal block (SSB) resource, etc.) or a resource group. That is, the identification (or index) of the port involved in the present application can be replaced by the identification (or index) of the above content, such as the identification (or index) of the port, which can be replaced by the identification (or index) of the resource, the identification (or index) of the pilot resource, the identification (or index) of the reference signal resource, etc.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present application, ports are used for description for the sake of unity and convenience. As mentioned above, the ports can be replaced by antenna ports.

[0110] 5. Resource: data or information can be carried by a resource.

[0111] In the time domain, a resource can include one or more time domain units (or also referred to as time units). One time domain unit can be one symbol, or one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, or one mini-slot, or one slot, or a partial slot, or one subframe, or one radio frame, etc. One slot can include 6, 7, 12 or 14 symbols; one mini-slot can include at least one symbol (for example, 2 symbols or 7 symbols or 14 symbols, or any number of symbols less than or equal to 14 symbols); and the duration of one subframe in the time domain can be 1 millisecond (ms). It should be understood that the above-mentioned time domain unit sizes are only for the convenience of understanding the schemes of the present application and do not limit the protection scope of the present application. It can be understood that the above-mentioned time domain unit sizes can be other values, which are not limited by the present application.

[0112] In the frequency domain, a resource can include one or more frequency domain units. One frequency domain unit can be one resource block (RB), one subcarrier, one resource block group (RBG), one subband, one precoding resource block group (PRG), one bandwidth part (BWP), or one carrier, or one serving cell, etc.

[0113] In the space domain, a resource can include one or more space domain units. One space domain unit can be one port.

[0114] On one hand, with the large-scale deployment of interactive services such as digital twin (DT), virtual reality, extended reality (XR), and unmanned aerial vehicle, some services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, will exhibit the characteristics of "bursty traffic + short latency". In addition, for example, the distribution of eMBB services in the spatial domain may also be uneven, in other words, in some time period, most of the traffic is concentrated in a local area.

[0115] On the other hand, MIMO can achieve multi-stream, high-rate data transmission, and the multi-stream, high-rate data transmission mainly relies on accurate channel state information for precoding processing. Currently, the process of obtaining channel state information is as follows: the sending end (such as a network device) sends a reference signal; the receiving end (such as a terminal device) receives the reference signal and performs measurement based on the reference signal, and then reports the measurement result on the available time slot, that is, performs channel state information feedback. The channel state information feedback is implemented based on a discrete fourier transform (DFT) codebook, that is, in the PMI of the channel state information feedback, the DFT codebook index and the quantization coefficient corresponding to the basis of the codebook index are included.

[0116] In general, for some services such as bursty traffic, short latency, and uneven spatial distribution of services, the above process of obtaining channel state information may introduce additional latency, and the signaling overhead of channel state information feedback is large, which is not conducive to the transmission of such services.

[0117] Therefore, the present application proposes a scheme to obtain channel state information based on MPC information, such as calculating precoding weights based on MPC information. Specifically, the present application proposes a way to obtain MPC information. Specifically, the sending end can send multiple reference signals at the same time, and the multiple reference signals are sent at multiple ports; the receiving end receives the reference signals of the multiple ports and performs measurement based on the reference signals of the multiple ports, and then obtains the MPC information; the receiving end can feed back the measured MPC information to the sending end. The sending end can perform some operations based on the MPC information fed back by the receiving end, for example, the sending end can obtain channel state information based on the MPC information. In this way, compared with the feedback of channel state information based on the DFT codebook index and the quantization coefficient corresponding to the basis of the codebook index, the feedback overhead and latency can be reduced.

[0118] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by the present application can be applied to the scenario shown in the above-mentioned figure, without limitation.

[0119] In the following method embodiments, the sending end and the receiving end are taken as examples for illustration. The receiving end refers to the receiving end of the reference signal, in other words, the device receiving the reference signal can be referred to as the receiving end (or receiving device or receiving equipment). The sending end refers to the sending end of the reference signal, in other words, the device sending the reference signal can be referred to as the sending end (or sending device or sending equipment).

[0120] The receiving end can be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module), or the receiving end can be a network device or a component of a network device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module). The sending end can be a terminal device or a component of a terminal device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module), or the sending end can be a network device or a component of a network device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit or a communication module). In the following embodiments, the terminal device or the network device is taken as an example for illustration. As mentioned above, the terminal device can be replaced by a component of a terminal device, and the network device can be replaced by a component of a network device. In addition, the steps described below as being performed by a single execution subject can also be divided into being performed by multiple execution subjects, which can be logically and / or physically separated. In this regard, no further description is given below.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, as an example, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 shown in FIG. 4 can include the following steps.

[0122] The method 400 includes step S411 or step S412.

[0123] S411, the sending end sends configuration information of P reference signals. Correspondingly, the receiving end receives the configuration information of the P reference signals. P is an integer greater than 1.

[0124] For example, it is assumed that the sending end is a network device and the receiving end is a terminal device. The network device configures (or determines) the configuration information of the P reference signals and sends the configuration information of the P reference signals to the terminal device. The network device can send the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals, and the terminal device can receive the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals. In this case, the reference signal in step S411 can be a downlink reference signal, such as a DMRS (i.e., a downlink DMRS) or a CSI-RS.

[0125] The configuration information of the reference signal, or the scheduling information of the reference signal, includes information related to the reference signal, that is, information related to sending and / or receiving the reference signal.

[0126] The configuration information of the P reference signals can be carried in one signaling or in different signaling, which is not limited.

[0127] The configuration information of the P reference signals can be associated with each other, that is, the receiving end can determine (or calculate) the configuration information of the other (P-1) reference signals based on the configuration information of one reference signal; or the configuration information of the P reference signals can be independent of each other, that is, the receiving end receives the configuration information of the P reference signals and sends the reference signals based on the configuration information of each reference signal respectively.

[0128] The configuration information of different reference signals is not completely the same. The configuration information of the reference signal is described in detail below.

[0129] S412, the sending end receives the configuration information of the P reference signals. Correspondingly, the receiving end sends the configuration information of the P reference signals.

[0130] For example, it is assumed that the sending end is a terminal device and the receiving end is a network device. The network device configures (or determines) the configuration information of the P reference signals and sends the configuration information of the P reference signals to the terminal device. The terminal device can send the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals, and the network device can receive the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals. In this case, the reference signal in step S412 can be an uplink reference signal, such as a DMRS (uplink DMRS) or an SRS.

[0131] As in the previous step S411, the configuration information of the reference signal, or the scheduling information of the reference signal, includes information related to the reference signal, that is, information related to sending and / or receiving the reference signal. The configuration information of the P reference signals can be carried in one signaling or in different signaling, which is not limited.

[0132] As in the previous step S411, the configuration information of the P reference signals can be associated with each other, that is, the sending end can determine (or calculate) the configuration information of the other (P-1) reference signals based on the configuration information of one reference signal; or the configuration information of the P reference signals can be independent of each other, that is, the sending end receives the configuration information of the P reference signals and sends the reference signals based on the configuration information of each reference signal respectively.

[0133] As in the previous step S411, the configuration information of different reference signals is not completely the same. The configuration information of the reference signal is described in detail below.

[0134] The steps S411 and S412 are described based on different scenarios. Specifically, the step S411 can be applicable to a downlink scenario, i.e., a scenario in which the network device sends the reference signal to the terminal device; and the step S412 can be applicable to an uplink scenario, i.e., a scenario in which the terminal device sends the reference signal to the network device.

[0135] The method 400 further includes a step S420.

[0136] In the step S420, the sending end sends the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals. Correspondingly, the receiving end receives the P reference signals based on the configuration information of the P reference signals.

[0137] In the step S420, the sending end sends the P reference signals on the same time-domain resource, i.e., the sending end can send the P reference signals simultaneously. Correspondingly, the receiving end can jointly receive the P reference signals.

[0138] Optionally, the sending end sends the P reference signals on X ports based on the configuration information of the P reference signals, i.e., the sending end sends the reference signals of the X ports based on the configuration information of the P reference signals. Correspondingly, the receiving end receives the reference signals of the X ports based on the configuration information of the P reference signals. Here, X is an integer greater than 1 and less than P or equal to P. As an example, X is equal to P. Based on this, it can be known that, in the embodiments of the present application, the sending end can send the P reference signals on different ports simultaneously, so that the receiving end can jointly receive the P reference signals and further perform some operations based on the jointly received P reference signals, such as determining the MPC information.

[0139] As an example, the reference signals of at least two ports of the X ports are different, i.e., the sending end sends different reference signals on at least two ports of the X ports. The different reference signals can mean that some parameters of the reference signals are different, such as at least one of the following parameters of the reference signals: a sequence of the reference signal, a frequency-domain resource of the reference signal, a power offset of the reference signal, and a mapping relationship of the reference signal in a frequency-domain range. It can be understood that one reference signal can be sent through one port, i.e., the number of ports of one reference signal can be 1; or one reference signal can be sent through multiple ports, i.e., the number of ports of one reference signal can be greater than 1, which is not limited.

[0140] As an example, the transmission parameters of the reference signals of the X ports are the same. Based on this, the transmission end can use the same set of parameters to transmit the reference signals of the X ports. The transmission parameters of the reference signals may, for example, include phase and / or amplitude. Taking the transmission parameters of the reference signals as including phase and amplitude as an example, the transmission parameters of the reference signals of the X ports are the same, that is, the phase and amplitude of the reference signals of the X ports are the same, in other words, the same set of beamforming parameters (i.e., phase and amplitude) is used by the multiple ports, and the beamforming parameters of each port in the multiple ports can act on multiple antenna elements.

[0141] As an example, the reception parameters of the reference signals of the X ports are the same. Based on this, the receiving end can process (or jointly process) the reference signals of the X ports. The reception parameters of the reference signals may, for example, include digital automatic gain control (DAGC) and weighting coefficients of the receiving end (referred to as reception weighting coefficients). Taking the weighting coefficients of the receiving end as an example, assuming that the receiving end has 4 physical antennas, and the weighting coefficients of the 4 physical antennas are the same for the reference signals of each transmission port.

[0142] Optionally, the method 400 further includes step S430.

[0143] S430, the receiving end determines the MPC information based on the P reference signals.

[0144] Specifically, the receiving end performs channel measurement (or channel estimation) based on the P reference signals, and determines the MPC information based on the measurement result.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of channel MPC. Assuming that there are 3 ports, one port can transmit one reference signal, that is, one port can map one multipath (or one path cluster) through weighting, in other words, one port can correspond to one multipath (or one path cluster); or the 3 ports can also correspond to one path cluster, and the reference signals of each port occupy part of the frequency domain resources. Different path clusters can be measured by different reference signals identified by MPC measurement (or MPC index or MPC identification). FIG. 5 shows the power spectrum of the multipaths of the 3 ports in the time delay domain, which can represent the MPC, that is, the amplitude result of the vector superposition of the multipaths. Wherein, ΔT bw represents the time width of one multipath, Δt1 and Δt2 are the time delay differences between two adjacent multipaths, and ΔT max is the total duration of the multipaths on the 3 ports.

[0146] The MPC information, which can also be referred to as multipath information or channel MPC information, can represent the correlation information of each multipath (or each path or each path cluster) of the reference signals (i.e., P reference signals or X-port reference signals) transmitted through the wireless channel. In other words, the MPC information includes the correlation information of P multipaths (or P paths or P path clusters) corresponding to the P reference signals (or X ports) transmitted through the wireless channel.

[0147] As an example, the MPC information includes information of at least one of the following parameters: angle, delay, power, polarization, Doppler, phase, etc. The angle can include at least one of the following: horizontal dimension angle of arrival (AOA), horizontal dimension angle of departure (AOD), vertical dimension zenith of arrival (ZOA), and vertical dimension zenith of departure (ZOD). The AOA and ZOA respectively refer to the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the angle of arrival of the signal arriving at the receiving antenna via the wireless channel, and the AOD and ZOD respectively refer to the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the angle of departure of the signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna.

[0148] At S440, the receiving end receives the indication information indicating the MPC information. Correspondingly, the receiving end sends the indication information.

[0149] Optionally, the receiving end determines the CSI based on the MPC information.

[0150] As an example, the receiving end determines the precoding weight based on the MPC information. For example, the receiving end can generate a channel matrix based on a model (such as a spatial channel model (SCM)) using the MPC information, and then determine the precoding weight from the channel matrix according to a precoding method. The precoding method can be predefined or preconfigured, and is not limited in this regard.

[0151] The configuration information of the P reference signals will be described in detail below.

[0152] Optionally, the configuration information of each reference signal in the P reference signals includes at least one of the following: time domain resource, MPC measurement identifier, power offset, port information, frequency domain range, mapping relationship of the reference signal in the frequency domain range, and rate matching information. The above information will be described below mainly by taking the configuration information of one reference signal as an example and combining several examples.

[0153] In Example 1, the configuration information of the reference signal includes time domain resource (i.e., time domain resource of the reference signal).

[0154] The time domain resource of the reference signal indicates time domain resource occupied by the reference signal.

[0155] As an example, the time domain resource of the reference signal included in the configuration information of the reference signal includes at least one of the following: a number of time units occupied by the reference signal, a starting position of the time domain resource occupied by the reference signal, and an ending position of the time domain resource occupied by the reference signal.

[0156] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the time domain resources of the P reference signals can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the signaling includes the time domain resource of each of the P reference signals, and the time domain resources of the P reference signals are the same.

[0158] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes the time domain resource of one of the P reference signals (e.g., denoted as reference signal #1), and the time domain resources of the other reference signals in the P reference signals, except for the reference signal #1, can be determined according to the time domain resource of the reference signal #1. Specifically, the time domain resources of the P reference signals are the same.

[0159] In Example 2, the configuration information of the reference signal includes a measurement index of the MPC.

[0160] The measurement index of the MPC can be used to identify which set of MPC information is measured, or can be used to identify which multipath (or path cluster, or path) is measured. As an example, the measurement index of the MPC is associated with a weighting coefficient. Specifically, each port can correspond to a weighting coefficient, which can include an amplitude coefficient and a phase coefficient. The measurement index of the MPC is associated with the weighting coefficient, i.e., the measurement index of the MPC is associated with the amplitude coefficient and the phase coefficient of each port.

[0161] Optionally, the indication information in step S440 includes the measurement index of the MPC, which can be used to identify the measurement result of the corresponding reference signal.

[0162] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, as an example, the measurement index of the MPC included in the configuration information of each reference signal can be carried in a group of fields, such as a group of fields for carrying the measurement index of the MPC. The field can include P measurement indexes of the MPC, which correspond to the P reference signals, respectively.

[0163] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the measurement identifiers of the MPCs corresponding to the P reference signals can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the signaling includes the measurement identifier of the MPC corresponding to each of the P reference signals.

[0165] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes the measurement identifier of the MPC corresponding to one of the P reference signals (e.g., reference signal #1), and the measurement identifiers of the MPCs corresponding to the other reference signals of the P reference signals can be determined according to the measurement identifier of the MPC corresponding to the reference signal #1, e.g., the measurement identifiers of the MPCs corresponding to the other reference signals of the P reference signals have a correlation with the measurement identifier of the MPC corresponding to the reference signal #1.

[0166] In Example 3, the configuration information of the reference signal includes a power offset (i.e., a power offset of the reference signal).

[0167] The power offset can be used to indicate an offset of the power of the reference signal relative to a reference power spectral density, or an offset of the power spectral density of the reference signal relative to the reference power spectral density. The power offset of a port refers to an offset of the power spectral density of the reference signal of the port relative to a reference power spectral density. According to embodiments of the present application, the power spectral density of a port can be related to the reference power spectral density, the power offset of the port, and a frequency range of the port.

[0168] The power offset of each reference signal can be predefined, configured, preconfigured, or indicated, and is not limited in this regard. The power offset of each reference signal of the P reference signals can be the same or different.

[0169] In one possible scenario, the power offset of each reference signal of the P reference signals is the same, in other words, the power spectral density of each reference signal of the P reference signals is the same. In this scenario, the configuration information of the P reference signals can include one power offset, and the power offset represents the power offset of each reference signal of the P reference signals.

[0170] The reference power spectral density, which can also be referred to as a basic power spectral density, can be predefined, configured, preconfigured, or indicated, and is not limited in this regard.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the reference power spectral density is the power spectral density when the reference signal is transmitted in the full bandwidth. Assuming that the power offset of one port is X dB, X is greater than or equal to 0, and as an example, X is equal to 0, the power spectral density of the reference signal of the port is adjusted upward relative to the power spectral density when the reference signal is transmitted in the full bandwidth.

[0172] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the power offset of the P reference signals can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the signaling includes the power offset of each of the P reference signals.

[0174] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes the power offset of one reference signal (e.g., reference signal #1) of the P reference signals, and the power offset of the other reference signals of the P reference signals, except for the reference signal #1, can be determined according to the power offset of the reference signal #1, e.g., the power offset of the other reference signals of the P reference signals, except for the reference signal #1, is associated with the power offset of the reference signal #1. As an example, the association can be that the power offset of the other reference signals of the P reference signals, except for the reference signal #1, is the same as the power offset of the reference signal #1; or the association can be that the offset between the power offset of the other reference signals of the P reference signals, except for the reference signal #1, and the power offset of the reference signal #1 is a constant. The constant can be predefined, configured, preconfigured, or indicated, without limitation.

[0175] In Example 4, the configuration information of the reference signal includes port information (i.e., port information of the reference signal).

[0176] The port information can be used by the receiving end to identify or determine in which ports to receive the reference signal.

[0177] Optionally, the port information includes a port number and / or a port quantity. The port number is an index (or identifier, or number, etc.) of a port; and the port quantity is a quantity of ports occupied by the reference signal. The quantity of ports occupied by one reference signal is greater than or equal to 1 and less than X (i.e., the total quantity of ports occupied by the P ports). As an example, the quantity of ports occupied by one reference signal is 1.

[0178] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the port information of the P reference signals (i.e., the information of the X ports, X = P) can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the signaling includes an identity of one of the X ports (referred to as a reference identity for the sake of distinction) and a value of X, so that the receiving end can determine the X ports based on the reference identity and the value of X. As an example, the reference identity is the minimum identity or the maximum identity among the identities of the X ports. Specifically, it is assumed that the identities of the X ports are consecutive (or have certain regularity), so that the receiving end can determine the X ports based on the reference identity (e.g., the minimum identity or the maximum identity) and the number of ports (i.e., the value of X).

[0180] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes an identity of each of the X ports.

[0181] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes the minimum identity and the maximum identity among the identities of the X ports. Specifically, it is assumed that the identities of the X ports are consecutive (or have certain regularity), so that the receiving end can determine the X ports based on the minimum identity and the maximum identity.

[0182] The above is an example, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to how to implement the indication of the X ports.

[0183] In Example 5, the configuration information of the reference signal includes a frequency domain range (i.e., a frequency domain range of the reference signal).

[0184] The frequency domain range of the reference signal indicates a range of frequency domain resources occupied by the reference signal. The frequency domain resources can be represented by frequency domain units. For the frequency domain units, refer to the foregoing description of the terms, and the following mainly takes the frequency domain unit as an example to illustrate.

[0185] Optionally, the total bandwidth of the P reference signals is greater than or equal to a first value, and / or the total bandwidth of the P reference signals is less than or equal to a bandwidth threshold.

[0186] The total bandwidth of the P reference signals indicates the sum of the bandwidths of the reference signals on the X ports. Taking X=P=3 as an example, it is assumed that reference signal #1 is sent on port #1, reference signal #2 is sent on port #2, and reference signal #3 is sent on port #3, so that the total bandwidth of the P reference signals indicates the sum of the bandwidths of the reference signal #1, the reference signal #2, and the reference signal #3.

[0187] The first value can be the time delay width of a single path (denoted as value #1), or can be the reciprocal of the minimum value of the time delay difference between two adjacent paths (denoted as value #2), or can be the minimum value of the value #1 and the value #2.

[0188] The bandwidth threshold can be predefined, configured, pre-configured, or indicated; there is no limitation on this. For example, the bandwidth threshold is 1 / 10 nanosecond (ns) = 100 MHz.

[0189] One possible implementation is that the total bandwidth of the P reference signals satisfies Formula 1.

[0190] Among them, BW total X represents the total bandwidth of the P reference signals; X represents the total number of ports for the P reference signals; ΔT bw Δt represents the time width of a multipath; i The time delay difference between two adjacent multipaths is represented by i = 1, 2, ..., (X-1); 1 / G represents the bandwidth threshold; min() represents the minimum value operation; max() represents the maximum value operation.

[0191] Taking X = P = 3 and G = 10 nanoseconds (ns) (i.e., the bandwidth threshold is 1 / 10 ns) as an example, Formula 1 can also be transformed into Formula 2 as follows.

[0192] Where, Δt i Δt2 and Δt2 represent the time delay difference between two adjacent multipaths, respectively.

[0193] The number of frequency domain units for each of the P reference signals can be the same or different.

[0194] In one possible scenario, each of the P reference signals has the same number of frequency domain units. Taking bandwidth as an example, this means each of the P reference signals has the same bandwidth. In this case, the bandwidth of each of the P reference signals can satisfy Equation 3.

[0195] Among them, BW total BW represents the total bandwidth of P reference signals; per_antBW represents the bandwidth of each reference signal. For example, the bandwidth of each port can be rounded up by an integer number of RBs or RB groups, and the bandwidth of the last port can take the remainder. For example, if the total bandwidth is 273 RBs and there are 4 ports, the bandwidth of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ports can be 69 RBs, and the bandwidth of the 4th port can be 66 RBs (i.e. 273-69*3=66). Or, for another example, the bandwidth of each port can be rounded up by an integer number of RBs or RB groups, and the bandwidth of the first port can take the remainder. For example, if the total bandwidth is 273 RBs and there are 4 ports, the bandwidth of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ports can be 69 RBs, and the bandwidth of the 1st port can be 66 RBs (i.e. 273-69*3=66). This is only an example and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0196] In another possible scenario, the number of frequency domain units of each reference signal in the P reference signals can be different (e.g. not all the same, or not all different). As an example, the network device can determine the number of frequency domain units of each reference signal based on prior information. Specifically, the network device can determine the number of frequency domain units of each reference signal according to the number of multipaths and the configuration information of each multipath (e.g. the time domain resource of each multipath, the configured number of ports, the total bandwidth of the P reference signals, etc.).

[0197] Optionally, the different reference signals are frequency-division. For example, the frequency domain resources occupied by the reference signals of different ports partially overlap or do not overlap.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 6, as an example, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of transmitting multiple reference signals through multiple ports. It is assumed that X=P=3, and the reference signal on port #1 is reference signal #1, i.e. the resource of reference signal #1 includes port #1; the reference signal on port #2 is reference signal #2, i.e. the resource of reference signal #2 includes port #2; and the reference signal on port #3 is reference signal #3, i.e. the resource of reference signal #3 includes port #3. The total bandwidth of the reference signals is denoted as BW total , and the bandwidth of the reference signal transmitted by each port is BW per_ant . As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the frequency domain resource occupied by the reference signal of port #1 partially overlaps with the frequency domain resource occupied by the reference signal of port #2; and for another example, the frequency domain resource occupied by the reference signal of port #2 partially overlaps with the frequency domain resource occupied by the reference signal of port #3.

[0199] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the frequency domain range of the P reference signals can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the signaling includes the frequency domain range of each reference signal in the P reference signals.

[0201] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes a frequency domain range of one of the P reference signals (e.g., denoted as reference signal #1), and the frequency domain ranges of the other reference signals of the P reference signals can be determined according to the frequency domain range of the reference signal #1, e.g., the frequency domain ranges of the other reference signals of the P reference signals have a correlation with the frequency domain range of the reference signal #1. As an example, the correlation can be that the offset between the positions of the frequency domain ranges of every two adjacent reference signals of the P reference signals is a constant, so that the frequency domain range of each reference signal can be determined based on the frequency domain range of the reference signal #1 and the constant. The constant can be predefined, or configured, or preconfigured, or indicated, which is not limited herein.

[0202] In Example 6, the configuration information of the reference signal includes a mapping relationship of the reference signal in the frequency domain range.

[0203] The mapping relationship of the reference signal in the frequency domain range can represent a mapping manner of the reference signal on a frequency domain resource. As an example, the mapping relationship of the reference signal in the frequency domain range includes uniform and non-uniform.

[0204] Optionally, the mapping relationship of each of the P reference signals in the frequency domain range is the same. For example, the mapping relationship of each of the P reference signals in the frequency domain range is uniform; or for example, the mapping relationship of each of the P reference signals in the frequency domain range is non-uniform.

[0205] For example, the mapping relationship of the reference signal in the frequency domain range is uniform, and as an example, a minimum interval of the reference signal in the frequency domain range is greater than or equal to a second value, and / or a maximum interval of the reference signal in the frequency domain range is less than or equal to a third value.

[0206] The second value and / or the third value can be predefined, or configured, or preconfigured, or indicated, which is not limited herein. For example, the frequency domain unit is a subcarrier, and for example, the second value is a given number of subcarriers, e.g., the second value is 1; and the third value is k subcarriers, e.g., k shown in FIG. 5. As an example, k satisfies formula 4.

[0207] wherein, ΔT max is the total duration of multipath; SCS represents a sub-carrier spacing (SCS); Z represents the second value, e.g., Z = 1; max() represents a maximum value operation.

[0208] When the configuration information of the P reference signals is carried in one signaling, the mapping relationship of the P reference signals in the frequency domain range can be implemented in any of the following manners.

[0209] In a possible implementation, the signaling includes a mapping relationship of each of the P reference signals in a frequency domain range.

[0210] In another possible implementation, the signaling includes a mapping relationship of one of the P reference signals (e.g., denoted as reference signal #1) in a frequency domain range, and a mapping relationship of the other reference signals of the P reference signals (except for the reference signal #1) in the frequency domain range can be determined according to the mapping relationship of the reference signal #1 in the frequency domain range. For example, the mapping relationship of the other reference signals of the P reference signals (except for the reference signal #1) in the frequency domain range is the same as the mapping relationship of the reference signal #1 in the frequency domain range.

[0211] In Example 7, the configuration information of the reference signal includes rate matching information.

[0212] The rate matching information can be used to indicate that other signals (e.g., data signals and / or control signals) can be transmitted by using the frequency domain resources that are not mapped to the reference signal. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the reference signal is transmitted on a part of the frequency domain resources of one port (e.g., port #1, or port #2, or port #3), and other signals can be transmitted on the frequency domain resources outside the part of the frequency domain resources (i.e., the frequency domain resources that are not mapped to the reference signal), thereby improving the utilization of the frequency domain resources. For example, the other signals are data signals. For example, the data signals are PDSCH data when the transmitting end is a network device, or the data signals are PUSCH data when the transmitting end is a terminal device.

[0213] The above describes the various information in combination with the examples. It can be understood that the configuration information of the reference signal can include one or more of the above information. In addition, the configuration information of the reference signal can also include other information. In addition, the above information can have an association relationship, so that one piece of information can be determined based on another piece of information. For example, the port information (e.g., the number of ports) of the reference signal has an association relationship with the power offset of the reference signal. For example, the configuration information of the reference signal can include the number of ports of the reference signal, so that the receiving end can determine the power offset of the reference signal based on the number of ports of the reference signal.

[0214] Optionally, the method 400 further includes that the transmitting end transmits the capability information, and correspondingly, the receiving end receives the capability information; or the transmitting end receives the capability information, and correspondingly, the receiving end transmits the capability information.

[0215] For example, the sending end is a network device, and the receiving end is a terminal device. In this case, the receiving end sends the capability information, and correspondingly, the sending end receives the capability information.

[0216] For another example, the sending end is a terminal device, and the receiving end is a network device. In this case, the sending end sends the capability information, and correspondingly, the receiving end receives the capability information.

[0217] Hereinafter, the terminal device sending capability information is taken as an example for description.

[0218] The capability information is related to the configuration information of the reference signal; in other words, the capability information is related to the capability of the terminal device for measuring the MPC; in other words, the capability information is related to the capability of the terminal device for receiving the reference signal for measuring the MPC; in other words, the network device can refer to the capability information when configuring the configuration information of the reference signal.

[0219] Optionally, the capability information includes at least one of the following: the number of available ports, the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal, the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals, and the available value of the power offset. Hereinafter, several examples are introduced respectively.

[0220] Example 1: The capability information includes the number of available ports, i.e., the number of available ports of the P reference signals.

[0221] The number of available ports, or the number of available ports for jointly measuring the MPC by multiple ports, indicates the number of ports supported by the terminal device when transmitting and / or receiving the reference signal for measuring the MPC by multiple ports. For the sake of brevity and convenience of description, the number of available ports is denoted as L, L is an integer greater than 1 or equal to 1. Taking the sending end as a terminal device as an example, as an example, the value of L is related to the number of ports of the terminal device, for example, the value of L is equal to the number of ports of the terminal device.

[0222] For example, if the number of available ports (i.e., L) is included in the capability information, the network device can determine the value of X based on the value of L. For example, X = L; for another example, X is less than L.

[0223] Example 2: The capability information includes the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal, i.e., the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal in the P reference signals.

[0224] The available frequency domain resource of each reference signal indicates the available frequency domain resource of the reference signal when the reference signal is transmitted (e.g., sent and / or received) through a port, such as the available bandwidth of the reference signal. For example, the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal is related to the total frequency domain resource (e.g., total bandwidth) of all reference signals (i.e., P reference signals) and / or the transmission capability of the terminal device, taking the terminal device as the sending end. For example, the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal is related to the reception capability and / or processing capability of the terminal device, taking the terminal device as the receiving end. The processing capability can represent the capability of the terminal device to jointly process (or receive or measure) multiple reference signals of multiple ports.

[0225] For example, if the capability information includes the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal, the network device can determine the frequency domain resource of each reference signal and / or the total frequency domain resource of the P reference signals based on the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal. For example, the frequency domain resource of each reference signal is the available frequency domain resource of each reference signal indicated by the capability information. For another example, the total frequency domain resource of the P reference signals is less than or equal to the total number of the available frequency domain resources of the P reference signals.

[0226] Example 3, the capability information includes the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals.

[0227] The available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals indicates the total number of the available frequency domain resources of the multiple ports, such as the total bandwidth of the multiple ports, when the multiple reference signals are transmitted (e.g., sent and / or received) through the multiple ports (e.g., all ports). For example, the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals is related to the transmission capability of the terminal device, taking the terminal device as the sending end. For example, the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals is related to the reception capability and / or processing capability of the terminal device, taking the terminal device as the receiving end. The processing capability can represent the capability of the terminal device to jointly process (or receive or measure) multiple reference signals of multiple ports.

[0228] For example, if the capability information includes the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals, the network device can determine the frequency domain resource of each reference signal and / or the total frequency domain resource of the P reference signals based on the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals. For example, the frequency domain resource of each reference signal is less than the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals. For another example, the total frequency domain resource of the P reference signals is less than or equal to the available frequency domain resource of the P reference signals.

[0229] Example 4, the capability information includes the available value of the power offset, such as the available value of the power offset of the P reference signals, or the available value of the power offset of each reference signal in the P reference signals.

[0230] The available values of the power offset indicate the power offset of the reference signal supported by the terminal device when transmitting (e.g., sending and / or receiving) the reference signal through the port, or the maximum threshold of the power offset of the reference signal. The power offset can be referred to the foregoing description, which is not repeated here. Taking the terminal device as the sending end as an example, the available values of the power offset are related to the sending capability of the terminal device. Taking the terminal device as the receiving end as an example, the available values of the power offset are related to the DAGC capability of the terminal device when receiving the signal.

[0231] For brevity and convenience of description, the available values of the power offset are denoted as Y. As an example, the capability information can include one Y, which can indicate the available values of the power offset of each of the P reference signals, or the Y can indicate the total number of the power offset of each of the P reference signals (i.e., the power offset of the P reference signals).

[0232] For example, if the available values of the power offset are included in the capability information, the network device can determine the power offset of each of the P reference signals based on the available values of the power offset of the reference signal.

[0233] The above describes each information in combination with several examples. It can be understood that the capability information can include one or more of the above information. In addition, the capability information can also include other information, such as whether the terminal device supports measuring the MPC, etc.

[0234] It can be understood that in the above embodiments, the reference signal of the port is mentioned several times, and those skilled in the art should understand its meaning. Specifically, the reference signal of the port means the reference signal transmitted (e.g., sent and / or received) through the port, in other words, the resource of the reference signal includes the port.

[0235] It can also be understood that in the above embodiments, the configuration information of the reference signal is taken as an example for illustration. The configuration information of the reference signal can also be replaced by the configuration information of the reference signal associated with the port. As an example, the configuration information of the P reference signals can also be replaced by the configuration information of the reference signal associated with the X port.

[0236] The above describes the method provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with FIG. 4 to FIG. 6. The following describes the apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with FIG. 7 to FIG. 9. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments, and therefore, the content not described in detail can be referred to the foregoing method embodiments, which is not repeated here for brevity.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 7, as an example, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 700 includes a transceiver unit 710. The transceiver unit 710 can be configured to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 710 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. Optionally, the apparatus 700 further includes a processing unit 720. The processing unit 720 can be configured to perform processing, such as performing measurement based on a reference signal, and / or determining MPC information, etc.

[0238] Optionally, the apparatus 700 further includes a storage unit, which can be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 720 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the apparatus implements the foregoing method embodiments.

[0239] The first possible design is that the apparatus 700 can be a receiving end (as shown in FIG. 4) in the foregoing embodiments, and the apparatus 700 can implement steps or procedures corresponding to steps or procedures performed by the receiving end in the foregoing method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 710 can be configured to perform transceiving-related operations (such as operations of sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the receiving end in the foregoing method embodiments, such as S411, S412, S420 and S440 in FIG. 4; and the processing unit 720 can be configured to perform processing-related operations or operations other than transceiving (such as operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the receiving end in the foregoing method embodiments, such as S430 in FIG. 4.

[0240] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 710 is configured to receive configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals includes measurement identifiers of MPCs and time-domain resources, and the time-domain resources of the plurality of reference signals are the same; the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to receive the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to send indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information, the MPC information being obtained based on measurement of the plurality of reference signals. Optionally, the processing unit 720 is configured to determine the MPC information.

[0241] Optionally, the transceiver unit 710 is further configured to send capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

[0242] In another possible implementation, the transceiver 710 is configured to send configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identity of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, and the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and the transceiver 710 is further configured to send indication information, the indication information indicating the MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals. Optionally, the processor 720 is configured to determine the MPC information.

[0243] Optionally, the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

[0244] In a second possible design, the apparatus 700 can be a sending device (e.g., the sending device in FIG. 4) in the foregoing embodiments, and the apparatus 700 can implement the steps or procedures performed by the sending device in the foregoing method embodiments. The transceiver 710 can be configured to perform the operations related to sending and receiving (e.g., operations of sending and / or receiving data or messages) of the sending device in the foregoing method embodiments, such as S411, S412, S420, and S440 in FIG. 4; and the processor 720 can be configured to perform the operations related to processing of the sending device in the foregoing method embodiments, or operations other than sending and receiving (e.g., operations other than sending and / or receiving data or messages).

[0245] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 710 is configured to receive configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identity of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, and the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; the transceiver 710 is further configured to send the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive indication information, the indication information indicating the MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

[0246] Optionally, the transceiver 710 is further configured to send capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

[0247] In another possible implementation, the transceiver 710 is configured to send configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identity of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, and the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; the transceiver 710 is further configured to send the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; and the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive indication information, the indication information indicating the MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

[0248] Optionally, the transceiver 710 is further configured to receive capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

[0249] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the corresponding steps described above has been described in detail in the method embodiments described above, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0250] It should also be understood that the apparatus 700 herein is embodied in the form of functional units. The term "unit" herein can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combination of logical circuits and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art can understand that the apparatus 700 can be embodied as the communication device in the above embodiments, and can be used to perform the processes and / or steps corresponding to the communication device in each of the method embodiments described above. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0251] The apparatus 700 of each of the above schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the communication device (such as the sending end, and the receiving end) in the above methods. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor, which respectively performs the transceiving operation and the related processing operation in each of the method embodiments.

[0252] In addition, the transceiver 710 described above can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it can include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit.

[0253] It should be noted that the apparatus in FIG. 7 can be a communication device (such as the sending end, and the receiving end) in the above embodiments, or a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). Among them, the transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit, a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. It is not limited here.

[0254] Referring to FIG. 8, as an example, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 800 provided by embodiments of the present application. The apparatus 800 includes a processor 810 coupled with a memory 820, the memory 820 being configured to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor 810 being configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 820 or read the data stored in the memory 820 to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0255] Optionally, the processor 810 is one or more.

[0256] Optionally, the memory 820 is one or more.

[0257] Optionally, the memory 820 is integrated with the processor 810 or is separately arranged.

[0258] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 800 further includes a transceiver 830 configured to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 810 is configured to control the transceiver 830 to receive and / or send signals.

[0259] As an example, the processor 810 can have the functions of the processing unit 720 shown in FIG. 7, the memory 820 can have the functions of a storage unit, and the transceiver 830 can have the functions of the transceiving unit 710 shown in FIG. 7.

[0260] As an example, the apparatus 800 is configured to implement the operations performed by a communication apparatus (e.g., a sending end, or a receiving end) in the above method embodiments.

[0261] For example, the processor 810 is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 820 to implement the related operations of the communication apparatus in the above method embodiments.

[0262] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor.

[0263] It should also be understood that the memory referred to in the embodiments of the application can be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM). For example, the RAM can be used as an external cache. As an example but not limitation, the RAM includes the following various forms: static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM).

[0264] It should be noted that when the processor is a general processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated in the processor.

[0265] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 9, as an example, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 900 provided by an embodiment of the application. The chip system 900 (or also can be called a processing system) includes a logic circuit 910 and an input / output interface 920.

[0267] The logic circuit 910 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 900. The logic circuit 910 can be coupled to a storage unit, and invoke instructions in the storage unit, so that the chip system 900 can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. The input / output interface 920 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 900, and output information processed by the chip system 900, or input data or signaling information to be processed by the chip system 900.

[0268] As an option, the chip system 900 is configured to implement operations performed by a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) in the above method embodiments.

[0269] For example, the logic circuit 910 is configured to implement operations related to processing performed by a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) in the above method embodiments; and the input / output interface 920 is configured to implement operations related to transmitting and / or receiving performed by a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) in the above method embodiments.

[0270] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions for implementing a method performed by a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) in the above method embodiments. For example, the computer program or instructions, when run on a communication device, cause the communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) to perform the above method (e.g., the method 400).

[0271] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product, which contains instructions executed by a computer to implement a method performed by a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) in the above method embodiments. For example, the computer program or instructions, when run on a communication device, cause the communication device (e.g., a transmitter, or a receiver) to perform the above method (e.g., the method 400).

[0272] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system, which includes a transmitter and / or a receiver in the above embodiments. For example, the system includes the transmitter and the receiver in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0273] The above description of the related content of any of the above devices and the advantages thereof can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method can be implemented by other manners. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are only illustrative, for example, the division of the 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 system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units or components shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0275] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server or a network device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as DVD), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (SSD) and the like. For example, the foregoing available media includes but is not limited to: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and various media that can store program codes.

[0276] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within 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 configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; receiving the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; sending indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

2. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; sending the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; receiving indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

4. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; sending the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; receiving indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

5. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending configuration information of a plurality of reference signals, the configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals comprising a measurement identifier of a multipath component (MPC) and a time domain resource, the time domain resources of the plurality of reference signals being the same; receiving the plurality of reference signals based on the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals; sending indication information, the indication information indicating MPC information measured based on the plurality of reference signals.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving capability information, the capability information being related to the configuration information of the plurality of reference signals.

7. The method according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that, The capability information comprises at least one of the following: a number of available ports of the plurality of reference signals, an available bandwidth of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals, a total available bandwidth of the plurality of reference signals, and an available value of a power offset of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The configuration information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals further comprises at least one of the following: a power offset of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals, port information of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals, a frequency domain range of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals, a mapping relationship within the frequency domain range of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals, and rate matching information; wherein the power offset indicates an offset of a power of a reference signal relative to a reference power spectral density.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The power offset of each reference signal in the plurality of reference signals is the same.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein A total bandwidth of the plurality of reference signals is greater than or equal to a first value, and / or a total bandwidth of the plurality of reference signals is less than or equal to a bandwidth threshold, wherein the first value represents a reciprocal of a time delay width of a single path or a minimum value of a time delay difference between two adjacent paths.

11. The method of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, a number of frequency domain units of each of the plurality of reference signals is the same; or a number of frequency domain units of each of the plurality of reference signals is different.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, frequency domain ranges of different reference signals of the plurality of reference signals do not overlap or partially overlap.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, a measurement identifier of an MPC included in configuration information of each of the plurality of reference signals is associated with a weighting coefficient of each of the plurality of reference signals.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The indication information further includes a measurement identifier of the MPC associated with the MPC information.

15. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes a module or unit for performing the method of any one of claims 1-14.

16. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The apparatus further includes a memory and / or a communication interface, The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to store computer programs or instructions. The communication interface is coupled to the processor and configured to input and / or output information.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.

19. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes computer programs or instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.

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