Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: acquiring first information, the first information comprising first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; determining configuration information of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) on the basis of the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold; sending a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) on the basis of the configuration information of the PTRS; or receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) on the basis of the configuration information of the PTRS. By introducing the first reference position information and the at least one distance threshold, the embodiments of the present application provide support for configuring a PTRS on the basis of the coverage area of a network device. Specifically, the embodiments of the present application allow for configuration of high-density PTRS pilots in high frequency offset scenarios, thereby improving data demodulation performance; and in addition, the embodiments of the present application allow for configuration of low-density PTRS pilots in low frequency offset scenarios, thereby reducing pilot overhead.

Description

Communication method and communication apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411540767.3, filed on October 30, 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 communication, in particular to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] Relative motion between a terminal device and a network device will cause a frequency change, referred to as frequency offset. Generally, the frequency offset can affect the demodulation performance of a signal. For example, in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario, the frequency offset caused by high-speed movement will cause constellation rotation of the modulation constellation, thereby reducing the demodulation performance of the signal, and the data demodulation performance will affect the overall network capacity. Therefore, how to reduce the influence of the frequency offset on the demodulation performance of the signal is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which introduces a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) to compensate for the frequency offset, which helps to improve the demodulation performance of the signal, thereby helping to improve the system capacity.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal (such as 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), for example. In the method, the first information is obtained, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; the configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is determined according to the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold; the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is transmitted based on the configuration information of the PTRS; or the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is received based on the configuration information of the PTRS.

[0006] Exemplarily, the communication method can be applied to an NTN scenario, and can also be applied to other communication scenarios, such as existing communication systems and future communication systems.

[0007] Exemplarily, acquiring the first information can be replaced by: receiving the first information. That is, the terminal device can acquire the first information from the network device. In this way, the network device can dynamically indicate the first information, thereby helping to improve the flexibility of the system. On the other hand, the network device can issue different first information according to the communication scenario, communication quality, and other information, thereby helping to improve the performance of the system.

[0008] Exemplarily, the terminal device can acquire the first information internally. For example, the first information can be predefined (such as predefined by a protocol) or preconfigured. In this case, the first information can be pre-stored in the terminal device, such as stored in a storage unit in the terminal device. This scheme can reduce the signaling overhead between the terminal device and the network device by pre-storing the first information in the terminal device.

[0009] Exemplarily, part of the first information can be indicated by the network device, and part of the first information can be predefined or preconfigured. For example, the terminal device can receive first reference location information from the network device. The at least one first distance threshold is predefined or preconfigured. For another example, the terminal device can receive at least one first distance threshold from the network device. While the first reference location information can be predefined or preconfigured. By predefining or preconfiguring part of the first information and dynamically indicating part of the first information, the signaling overhead and configuration flexibility can be considered.

[0010] Exemplarily, the configuration information of the PTRS can determine the mapping position of the PTRS in the PUSCH or the PDSCH, or in other words, can determine the resource carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH or the PDSCH.

[0011] For example, the terminal device can send the PUSCH based on the mapping position of the PTRS described above, such as the terminal device mapping the PTRS on the resource carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then sending the PUSCH.

[0012] For another example, the terminal device can receive the PDSCH based on the mapping position of the PTRS described above. As an example, the terminal device can receive the PTRS at the mapping position of the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0013] Exemplarily, the PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For example, a phase noise estimation result can be obtained according to the PTRS received from the PDSCH, and a frequency offset is compensated based on the phase noise estimation result. Demodulating information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset compensation result helps to improve the demodulation performance of data.

[0014] By introducing the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, the network device can divide the coverage area into a plurality of sub-areas, and thus can configure the PTRS for the plurality of sub-areas respectively. Since the frequency offset is different at different positions within the coverage area of the network device, configuring the PTRS for the plurality of sub-areas respectively can realize configuration of the PTRS based on the frequency offset, thus helping to improve the compensation effect of the frequency offset and helping to save the pilot overhead.

[0015] In some embodiments, the determining of the configuration information of the PTRS according to the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold comprises: determining a first distance according to the first reference position information and the position information of the terminal device; and determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0016] Exemplarily, based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold, a size relationship between the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold can be determined. The size relationship between the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold may, for example, include which distance interval of a plurality of distance intervals (determined by the at least one first distance threshold) the first distance belongs to.

[0017] Exemplarily, based on the size relationship between the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of the PTRS of the terminal device can be determined. For example, the plurality of distance intervals can be associated with a plurality of configuration information of the PTRS. In the case where the first distance belongs to a first distance interval of the plurality of distance intervals, the configuration information of the PTRS can be the configuration information of the PTRS corresponding to the first distance interval. Since the plurality of distance intervals are determined based on the at least one first distance threshold, the correspondence between the plurality of distance intervals and the plurality of configuration information of the PTRS can also be referred to as the correspondence between the at least one first distance threshold and the plurality of configuration information of the PTRS.

[0018] As an example, the correspondence between the at least one first distance threshold and the plurality of configuration information of the PTRS can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device.

[0019] In some embodiments, if the first distance is a first value, the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, in the case that the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0020] In other words, the greater the first distance, the more dense the PTRS that can be configured, and the smaller the first distance, the more sparse the PTRS that can be configured. Alternatively, in the case that the first distance takes different values, the PTRS with the same density is configured, that is, the first distance takes values within a certain distance interval, such as a distance interval with small difference, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce the complexity of configuration.

[0021] Taking the first reference position as the subsatellite point as an example, for a terminal device close to the subsatellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the subsatellite area, the frequency offset value is small, and sparse PTRS configuration can be used; for a terminal device far from the subsatellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the edge area of the coverage area, the frequency offset value is large, and dense PTRS configuration can be used.

[0022] Therefore, configuring the PTRS according to the different cases of the first distance described above helps to reduce the pilot overhead while ensuring data demodulation performance.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first reference position information is one of the following: position information of a serving satellite of the terminal device; position information of a center point of a coverage area of a serving network device; position information of a subsatellite point; or position information of a point in a serving cell of the terminal device closest to the subsatellite point (or the serving satellite).

[0024] In other words, the first reference position can be one of the following: the position of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the center point of the coverage area of the serving network device; the subsatellite point; or the point in the serving cell of the terminal device closest to the subsatellite point (or the serving satellite).

[0025] For example, the first reference position can be a position with the smallest frequency offset, such as a position with the smallest frequency offset in the coverage area of the network device, thereby helping to configure the PTRS based on the frequency offset.

[0026] Since the subsatellite point is directly below the satellite, it can be considered that the relative motion speed between the terminal device located at the subsatellite point and the satellite is zero, that is, it can be considered that the frequency offset of the subsatellite point is 0, or the frequency offset of the subsatellite point is the smallest. Therefore, taking the subsatellite point as the first reference position can make the configuration information of the PTRS of the terminal device and the frequency offset of the terminal device more matched. It should be understood that the subsatellite point can be located within the coverage area of the network device or outside the coverage area of the network device.

[0027] Since the terminal device can obtain the position information of the serving satellite, such as determining the position information of the serving satellite through the ephemeris information of the serving satellite, taking the position of the serving satellite of the terminal device as the first reference position, the network device does not need to issue the information of the first reference position, which helps to reduce the signaling overhead.

[0028] Since the terminal device will usually obtain the related information of the serving cell when accessing the cell, taking the center point of the coverage area of the serving network device as the first reference position, the terminal device does not need to increase new signaling to obtain the information of the first reference position, which helps to reduce the signaling overhead. For example, when the serving satellite is located above its coverage area, such as directly above the coverage area, the first reference position can be the center point of the coverage area of the serving satellite. The serving satellite is located above its coverage area, that is, the projection of the serving satellite on the ground is located in its coverage area; the serving satellite is located directly above its coverage area, that is, the projection of the serving satellite on the ground is located at the center point of its coverage area.

[0029] As an example, for a single-satellite multi-cell scenario, that is, a scenario in which a single satellite provides services for multiple cells, multiple cells served by the satellite can be configured with a first reference position respectively, thereby helping to realize PTRS configuration with a cell as a granularity. Here, the PTRS configuration with a cell as a granularity can be understood as: independently configuring PTRS for each cell, such as configuring different first reference positions for each cell. For the terminal device, taking the point in the service cell of the terminal device closest to the subsatellite point, or taking the point in the service cell of the terminal device closest to the serving satellite as the first reference position, helps to reasonably configure the PTRS based on the frequency offset.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one modulation coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the method further includes: determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS adopted by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0031] Exemplarily, the MCS can include modulation mode, code rate, and the like. Generally, different MCSs have different demodulation thresholds and different robustness to frequency offset. The constellation rotation caused by the frequency offset affects the demodulation performance, and therefore, determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS helps to improve the demodulation performance.

[0032] Exemplarily, the configuration information of the PTRS can be determined in combination with the coverage area and the MCS, which expands the dimensions considered for configuring the PTRS and helps to further improve the demodulation performance.

[0033] That is, the first information can include the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and the at least one MCS threshold. That is, the configuration information of the PTRS is determined based on the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0034] By introducing the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and the at least one MCS threshold, the embodiments of the present application can configure the PTRS according to the coverage area and the MCS. Specifically, in a high frequency offset scenario, the embodiments of the present application can configure a high-density PTRS pilot, thereby improving the data demodulation performance; and in a low frequency offset scenario, the embodiments of the present application can configure a low-density PTRS pilot, thereby reducing the pilot overhead. Meanwhile, a low MCS has a low demodulation threshold and high robustness to frequency offset, and therefore, a sparse PTRS can be configured to save the pilot overhead; and a high MCS has a high demodulation threshold, and therefore, a dense PTRS can be configured to correct the constellation rotation caused by the frequency offset, thereby improving the data demodulation performance.

[0035] In some embodiments, if the MCS adopted by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, the configuration information of the PTRS is third configuration information; if the MCS adopted by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, the configuration information of the PTRS is fourth configuration information; and in the case where the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0036] In other words, the greater the MCS, the more dense the PTRS that can be configured, and the smaller the MCS, the sparser the PTRS that can be configured. Alternatively, in the case where the MCS has different values, the PTRS with the same density can be configured, that is, if the values of the MCS are within a certain value range, such as a value range with small value difference, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce the complexity of the configuration.

[0037] After determining the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group, the specific position of the PTRS within one DFT-s-OFDM symbol can be determined according to a predefined rule.

[0038] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups, and the positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0039] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first mapping rule can be predefined, preconfigured or indicated by the network device, such as the network device indicating the first mapping rule through the first information.

[0040] Exemplarily, the first mapping rule can reuse the PTRS mapping rule in related technologies, so as to reduce the degree of modification of the protocol and reduce the complexity.

[0041] Exemplarily, the first mapping rule can be newly defined to match the system requirements.

[0042] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spreading OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups.

[0043] That is, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the configuration information of the PTRS, such as the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups, can be determined based on the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0044] If the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the frequency domain density of the PTRS can be determined based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold. It should be understood that in this case, the time domain density of the PTRS can be multiplexed in a manner in the related art, and the present application does not limit this.

[0045] For the case of the OFDM waveform, since the determination method of the time domain density of the PTRS takes the MCS into account, the MCS can not be considered when determining the frequency domain density of the PTRS, so as to reduce the complexity of processing.

[0046] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which can be applied to a network side, for example, a network device or a communication module in the network device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions in the network device. Taking the case that the method is applied to the network device, in the method: first information is sent, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; configuration information of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is determined according to the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold; a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is sent based on the configuration information of the PTRS; or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is received based on the configuration information of the PTRS.

[0047] Exemplarily, the communication method can be applied to an NTN scenario. In other words, the network device can be a non-terrestrial network device. Part or all of the network device can be deployed on a satellite, a flight platform, a hot air balloon, an airplane, and a drone system, that is, the satellite, the flight platform, the hot air balloon, the airplane, and the drone system can implement part or all of the functions of the network device.

[0048] Optionally, the network device can be a service network device of a terminal device.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present application, the network device can dynamically indicate the first information, thereby helping to improve the flexibility of the system. On the other hand, the network device can issue different first information according to the communication scenario, the communication quality, and the like, thereby helping to improve the performance of the system.

[0050] Exemplarily, based on the configuration information of the PTRS, the mapping position of the PTRS in the PUSCH or the PDSCH can be determined, or in other words, the resource carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH or the PDSCH can be determined.

[0051] For example, the network device can receive the PUSCH based on the mapping position of the PTRS. As an example, the network device can receive the PTRS in the PUSCH at the mapping position of the PTRS, and then demodulate the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0052] For another example, the network device can transmit the PDSCH based on the mapping position of the PTRS. For example, the network device can map the PTRS on the resource carrying the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then transmit the PDSCH.

[0053] For example, the PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For example, the phase noise estimation result can be obtained according to the PTRS received from the PUSCH, and then the frequency offset can be compensated based on the phase noise estimation result. Demodulating the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset compensation result can help improve the demodulation performance of the data.

[0054] By introducing the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, the network device can divide the coverage area into multiple sub-areas, and then configure the PTRS for the multiple sub-areas respectively. Since the frequency offset is different at different positions in the coverage area of the network device, configuring the PTRS for the multiple sub-areas respectively can realize the configuration of the PTRS based on the frequency offset, which can help improve the compensation effect of the frequency offset and save the pilot overhead.

[0055] In some embodiments, the determining the configuration information of the PTRS according to the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold comprises: determining a first distance according to the first reference position information and the position information of the terminal device; and determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0056] For example, based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold, the size relationship between the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold can be determined. For example, the size relationship between the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold can include which distance interval the first distance belongs to among multiple distance intervals (determined by the at least one first distance threshold).

[0057] For example, the PTRS configuration information of the terminal device can be determined based on the relationship between a first distance and at least one first distance threshold. For instance, the aforementioned multiple distance intervals can be associated with various PTRS configuration information. When the first distance belongs to a first distance interval among the aforementioned distance intervals, the PTRS configuration information can be the configuration information of the PTRS corresponding to the first distance interval. Considering that the aforementioned multiple distance intervals are determined based on at least one first distance threshold, the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple distance intervals and the configuration information of various PTRS can also be referred to as the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and the configuration information of various PTRS.

[0058] As an example, the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and various PTRS configuration information can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device.

[0059] In some embodiments, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0060] In other words, a larger first distance allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller first distance allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, with different first distance values, PTRS with the same density can be configured. That is, if the first distance value is within a certain distance range, such as a distance range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0061] Taking the first reference position as the sub-satellite point as an example, for terminal devices close to the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the sub-satellite area, the frequency offset value is relatively small, and a sparse PTRS configuration can be used; for terminal devices far from the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the edge area of ​​the coverage area, the frequency offset value is relatively large, and a dense PTRS configuration can be used.

[0062] Therefore, configuring PTRS according to the different situations of the first distance mentioned above helps to reduce pilot overhead while ensuring data demodulation performance.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first reference location information is one of the following: location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; location information of the sub-satellite point; or location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0064] Alternatively, the first reference location can be one of the following: the location of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the sub-satellite point; or the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0065] For example, the first reference location can be the location with the smallest frequency offset, such as the location with the smallest frequency offset within the coverage area of ​​the network device, which helps to configure PTRS reasonably based on frequency offset.

[0066] Since the nadir point is directly below the satellite, the relative velocity between the terminal device located at the nadir point and the satellite can be considered zero. This means the frequency offset of the nadir point can be considered zero, or at its minimum. Therefore, using the nadir point as the primary reference position allows for a better match between the terminal device's PTRS configuration information and its frequency offset. It should be understood that the nadir point can be located within or outside the network device's coverage area.

[0067] Since terminal devices can obtain the location information of the serving satellite, such as by determining the location information of the serving satellite through its ephemeris information, the location of the serving satellite of the terminal device can be used as the first reference location. This eliminates the need for network devices to send the first reference location information, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0068] Since terminal devices typically obtain information about the serving cell when accessing it, using the center point of the serving network device's coverage area as the first reference position eliminates the need for additional signaling to obtain this information, thus reducing signaling overhead. For example, when the serving satellite is located above its coverage area, such as directly above it, the first reference position can be the center point of the serving satellite's coverage area. "The serving satellite is above its coverage area" means that the satellite's projection on the ground lies within its coverage area; "The serving satellite is directly above its coverage area" means that the satellite's projection on the ground lies at the center point of its coverage area.

[0069] As an example, in a single-satellite, multi-cell scenario—where a single satellite simultaneously provides services to multiple cells—a first reference position can be configured for each of the cells served by that satellite. This facilitates cell-level PTRS configuration. Cell-level PTRS configuration can be understood as configuring PTRS independently for each cell, such as configuring a different first reference position for each cell. For terminal devices, using the point closest to the sub-satellite point within the serving cell, or the point closest to the serving satellite within the serving cell, as the first reference position helps in rationally configuring PTRS based on frequency offset.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the method further includes: determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0071] For example, the MCS may include information such as modulation scheme and code rate. Typically, different MCSs have different demodulation thresholds and varying robustness to frequency offset. Since the constellation rotation caused by frequency offset affects demodulation performance, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the MCS helps improve demodulation performance.

[0072] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined by combining the coverage area and MCS, which expands the dimensions to be considered when configuring PTRS and helps to further improve demodulation performance.

[0073] In other words, the first information may include first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. That is, the configuration information of PTRS is determined based on the first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold.

[0074] This application embodiment introduces a first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold to configure PTRS according to the coverage area and MCS. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency offset scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency offset scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead. Simultaneously, low MCS has a low demodulation threshold and high robustness to frequency offset, allowing for sparse PTRS configuration to save pilot overhead; while high MCS has a high demodulation threshold, allowing for dense PTRS configuration to correct constellation rotation caused by frequency offset, thereby improving data demodulation performance.

[0075] In some embodiments, if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is third configuration information; if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is fourth configuration information; wherein, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0076] In other words, a larger MCS allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller MCS allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, PTRS with the same density can be configured even when MCS values ​​differ. That is, if the MCS values ​​are within a certain range, such as a range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0077] After determining the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group, the specific location of the PTRS within a DFT-s-OFDM symbol can be determined according to predefined rules.

[0078] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0079] For example, the first mapping rule mentioned above may be predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the network device, such as the network device indicating the first mapping rule through the first information.

[0080] For example, the first mapping rule can reuse the PTRS mapping rule in related technologies to reduce the degree of modification to the protocol and reduce complexity.

[0081] For example, the first mapping rule can be newly defined to match system requirements.

[0082] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0083] In other words, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS, such as the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group, can be determined based on the first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold and at least one MCS threshold.

[0084] If the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the frequency domain density of PTRS can be determined based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold. It should be understood that in this case, the time domain density of PTRS can reuse methods in related technologies for ease of implementation, and this application does not limit this.

[0085] For OFDM waveforms, since the method for determining the time-domain density of PTRS takes into account the MCS, the MCS can be disregarded when determining the frequency-domain density of PTRS to reduce processing complexity.

[0086] As one possible implementation, terminal devices and network devices can determine PTRS configuration information based on the same rules (i.e., the method described above) to reduce signaling overhead. As another possible implementation, the network device can determine the PTRS configuration information and then distribute it to the terminal device (i.e., the scheme described below), which helps reduce the processing overhead of the terminal device.

[0087] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip in the terminal responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core). Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, in this method: receiving configuration information of PTRS, the configuration information of PTRS being determined based on first information, the first information including first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold; receiving a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) based on the configuration information of PTRS; or sending a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) based on the configuration information of PTRS.

[0088] For example, this communication method can be applied to NTN scenarios as well as other communication scenarios.

[0089] For example, the configuration information based on PTRS can determine the mapping location of PTRS in PUSCH or PDSCH, or in other words, it can determine the resources in PUSCH or PDSCH that carry PTRS.

[0090] For example, a terminal device can send a PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, the terminal device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then send the PUSCH.

[0091] For example, a terminal device can receive a PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. As an example, a terminal device can receive PTRS at the mapping location of PTRS in the PDSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0092] For example, PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For instance, phase noise estimation results can be obtained from the PTRS received from the PDSCH, and frequency offset compensation can be performed based on these phase noise estimation results. Demodulating the information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset compensation results helps improve the demodulation performance of the data.

[0093] This application embodiment, by introducing first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold, can divide the coverage area of ​​a network device into multiple sub-regions, thereby enabling the configuration of PTRS for each sub-region. Since the frequency offset varies at different locations within the network device's coverage area, configuring PTRS for each of the aforementioned sub-regions allows for frequency offset-based PTRS configuration, which helps improve the frequency offset compensation effect and simultaneously saves pilot overhead.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold.

[0095] For example, the MCS may include information such as modulation scheme and code rate. Typically, different MCSs have different demodulation thresholds and varying robustness to frequency offset. Since the constellation rotation caused by frequency offset affects demodulation performance, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the MCS helps improve demodulation performance.

[0096] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0097] In other words, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS, such as the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group, can be determined based on the first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold and at least one MCS threshold.

[0098] If the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the frequency domain density of PTRS can be determined based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold. It should be understood that in this case, the time domain density of PTRS can reuse methods in related technologies for ease of implementation, and this application does not limit this.

[0099] For OFDM waveforms, since the method for determining the time-domain density of PTRS takes into account the MCS, the MCS can be disregarded when determining the frequency-domain density of PTRS to reduce processing complexity.

[0100] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within a network device. Taking the application of this method to a network device as an example, in this method: first information is obtained, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; configuration information of a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS) is determined based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold; the configuration information of the PTRS is transmitted; a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is received based on the configuration information of the PTRS; or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is transmitted based on the configuration information of the PTRS.

[0101] For example, this communication method can be applied to NTN scenarios. In other words, the network device can be a non-terrestrial network device. Specifically, some or all of the network device can be deployed on satellites, flight platforms, hot air balloons, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, meaning that satellites, flight platforms, hot air balloons, aircraft, and UAV systems can implement some or all of the functions of the network device.

[0102] Alternatively, the network device can be a service network device for the terminal device.

[0103] For example, the network device may obtain the first information internally. For example, the first information may be predefined (e.g., protocol-predefined) or preconfigured. In this case, the first information may be pre-stored in the network device, such as in a storage unit within the network device.

[0104] For example, the configuration information based on PTRS can determine the mapping location of PTRS in PUSCH or PDSCH, or in other words, it can determine the resources in PUSCH or PDSCH that carry PTRS.

[0105] For example, a network device can receive a PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. As an example, a network device can receive PTRS at the mapping location of PTRS in the PUSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0106] For example, network devices can send PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, a network device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PDSCH and then send the PDSCH.

[0107] In some embodiments, PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For example, phase noise estimation results can be obtained from the PTRS received from the PUSCH, and frequency offset can be compensated based on the phase noise estimation results. Demodulating the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset compensation results helps to improve the demodulation performance of the data.

[0108] This application embodiment, by introducing first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold, can divide the coverage area of ​​a network device into multiple sub-regions, thereby enabling the configuration of PTRS for each sub-region. Since the frequency offset varies at different locations within the network device's coverage area, configuring PTRS for each of the aforementioned sub-regions allows for frequency offset-based PTRS configuration, which helps improve the frequency offset compensation effect and simultaneously saves pilot overhead.

[0109] In some embodiments, determining the configuration information of PTRS based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: determining a first distance based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; and determining the configuration information of PTRS based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0110] For example, the magnitude relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold can be determined based on the first distance and at least one first distance threshold. The magnitude relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold may include, for example, which distance interval (determined by at least one first distance threshold) the first distance belongs to.

[0111] For example, the PTRS configuration information of the terminal device can be determined based on the relationship between a first distance and at least one first distance threshold. For instance, the aforementioned multiple distance intervals can be associated with various PTRS configuration information. When the first distance belongs to a first distance interval among the aforementioned distance intervals, the PTRS configuration information can be the configuration information of the PTRS corresponding to the first distance interval. Considering that the aforementioned multiple distance intervals are determined based on at least one first distance threshold, the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple distance intervals and the configuration information of various PTRS can also be referred to as the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and the configuration information of various PTRS.

[0112] As an example, the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and various PTRS configuration information can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device.

[0113] In some embodiments, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0114] In other words, a larger first distance allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller first distance allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, with different first distance values, PTRS with the same density can be configured. That is, if the first distance value is within a certain distance range, such as a distance range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0115] Taking the first reference position as the sub-satellite point as an example, for terminal devices close to the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the sub-satellite area, the frequency offset value is relatively small, and a sparse PTRS configuration can be used; for terminal devices far from the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the edge area of ​​the coverage area, the frequency offset value is relatively large, and a dense PTRS configuration can be used.

[0116] Therefore, configuring PTRS according to the different situations of the first distance mentioned above helps to reduce pilot overhead while ensuring data demodulation performance.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first reference location information is one of the following: location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; location information of the sub-satellite point; or location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point.

[0118] Alternatively, the first reference location can be one of the following: the location of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the sub-satellite point; or the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0119] For example, the first reference location can be the location with the smallest frequency offset within the coverage area of ​​the network device. Using the point with the smallest frequency offset within the coverage area of ​​the network device as the first reference location helps to rationally configure PTRS based on frequency offset.

[0120] Since the nadir point is directly below the satellite, the relative velocity between the terminal device located at the nadir point and the satellite can be considered zero. This means the frequency offset of the nadir point can be considered zero, or at its minimum. Therefore, using the nadir point as the primary reference position allows for a better match between the terminal device's PTRS configuration information and its frequency offset. It should be understood that the nadir point can be located within or outside the network device's coverage area.

[0121] Since terminal devices can obtain the location information of the serving satellite, such as by determining the location information of the serving satellite through its ephemeris information, the location of the serving satellite of the terminal device can be used as the first reference location. This eliminates the need for network devices to send the first reference location information, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

[0122] Since terminal devices typically obtain information about the serving cell when accessing it, using the center point of the serving network device's coverage area as the first reference position eliminates the need for additional signaling to obtain this information, thus reducing signaling overhead. For example, when the serving satellite is located above its coverage area, such as directly above it, the first reference position can be the center point of the serving satellite's coverage area. "The serving satellite is above its coverage area" means that the satellite's projection on the ground lies within its coverage area; "The serving satellite is directly above its coverage area" means that the satellite's projection on the ground lies at the center point of its coverage area.

[0123] As an example, in a single-satellite, multi-cell scenario—where a single satellite simultaneously provides services to multiple cells—a first reference position can be configured for each of the cells served by that satellite. This facilitates cell-level PTRS configuration. Cell-level PTRS configuration can be understood as configuring PTRS independently for each cell, such as configuring a different first reference position for each cell. For terminal devices, using the point closest to the sub-satellite point within the serving cell, or the point closest to the serving satellite within the serving cell, as the first reference position helps in rationally configuring PTRS based on frequency offset.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the method further includes: determining the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0125] For example, the MCS may include information such as modulation scheme and code rate. Typically, different MCSs have different demodulation thresholds and varying robustness to frequency offset. Since the constellation rotation caused by frequency offset affects demodulation performance, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the MCS helps improve demodulation performance.

[0126] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined by combining the coverage area and MCS, which expands the dimensions to be considered when configuring PTRS and helps to further improve demodulation performance.

[0127] In other words, the first information may include first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. That is, the configuration information of PTRS is determined based on the first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold.

[0128] This application embodiment introduces a first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold to configure PTRS according to the coverage area and MCS. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency offset scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency offset scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead. Simultaneously, low MCS has a low demodulation threshold and high robustness to frequency offset, allowing for sparse PTRS configuration to save pilot overhead; while high MCS has a high demodulation threshold, allowing for dense PTRS configuration to correct constellation rotation caused by frequency offset, thereby improving data demodulation performance.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is third configuration information; if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is fourth configuration information; wherein, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0130] In other words, a larger MCS allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller MCS allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, PTRS with the same density can be configured even when MCS values ​​differ. That is, if the MCS values ​​are within a certain range, such as a range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0131] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0132] For example, the first mapping rule mentioned above may be predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the network device, such as the network device indicating the first mapping rule through the first information.

[0133] For example, the first mapping rule can reuse the PTRS mapping rule in related technologies to reduce the degree of modification to the protocol and reduce complexity.

[0134] For example, the first mapping rule can be newly defined to match system requirements.

[0135] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0136] In other words, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS, such as the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group, can be determined based on the first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold and at least one MCS threshold.

[0137] If the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the frequency domain density of PTRS can be determined based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold. It should be understood that in this case, the time domain density of PTRS can reuse methods in related technologies for ease of implementation, and this application does not limit this.

[0138] For OFDM waveforms, since the method for determining the time-domain density of PTRS takes into account the MCS, the MCS can be disregarded when determining the frequency-domain density of PTRS to reduce processing complexity.

[0139] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functions of implementing the first or third aspect described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the first or third aspect described above. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0140] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device including a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the first or third aspect described above. The one or more processors can execute the computer programs or instructions, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first or third aspect described above.

[0141] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0142] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0143] The aforementioned communication device may be a terminal, a communication module in a terminal, or a chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem chip module.

[0144] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functions to implement the second or fourth aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second or fourth aspects described above. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0145] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the communication device including a memory and one or more processors. The memory is used to store part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary for implementing the functions involved in the second or fourth aspect described above. The one or more processors are capable of executing the computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, they cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0146] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0147] In one possible design, the communication device may also include the memory.

[0148] The aforementioned communication device may be a network device, a communication module in a network device, or a chip in a network device responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip (also known as a baseband chip) or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem chip module.

[0149] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to perform the methods of the first or third aspect above, or to perform the methods of the second or fourth aspect above.

[0150] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed, performs the methods of the first or third aspect above, or performs the methods of the second or fourth aspect above.

[0151] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, the chip including: a processor, configured to call and run a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device equipped with the chip to perform the methods of the first or third aspect above, or to perform the methods of the second or fourth aspect above.

[0152] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system that includes the communication devices described in the fifth or sixth aspect above, and / or the communication devices described in the seventh or eighth aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0153] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0154] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the PTRS mapping position in DFT-s-OFDM symbols under different PTRS configurations;

[0155] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of the NTN architecture including transparent transmission mode satellites;

[0156] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture that includes regenerable mode satellites;

[0157] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of another NTN architecture that includes regenerable mode satellites;

[0158] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of satellite coverage;

[0159] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0160] Figure 6 is an example diagram of a first reference position provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0161] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0162] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a PUSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0163] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a PDSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0164] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another PUSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0165] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another PDSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0166] Figure 12 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application;

[0167] Figure 13 is another possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0168] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0169] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. Additionally, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or the order of execution, and that the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0170] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0171] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require any judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0172] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0173] In this application embodiment, "sending information to...(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, and may include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from...(terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and may include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0174] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0175] This application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems or New Radio (NR) systems, satellite communication systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and future communication systems. Exemplarily, this 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 or other communication systems.

[0176] For ease of understanding, the following description uses the communication system 10 shown in Figure 1 as an example to illustrate the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0177] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 used in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (110a and 110b in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 110), and may also include at least one terminal (120a-120j in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 120). The RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices (not shown in Figure 1). The terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to the RAN node 110. Terminals and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. The communication system 10 may also include a core network 200. The RAN node 110 is connected to the core network 200 wirelessly or via wired means. The core network equipment in the core network 200 and the RAN node 110 in the RAN 100 may be independent and different physical devices, or they may be the same physical device that integrates the logical functions of the core network equipment and the logical functions of the RAN node. Communication system 10 may also include Internet 300.

[0178] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0179] RAN node 110 (also known as access network equipment, RAN entity, or access node, etc.) is used to help terminals access the communication system wirelessly. In one possible scenario, the RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. The RAN node can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1, 110a), a micro base station or indoor station (as shown in Figure 1, 110b), a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment, etc. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0180] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). Here, the CU can perform the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and PDCP, as well as the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU can perform the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane (CP) and CU-user plane (UP).

[0181] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). Similarly, a CU-CP can be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP can be called an O-CU-UP, and an RU can be called an O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples in its embodiments.

[0182] All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node may also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node may also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN node functions. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or specific device form used in the RAN node.

[0183] Terminal 120 is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, user device, and terminal device, etc. Terminal 120 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0184] For example, terminal 120 can be an Internet of Things (IoT) device (e.g., a sensor, electricity meter, water meter, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also known as a wearable smart device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home. Wireless terminals in the home, vehicle terminals, vehicles with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capabilities, intelligent connected vehicles, drones with drone-to-drone (UAV-to-UAV, U2U) communication capabilities, etc.

[0185] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, network element 120i in Figure 1 can be a helicopter or a drone, which can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1 can be called communication devices with terminal functions.

[0186] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0187] For example, the core network 200 may include user plane function (UPF) network elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements, charging function (CHF) network elements, location management function (LMF) network elements, application function (AF) network elements, etc.

[0188] NEF (Network Element) elements are used for capability exposure, meaning they expose 3GPP network functions' services and capabilities to AF (Application Controller), and can also provide information to 3GPP network functions through AF. External, untrusted applications can access core network data through NEF elements to ensure network security. NEF elements can provide functions such as external application quality of service (QoS) capability exposure, event subscription, and AF element request distribution.

[0189] PCF network elements are used to provide policies to AMF and SMF network elements, such as QoS policies and slice selection policies.

[0190] SMF network elements can be used to select user plane network elements for terminals, redirect user plane network elements for terminals, assign Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals, establish bearers (also known as sessions) between terminals and UPF network elements, modify and release sessions, and perform QoS control.

[0191] UPF network elements can be used to forward and receive data from terminals. For example, a UPF network element can receive service data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal through access network equipment; a UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal through access network equipment and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources allocated and scheduled by the UPF network element for the terminal are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0192] AMF network elements can be used to manage terminal access to the core network, such as terminal location updates, network registration, access control, terminal mobility management, and terminal attachment and detachment. When providing services for a terminal's session, AMF network elements can also provide control plane storage resources for that session to store session identifiers and the associated SMF network element identifiers.

[0193] The presence of phase noise can cause constellation point rotation or inter-carrier interference, thus affecting data demodulation performance. PTRS has been introduced in related technologies to address these issues.

[0194] The following section introduces the configuration methods of PTRS in related technologies for both OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM modulation waveforms.

[0195] For PTRS of OFDM waveforms, pilot configuration is typically performed in two dimensions: time-domain density and frequency-domain density. Specifically, the time-domain density can be configured based on the MCS (Mechanical Control System), such as 1 / 2 / 4 symbols per segment. This configuration is determined by higher-layer configuration parameters and downlink control information (DCI), and generally defaults to 1, meaning a default configuration of 1 symbol per segment. Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between scheduling MCS and time-domain density.

[0196] Table 1

[0197] See Table 1, I MCS For the scheduled MCS, ptrs-MCS1 to ptrs-MCS4 are multiple MCS thresholds.

[0198] The frequency domain density of PTRS can be configured based on bandwidth, such as every 2 / 4 resource blocks (RBs). This configuration can be determined by higher-layer parameters and DCI, and is generally set to 2 by default, i.e., every 2 RBs. Table 2 shows an example of the relationship between scheduling bandwidth and frequency domain density.

[0199] Table 2

[0200] See Table 2, N RB For the bandwidth of the scheduling, N RB0 and N RB1 This is the scheduling bandwidth threshold.

[0201] For DFT-s-OFDM waveforms, PTRS is typically mapped onto scheduling resources in the form of sample groups. The PTRS pattern for DFT-s-OFDM is determined by the scheduling bandwidth. Table 3 shows an example of the relationship between scheduling bandwidth and the PTRS pattern.

[0202] Table 3

[0203] See Table 3, N RB To schedule bandwidth, N RBi (i = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) represents the threshold values ​​configured by the base station for the terminal device via higher-layer signaling. During subsequent data transmission, both the base station and the terminal device determine the specific PTRS pattern parameters in the current data transmission based on the current scheduling bandwidth allocated to the terminal device by the base station and Table 3, such as the configured scheduling bandwidth N. RB Satisfying condition N RB2 ≤N RB <N RB3 If so, the transceiver can determine from Table 3 that the number of PTRS groups in the PTRS pattern is 4, and the number of PTRS sampling points within each PTRS group is 2.

[0204] The higher-layer signaling for PTRS uplink configuration information is shown in the code below. The sampling density (sampleDensity), which is the threshold value configured by the base station for the terminal device, ranges from 1 to 276.

[0205] Furthermore, after determining the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of samples included in each PTRS sample group, the transceiver can determine the specific location of the PTRS within a DFT-s-OFDM symbol based on certain mapping rules. Table 4 shows an example of PTRS symbol mapping.

[0206] Table 4

[0207] See Table 4. Indicates the number of PTRS groups. This indicates the number of sampling points in each PTRS group. This indicates the number of resource elements (REs) or subcarriers included in the scheduling bandwidth. Table 4 shows... and These represent rounding down and rounding up, respectively.

[0208] The method for determining the specific location of PTRS within a DFT-s-OFDM symbol based on Table 4 is as follows. First, the number of all quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbols contained in a DFT-s-OFDM (shown in Table 4) is calculated. Divided into equal parts (PTRS group number) gaps. Secondly, if If (number of sampling points within a PTRS group) = 2, then a PTRS group is mapped to the middle of each gap; if The first PTRS group is mapped to the head of the first gap, the last PTRS group is mapped to the tail of the last gap, and the other PTRS groups are mapped to the middle of the gap.

[0209] Figure 2 illustrates the mapping positions of PTRS in DFT-s-OFDM symbols under different PTRS configurations. Each row corresponds to a PTRS configuration as follows: Taking the last line as an example, PTRS is configured as follows: The corresponding PTRS pattern positions are as follows: the PTRS groups on both sides are deployed at the beginning / end of the gap, and the remaining PTRS are deployed in the middle of each gap.

[0210] The following describes another communication system (NTN) to which the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0211] NTN refers to a network that provides communication services using radio frequency resources on platforms such as satellites (including geostationary earth orbit (GEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and low earth orbit (LEO), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or high-altitude communication platforms. Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G), NTN networks offer wider coverage, higher path loss, greater latency, faster speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTN can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas with scarce communication infrastructure. For example, by deploying a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit, seamless ground coverage can be achieved through reasonable constellation construction, and the round-trip latency of data between satellites and ground terminals is greatly reduced. Even compared to geostationary orbit satellites, deploying satellites in low Earth orbit results in lower data round-trip latency, reaching the tens of milliseconds level.

[0212] With the use of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse, satellite communication capabilities have been significantly improved while reducing unit broadband costs, thus meeting the demands of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G networks and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN also has a significant cost advantage. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. In addition to global coverage (such as in remote areas and on ocean-going vessels), NTN can also be used in emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes), thus attracting widespread attention from industry and academia.

[0213] Because satellites are less susceptible to natural disasters or external damage, research is currently underway to use them as access network equipment (such as base stations) in mobile communication systems to provide communication services to areas such as oceans and forests. Unlike terrestrial base stations, satellites move at higher speeds relative to the ground and travel much farther, resulting in greater signal path loss when used as base stations. Current communication mechanisms designed for communication between terminal devices and terrestrial base stations cannot be directly applied to communication between terminal devices and satellite base stations.

[0214] Based on their operating modes, satellites can generally be divided into two main categories: transparent mode and regenerative mode. These two modes will be described in detail below.

[0215] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture including a satellite in pass-through mode. In pass-through mode, the satellite only acts as a frequency conversion relay, essentially functioning as an analog radio frequency repeater. Specifically, the satellite can replicate the NR Uu radio interface signal from the feed link (between the NTN gateway and the satellite) to the service link (between the satellite and the terminal equipment), and vice versa. The satellite radio interface on the feed link transmits the NR-Uu interface signal; that is, the satellite does not terminate the NR Uu interface signal but replicates it. The NTN gateway supports all the necessary functions for forwarding the NR-Uu interface signal. Different transmission satellites can connect to the same ground base station, such as a gNB. Optionally, the gateway can also be integrated with the base station.

[0216] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture including a satellite in regeneration mode. In regeneration mode, the satellite has some or all of the functions of a base station, such as including gNB equipment or DU on the satellite. In this architecture, the satellite acts as a base station to regenerate signals received from the ground, that is, transmitting NR-Uu radio interface signals on the service link between the terminal equipment and the satellite, and transmitting satellite radio interface signals on the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The NG interface between the satellite and the gateway is carried on the satellite radio interface (SRI). The NG interface signal is transmitted to the NTN gateway through the SRI interface, and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the core network equipment on the ground.

[0217] Figure 3B shows the NTN architecture with all base station functions on the satellite. If the satellite only has DU functions, then the NTN architecture also includes a ground CU unit, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0218] Compared to terrestrial communication systems, a single satellite has a wider coverage area and a longer transmission distance. Providing services to terminal devices through wide coverage is a significant feature of satellite communication systems.

[0219] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of satellite coverage. Satellites provide services to terminal devices within their coverage area via beams 0 to N. Coverage area refers to the projection range of the beam onto the Earth's surface. The beam is the main lobe of the antenna array diagram. At the base station, by adjusting the antenna weights, the beam transmitted by the base station can point in different directions, resulting in different coverage areas. As the satellite moves and the weights are adjusted, the coverage area changes. To achieve wider coverage, more scanning beams are typically required.

[0220] The relative motion between terminal devices and network devices causes frequency changes, known as frequency offset. This is more pronounced in NTN scenarios. For example, at an orbital altitude of 600km, the frequency offset at the nadir point is 0 kHz, while the frequency offset at the edge points can reach as high as 40 kHz. Frequency offset can affect signal demodulation performance. Again using the NTN scenario as an example, the frequency offset caused by high-speed movement will cause the modulation constellation to rotate, thereby reducing signal demodulation performance, and data demodulation performance will affect the overall network capacity.

[0221] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method that uses PTRS to compensate for frequency offset, thereby improving signal demodulation performance and ultimately enhancing system capacity.

[0222] One possible implementation is the PTRS configuration method mentioned in related technologies. This method primarily configures PTRS based on bandwidth; for example, the larger the scheduling bandwidth, the denser the PTRS configuration, and the smaller the scheduling bandwidth, the sparser the PTRS configuration. However, frequency offset caused by the relative motion between terminal devices and network devices is not affected by bandwidth. Therefore, the effect of determining PTRS configuration information based on this method on frequency offset compensation is limited.

[0223] As another possible implementation, a high-density PTRS can be configured to improve the frequency offset compensation effect. However, the denser the PTRS, the greater the pilot overhead will be, which will seriously affect the communication capacity.

[0224] This application embodiment, by introducing first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold, can divide the coverage area of ​​a network device into multiple sub-regions, thereby enabling the configuration of PTRS for each sub-region. Since the frequency offset varies at different locations within the network device's coverage area, configuring PTRS for each of the aforementioned sub-regions allows for frequency offset-based PTRS configuration, which helps improve the frequency offset compensation effect and simultaneously saves pilot overhead.

[0225] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 5 can involve the interaction between a terminal device and a network device. For example, the method shown in Figure 5 can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. Similarly, the method shown in Figure 5 can be applied to the network side, such as a network device or a communication module within a network device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the network device.

[0226] The method provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described from the perspective of the interaction between terminal devices and network devices.

[0227] In some embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 can be applied to terrestrial communication scenarios. In other embodiments, the method shown in FIG5 can be applied to NTN scenarios. For example, the network device can be a network device deployed on satellites, flight platforms, hot air balloons, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems, or some functions of the network device can be deployed on satellites, flight platforms, hot air balloons, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

[0228] The method shown in Figure 5 may include steps S510 to S530.

[0229] S510, the terminal device obtains the first information.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first information can be used to determine the configuration information of the PTRS. For example, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the number of PTRS sample groups (also referred to as PTRS sets), the number of PTRS sampling points included in a PTRS sample group, or the configuration information of the PTRS may include the PTRS density. The PTRS density mentioned herein may include the time-domain density and the frequency-domain density of the PTRS, or the PTRS density may include the frequency-domain density of the PTRS.

[0231] For example, when the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS can include the PTRS density; when the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, PTRS can be mapped onto PUSCH or PDSCH in the form of sample groups. Therefore, the configuration information of PTRS can include the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample groups.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first information may be related to the coverage area of ​​the network device. That is, PTRS can be configured based on the coverage area of ​​the network device. For the terminal device, the coverage area of ​​the network device is the coverage area of ​​the serving network device of the terminal device.

[0233] Since the frequency offset between terminal devices and network devices may differ at different locations within the coverage area, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the coverage area allows for the configuration of different PTRS based on different frequency offsets, which helps improve the frequency offset compensation effect and thus improve demodulation performance.

[0234] For example, the first information may include first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold. The first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold can be used to divide the coverage area of ​​the network device into multiple sub-regions. In other words, the first information can indicate multiple regions within the coverage area of ​​the network device through the first reference location and the first distance threshold. This scheme provides support for partitioned configuration of PTRS within the coverage area.

[0235] In some embodiments, step S510 can be replaced by: the terminal device receiving first information, and correspondingly, the network device sending the first information. That is, the terminal device can obtain the first information from the network device. In this way, the network device can dynamically indicate the first information, thereby helping to improve system flexibility. On the other hand, the network device can send different first information based on communication scenarios, communication quality, and other information, thereby helping to improve system performance.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain the first information internally. Exemplarily, the first information may be predefined (e.g., protocol-predefined) or preconfigured. In this case, the first information may be pre-stored in the terminal device, such as in a storage unit within the terminal device. Therefore, obtaining the first information may include the terminal device or its processing unit retrieving the first information from the storage unit. It should be understood that in some cases, the storage unit for storing the first information may also be deployed externally to the terminal device; this application does not limit this. This approach, by pre-storing the first information in the terminal device, can reduce the signaling overhead between the terminal device and network devices.

[0237] In some embodiments, a portion of the information in the first information may be indicated by a network device, and the portion of the information in the first information may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0238] For example, the terminal device can receive first reference location information from the network device, and correspondingly, the network device can send the first reference location information to the terminal device. At least one first distance threshold is predefined or preconfigured.

[0239] For example, the terminal device can receive at least one first distance threshold from the network device, and correspondingly, the network device can send at least one first distance threshold to the terminal device. The first reference location information can be predefined or preconfigured.

[0240] By predefining or preconfiguring some first information, and dynamically indicating some first information, it is helpful to balance signaling overhead and configuration flexibility.

[0241] The first reference position information and at least one distance threshold will be described in detail below, and will not be repeated here.

[0242] S520, based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold, determines the configuration information of the PTRS.

[0243] In some embodiments, the distance between the terminal device and the first reference location can be determined based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device, i.e., the first distance (which can be denoted as D). UE Furthermore, based on the first distance and at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined.

[0244] For example, the first distance threshold may include D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. That is, at least one first distance threshold may include six distance thresholds. It should be understood that the number of the first distance thresholds given above is only illustrative, and the number of the first distance thresholds may also be other values, which are not limited in this application.

[0245] Multiple distance intervals can be determined based on at least one first distance threshold. Taking the values ​​of D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 increasing sequentially as an example, the following distance intervals can be determined based on D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5: [0,D0), [D0,D1), [D1,D2), [D2,D3), [D3,D4), [D4,D5]. It should be understood that the distance intervals determined based on D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 can also be: (0,D0], (D0,D1], (D1,D2], (D2,D3], (D3,D4], (D4,D5], and this application does not limit this.

[0246] It should be understood that the number of distance intervals mentioned above is given only as an example. For example, the number of distance intervals determined based on at least one first distance threshold is related to the number of first distance thresholds, and this application does not limit this.

[0247] For example, based on a first distance and at least one first distance threshold, the magnitude relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold can be determined. The magnitude relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold can, for example, include which distance interval the first distance belongs to among the aforementioned distance intervals.

[0248] For example, the PTRS configuration information of the terminal device can be determined based on the relationship between a first distance and at least one first distance threshold. As an example, the aforementioned multiple distance intervals can be associated with various PTRS configuration information. When the first distance belongs to a first distance interval among the aforementioned distance intervals, the PTRS configuration information can be the configuration information of the PTRS corresponding to the first distance interval. Considering that the aforementioned multiple distance intervals are determined based on at least one first distance threshold, the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple distance intervals and the various PTRS configuration information can also be referred to as the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and the various PTRS configuration information.

[0249] As an example, the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple distance intervals and the configuration information of various PTRS systems (i.e., Tables 5, 6, and 7 mentioned below) can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device. Considering that transmitting the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple distance intervals and the configuration information of various PTRS systems requires significant resources, preconfiguring or predefining this correspondence helps reduce resource overhead. Considering the flexibility of distance interval configuration, the correspondence between distance intervals and the configuration information of various PTRS systems can be predefined or preconfigured, dynamically indicating the value of at least one first distance threshold, thereby helping to balance configuration flexibility and resource overhead.

[0250] Table 5 is an example of the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and configuration information of multiple PTRSs. Among them, the configuration information of the PTRS includes the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample group.

[0251] Table 5

[0252] Referring to Table 5, it can be seen that the configuration information of the PTRS, or rather, the PTRS group pattern, is a function of distance. Among them, the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in the PTRS group being 0 can be replaced with the non-existence of PTRS, or can be replaced with none, that is, no PTRS is placed in PUSCH or PDSCH. It should be understood that Table 5 may not include the distance interval [0, D0), and Table 5 may also include the distance interval [D5, +∞), or (D5, +∞), etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0253] Taking the first distance satisfying D1 ≤ D UE < D2 as an example, that is, the first distance belongs to [D1, D2), and the first distance interval is [D1, D2). Based on Table 5, it can be seen that the configuration information of the PTRS may include that the number of PTRS groups is 2, and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group is 4.

[0254] It should be noted that the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group can reuse the configurations in the related technologies, as shown in Table 5; they can also adopt configurations different from those in the related technologies, as shown in Table 6, and the present application does not limit this. It can be understood that by reusing the configurations in the related technologies, the mapping rules of the PTRS groups in the related technologies can be reused, reducing the degree of modification to the standard and the implementation complexity; by adopting configurations different from those in the related technologies, then the mapping rules of the PTRS groups need to be redefined, or rather, the mapping rules of the PTRS groups in the related technologies need to be extended, which helps to improve the performance of frequency offset compensation and thus helps to improve the data demodulation performance.

[0255] Table 6 is another example of the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and configuration information of multiple PTRSs.

[0256] Table 6

[0257] Referring to Table 6, at least one first distance threshold includes D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6. Compared with the related technologies, the number of PTRS groups shown in Table 6 extends to the case where the number of groups is 16. It should be understood that Table 6 only exemplarily gives configurations different from those in the related technologies, and the present application does not limit this. For example, Table 6 may also include the case where the number of PTRS groups is 16 and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group is 4.

[0258] Table 7 is another example of the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold and the configuration information of multiple PTRSs. The configuration information of the PTRS includes the frequency-domain density of the PTRS.

[0259] Table 7

[0260] Referring to Table 7, it can be seen that the configuration information of the PTRS, or rather the frequency-domain density of the PTRS, is a function of distance. Among them, the frequency-domain density of the PTRS being 0 can be replaced by the non-existence of the PTRS, or can be replaced by none, that is, no PTRS is placed in the PUSCH or PDSCH. It should be understood that Table 7 may also include distance intervals such as [0, D0), (0, D0], [D3, +∞), (D3, +∞), etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0261] Taking the first distance satisfying D1 ≤ D UE < D2 as an example, that is, the first distance belongs to [D1, D2), and the first distance interval is [D1, D2). Based on Table 7, it can be seen that the configuration information of the PTRS may include the frequency-domain density of the PTRS being 2, that is, the frequency-domain density of the PTRS is per 2 RBs.

[0262] In some embodiments, the values of some of the at least one first distance threshold may be the same. Exemplarily, if the values of two first distance thresholds are the same, then the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the distance interval determined by these two first distance thresholds becomes invalid. For example, if the network device indicates that D4 and D5 in Table 5 have the same value, then the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the value interval [D4, D5) (the number of PTRS groups is 8, and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group is 4) becomes invalid. Another example is that if the network device indicates that D2 and D3 in Table 6 have the same value, and D5 and D6 have the same value, then the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the value interval [D2, D3) and the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the value interval [D5, D6) both become invalid. In this way, the configuration information of the PTRS can be dynamically adjusted according to actual needs to improve the flexibility of the system.

[0263] It should be understood that the configuration information of the PTRS may include the case where the PTRS does not exist, that is, the configuration information of the PTRS indicated in the first row of Table 5, Table 6, and Table 7, or may not include the case where the PTRS does not exist, and the present application does not limit this. For example, in the case of higher requirements for system performance or poor communication quality, the configuration information of the PTRS may not include the case where the PTRS does not exist. Another example is that in the case of lower requirements for system performance or good communication quality, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the case where the PTRS does not exist to reduce the pilot overhead.

[0264] It should be noted that the method described above for determining PTRS configuration information applies to both terminal devices and network devices. In other words, terminal devices can determine PTRS configuration information using the above method, and network devices can also determine PTRS configuration information using the above method.

[0265] In S530, terminal devices send PUSCH based on PTRS configuration information; or receive PDSCH based on PTRS configuration information. Correspondingly, network devices receive PUSCH based on PTRS configuration information; or send PDSCH based on PTRS configuration information.

[0266] In some embodiments, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on PTRS configuration information. For example, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on the scheduling bandwidth range and the PTRS frequency domain density indicated by the PTRS configuration information. Alternatively, the resources carrying PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on the scheduling bandwidth range and the PTRS frequency domain density indicated by the PTRS configuration information. For example, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH, or the resources carrying PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH, can be determined based on the number of PTRS sample groups indicated by the PTRS configuration information, the number of sampling points included in each PTRS sample group, and the PTRS pattern (i.e., PTRS mapping rules).

[0267] For example, a terminal device can send a PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, the terminal device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then send the PUSCH. Correspondingly, a network device can receive the PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For example, a network device can receive the PTRS at the mapping location of the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0268] For example, a network device can send a PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, the network device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then send the PDSCH. Correspondingly, a terminal device can receive the PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For example, the terminal device can receive the PTRS at the mapping location of the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0269] It should be understood that before a network device sends a PDSCH or receives a PUSCH based on the PTRS configuration information, the PTRS configuration information can be determined based on the first information. The determination method can be referred to the description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] In some embodiments, PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For example, phase noise estimation results can be obtained from PTRS received from PUSCH or PDSCH, and frequency offset can be compensated based on the phase noise estimation results. Demodulating the information carried by PUSCH or PDSCH based on the frequency offset compensation results helps improve the demodulation performance of the data.

[0271] This application embodiment provides support for configuring PTRS in the coverage area based on network devices by introducing first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency bias scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency bias scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead.

[0272] As mentioned earlier, within the satellite's coverage area, the frequency offset at the nadir point is 0, while the frequency offset at the edge points is as high as 40kHz. It can be seen that the frequency offset varies significantly at different locations within the network device's coverage area. Using the method in this application embodiment, dense PTRS can be configured for edge points, while no PTRS or sparse PTRS can be configured for nadir points, thereby helping to balance data demodulation performance and pilot overhead.

[0273] The values ​​of the first reference position information and / or at least one first distance threshold may affect system performance. The following provides a detailed introduction to the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first reference location can be the location with the smallest frequency offset, such as the location with the smallest frequency offset within the coverage area of ​​the network device, which helps to configure PTRS reasonably based on frequency offset.

[0275] For example, the first reference position can be the nadir (or sub-satellite point). The nadir is the point on the Earth's surface where the line connecting the satellite and the Earth's center intersects. Since the nadir is directly below the satellite, the relative velocity between the terminal device located at the nadir and the satellite can be considered zero, meaning the frequency offset at the nadir can be considered zero, or minimal. Therefore, using the nadir as the first reference position allows for a better match between the terminal device's PTRS configuration information and its frequency offset. It should be understood that the nadir can be located within or outside the network device's coverage area.

[0276] For example, the first reference position can be the position of the serving satellite of the terminal device. Generally, the closer the terminal device is to the serving satellite, the smaller the frequency offset. Conversely, the farther the terminal device is from the serving satellite, the larger the frequency offset. Since the terminal device can obtain the position information of the serving satellite, such as by determining the position information of the serving satellite through its ephemeris information, using the position of the terminal device's serving satellite as the first reference position eliminates the need for the network device to send the first reference position information, thus helping to reduce signaling overhead.

[0277] For example, the first reference location can be the center point of the coverage area of ​​the network device. For the terminal device, the first reference location can be the center point of the coverage area of ​​its serving network device. For instance, when the serving satellite is located above its coverage area, such as directly above the coverage area, the first reference location can be the center point of the serving satellite's coverage area. The serving satellite being above its coverage area means that its projection on the ground is within its coverage area; the serving satellite being directly above its coverage area means that its projection on the ground is at the center point of its coverage area. Since the terminal device typically obtains relevant information about the serving cell when accessing a cell, using the center point of the serving network device's coverage area as the first reference location eliminates the need for additional signaling to obtain this information, thus reducing signaling overhead.

[0278] For example, the first reference position can be the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point, or the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the serving satellite. As an example, in a single-satellite, multi-cell scenario—that is, a single satellite simultaneously providing services to multiple cells—a first reference position can be configured for each of the cells served by that satellite, thus facilitating PTRS configuration at the cell level. For the terminal device, using the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point, or the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the serving satellite, as the first reference position helps to rationally configure PTRS based on frequency offset.

[0279] Figure 6 is an example diagram of a first reference position provided in an embodiment of this application. The satellite shown in Figure 6 can simultaneously provide services to cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3.

[0280] Referring to Figure 6, the first reference position for cell 1 is point A, the first reference position for cell 2 is point B, and the first reference position for cell 3 is point C. Point A is the closest point to the satellite in cell 1, point B is the closest point to the satellite in cell 2, and point C is the closest point to the satellite in cell 3.

[0281] The first reference location can be any of the ones mentioned above. In other words, the first reference location information can be one of the following: the location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the location information of the sub-satellite point; the location information of the point closest to the sub-satellite point in the serving cell of the terminal device; or the point closest to the serving satellite in the serving cell of the terminal device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first information may include location information of the first reference position, such as the coordinate information of the first reference position, or the first information may indicate information about the first reference position, such as the first information indicating that the first reference position is a sub-satellite point.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first reference position can be fixed, such as the service satellite position in different communication processes, to facilitate implementation.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first reference position can be variable, such as selecting different first reference positions during different communication processes, to improve system flexibility. For example, multiple first reference positions can be pre-configured, and the first reference position used during communication can be dynamically indicated (e.g., by using an identifier or index of the first reference position), which helps save on indication overhead.

[0285] The previous section introduced the content related to the first reference position. The following section will introduce the content related to the first distance threshold.

[0286] In some embodiments, the number of first distance thresholds and the value of each first distance threshold can be determined based on the usage scenario.

[0287] For example, if the serving satellite moves at a relatively high speed, and / or the terminal device moves at a relatively high speed, the number of first distance thresholds can be relatively large; if the serving satellite moves at a relatively low speed, and / or the terminal device moves at a relatively low speed (or is stationary), the number of first distance thresholds can be relatively small. This is because when the serving satellite moves at a relatively high speed, and / or the terminal device moves at a relatively high speed, the relative speed between the serving satellite and the terminal device is greater, resulting in a larger frequency offset. Therefore, determining the number of first distance thresholds based on the speed of the serving satellite and / or the speed of the terminal device helps to improve the compensation effect for frequency offset.

[0288] For example, the value of the first distance threshold can be determined based on the range of the serving cell, the coverage of the serving satellite, the number of first distance thresholds, etc.

[0289] For example, the number of first distance thresholds and the value of the first distance thresholds can be determined based on the frequency offset variation. As an example, the frequency offset variation within the areas indicated by two adjacent distance thresholds is less than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0290] For example, the number and value of the first distance threshold can be determined based on communication quality. As an example, fewer first distance thresholds can be configured when communication quality is good, and more first distance thresholds can be configured when communication quality is poor. This is because the modulation result is less robust to frequency offset when communication quality is poor, and more robust when communication quality is good. Therefore, determining the number and value of the first threshold based on communication quality helps improve system flexibility and demodulation performance.

[0291] As mentioned earlier, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the first distance and at least one first distance threshold.

[0292] In some embodiments, a larger first distance results in a larger frequency offset, and a smaller first distance results in a smaller frequency offset. For example, if the first distance is a first value, then the PTRS configuration information is the first configuration information. Specifically, based on the relationship between the first value and at least one first distance threshold, the PTRS configuration information can be determined to be the first configuration information. If the first distance is a second value, then the PTRS configuration information is the second configuration information. Specifically, based on the relationship between the second value and at least one first distance threshold, the PTRS configuration information can be determined to be the second configuration information.

[0293] Wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the second configuration information.

[0294] Alternatively, if the first value is greater than the second value: the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information. The total number of PTRS sampling points can be the product of the number of PTRS sampling point groups and the number of sampling points included in each PTRS sampling point group.

[0295] In other words, a larger first distance allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller first distance allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, with different first distance values, PTRS with the same density can be configured. That is, if the first distance value is within a certain distance range, such as a distance range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0296] This is because dense PTRS can achieve better frequency offset estimation performance compared to sparse PTRS. For scenarios with large frequency offsets, configuring denser PTRS can ensure frequency offset estimation performance, while for scenarios with small frequency offsets, sparser PTRS can be configured to reduce pilot overhead while ensuring frequency offset estimation performance.

[0297] Taking the first reference position as the sub-satellite point as an example, for terminal devices close to the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the sub-satellite area, the frequency offset value is relatively small, and a sparse PTRS configuration can be used; for terminal devices far from the sub-satellite point, i.e., the terminal device is located in the edge area of ​​the coverage area, the frequency offset value is relatively large, and a dense PTRS configuration can be used.

[0298] The following example, using the PTRS configuration including the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in the PTRS groups, illustrates the relationship between frequency offset estimation performance and PTRS configuration.

[0299] Typically, one initial frequency offset estimate can be obtained based on a single PTRS set, and correspondingly, multiple initial frequency offset estimates can be obtained based on multiple PTRS sets. The frequency offset estimation result is determined based on multiple initial frequency offset estimates, such as by linear extrapolation or linear fitting of multiple initial frequency offset estimates.

[0300] Understandably, the more PTRS groups there are, the more initial frequency offset estimates there are, and the less performance loss will occur when obtaining the frequency offset estimation results. Furthermore, the more PTRS sampling points included in a PTRS group, the higher the accuracy of the initial frequency offset estimate is generally.

[0301] Therefore, for scenarios with large frequency offsets, more PTRS groups and / or more PTRS sampling points can be configured (including the number of sampling points in each PTRS group and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points), which helps to improve the frequency offset estimation performance.

[0302] However, the larger the total number of PTRS sampling points, the greater the pilot overhead. Therefore, without increasing the pilot overhead, the number of sampling points in the PTRS group can be reduced, and the number of PTRS groups can be increased to achieve better frequency offset estimation performance.

[0303] As an example, PTRS configuration information can include [8,4] and [16,2]. Both configurations correspond to a total of 32 PTRS sampling points, meaning the pilot overhead is the same. When including 2 sampling points in a PTRS group is sufficient to meet the accuracy requirements of the initial frequency offset estimate, the number of sampling points in each PTRS group can be 2, which helps reduce pilot overhead. With the pilot overhead remaining constant, the number of PTRS groups can be 16, which helps reduce the performance loss when obtaining the frequency offset estimation results, thus achieving better frequency offset estimation performance.

[0304] Therefore, configuring PTRS according to the different situations of the first distance mentioned above helps to reduce pilot overhead while ensuring data demodulation performance.

[0305] The above content will be illustrated below with reference to Table 5.

[0306] Referring to Table 5, if the first value belongs to [D4, D5) and the second value belongs to [D1, D2), then the first configuration information includes 8 PTRS groups and 4 sampling points in each PTRS group. The second configuration information includes 2 PTRS groups and 4 sampling points in each PTRS group. It can be seen that the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information (32 = 8 × 4) is greater than the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information (8 = 2 × 4).

[0307] Referring to Table 5, if the first value belongs to [D2, D3) and the second value belongs to [D1, D2), then the first configuration information includes 4 PTRS groups and 2 sampling points in each PTRS group. The second configuration information includes 2 PTRS groups and 4 sampling points in each PTRS group. It can be seen that the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information (8 = 4 × 2) is equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information (8 = 2 × 4). With the same total number of PTRS sampling points, configuring more PTRS groups helps reduce the performance loss in the linear extrapolation or linear fitting process mentioned earlier, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of the frequency offset estimation results. It should be noted that the number of sampling points in each PTRS group in the first configuration information is relatively small (2). This configuration is suitable for situations where a certain accuracy of the initial frequency offset estimation result can be obtained with only 2 PTRS sampling points in each PTRS sampling group.

[0308] Referring again to Table 5, if both the first and second values ​​belong to [D2, D3), then both the first and second configuration information include a PTRS group count of 4, with 2 sampling points in each PTRS group. The number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information. Using the same PTRS configuration within a certain distance range helps to balance PTRS compensation performance and implementation complexity.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first information may be related to the MCS, or in other words, the configuration information of the PTRS may be determined based on the MCS. The MCS may include information such as modulation scheme and code rate. Typically, different MCSs have different demodulation thresholds and varying robustness to frequency offset. Since the constellation rotation caused by frequency offset affects demodulation performance, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the MCS helps improve demodulation performance.

[0310] For example, the first information may include a modulation order threshold of the modulation scheme. This is because a higher modulation order generally results in a higher demodulation threshold and lower robustness to frequency offset, while a lower modulation order generally results in a lower demodulation threshold and higher robustness to frequency offset.

[0311] For example, the first information may include a bitrate threshold. This is because the robustness to frequency offset varies with different bitrates.

[0312] For example, the first information may include at least one MCS threshold. This at least one MCS threshold can be a threshold for the MCS value, or a threshold for the MCS index. A value of the MCS, or an index of the MCS, corresponds to a modulation and coding scheme. In related technologies, low MCS typically has a lower demodulation threshold and higher robustness to frequency offset; while high MCS typically has a higher demodulation threshold and lower robustness to frequency offset. Since network devices usually indicate the MCS during communication, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the MCS allows for direct reuse of the MCS, helping to reduce implementation complexity.

[0313] In some embodiments, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold. For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the relationship between the magnitudes of the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold.

[0314] For example, at least one MCS threshold may include MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3. That is, at least one MCS threshold may include four MCS thresholds. It should be understood that the number of MCS thresholds given above is only illustrative, and the number of MCS thresholds may also be other values, which are not limited in this application.

[0315] Multiple MCS value ranges can be determined based on at least one MCS threshold. Taking the sequentially increasing values ​​of MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3 as an example, the following MCS value ranges can be determined based on MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3: [MCS0, MCS1), [MCS1, MCS2), and [MCS2, MCS3]. It should be understood that the MCS value ranges determined based on MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3 can also be: (MCS0, MCS1], (MCS1, MCS2], and (MCS2, MCS3], and this application does not limit this.

[0316] It should be understood that the number of MCS value intervals given above is only an example. If the number of MCS value intervals determined based on at least one MCS threshold is related to the number of at least one MCS threshold, this application does not limit this.

[0317] For example, the relationship between the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold can include which interval of the aforementioned MCS value range the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH belongs to.

[0318] As an example, the aforementioned multiple MCS value ranges can be associated with various PTRS configuration information. When the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH belongs to the first value range among these MCS value ranges, the PTRS configuration information can be the configuration information of the PTRS corresponding to the first value range. Considering that the aforementioned multiple MCS value ranges are determined based on at least one MCS threshold, the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple MCS value ranges and the configuration information of various PTRS can also be referred to as the correspondence between at least one MCS threshold and the configuration information of various PTRS.

[0319] For example, the correspondence between the aforementioned at least one MCS threshold and the configuration information of various PTRSs can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device. Considering that transmitting the correspondence between the aforementioned multiple MCS value ranges and the configuration information of various PTRSs requires significant resources, preconfiguring or predefining this correspondence helps reduce resource overhead. Furthermore, considering the flexibility of configuring the aforementioned MCS value ranges, predefining or preconfiguring the correspondence between the MCS value ranges and the configuration information of various PTRSs allows for dynamic indication of the value of at least one MCS threshold, thus helping to balance configuration flexibility and resource consumption.

[0320] In some embodiments, if the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the third configuration information; if the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the fourth configuration information.

[0321] Among them, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0322] Alternatively, the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0323] In other words, a larger MCS allows for a denser PTRS configuration, while a smaller MCS allows for a sparser PTRS configuration. Alternatively, PTRS with the same density can be configured even when MCS values ​​differ. That is, if the MCS values ​​are within a certain range, such as a range with small differences, the same PTRS configuration can be used to reduce configuration complexity.

[0324] In some embodiments, the PTRS configuration information can be determined by combining the coverage area and MCS, which expands the dimensions to be considered when configuring PTRS and helps to further improve demodulation performance.

[0325] In other words, the first information may include first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. That is, the configuration information of PTRS is determined based on the first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold, and the relationship between the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold.

[0326] This application embodiment introduces a first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold to configure PTRS according to the coverage area and MCS. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency offset scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency offset scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead. Simultaneously, low MCS has a low demodulation threshold and high robustness to frequency offset, allowing for sparse PTRS configuration to save pilot overhead; while high MCS has a high demodulation threshold, allowing for dense PTRS configuration to correct constellation rotation caused by frequency offset, thereby improving data demodulation performance.

[0327] Table 8 is an example of the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold, at least one MCS threshold, and PTRS configuration information.

[0328] Table 8

[0329] It should be noted that in Table 8, the value of 'a' in [a,b] represents the number of PTRS groups, and the value of 'b' represents the number of sampling points in each PTRS group.

[0330] Referring to Table 8, it can be seen that the configuration information of PTRS, or the PTRS group pattern, is a function of distance and MCS. The number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group being 0 can be replaced with PTRS not existing, or with "none," meaning no PTRS is placed in the PUSCH or PDSCH.

[0331] Referring to Table 8, if the first distance belongs to [D1, D2), and the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH belongs to [MCS1, MCS2), the PTRS configuration information may include the number of PTRS groups as 2 and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group as 4.

[0332] It should be understood that the relevant information regarding at least one first distance and PTRS configuration can be found in the previous description, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0333] In some embodiments, some MCS thresholds within at least one MCS threshold may have the same value. For example, if two MCS thresholds have the same value, the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the value range determined by these two MCS thresholds becomes invalid. For instance, if MCS2 and MCS3 in Network Device Indication Table 8 have the same value, then the PTRS configuration information corresponding to the value range [MCS2, MCS3) becomes invalid. In this way, the PTRS configuration information can be dynamically adjusted according to actual needs, thereby improving the system's flexibility.

[0334] It should be understood that the PTRS configuration information may or may not include cases where PTRS is not present; this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, in situations with high system performance requirements or poor communication quality, the PTRS configuration information may exclude cases where PTRS is not present. Conversely, in situations with low system performance requirements or good communication quality, the PTRS configuration information may include cases where PTRS is not present to reduce pilot overhead.

[0335] As mentioned earlier, after determining the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group, the specific location of the PTRS within a DFT-s-OFDM symbol can be determined according to predefined rules.

[0336] In some embodiments, the configuration information of PTRS can reuse configuration information from related technologies to reduce the degree of modification to the protocol and reduce complexity. For example, the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points in each PTRS group in the PTRS configuration information can reuse the content in Table 3 above. In this way, after determining the PTRS configuration information, mapping rules from related technologies can be reused, such as the specific location of the PTRS within a DFT-s-OFDM symbol mentioned in Table 4 above, which helps to reduce the degree of modification to the protocol and reduce implementation complexity.

[0337] In some embodiments, the PTRS configuration information may differ from that in related technologies to match system requirements. Table 9 provides another example of the correspondence between at least one first distance threshold, at least one MCS threshold, and the PTRS configuration information.

[0338] Table 9

[0339] It should be noted that in Table 9, the value of 'a' in [a,b] represents the number of PTRS groups, and the value of 'b' represents the number of sampling points in each PTRS group.

[0340] In this case, the PTRS mapping rules need to be redefined, or the PTRS pattern needs to be redefined.

[0341] In some embodiments, the network device may indicate the mapping rules for PTRS. For example, PTRS configuration information is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information may be used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first mapping rule may be predefined or preconfigured to reduce indication overhead.

[0343] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the first information may include first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS. That is, the configuration information of the PTRS, such as the frequency domain density of the PTRS, can be determined based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold.

[0344] For example, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on Table 7 mentioned above.

[0345] It should be understood that in this case, the temporal density of PTRS can reuse methods from related technologies for ease of implementation, and this application does not limit this.

[0346] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the first information may include first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. The PTRS configuration information is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. That is, the PTRS configuration information, such as the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups, can be determined based on the first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold.

[0347] For example, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on Tables 5, 6, 8 or 9 mentioned above.

[0348] In some embodiments, the terminal device and the network device can determine the PTRS configuration information based on the same rules (i.e., the method described above) to reduce signaling overhead. In some embodiments, the network device can determine the PTRS configuration information and send it to the terminal device (i.e., the scheme described below), which helps to reduce the processing overhead of the terminal device.

[0349] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 7 involves interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The terminal device can be the terminal device mentioned above, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of this method on the terminal device. The network device can be the network device mentioned above, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of this method on the network device.

[0350] The method shown in Figure 7 may include steps S710 to S740.

[0351] S710, network devices obtain first information.

[0352] In some embodiments, the network device may obtain the first information internally. Exemplarily, the first information may be predefined (e.g., protocol-predefined) or preconfigured. In this case, the first information may be pre-stored in the network device, such as in a storage unit within the network device. Therefore, obtaining the first information may include the network device or a processing unit within the network device retrieving the first information from the storage unit. It should be understood that in some cases, the storage unit used to store the first information may also be deployed outside the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first information may include first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first information may include first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold.

[0355] For example, the first reference location information is one of the following: the location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the location information of the sub-satellite point; or the location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point.

[0356] S720, the network device determines the configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal PTRS based on the first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold.

[0357] In some embodiments, a first distance can be determined based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; and the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the first distance and at least one first distance threshold.

[0358] For example, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the second configuration information.

[0359] Wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the second configuration information.

[0360] Alternatively, if the first value is greater than the second value: the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0361] In some embodiments, if the first information includes at least one MCS threshold, then the configuration information of PTRS is determined based on the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold.

[0362] For example, if the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the third configuration information; if the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of PTRS is the fourth configuration information.

[0363] Among them, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0364] Alternatively, if the third value is greater than the fourth value: the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0365] For example, if the first information includes first reference location information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, then the first distance can be determined based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; the configuration information of PTRS can be determined based on the relationship between the first distance and at least one first distance threshold; and the relationship between the MCS used by PUSCH or PDSCH and at least one MCS threshold.

[0366] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of PTRS.

[0367] In some embodiments, if the modulation waveform of PUSCH or PDSCH is a Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. The configuration information of PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0368] The method by which network devices determine PTRS configuration information is similar to that mentioned earlier; for details not described in detail, please refer to the communication methods section above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0369] In the S730, network devices send PTRS configuration information, and correspondingly, terminal devices receive PTRS configuration information.

[0370] In some embodiments, the network device may send the PTRS configuration information of the PUSCH to the terminal device when scheduling uplink transmission, or the network device may send the PTRS configuration information of the PDSCH to the terminal device before or during downlink transmission.

[0371] If the PTRS configuration information is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of sampling points included in each PTRS group, the PTRS mapping rule (i.e., the first mapping rule) can reuse mapping rules from related technologies or redefine the PTRS mapping rule. For example, the network device can indicate the first mapping rule.

[0372] When both the PTRS mapping rule and the first mapping rule in the relevant technology are configured at the same time, the network device can indicate the PTRS mapping rule to be used according to the index or identifier of the mapping rule, or in other words, the network device can indicate the valid PTRS mapping rule.

[0373] The S740 receives PUSCH based on PTRS configuration information; or sends PDSCH based on PTRS configuration information. Correspondingly, the terminal device sends PUSCH based on PTRS configuration information; or receives PDSCH based on PTRS configuration information.

[0374] In some embodiments, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on PTRS configuration information. For example, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on the scheduling bandwidth range and the PTRS frequency domain density indicated by the PTRS configuration information. Alternatively, the resources carrying PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH can be determined based on the scheduling bandwidth range and the PTRS frequency domain density indicated by the PTRS configuration information. For example, the mapping position of PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH, or the resources carrying PTRS in the PUSCH or PDSCH, can be determined based on the number of PTRS sample groups indicated by the PTRS configuration information, the number of sampling points included in each PTRS sample group, and the PTRS pattern (i.e., PTRS mapping rules).

[0375] For example, a terminal device can send a PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, the terminal device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then send the PUSCH. Correspondingly, a network device can receive the PUSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For example, a network device can receive the PTRS at the mapping location of the PTRS in the PUSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PUSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0376] For example, a network device can send a PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For instance, the network device can map the PTRS onto the resources carrying the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then send the PDSCH. Correspondingly, a terminal device can receive the PDSCH based on the mapping location of the aforementioned PTRS. For example, the terminal device can receive the PTRS at the mapping location of the PTRS in the PDSCH, and then demodulate the information carried by the PDSCH based on the frequency offset estimation result of the PTRS.

[0377] In some embodiments, PTRS can be used for frequency offset estimation and / or frequency offset compensation. For example, phase noise estimation results can be obtained from PTRS received from PUSCH or PDSCH, and frequency offset can be compensated based on the phase noise estimation results. Demodulating the information carried by PUSCH or PDSCH based on the frequency offset compensation results helps improve the demodulation performance of the data.

[0378] This application embodiment provides support for configuring PTRS in the coverage area based on network devices by introducing first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency bias scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency bias scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead.

[0379] This application embodiment introduces a first reference position information, at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold to configure PTRS according to the coverage area and MCS. Specifically, this application embodiment can configure high-density PTRS pilots in high-frequency offset scenarios to improve data demodulation performance; while in low-frequency offset scenarios, it can configure low-density PTRS pilots to reduce pilot overhead. Simultaneously, low MCS has a low demodulation threshold and high robustness to frequency offset, allowing for sparse PTRS configuration to save pilot overhead; while high MCS has a high demodulation threshold, allowing for dense PTRS configuration to correct constellation rotation caused by frequency offset, thereby improving data demodulation performance.

[0380] To facilitate understanding, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below with specific examples.

[0381] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a PUSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 8 can be applied to scenarios where the PUSCH modulation waveform uses a DFT-s-OFDM waveform or an OFDM waveform.

[0382] The method shown in Figure 8 may include steps 1 to 5. The method will be described below from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices.

[0383] Step 1: The network device sends distance threshold parameters (i.e., at least one first distance threshold mentioned above) D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 to the terminal device; or D0, D1, D2, and D3. For example, the network device can send the distance threshold parameters via higher-layer signaling.

[0384] Optionally, the network device may send the location information of the reference point (i.e., the first reference location information mentioned above) to the terminal device, or the location information of the reference point may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0385] Step 2: The network device schedules the terminal device to send the PUSCH. For example, the network device can schedule the terminal device to send the PUSCH through DCI.

[0386] Step 3: The terminal device determines the PTRS configuration information.

[0387] For example, when the modulation waveform of the PUSCH is an OFDM waveform, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the PTRS density; when the modulation waveform of the PUSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the PTRS may be mapped onto the PUSCH in the form of sample groups. Therefore, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample groups.

[0388] The terminal device can determine the PTRS configuration information based on its distance from the reference point, distance threshold parameters, and the information mentioned in Tables 5, 6, or 7 above. Furthermore, the location of the PTRS within the PUSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and the PTRS mapping rules.

[0389] Step 4: The terminal device sends a PUSCH to the network device. The PUSCH may include PTRS, which is mapped based on the PTRS configuration information determined in Step 3.

[0390] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined before the network device receives PUSCH.

[0391] For example, network devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on the distance between the terminal device and the reference point, the distance threshold parameter, and Tables 5, 6, or 7 mentioned above. Furthermore, the location of the PTRS in the PUSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and the PTRS mapping rules.

[0392] For example, a network device can first obtain the location information of a terminal device, and then determine the distance between the terminal device and the reference point based on the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the reference point.

[0393] Step 5: The network device performs frequency offset estimation and compensation based on PTRS to complete data demodulation.

[0394] For example, a network device can receive PTRS based on the location of PTRS in the PUSCH, and then perform frequency offset estimation and compensation based on the received PTRS.

[0395] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a PDSCH transmission process provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 9 can be applied to scenarios where the modulation waveform of the PDSCH uses a DFT-s-OFDM waveform or an OFDM waveform.

[0396] The method shown in Figure 9 may include steps 1 to 5. The method will be described below from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices.

[0397] Step 1: The network device sends distance threshold parameters (i.e., at least one first distance threshold mentioned above) D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 to the terminal device; or D0, D1, D2, and D3. For example, the network device can send the distance threshold parameters via higher-layer signaling.

[0398] Optionally, the network device may send the location information of the reference point (i.e., the first reference location information mentioned above) to the terminal device, or the location information of the reference point may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0399] Step 2: The network device determines the PTRS configuration information.

[0400] For example, network devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on the distance between the terminal device and the reference point, the distance threshold parameter, and Tables 5, 6, or 7 mentioned above. Furthermore, the location of the PTRS in the PDSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and the PTRS mapping rules.

[0401] For example, a network device can first obtain the location information of a terminal device, and then determine the distance between the terminal device and the reference point based on the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the reference point.

[0402] For example, when the modulation waveform of the PDSCH is an OFDM waveform, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the PTRS density; when the modulation waveform of the PDSCH is a DFT-s-OFDM waveform, the PTRS may be mapped onto the PDSCH in the form of sample groups. Therefore, the configuration information of the PTRS may include the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample groups.

[0403] Step 3: The network device schedules the terminal device to receive the PDSCH. For example, the network device can schedule the terminal device to receive the PDSCH through DCI.

[0404] Step 4: The network device sends a PDSCH to the terminal device. The PDSCH may include PTRS, which is mapped based on the PTRS configuration information determined in Step 2.

[0405] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined before the terminal device receives PDSCH.

[0406] The terminal device can determine the PTRS configuration information based on its distance from the reference point, distance threshold parameters, and the information mentioned in Tables 5, 6, or 7 above. Furthermore, the position of the PTRS in the PDSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and PTRS mapping rules.

[0407] Step 5: The terminal device performs frequency offset estimation and compensation based on PTRS to complete data demodulation.

[0408] For example, the terminal device can receive the PTRS based on its position in the PDSCH, and then perform frequency offset estimation and compensation based on the received PTRS.

[0409] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another PUSCH transmission process provided by an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 10 can be applied to scenarios where the PUSCH modulation waveform adopts a DFT-s-OFDM waveform.

[0410] The method shown in Figure 10 may include steps 1 to 5. The method will be described below from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices.

[0411] Step 1: The network device sends distance threshold parameters (i.e., at least one first distance threshold mentioned above) D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5; and MCS threshold parameters (i.e., at least one MCS threshold mentioned above) MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3 to the terminal device. For example, the network device can send the distance threshold parameters and MCS threshold parameters via higher-layer signaling.

[0412] Optionally, the network device may send the location information of the reference point (i.e., the first reference location information mentioned above) to the terminal device, or the location information of the reference point may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0413] Step 2: The network device schedules the terminal device to send the PUSCH. For example, the network device can schedule the terminal device to send the PUSCH through DCI.

[0414] Step 3: The terminal device determines the PTRS configuration information.

[0415] For example, the configuration information of PTRS may include the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample groups.

[0416] Terminal devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on their distance from the reference point, distance threshold parameters, the MCS (network device scheduling) used by the PUSCH, MCS threshold parameters, and Table 8 or Table 9 mentioned above. Furthermore, the location of the PTRS within the PUSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and PTRS mapping rules.

[0417] Step 4: The terminal device sends a PUSCH to the network device. The PUSCH may include PTRS, which is mapped based on the PTRS configuration information determined in Step 3.

[0418] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined before the network device receives PUSCH.

[0419] For example, network devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on the distance between the terminal device and the reference point, the distance threshold parameter, the MCS (network device scheduling) used by the PUSCH, the MCS threshold parameter, and Table 8 or Table 9 mentioned above. Furthermore, the position of the PTRS in the PUSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and the PTRS mapping rules.

[0420] For example, a network device can first obtain the location information of a terminal device, and then determine the distance between the terminal device and the reference point based on the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the reference point.

[0421] Step 5: The network device performs frequency offset estimation and compensation based on PTRS to complete data demodulation.

[0422] For example, a network device can receive PTRS based on its location in the PUSCH, and then perform frequency offset estimation and compensation based on the received PTRS.

[0423] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another PDSCH transmission process provided by an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 11 can be applied to scenarios where the modulation waveform of the PDSCH adopts a DFT-s-OFDM waveform.

[0424] The method shown in Figure 11 may include steps 1 to 5. The method will be described below from the perspective of the interaction between network devices and terminal devices.

[0425] Step 1: The network device sends distance threshold parameters (i.e., at least one first distance threshold mentioned above) D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5; and MCS threshold parameters (i.e., at least one MCS threshold mentioned above) MCS0, MCS1, MCS2, and MCS3 to the terminal device. For example, the network device can send the distance threshold parameters and MCS threshold parameters via higher-layer signaling.

[0426] Optionally, the network device may send the location information of the reference point (i.e., the first reference location information mentioned above) to the terminal device, or the location information of the reference point may be predefined or preconfigured.

[0427] Step 2: The network device determines the PTRS configuration information.

[0428] For example, network devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on the distance between the terminal device and the reference point, the distance threshold parameter, the MCS (network device scheduling) used by the PDSCH, the MCS threshold parameter, and Table 8 or Table 9 mentioned above. Furthermore, the position of the PTRS in the PDSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and the PTRS mapping rules.

[0429] For example, a network device can first obtain the location information of a terminal device, and then determine the distance between the terminal device and the reference point based on the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the reference point.

[0430] For example, the configuration information of PTRS may include the number of PTRS sample groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS sample groups.

[0431] Step 3: The network device schedules the terminal device to receive the PDSCH. For example, the network device can schedule the terminal device to receive the PDSCH through DCI.

[0432] Step 4: The network device sends a PDSCH to the terminal device. The PDSCH may include PTRS, which is mapped based on the PTRS configuration information determined in Step 2.

[0433] For example, the configuration information of PTRS can be determined before the terminal device receives PDSCH.

[0434] Terminal devices can determine the PTRS configuration information based on their distance from the reference point, distance threshold parameters, the MCS (network device scheduling) used by the PDSCH, MCS threshold parameters, and Table 8 or Table 9 mentioned above. Furthermore, the position of the PTRS within the PDSCH can be determined based on the PTRS configuration information and PTRS mapping rules.

[0435] Step 5: The terminal device performs frequency offset estimation and compensation based on PTRS to complete data demodulation.

[0436] For example, the terminal device can receive the PTRS based on its position in the PDSCH, and then perform frequency offset estimation and compensation based on the received PTRS.

[0437] The embodiments of this application can configure PTRS according to the large frequency offset characteristics of the satellite, enable accurate demodulation of data transmission, improve demodulation performance under large frequency offset, and thus improve network capacity.

[0438] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, threshold and limit can be interchanged; location and location information can be interchanged.

[0439] It should be noted that the method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to NTN scenarios as well as terrestrial communication scenarios (such as high-speed mobile scenarios), and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0440] It should be noted that the order of appearance of the steps in the embodiments described above in this application does not represent the order in which the steps are executed. The steps in the embodiments described above in this application can also be executed in other orders, all of which are within the protection scope of this application.

[0441] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in certain scenarios, or may be combined with other features in certain scenarios. This application does not limit this.

[0442] The method embodiments provided in this application have been described above. The apparatus embodiments provided in this application will be described below. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, any content not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0443] Figure 12 is a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 may include modules or units for implementing the method embodiments described above. In one possible design, the communication device 1200 may include a communication unit 1210 and a processing unit 1220. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a storage unit 1230 for storing device program code and / or data.

[0444] The communication device 1200 can be a terminal-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0445] For example, in one embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is configured to: acquire first information, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; and determine configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal PTRS based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold. The communication unit 1210 may be configured to: transmit the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based on the PTRS configuration information; or receive the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) based on the PTRS configuration information.

[0446] In one possible design, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: determining a first distance based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; and determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0447] In one possible design, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0448] In one possible design, the first reference location information is one of the following: the location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the location information of the sub-satellite point; or the location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0449] In one possible design, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the processing unit 1220 is specifically used to: determine the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0450] In one possible design, if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the third configuration information; if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the fourth configuration information; wherein, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0451] In one possible design, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0452] In one possible design, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0453] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0454] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0455] The communication device 1200 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0456] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1210 can be used to transmit first information, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold. The processing unit 1220 can be used to determine the configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal PTRS based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold; receive the physical uplink shared channel PUSCH based on the PTRS configuration information; or transmit the physical downlink shared channel PDSCH based on the PTRS configuration information.

[0457] In one possible design, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: determining a first distance based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; and determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0458] In one possible design, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0459] In one possible design, the first reference location information is one of the following: the location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the location information of the sub-satellite point; or the location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0460] In one possible design, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the processing unit 1220 can be used to: determine the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0461] In one possible design, if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the third configuration information; if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the fourth configuration information; wherein, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0462] In one possible design, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0463] In one possible design, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0464] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the functionality of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0465] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a network device, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0466] The following describes another possible implementation of the communication device 1200.

[0467] The communication device 1200 can be a terminal-side device as described in the above embodiments, such as a terminal or a communication module in a terminal, or a circuit or chip in a terminal that is responsible for communication functions.

[0468] For example, in one embodiment, the communication unit 1210 can be used to receive PTRS configuration information, the PTRS configuration information being determined based on first information, the first information including first reference location information and at least one first distance threshold; based on the PTRS configuration information, to send a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH); or based on the PTRS configuration information, to receive a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0469] In one possible design, the first information also includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold.

[0470] In one possible design, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0471] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, the functionality of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0472] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a circuit or chip in a terminal responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by the interface circuit or data transceiver circuit on the aforementioned chip.

[0473] The communication device 1200 can be a network-side device in the above embodiments, such as a network device or a communication module in a network device, or a circuit or chip in a network device that is responsible for communication functions.

[0474] For example, in one embodiment, processing unit 1220 can be used to acquire first information, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; and determine configuration information of phase tracking reference signal PTRS based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold. Communication unit 1210 can be used to transmit the configuration information of PTRS; receive physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) based on the configuration information of PTRS; or transmit physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) based on the configuration information of PTRS.

[0475] In one possible design, determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: determining a first distance based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device; and determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold.

[0476] In one possible design, if the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is first configuration information; if the first distance is a second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is second configuration information; wherein, when the first value is greater than the second value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

[0477] In one possible design, the first reference location information is one of the following: the location information of the serving satellite of the terminal device; the location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the serving network device; the location information of the sub-satellite point; or the location information of the point in the serving cell of the terminal device that is closest to the sub-satellite point (or serving satellite).

[0478] In one possible design, the first information further includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the processing unit 1220 can be used to: determine the configuration information of the PTRS based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

[0479] In one possible design, if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the third configuration information; if the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the fourth configuration information; wherein, when the third value is greater than the fourth value: the density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or the number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or, the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

[0480] In one possible design, the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

[0481] In one possible design, if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS; if the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a discrete Fourier transform spread spectrum orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

[0482] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a network device or a communication module within a network device, the functionality of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by one or more processors. Specifically, the processor may include a modem chip, or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core. The functionality of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by transceiver circuitry.

[0483] In one possible design, when the communication device 1200 is a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a network device, such as a modem chip or a SoC chip or SIP chip containing a modem core, the function of the processing unit 1220 can be implemented by a circuit system in the aforementioned chip that includes one or more processors or processor cores. The function of the communication unit 1210 can be implemented by interface circuits or data transceiver circuits on the aforementioned chip.

[0484] For details regarding the steps or processes executed by each unit in the communication device 1200, please refer to the descriptions in the corresponding methods; they will not be elaborated here.

[0485] It should be understood that the "unit" in the communication device 1200 can be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. Furthermore, the communication unit 1210 can be replaced by a transceiver circuit (e.g., it may include receiving and transmitting circuitry), and the processing unit 1220 can be replaced by a processor or processing circuitry.

[0486] Figure 13 is another possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1300 can be a terminal device / network device, a communication module within a terminal device / network device, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions within a terminal device / network device. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0487] The communication device 1300 may include one or more processors 1310, which may also be referred to as processing units, and can implement certain control functions. The processor 1310 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0488] In an alternative design, the processor 1310 may also store instructions and / or data that can be executed by the processor 1310 to cause the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0489] In another alternative design, the communication device 1300 may include a communication interface 1320 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 1320 may be a transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or it may be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0490] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may include one or more memories 1330, which may store instructions that can be executed on the processor 1310, causing the communication device 1300 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories 1330 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 1310 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 1310 and the memories 1330 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0491] It should be understood that, in one possible design, the steps in the method embodiments provided in this application can be implemented by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are not provided here.

[0492] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0493] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0494] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0495] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the various steps or processes performed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0496] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, the interface being used to send and / or receive signals, causing the processor to execute the various steps or processes executed by the terminal device / network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0497] The above-described device and method embodiments are completely corresponding, with corresponding modules or units performing corresponding steps. For example, a communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment, while other steps besides sending and receiving can be performed by a processing unit or processor.

[0498] In the embodiments of this application, the terms and English abbreviations are exemplary examples given for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the application in any way. The embodiments of this application do not preclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0499] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," etc., are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. As illustrated, applications running on computing devices and computing devices can both be components. One or more components may reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and components may be located on a single computer and / or distributed among two or more computers. Furthermore, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media on which various data structures are stored. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0500] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0501] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0502] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0503] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0504] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0505] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0506] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially or in other words, the parts that contribute to the prior art, or parts of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0507] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Obtain first information, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; Based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal PTRS is determined; Based on the PTRS configuration information, send the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH); or Based on the configuration information of the PTRS, the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is received.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: Based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device, a first distance is determined; Based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of the PTRS is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the first configuration information; If the first distance is the second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the second configuration information; Where the first value is greater than the second value: The density of PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or The number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first reference position information is one of the following: Location information of the serving satellites for the terminal equipment; Location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the service network equipment; Location information of the sub-satellite point; or The location information of the point closest to the sub-satellite point in the serving cell of the terminal device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first information also includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the method further includes: The configuration information of the PTRS is determined based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the third configuration information; If the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is the fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the fourth configuration information. Where the third value is greater than the fourth value: The density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or The number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, If the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS. If the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. The configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send first information, the first information including first reference position information and at least one first distance threshold; Based on the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of the phase tracking reference signal PTRS is determined; Based on the PTRS configuration information, receive the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH); or Based on the configuration information of the PTRS, the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is transmitted.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the PTRS configuration information based on the first reference location information and the at least one first distance threshold includes: Based on the first reference location information and the location information of the terminal device, a first distance is determined; Based on the first distance and the at least one first distance threshold, the configuration information of the PTRS is determined.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the first distance is a first value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the first configuration information; If the first distance is the second value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the second configuration information; Where the first value is greater than the second value: The density of PTRS indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of PTRS indicated by the second configuration information; or The number of PTRS groups indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the second configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the first configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the second configuration information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first reference position information is one of the following: Location information of the serving satellites for the terminal equipment; Location information of the center point of the coverage area of ​​the service network equipment; Location information of the sub-satellite point; or The location information of the point closest to the sub-satellite point in the serving cell of the terminal device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that, The first information also includes at least one modulation and coding scheme (MCS) threshold, and the method further includes: The configuration information of the PTRS is determined based on the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH and the at least one MCS threshold.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, If the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a third value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the third configuration information; If the MCS used by the PUSCH or the PDSCH is the fourth value, then the configuration information of the PTRS is the fourth configuration information. Where the third value is greater than the fourth value: The density of the PTRS indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the density of the PTRS indicated by the fourth configuration information; or The number of PTRS groups indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the number of PTRS groups indicated by the fourth configuration information, and / or the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the third configuration information is greater than or equal to the total number of PTRS sampling points indicated by the fourth configuration information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS groups. The positions of the PTRS groups and the PTRS sampling points in the PUSCH or the PDSCH are determined based on a first mapping rule, wherein the first information is used to indicate the first mapping rule.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, If the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information and the at least one first distance threshold, and the configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the frequency domain density of the PTRS. If the modulation waveform of the PUSCH or the PDSCH is a Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Spectrum Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-s-OFDM) waveform, the first information includes the first reference position information, the at least one first distance threshold, and at least one MCS threshold. The configuration information of the PTRS is used to indicate the number of PTRS groups and the number of PTRS sampling points included in the PTRS group.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the various steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the various steps of the method as described in any one of claims 9-16.

19. A readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, the computer performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 or any one of claims 9-16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program instructions that cause the computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8 or any one of claims 9-16.

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