Antenna, communication device, communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an antenna, a communication device, a communication method and a communication apparatus. The antenna comprises N first interfaces, a second interface and a detection unit, N≥2 and being an integer. The N first interfaces are used for receiving N signals by means of N first channels. The detection unit is used for detecting a first signal to obtain first information, wherein the first information is configured to indicate an amplitude value of the first signal, the first signal is obtained by coupling the N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal is configured to perform phase correction on the N first channels. The second interface is used for sending the first information. In the present application, by means of adding one detection unit to the antenna, deployment costs are reduced.

Description

An antenna, a communication device, a communication method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411518765.4, filed on October 28, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, and entitled "An antenna, a communication device, a communication method and a communication apparatus", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] A plurality of radio frequency channels are formed between a radio remote unit (RRU) and an antenna (ANT) through radio frequency cables and radio frequency interfaces, but due to the differences between the radio frequency cables and the radio frequency interfaces, there are differences in the phases between the plurality of radio frequency channels. For example, the phases of a plurality of signals transmitted by the RRU are inconsistent after passing through a plurality of radio frequency channels to form a plurality of radio frequency signals. To ensure the performance of the communication system, the phases of the radio frequency channels can be corrected to make the phases of the radio frequency channels consistent.

[0004] Currently, the RRU transmits signals to the ANT through a plurality of radio frequency channels. A coupler in the ANT couples a plurality of received signals into one signal and transmits it back to the RRU through a correction radio frequency channel. The RRU obtains the phase difference between the radio frequency channels and then corrects the phase. However, this method needs to introduce an additional correction radio frequency channel, which will increase the deployment cost. Therefore, how to reduce the deployment cost is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides an antenna, a communication device, a communication method and a communication apparatus to correct the phase of the radio frequency channel, so that the phases of the plurality of radio frequency channels are consistent and the deployment cost is reduced.

[0006] In a first aspect, an antenna is provided, comprising: N first interfaces, a second interface and a detection unit, N≥2 and N is an integer; the N first interfaces are configured to receive N signals through N first channels; the detection unit is configured to detect a first signal to obtain first information, the first information being used to indicate an amplitude value of the first signal, the first signal being obtained by coupling the N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal being used to correct the phases of the N first channels; and the second interface is configured to transmit the first information.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, a detection unit is added to the antenna to obtain the amplitude value of the coupled signal. This amplitude value is then transmitted to the RRU through an interface. Since the transmitted data is the amplitude value of the signal at a certain moment, or the average or maximum amplitude value of the signal over a certain period of time, the amount of data transmitted is reduced compared to directly transmitting the coupled signal. Furthermore, because the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the signal amplitude can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's existing interface, thus eliminating the need to introduce a new radio frequency channel and reducing deployment costs.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second interface includes a data interface.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the amplitude value of the coupled signal can be transmitted through the data transmission interface on the antenna itself, such as the AISG interface. This eliminates the need to introduce a new radio frequency channel and reduces deployment costs.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to a first preset amplitude value, the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the phase between RF channels can be corrected by the amplitude value of the coupled signal, thus reducing the cost of RF channel correction.

[0014] Secondly, a communication device is provided, comprising an antenna and a radio frequency remote unit (RRU). The antenna includes N first interfaces and N second interfaces, and the RRU includes N third interfaces and N fourth interfaces. The N first interfaces correspond one-to-one with the N third interfaces, and the corresponding first and third interfaces are connected via a first channel. The second and fourth interfaces are connected via a second channel, where N ≥ 2 and are integers. The RRU is used to transmit N signals to the antenna through the N first channels. The antenna is used to couple the N signals to generate a first signal. The antenna is also used to transmit first information to the RRU through the second channel, the first information indicating the amplitude value of the first signal. The RRU is also used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels based on the first information.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, a detection unit is added to the antenna to obtain the amplitude value of the coupled signal. This amplitude value is then sent to the RRU through an interface. Since the transmitted data is the signal amplitude value, the amount of data transmitted is reduced compared to directly transmitting the coupled signal. Furthermore, because the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the signal amplitude can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's existing interface. Therefore, there is no need to introduce a new RF channel to transmit the signal amplitude value, thus achieving phase correction between RF channels and reducing deployment costs. Simultaneously, the RRU can perform phase correction of the RF channels based on the amplitude value of the coupled signal, further reducing the cost of RF channel correction.

[0016] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the antenna further includes a detection unit for detecting the first signal to obtain the first information.

[0017] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second interface and the fourth interface include a data interface.

[0018] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface.

[0019] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the RRU is used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information.

[0021] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to an antenna including N first interfaces and second interfaces, where N ≥ 2 and is an integer. The method includes: receiving N signals through the N first interfaces; coupling the N signals to generate a first signal; and transmitting first information through the second interface, wherein the first information is used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal, and the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels, wherein the N first channels correspond one-to-one with the N first interfaces.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, by sending the first information to the RRU, the data transmitted by the antenna is the amplitude value of the signal. Compared with directly transmitting the coupled signal, the amount of data transmitted is reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the amplitude value of the signal can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's own interface. Therefore, there is no need to introduce a new RF channel to transmit the signal amplitude value, and phase correction between RF channels can be achieved, thus reducing deployment costs.

[0023] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second interface includes a data interface.

[0024] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels.

[0026] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information.

[0027] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, which is applied to an RRU, the RRU including N third interfaces and a fourth interface. The method includes: transmitting N signals through N first channels, the N first channels corresponding one-to-one with the N third interfaces; receiving first information through the fourth interface, the first information indicating the amplitude of the first signal, the first signal being obtained by coupling the N signals; and performing phase correction processing on the N first channels according to the first information.

[0028] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the fourth interface includes a data interface.

[0029] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface.

[0030] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, phase correction processing is performed on the N first channels.

[0031] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information.

[0032] Fifthly, a communication method is provided, applied to a communication device including an antenna and a radio frequency remote unit (RRU). The antenna includes N first interfaces and N second interfaces, and the RRU includes N third interfaces and N fourth interfaces. The N first interfaces correspond one-to-one with the N third interfaces, and the corresponding first and third interfaces are connected via a first channel. The second and fourth interfaces are connected via a second channel. The method includes: the RRU transmitting N signals to the antenna through the N first channels; the antenna coupling the N signals to generate a first signal; the antenna transmitting first information to the RRU through the second channel, the first information indicating the amplitude value of the first signal; and the RRU performing phase correction processing on the N first channels based on the first information.

[0033] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the second interface and the fourth interface include a data interface.

[0034] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface.

[0035] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the RRU is used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels.

[0036] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information.

[0037] For a detailed description of the beneficial effects in aspects two through five, please refer to the relevant description in aspect one; it will not be repeated here.

[0038] Sixthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the methods of any one of the third to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the methods of any one of the third to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof, such as processing units and / or communication units.

[0039] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, including a communication device provided by any implementation of the second aspect.

[0040] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (e.g., program code) or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods of any one of the third to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0041] Ninth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any one of the third to fifth aspects and any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a distributed base station provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the calibration RF channel.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the result of the phase superposition of the two signals.

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0054] (1) In this application, the expression " / " is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can mean: A or B. The expression "and / or" is used to indicate that the objects before and after are in a relationship of either "and" or "or"; for example, A and / or B can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be single or multiple. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions are used to indicate any combination of the listed items; for example, at least one of A, B and / or C can mean the following: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A, B and C exist simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0055] (2) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send a signal to XX" can be understood as the destination of the signal being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive a signal from YY" can be understood as the source of the signal being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be done between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0056] (3) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0057] (4) In this application, "first," "second," and "#1," "#2," and "#A" are merely for descriptive convenience and are used to distinguish objects, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that such described objects can be interchanged where appropriate so as to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] (5) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0059] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a base station 101 and a terminal 102, and wireless communication can be realized between the base station 101 and the terminal 102.

[0060] In this embodiment, terminal 102 can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. As an example and not a limitation, terminal 102 can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. It can also be an in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal equipment in a 5G network, or a terminal equipment in a future public land mobile network (PLMN), etc. This embodiment does not limit the scope of the application.

[0061] In this embodiment, base station 101 can also be referred to as access network equipment. Base station 101 can be located in base station bubsystem (BBS), UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRAN), and is used to provide cell coverage for signals to enable communication between terminals and wireless networks. By way of example and not limitation, base station 101 can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Next Generation Node Base Station (gNB) in a New Radio (NR) system, a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or network equipment in future networks, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited in this respect.

[0062] In this embodiment of the application, base station 101 can be a distributed base station, which includes a baseband unit (BBU), an RRU, and an antenna.

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a distributed base station 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 2, the distributed base station 200 includes a BBU 210, an RRU 220, and an antenna 230. The BBU 210 is centrally deployed in a data center and is connected to the RRUs 220 in different locations via optical fibers. RRU 220 has RF interfaces #1, #2, #3, and #4, while antenna 230 has RF interfaces #5, #6, #7, and #8. The four RF interfaces on RRU 220 correspond one-to-one with the four RF interfaces on antenna 230. RRU 220 and antenna 230 are connected to their corresponding four RF interfaces via RF cables #1, #2, #3, and #4. Specifically, RF interfaces #1 and #5 are connected via RF cable #1, RF interfaces #2 and #6 via RF cable #2, RF interfaces #3 and #7 via RF cable #3, and RF interfaces #4 and #8 via RF cable #4. In addition, RRU 220 and antenna 230 each have an antenna interface standards group (AISG) interface (e.g., AISG interface #1 on RRU 220 and AISG interface #2 on antenna 230), and RRU 220 and antenna 230 are connected to each other via a serial cable through their AISG interfaces.

[0064] It should be noted that Figure 2 is only a schematic diagram of a distributed base station. In Figure 2, there may be other radio frequency interfaces between RRU 220 and antenna 230, which are connected by radio frequency cables. That is to say, the number of radio frequency interfaces and radio frequency cables in Figure 2 does not limit the scope of protection of this application. The number of radio frequency interfaces on RRU and antenna can be set as needed.

[0065] It should also be noted that the embodiments of this application can also be applied to base stations where RRUs and antennas are independently distributed, such as the distributed base station in Figure 2 above. They can also be applied to base stations where RRUs and antennas are combined, such as base stations composed of active antenna units (AAUs) and BBUs.

[0066] For ease of understanding, the terms that may appear in the embodiments of this application are explained below.

[0067] 1. Remote Radio Unit (RRU)

[0068] The RRU (Remote Receiver Unit) is used to receive and transmit baseband signals, modulate and demodulate received radio frequency (RF) signals, and perform data processing and power amplification. In downlink transmission, the RRU processes the received baseband signal to form an RF signal, which is then transmitted to the antenna via an RF cable. In uplink transmission, the electromagnetic wave signal passes through the antenna and is transmitted to the RRU via the RF channel. The RRU processes this electromagnetic wave signal to obtain a baseband signal, which is then transmitted to the BBU (Baseband Unit) via optical fiber. Each RRU has one or more RF interfaces for connecting to the RF interfaces on the antenna, with a one-to-one correspondence between the one or more RF interfaces on the RRU and one or more RF interfaces on the antenna.

[0069] 2. Radio Frequency Channel

[0070] The radio frequency (RF) channel is used to transmit RF signals. An RF channel can be understood as a channel formed by the RF cables, RF interfaces, and transmission environment between the RRU and the antenna. RF signals can be transmitted between the RRU and the antenna through the RF channel. There are one or more RF channels between the RRU and the antenna, and the number of RF channels generally corresponds to the number of RF interfaces on the RRU and the antenna. For example, if the RRU has RF interfaces #1, #2, #3, and #4, and the antenna has RF interfaces #5, #6, #7, and #8, then RF interfaces #1 and #5 are connected via RF cable #1, forming RF channel #1 in conjunction with the transmission environment; RF interfaces #2 and #6 are connected via RF cable #2, forming RF channel #2 in conjunction with the transmission environment; RF interfaces #3 and #7 are connected via RF cable #3, forming RF channel #3 in conjunction with the transmission environment; and RF interfaces #4 and #7 are connected via RF cable #4, forming RF channel #4 in conjunction with the transmission environment.

[0071] 3. Phase

[0072] Phase is a measure of change in a signal waveform. It typically refers to the relative position of the signal waveform at a certain moment within a period to a reference point (such as a peak, trough, or zero). Generally, when two signals with the same phase are superimposed, the amplitude of the superimposed signal is increased compared to the amplitude of the original signal; when two signals with different phases are superimposed, the amplitude of the superimposed signal is decreased compared to the amplitude of the original signal.

[0073] 4. Signal amplitude

[0074] The amplitude of a signal indicates the degree or range of its change, while the amplitude value represents the specific numerical value of that degree or range. For example, at a given moment, the farther a signal is from the x-axis, the greater its degree of change; the closer a signal is to the x-axis, the smaller its degree of change. When two signals with the same phase are superimposed, the amplitude value of the signal will increase; when two signals with different phases are superimposed, the amplitude value of the signal will decrease.

[0075] 5. Radio frequency channel phase correction

[0076] Radio frequency (RF) channel phase correction technology, also known as correction, RF correction, channel correction, etc., is a fundamental technology upon which "multi-antenna" and "beamforming" technologies rely. In distributed base stations, the RRU and antenna are separate and each has multiple RF interfaces. Multiple RF channels are formed by connecting the RF interfaces on the RRU and antenna equipment through RF cables. Due to the differences in RF cables and RF interfaces, there may be phase differences between multiple RF channels. RF channel phase correction can ensure that the signal remains in phase after transmission through the RF channels.

[0077] Currently, in order to ensure that the phases of multiple radio frequency signals after transmission through multiple radio frequency channels remain consistent, a correction radio frequency channel is introduced. The signal transmitted by the RRU is retransmitted back to the RRU through this correction radio frequency channel. Then, the RRU compares the phase of the returned signal with the phase of the transmitted signal to obtain the phase difference between the radio frequency channels.

[0078] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the calibration RF channel. As shown in Figure 3(a), the RRU 310 has RF interfaces #1 to #4, a calibration RF interface #1, and an AISG interface #1. Similarly, the antenna 320 has RF interfaces #5 to #8, a calibration RF interface #2, and an AISG interface #2. RF interfaces #1 and #5 are connected by RF cable #1 and form RF channel #1 in conjunction with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #2 and #6 are connected by RF cable #2 and form RF channel #2 in conjunction with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #3 and #7 are connected by RF cable #3 and form RF channel #3 in conjunction with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #4 and #8 are connected by RF cable #4 and form RF channel #4 in conjunction with the transmission environment. RRU 310 sends the same signal A to RF channels #1 through #4. Signal A is transmitted through RF channels #1, #2, #3, and #4, becoming RF signals #1, #2, #3, and #4. Antenna 320 includes a coupler 321, which couples RF signals #1, #2, #3, and #4 into a single signal B, which is then transmitted back to RRU 310 via a calibration RF channel. This calibration RF channel is formed by the calibration RF interface #2 on antenna 320, the calibration RF interface #1 on RRU 310, and the calibration RF cable. RRU 310 analyzes signal B to obtain the phase of RF signals #1, #2, #3, and #4, thereby obtaining the phase difference between RF channels #1, #2, #3, and #4. Further compensation for the phase difference is made. Taking RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 as examples, assuming that the phase of RF channel #1 is 10° larger than the phase of RF channel #2, when RRU 310 transmits signal A to RF channel #1, it presets the phase of signal A by -10°. After passing through RF channel #1, the extra 10° is canceled out, so the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 remains 0. This type of corrected RF channel in Figure 3(a) can be called a built-in corrected RF channel.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3(b), the RRU 310 has RF interfaces #1 to #4 and an AISG interface #1. The antenna 320 has RF interfaces #5 to #8, a calibration RF interface #1, and an AISG interface #2. RF interfaces #1 and #5 are connected by RF cable #1 and form RF channel #1 in combination with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #2 and #6 are connected by RF cable #2 and form RF channel #2 in combination with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #3 and #7 are connected by RF cable #3 and form RF channel #3 in combination with the transmission environment. RF interfaces #4 and #8 are connected by RF cable #4 and form RF channel #4 in combination with the transmission environment. RRU 310 sends the same signal A to RF channels #1 through #4. Signal A is transmitted through RF channels #1, #2, #3, and #4, becoming RF signals #1, #2, #3, and #4 respectively. Antenna 320 includes a coupler 321, which couples RF signals #1, #2, #3, and #4 into a single signal B, which is then transmitted back to RRU 310 via a calibration RF channel. This calibration RF channel is formed by the calibration RF interface #1 on antenna 320, the calibration RF interface #2 on external calibration device 330, and the calibration RF cable. External calibration device 330 analyzes signal B to obtain the phase difference between RF channels #1, #2, #3, and #4. Further compensation for the phase difference is made. Taking RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 as examples, assuming that the phase of RF channel #1 is 10° larger than the phase of RF channel #2, when RRU 310 transmits signal A to RF channel #1, it presets the phase of signal A by -10°. After passing through RF channel #1, the extra 10° is canceled out, so the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 remains 0. This type of corrected RF channel in Figure 3(b) is called an external corrected RF channel.

[0080] The above solution introduces an additional radio frequency (RF) channel, namely a correction RF channel. This additional RF channel enables RF signal loopback, meaning that the signal sent by the RRU via the RF channel returns to the RRU after passing through the antenna. However, introducing an additional correction RF channel requires RF interfaces, RF cables, duplexers, filters, etc., which increases deployment costs.

[0081] In view of this, this application provides a new antenna, communication device, communication method, and communication apparatus. By adding an amplitude detection unit to the antenna, the amplitude value of the signal formed after the signal transmitted by the RRU passes through the radio frequency channel is obtained. The phase difference between each radio frequency channel is then determined based on the amplitude value, thereby achieving phase correction of the radio frequency channel. The amplitude detection unit only transmits the amplitude value of the coupled signal back to the RRU, reducing the amount of data sent to the RRU and eliminating the need for an additional radio frequency channel, thus lowering deployment costs.

[0082] An antenna 400 provided in an embodiment of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0083] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the antenna 400 includes N first interfaces, second interfaces, and detection units 401, where N ≥ 2 and is an integer.

[0084] Among them, N first interfaces are used to receive N signals through N first channels.

[0085] For example, there is a one-to-one correspondence between N first channels and N signals, and a one-to-one correspondence between N first channels and N first interfaces. That is to say, each of the N signals is transmitted through its corresponding first channel.

[0086] For example, the first interface is also called the first radio frequency interface, and the first channel is also called the first radio frequency channel. For ease of description, the following description will use the first interface as the first radio frequency interface and the first channel as the first radio frequency channel as an example.

[0087] For example, antenna 400 includes N first radio frequency (RF) interfaces, which correspond to N first radio frequency (RF) channels. Each of the N first interfaces receives signals through its corresponding first channel. For instance, if the N first RF interfaces are RF interface #1, RF interface #2, ..., RF interface #N, and the N first RF channels are RF channel #1, RF channel #2, ..., RF channel #N, then RF interface #1 receives signal #1 through RF channel #1, RF interface #2 receives signal #2 through RF channel #2, and so on, with RF interface #N receiving signal #N through RF channel #N.

[0088] In this embodiment, the antenna 400 is connected to the RRU through the N first channels. A detailed description of the RRU can be found in Figure 6, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] Optionally, the antenna 400 further includes a coupler 402 connected to the detection unit 401. The coupler 402 is used to couple the aforementioned N signals to obtain a first signal. That is, the N signals are coupled by the coupler 402 to obtain the first signal. Further, the coupler 402 sends the first signal to the detection unit 401 connected to it.

[0090] For example, assuming N=2, coupler 402 couples signals #1 and #2. In this case, antenna 400 includes two first radio frequency (RF) interfaces, each corresponding to a first RF channel. Each of the two first interfaces receives signals through its corresponding first channel. Signal #1 is received by RF interface #1 through RF channel #1, and signal #2 is received by RF interface #2 through RF channel #2. Then, signals #1 and #2 are sent to coupler 402, which couples them to obtain a first signal. The phases of signals #1 and #2 may be the same or different.

[0091] In one implementation, when there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, if the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to a first preset phase difference, it is considered that the phases of signal #1 and signal #2 are different. Then, after signal #1 and signal #2 are coupled through coupler 402, a first signal is obtained. At this time, since if the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to the first preset phase difference, after signal #1 and signal #2 are coupled, the amplitude of the first signal will be reduced compared to the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal will be reduced compared to the amplitude of signal #2.

[0092] In another implementation, when there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, if the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is less than a first preset phase difference, it is considered that the phases of signal #1 and signal #2 are approximately the same. Then, after signal #1 and signal #2 are coupled through coupler 402, a first signal is obtained. Since signal #1 and signal #2 are in the same phase, the amplitude of the first signal after coupling will be greater than the amplitude of signal #1, or vice versa. For example, if the amplitude of the first signal is twice the amplitude of signal #1, then the amplitude of the first signal can be considered to be the largest.

[0093] It should be noted that the first preset phase difference value can be predefined or pre-configured. If the phase difference between signal #1 and signal #2 is greater than or equal to the first preset phase difference value, it can be understood that, for the phase difference between signal #1 and signal #2 to be greater than or equal to the first preset phase difference value, the amplitude of the first signal will be smaller than the amplitude of signal #1, or smaller than the amplitude of signal #2. If the phase difference between signal #1 and signal #2 is less than the first preset phase difference value, it can be understood that, for the phase difference between signal #1 and signal #2 to be less than the first preset phase difference value, the amplitude of the first signal will be larger than the amplitude of signal #1, or larger than the amplitude of signal #2.

[0094] It should also be noted that the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to the first preset phase difference. This can be understood as either the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than the first preset phase difference, or the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is equal to the first preset phase difference.

[0095] Furthermore, the detection unit 401 is used to detect the first signal to obtain first information, which is used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal. The first signal is obtained by coupling the N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels.

[0096] For example, the detection unit 401 is also called an amplitude detection unit. This detection unit 401 can detect the first signal to obtain first information that can indicate the amplitude value of the first signal. Specifically, the detection unit 401 performs amplitude detection on the first signal to obtain the amplitude value of the first signal. The amplitude value of the first signal can be used to determine whether there is a phase difference between the N first channels.

[0097] As an example, the first signal can be understood as the result of the superposition of the above N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal is the result of the superposition of the amplitude values ​​of the above N signals. Assuming N=2, in this case, the two first radio frequency interfaces on the antenna 400 receive two signals through two first radio frequency channels. Specifically, radio frequency interface #1 receives signal #1 through radio frequency channel #1, and radio frequency interface #2 receives signal #2 through radio frequency channel #2.

[0098] It should be noted that the amplitude value of the first signal can be understood as the maximum amplitude value of the first signal at a certain moment, or the average amplitude value of the first signal over a certain period of time.

[0099] In one possible implementation, when there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the detection unit 401 performs amplitude detection on the first signal and obtains first information. This first information indicates that the amplitude value of the first signal is reduced compared to the amplitude value of signal #1, or the amplitude value of the first signal is reduced compared to the amplitude value of signal #2. At this time, the amplitude value of the first signal can be used to determine that there is a phase difference between the two first RF channels (i.e., RF channel #1 and RF channel #2). Specifically, the amplitude value of the first signal is compared with a preset amplitude value. When the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the preset amplitude value, it can be determined that there is a phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2.

[0100] It should be noted that "the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the preset amplitude value" can be understood as either "the amplitude value of the first signal is less than the preset amplitude value" or "the amplitude value of the first signal is equal to the preset amplitude value". Furthermore, in the following text, "the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value" and "the power value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset power value" have the same meaning and will not be elaborated further.

[0101] In another possible implementation, when there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the detection unit 401 performs amplitude detection on the first signal and obtains first information. This first information indicates that the amplitude value of the first signal is increased compared to the amplitude value of signal #1, or the amplitude value of the first signal is increased compared to the amplitude value of signal #2. In this case, the amplitude value of the first signal can be used to determine that there is no phase difference between the two first RF channels (i.e., RF channel #1 and RF channel #2). Specifically, the amplitude value of the first signal is compared with a preset amplitude value. When the amplitude value of the first signal is greater than the preset amplitude value, it can be determined that there is no phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2.

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the superposition of two signal phases. As shown in Figure 5, a sinusoidal signal is used as an example. In Figure 5(a)-(c), when the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is less than a first preset phase difference, the amplitude of the first signal obtained after coupling signals #1 and #2 is increased compared to the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal is increased compared to the amplitude of signal #2. For example, if the first preset phase difference is 5°, and the difference between the phases of signal #1 and signal #2 is 0, then the amplitude of the first signal is twice the amplitude of signal #1, or twice the amplitude of signal #2, meaning the amplitude of the first signal increases.

[0103] In Figures 5(d)-(f), when signals #1 and #2 have different phases, and the difference between the phases of signals #1 and #2 is greater than or equal to a first preset phase difference, the amplitude of the first signal obtained after coupling signals #1 and #2 is smaller than the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal is smaller than the amplitude of signal #2. For example, if the first preset phase difference is 5°, and the difference between the phases of signals #1 and #2 is 180°, then the amplitude of the first signal is at its minimum, meaning the amplitude of the first signal is reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, a second interface is used to send the first information.

[0105] For example, after detecting the first signal and obtaining the first information, the detection unit 401 sends the first information to the RRU through the second interface, so that the RRU can perform phase correction processing on the N first channels according to the first information. Specifically, the RRU determines whether to perform phase correction on the N first channels by comparing the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information with a first preset amplitude value.

[0106] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first information is also used to indicate the power value of the first signal, which is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels.

[0107] As an example, the first signal can be understood as the result of the superposition of the above N first signals, and the power value of the first signal is the result of the superposition of the power values ​​of the above N first signals. Assuming N=2, in this case, the two first radio frequency interfaces on the antenna 400 receive two signals through two first radio frequency channels. Specifically, radio frequency interface #1 receives signal #1 through radio frequency channel #1, and radio frequency interface #2 receives signal #2 through radio frequency channel #2.

[0108] Optionally, when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels.

[0109] As an example, assuming N=2 and there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the amplitude value of the first signal will be less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value. In this case, it is necessary to correct the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2 so that the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2 are consistent, thereby making the phases of signal #1 and signal #2 consistent.

[0110] As another example, assuming N=2 and there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the amplitude value of the first signal will be greater than the first preset amplitude value. In this case, it is assumed that the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 are the same, so there is no need to correct the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2.

[0111] Optionally, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information. Specifically, the first information indicates the amplitude value of the first signal. Based on the amplitude value of the first signal, a preset amplitude value (i.e., the first preset amplitude value) is set. When the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the phases of the aforementioned N signals are considered to be different. When the amplitude value of the first signal is greater than the first preset amplitude value, the phases of the aforementioned N signals are considered to be the same.

[0112] For example, the magnitude of the first preset amplitude value can be the same as the amplitude value of any one of the N signals. For instance, if N = 2 and the two signals are signal #1 and signal #2, then the magnitude of the first preset amplitude value is equal to the sum of the amplitude values ​​of signal #1 and signal #2.

[0113] In one implementation, when the power value of the first signal is less than or equal to a first preset power value, the power value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels.

[0114] As an example, assuming N=2 and there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the power value of the first signal will be less than or equal to the first preset power value. In this case, it is necessary to correct the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2 so that the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2 are consistent, thereby making the phase of signal #1 and signal #2 consistent.

[0115] As another example, assuming N=2 and there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the power value of the first signal will be greater than the first preset power value. In this case, it is assumed that the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 are the same, so there is no need to correct the phase of RF channel #1 and the phase of RF channel #2.

[0116] For example, the first preset power value is determined by the first information. Specifically, the first information indicates the power value of the first signal. Based on the power value of the first signal, a preset power value (i.e., the first preset power value) is set. When the power value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset power value, the phases of the aforementioned N signals are considered to be different. When the amplitude value of the first signal is greater than the first preset power value, the phases of the aforementioned N signals are considered to be the same.

[0117] For example, the magnitude of the first preset power value can be the same as the power value of any one of the N signals. For instance, if N = 2 and the two signals are signal #1 and signal #2, then the magnitude of the first preset power value is equal to the power value of the sum of the power values ​​of signal #1 and signal #2.

[0118] Optionally, the second interface includes a data interface. Specifically, the second interface is capable of sending the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information to the RRU.

[0119] Optionally, the data interface includes an AISG interface. That is, the second interface can be an AISG interface, which is an interface on the antenna 400. This eliminates the need to introduce an additional interface for transmitting amplitude values, thus enabling the transmission of the amplitude value of the first signal and reducing the deployment cost of the antenna.

[0120] It should be noted that the data interface can also be other interfaces on the antenna that can transmit data, and this application does not limit this.

[0121] In this application embodiment, the RRU and antenna are deployed independently as an example. The antenna can also be combined with the RRU in one architecture, i.e., AAU device. In this case, the antenna is called an antenna unit or antenna array, but it is still essentially a radio frequency signal generation unit that radiates signals to the air interface. Therefore, the antenna in this application embodiment is also applicable to base stations where the antenna and RRU are combined into an AUU device.

[0122] In this embodiment, a detection unit is added to the antenna to obtain the amplitude value of the coupled signal. This amplitude value is then transmitted to the RRU via an interface. Since the transmitted data is the amplitude value of the signal at a certain moment, or the average or maximum amplitude value of the signal over a certain period, the amount of data transmitted is reduced compared to directly transmitting the coupled signal. Furthermore, because the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the signal amplitude can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's existing interface, thus eliminating the need to introduce a new radio frequency channel and reducing deployment costs.

[0123] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication device 500 includes an antenna 510 and an RRU 520. The antenna 510 includes N first interfaces and N second interfaces, and the RRU 520 includes N third interfaces and N fourth interfaces. The N first interfaces correspond one-to-one with the N third interfaces. The corresponding first interfaces and third interfaces are connected through a first channel for communication, and the second interfaces and fourth interfaces are connected through a second channel for communication. N ≥ 2 and is an integer.

[0124] For example, the first interface is also called the first radio frequency interface, the first channel is also called the first radio frequency channel, and the third interface is also called the third radio frequency interface. For ease of description, the following description will use the first interface as the first radio frequency interface, the first channel as the first radio frequency channel, and the third interface as the second radio frequency interface as an example.

[0125] For example, assuming N=2, the antenna 510 includes two first radio frequency interfaces (e.g., radio frequency interface #1 and radio frequency interface #2), and the RRU 520 includes two third radio frequency interfaces (e.g., radio frequency interface #3 and radio frequency interface #4). Radio frequency interface #1 corresponds to radio frequency interface #3 and is connected via radio frequency channel #1; radio frequency interface #2 corresponds to radio frequency interface #4 and is connected via radio frequency channel #2.

[0126] RRU 520 is used to transmit N signals to antenna 510 through N first channels. Correspondingly, N first interfaces on antenna 510 receive the N signals through N first channels.

[0127] As an example, N signals correspond to one transmitted signal, which is the signal sent by the RRU 520 to the N third interfaces. For example, this transmitted signal is signal A. After receiving signal A, the N third interfaces on the RRU 520 transmit it through the N first channels, forming N signals. The phases of these N signals may be the same or different. Furthermore, the phases of the N signals may be the same as or different from the phase of signal A. For example, if there is no difference between the N first channels, then the N signals have the same phase; or if there is a difference between the N first channels, then the N signals have different phases.

[0128] For example, N=2, antenna 510 includes two first radio frequency (RF) interfaces (e.g., RF interface #1 and RF interface #2), and RRU 520 includes two third radio frequency (RF) interfaces (e.g., RF interface #3 and RF interface #4). RF interface #1 corresponds to RF interface #3 and is connected via RF channel #1; RF interface #2 corresponds to RF interface #4 and is connected via RF channel #2. RF channels #1 and #2 are two first radio frequency channels. In this case, RRU 520 sends signal #1 to antenna 510 via RF channel #1, and RRU 520 sends signal #2 to antenna 510 via RF channel #2. When there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 are the same, or the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is less than the first preset phase difference value; when there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 are not the same, or the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to the first preset phase difference value.

[0129] Furthermore, antenna 510 is used to couple the N signals to generate a first signal.

[0130] The antenna 510 includes a coupler 511, which is used to couple the aforementioned N signals to generate a first signal. In other words, the N signals are coupled through the coupler 511 to generate the first signal. It can be understood that generating the first signal can also be referred to as obtaining the first signal; for ease of description, the following description will use obtaining the first signal as an example.

[0131] For example, when N=2, coupler 511 couples signals #1 and #2. Signal #1 is received by RF interface #1 through RF channel #1, and signal #2 is received by RF interface #2 through RF channel #2. Signals #1 and #2 are then sent to coupler 511, which couples them to obtain the first signal. The phases of signals #1 and #2 may be the same or different.

[0132] As an example, coupling N signals to obtain a first signal can be understood as superimposing the N signals; that is, the first signal is the result of superimposing the N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal is the result of superimposing the amplitude values ​​of the N signals. Assuming N = 2, in this case, the two first radio frequency interfaces on antenna 512 receive two signals through two first radio frequency channels. Specifically, radio frequency interface #1 receives signal #1 through radio frequency channel #1, and radio frequency interface #2 receives signal #2 through radio frequency channel #2.

[0133] In one implementation, there is a difference between radio frequency channel #1 and radio frequency channel #2, and when the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to a first preset phase difference, the amplitude of the first signal obtained after the coupling of signal #1 and signal #2 through coupler 511 will be reduced compared to the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal will be reduced compared to the amplitude of signal #2.

[0134] In another implementation, there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, and when the phase difference between signal #1 and signal #2 is less than a first preset phase difference, the amplitude of the first signal obtained after coupling signal #1 and signal #2 through coupler 511 will be increased compared to the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal will be increased compared to the amplitude of signal #2. For example, if the amplitude of the first signal is twice the amplitude of signal #1, then the amplitude of the first signal can be understood as being the largest.

[0135] Antenna 510 is also used to transmit first information to the RRU via a second channel, the first information being used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal.

[0136] Specifically, the second interface on antenna 510 sends the first information to the RRU through the second channel.

[0137] Optionally, the antenna 510 may further include a detection unit 512, which is used to detect the first signal in order to obtain the first information.

[0138] For example, the detection unit 512 is also called an amplitude detection unit. This detection unit 512 can detect the first signal to obtain first information that can indicate the amplitude value of the first signal. Specifically, the detection unit 512 performs amplitude detection on the first signal to obtain the amplitude value of the first signal. The amplitude value of the first signal can be used to determine whether there is a phase difference between the N first channels.

[0139] It should be noted that the amplitude value of the first signal can be understood as the maximum amplitude value of the first signal at a certain moment, or the average amplitude value of the first signal over a certain period of time.

[0140] In one possible implementation, assuming N=2, the two first channels are RF channel #1 and RF channel #2. The first signal is obtained by coupling signal #1 and signal #2. When there is a difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, and the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is greater than or equal to a first preset phase difference value, the detection unit 512 performs amplitude detection on the first signal and obtains first information. This first information indicates that the amplitude value of the first signal is reduced compared to the amplitude value of signal #1, or the amplitude value of the first signal is reduced compared to the amplitude value of signal #2. At this time, the RRU 520 can determine that there is a phase difference between the two first RF channels (i.e., RF channel #1 and RF channel #2) based on the amplitude value of the first signal. Specifically, by comparing the amplitude value of the first signal with a preset amplitude value, it can be determined that there is a phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 when the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the preset amplitude value.

[0141] In another possible implementation, assuming N=2, the two first channels are RF channel #1 and RF channel #2. The first signal is obtained by coupling signal #1 and signal #2. When there is no difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2, and the difference between the phase of signal #1 and the phase of signal #2 is less than a first preset phase difference value, the detection unit 401 performs amplitude detection on the first signal and obtains first information. This first information indicates that the amplitude of the first signal is increased compared to the amplitude of signal #1, or the amplitude of the first signal is increased compared to the amplitude of signal #2. At this time, the amplitude of the first signal can be used to determine that there is no phase difference between the two first RF channels (i.e., RF channel #1 and RF channel #2). Specifically, the amplitude of the first signal is compared with a preset amplitude value. When the amplitude of the first signal is greater than the preset amplitude value, it can be determined that there is no phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2.

[0142] Furthermore, the RRU 520 is also used to perform phase correction processing on the first channel based on the first information.

[0143] Specifically, when the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the RRU 520 performs phase correction processing on the first channel. When the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is greater than the first preset amplitude value, it is assumed that the phases of the N first channels are the same, and phase correction processing is not required for the first channel.

[0144] Optionally, the first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information. A detailed description of the first preset amplitude value can be found in the description in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0145] In one possible implementation, when the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to a first preset amplitude value, the RRU 520 performs phase correction processing on the N first channels. At this time, the transmitted signal corresponding to the aforementioned N signals is the same signal; that is, the N signals received by the N first interfaces through the N first channels correspond to one transmitted signal, for example, signal A. This signal A is transmitted by the N third interfaces on the RRU 520. If the first information is transmitted to the RRU 520 through the second channel, the RRU determines, based on the first information, that phase adjustment between the N first channels is required, and the RRU 520 retransmits the signal to the N third interfaces. At this time, the RRU 520 transmits signal A and signal B to any two of the N third interfaces respectively. The phase of signal B differs from the phase of signal A by a phase difference. After transmission through the corresponding first channel, signal A forms signal #1, and after transmission through the corresponding first channel, signal B forms signal #2. After antenna 510 couples signals #1 and #2, the amplitude value of the coupled signal is obtained by detection unit 512, and then sent back to RRU 520. If the amplitude value is not the maximum amplitude value, the phase of signal B is readjusted, and the above process is repeated until the amplitude value of the coupled signal is the maximum, at which point the phase correction of the first channel is considered complete. Alternatively, if the amplitude value is not the minimum amplitude value, the phase of signal B is readjusted, and the above process is repeated until the amplitude value of the coupled signal is the minimum, at which point the phase of the first channel of transmitting signal A is considered to be 180° different from the phase of the first channel of transmitting signal B, and the phase correction of the first channel is considered complete.

[0146] It should be noted that the phase adjustment range of signal B is 0 to 360°. That is, when the amplitude value is not the maximum or minimum, the phase adjustment of signal B can be attempted sequentially from 0 to 360° until the amplitude value is either the maximum or the minimum. At this point, the difference between the phase of signal B and the phase of signal A is the phase difference between the phase of the first channel transmitting signal A and the phase of the first channel transmitting signal B.

[0147] For example, assuming N=2, antenna 510 includes two first radio frequency (RF) interfaces (e.g., RF interface #1 and RF interface #2), and RRU 520 includes two third RF interfaces (e.g., RF interface #3 and RF interface #4). RF interface #1 corresponds to RF interface #3 and is connected via RF channel #1; RF interface #2 corresponds to RF interface #4 and is connected via RF channel #2. RF channels #1 and #2 are two first RF channels. If the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to a first preset amplitude value, RRU 520 sends signal A and signal B to RF interface #3 and RF interface #4 respectively. At this time, the phase of signal B traverses from 0 to 360°. That is, when the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, RRU 520 needs to send signal A and signal B to RF interface #3 and RF interface #4 multiple times. The phase of signal B sent each time is different, and the phase of signal B sent each time increases sequentially within the range of 0 to 360°. Suppose that in a certain instance, RRU 520 sends signal A to RF interface #3 and signal B to RF interface #4 respectively, and the phase of signal B is... Signal A, after being transmitted through RF channel #1, becomes signal #1; signal B, after being transmitted through RF channel #1, becomes signal #2. If the amplitude of the coupled signal #1 and signal #2 is the largest, then the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 is considered to be... Alternatively, if the amplitude of the coupled signal #1 and signal #2 is the smallest, then the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 is considered to be 180°.

[0148] It should be noted that the process of determining the phase difference between the N first channels is achieved by adjusting the phase of the signal received by a certain third interface. In the embodiments of this application, the phase at which the amplitude or power of the coupled signal is maximum or minimum can also be determined by the bisection method, the fitting function method, and other search algorithms, thereby determining the phase difference between the RF channels and realizing the phase correction between the RF channels. The implementation process of the bisection method, the fitting function method, and other search algorithms can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described in detail in the embodiments of this application.

[0149] It should also be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the phase difference between the N first channels can be directly calculated from the amplitude value of the first signal detected by the detection unit.

[0150] In one implementation, when the power value of the first signal is less than or equal to a first preset power value, the RRU 520 is used to perform phase correction processing on the first channel.

[0151] In one possible implementation, when the power value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to a first preset power value, the RRU 520 performs phase correction processing on the first channel. At this time, the transmitted signal corresponding to the aforementioned N signals is the same signal; that is, the N signals received by the N first interfaces through the N first channels correspond to one transmitted signal, for example, signal A. This signal A is transmitted by the N third interfaces on the RRU 520. If the first information is transmitted to the RRU 520 through the second channel, the RRU determines, based on the first information, that phase adjustment between the N first channels is required, and the RRU 520 retransmits the signal to the N third interfaces. At this time, the RRU 520 transmits signal A and signal B to any two of the N third interfaces respectively. The phase of signal B differs from the phase of signal A by a phase difference. After transmission through the corresponding first channel, signal A forms signal #1, and after transmission through the corresponding first channel, signal B forms signal #2. After antenna 510 couples signals #1 and #2, the power value of the coupled signal is obtained by detection unit 512, and then the amplitude value is sent back to RRU 520. If the power value is not the maximum amplitude value, the phase of signal B is readjusted, and the above process is repeated until the amplitude value of the coupled signal is the maximum, at which point the phase correction of the first channel is considered complete. Alternatively, if the amplitude value is not the minimum power value, the phase of signal B is readjusted, and the above process is repeated until the power value of the coupled signal is the minimum, at which point the phase of the first channel of transmitting signal A is considered to be 180° different from the phase of the first channel of transmitting signal B, and the phase correction of the first channel is considered complete.

[0152] It should be noted that the phase adjustment range for signal B is 0–360°. That is, when the amplitude value is not the maximum or minimum, adjustments to the phase of signal B can be made sequentially from 0 to 360° until the amplitude value is either the maximum or minimum power value. At this point, the difference between the phase of signal B and the phase of signal A is the phase difference between the phase of the first channel transmitting signal A and the phase of the first channel transmitting signal B.

[0153] For example, assuming N=2, antenna 510 includes two first radio frequency interfaces (e.g., radio frequency interface #1 and radio frequency interface #2), and RRU 520 includes two third radio frequency interfaces (e.g., radio frequency interface #3 and radio frequency interface #4). Radio frequency interface #1 corresponds to radio frequency interface #3 and is connected via radio frequency channel #1; radio frequency interface #2 corresponds to radio frequency interface #4 and is connected via radio frequency channel #2. Radio frequency channels #1 and #2 are two first radio frequency channels. If the power value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to a first preset power value, RRU 520 sends signal A and signal B to radio frequency interface #3 and radio frequency interface #4 respectively. At this time, the phase of signal B traverses from 0 to 360°. That is, when the power value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to the first preset power value, RRU 520 needs to send signal A and signal B to radio frequency interface #3 and radio frequency interface #4 multiple times. The phase of signal B sent each time is different, and the phase of signal B sent each time increases sequentially within the range of 0 to 360°. Suppose that in a certain instance, RRU 520 sends signal A to RF interface #3 and signal B to RF interface #4 respectively, and the phase of signal B is... Signal A, after being transmitted through RF channel #1, becomes signal #1; signal B, after being transmitted through RF channel #1, becomes signal #2. If the power of the coupled signal #1 and signal #2 is the maximum, then the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 is considered to be... Alternatively, if the power value of the coupled signal #1 and signal #2 is the minimum, then the phase difference between RF channel #1 and RF channel #2 is considered to be 180°.

[0154] For example, the first preset power value is determined by the first information. A detailed description of the first preset amplitude value can be found in the description in Figure 4 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Optionally, the second and fourth interfaces include data interfaces. Specifically, the second interface is capable of sending the amplitude or power value of the first signal indicated by the first information to the RRU. Correspondingly, the RRU receives the power value of the first signal through the fourth interface.

[0156] Optionally, the data interface includes an AISG interface. That is, the second interface can be an AISG interface, the fourth interface can be an AISG interface, and the AISG interface is an interface on the antenna 512. In this way, it is not necessary to introduce an additional interface to transmit the amplitude or power value, so as to transmit the amplitude or power value of the first signal, thereby reducing the deployment cost of the antenna.

[0157] It should be noted that the data interface can also be other interfaces on the antenna or RRU that can transmit data, and this application does not limit this.

[0158] In this application embodiment, the RRU and antenna are deployed independently as an example. The antenna can also be combined with the RRU in one architecture, i.e., AAU device. In this case, the antenna is called an antenna unit or antenna array, but it is still essentially a radio frequency signal generation unit that radiates signals to the air interface. Therefore, the antenna in this application embodiment is also applicable to base stations where the antenna and RRU are combined into an AUU device.

[0159] In this embodiment, a detection unit is added to the antenna to acquire the amplitude value of the coupled signal. This amplitude value is then transmitted to the RRU via an interface. Since the transmitted data is the amplitude value of the signal at a certain moment, or the average or maximum amplitude value of the signal over a certain period, the amount of data transmitted is reduced compared to directly transmitting the coupled signal. Furthermore, because the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the signal amplitude can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's existing interface, thus eliminating the need to introduce a new radio frequency channel and reducing deployment costs. Simultaneously, the RRU can perform phase correction of the radio frequency channel based on the amplitude value of the coupled signal, reducing the cost of radio frequency channel correction.

[0160] The following will describe in detail, with reference to Figure 7, a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0161] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The method 600 is applied to a communication device, which includes an antenna and an RRU. The antenna includes N first interfaces and N second interfaces, and the RRU includes N third interfaces and N fourth interfaces. The N first interfaces correspond one-to-one with the N third interfaces, and the corresponding first and third interfaces are connected via a first channel. The second and fourth interfaces are connected via a second channel. As shown in Figure 7, the method 600 includes the following steps.

[0162] S610: The RRU sends N signals to the antenna. Correspondingly, the antenna receives N signals from the RRU.

[0163] Specifically, the RRU sends N signals to the antenna through N first channels.

[0164] For a detailed description of how the RRU sends N signals to the antenna through N first channels, please refer to the description of part 6 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0165] S620, the antenna couples the N signals to generate the first signal.

[0166] For a detailed description of how the antenna couples the N signals to generate the first signal, please refer to the description of part 6 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] S630: The antenna sends the first information to the RRU. Correspondingly, the RRU receives the first information from the antenna.

[0168] Specifically, the antenna transmits the first information to the RRU through the second channel, and the first information is used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal.

[0169] For example, the first information is obtained by detecting the first signal through a detection unit in the antenna.

[0170] For a detailed description of the antenna sending the first information to the RRU, please refer to the description of part 6 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] Based on this first information, S640 and RRU perform phase correction processing on N first channels.

[0172] Optionally, the RRU performs phase correction processing on the N first channels based on the first information, including: when the amplitude value of the first signal indicated by the first information is less than or equal to a first preset amplitude value, the RRU 520 performs phase correction processing on the N first channels.

[0173] Optionally, the first preset amplitude value is determined based on the first information.

[0174] Optionally, the second and fourth interfaces include data interfaces. Specifically, the second interface is capable of sending the amplitude or power value of the first signal indicated by the first information to the RRU. Correspondingly, the RRU receives the power value of the first signal through the fourth interface.

[0175] Optionally, the data interface includes an AISG interface. That is, the second interface can be an AISG interface, the fourth interface can be an AISG interface, and the AISG interface is an interface on the antenna 512. In this way, it is not necessary to introduce an additional interface to transmit the amplitude or power value, so as to transmit the amplitude or power value of the first signal, thereby reducing the deployment cost of the antenna.

[0176] It should be noted that the data interface can also be other interfaces on the antenna that can transmit data, and this application does not limit this.

[0177] For a detailed description of the phase correction process performed by the RRU on the N first channels based on the first information in step S640, please refer to the description of the part in Figure 6 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] In this embodiment, by sending the first information to the RRU, the data transmitted by the antenna is the amplitude value of the signal at a certain moment, or the average or maximum amplitude value of the signal over a certain period of time. Compared with directly transmitting the coupled signal, the amount of data transmitted is reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of data transmitted is reduced, the amplitude value of the signal can be directly transmitted to the RRU through the antenna's own interface. Therefore, there is no need to introduce a new radio frequency channel, which reduces deployment costs.

[0179] The following will describe in detail, with reference to Figure 8, a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0180] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1010 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit. The processing unit 1020 can be used to perform processing, for example, to perform phase correction on a first channel.

[0181] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0182] In a first possible design, the device 1000 can be the antenna in the aforementioned embodiments, and the device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the antenna in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 1010 can be used to perform antenna transmission and reception related operations (such as transmitting and / or receiving signals or information) in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 can be used to perform antenna processing related operations in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transmission and reception (such as operations other than transmitting and / or receiving signals or information).

[0183] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive N signals through N first interfaces; the processing unit 1020 is used to couple the N signals to generate a first signal; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to send first information through a second interface, the first information being used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal.

[0184] In a second possible design, the device 1000 can be the RRU in the aforementioned embodiments, which can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the antenna execution in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the transceiver unit 1010 can be used to perform antenna transmission and reception related operations (such as transmitting and / or receiving signals or information) in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 can be used to perform antenna processing related operations in the above method embodiments, or operations other than transmission and reception (such as operations other than transmitting and / or receiving signals or information).

[0185] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to transmit N signals through N first channels; the transceiver unit 1010 is also used to receive first information through a fourth interface, the first information being used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal; and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels according to the first information.

[0186] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0187] It should also be understood that the device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here 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, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 can be specifically the communication device in the above embodiments, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the communication device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0188] The apparatus 1000 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the communication device (such as a communication equipment) in the above-described methods. The function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, each executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in the respective method embodiments.

[0189] In addition, the transceiver unit 1010 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0190] It should be noted that the device in Figure 8 can be the communication device in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transmitting and receiving units can be input / output circuits or communication interfaces; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0191] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 2000 includes a processor 2010 coupled to a memory 2020. The memory 2020 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 2010 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 2020, or to read the data stored in the memory 2020, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0192] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 2010.

[0193] Optionally, the memory 2020 may be one or more.

[0194] Alternatively, the memory 2020 can be integrated with the processor 2010, or it can be set up separately.

[0195] Optionally, as shown in FIG9, the device 2000 further includes a transceiver 2030 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 2010 is used to control the transceiver 2030 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0196] As an example, processor 2010 may have the functions of processing unit 1020 shown in FIG8, memory 2020 may have the functions of storage unit, and transceiver 2030 may have the functions of transceiver unit 1010 shown in FIG8.

[0197] As one approach, the device 2000 is used to implement the operations performed by a communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) in the various method embodiments described above.

[0198] For example, processor 2010 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 2020 to implement the relevant operations of the communication device in the various method embodiments above.

[0199] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0200] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. 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. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: 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).

[0201] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0202] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0203] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 3000 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 3010 and an input / output interface 3020.

[0204] The logic circuit 3010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 3000. The logic circuit 3010 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 3000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 3000, outputting processed information from the chip system 3000, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 3000 for processing.

[0205] As one approach, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) in the above method embodiments.

[0206] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by a communication device (such as an antenna, or an RRU) in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement transmission and / or reception-related operations performed by a communication device (such as an antenna, or an RRU) in the above method embodiments.

[0207] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions for implementing the methods executed by a communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) causes the communication device (such as method 600) to execute the above-described methods.

[0208] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) in the above-described method embodiments. For example, when the computer program or instructions are run on the communication device, the communication device (such as an antenna or an RRU) performs the above-described methods (such as method 600).

[0209] This application also provides a communication system that includes the communication devices described in the preceding embodiments. For example, the system includes the communication device shown in the embodiment of FIG6.

[0210] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0212] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved 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. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. 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 can 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). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0213] 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

An antenna, characterized in that, include: There are N first interfaces, second interfaces, and detection units, where N ≥ 2 and is an integer; The N first interfaces are used to receive N signals through the N first channels; The detection unit is used to detect the first signal to obtain first information, the first information being used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal, the first signal being obtained by coupling the N signals, and the amplitude value of the first signal being used to perform phase correction on the N first channels; The second interface is used to send the first information. The antenna according to claim 1 is characterized in that, The second interface includes a data interface. The antenna according to claim 2 is characterized in that, The data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that, When the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction on the N first channels. The antenna according to claim 4 is characterized in that, The first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information. A communication device, characterized in that, include: An antenna and a remote radio unit (RRU) are provided. The antenna includes N first interfaces and N second interfaces, and the RRU includes N third interfaces and N fourth interfaces. The N first interfaces and N third interfaces correspond one-to-one. Corresponding first and third interfaces are connected via a first channel, and the second and fourth interfaces are connected via a second channel. N ≥ 2 and is an integer. The RRU is used to send N signals to the antenna through N first channels; The antenna is used to couple the N signals to generate a first signal; The antenna is also used to send first information to the RRU through the second channel, the first information being used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal; The RRU is also used to perform phase correction processing on the N first channels based on the first information. The communication device according to claim 6 is characterized in that, The antenna also includes a detection unit; The detection unit is used to detect the first signal in order to obtain the first information. The communication device according to claim 6 or 7 is characterized in that, The second interface and the fourth interface include data interfaces. The communication device according to claim 8 is characterized in that, The data interface includes the Antenna Interface Standard Group (AISG) interface. The communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 9 is characterized in that, When the amplitude value of the first signal is less than or equal to the first preset amplitude value, the RRU is used to perform phase correction processing on the first channel. The communication device according to claim 10 is characterized in that, The first preset amplitude value is determined by the first information. A phase correction method is applied to an antenna, the antenna including N first interfaces and second interfaces, where N ≥ 2 and is an integer, characterized in that... The method includes: Receive N signals through the N first interfaces; The N signals are coupled together to generate a first signal; First information is sent through the second interface. The first information is used to indicate the amplitude value of the first signal. The amplitude value of the first signal is used to perform phase correction processing on N first channels. The N first channels correspond one-to-one with the N first interfaces. A phase correction method is applied to a radio frequency remote unit (RRU), the RRU including N third interfaces and fourth interfaces, characterized in that... The method includes: N signals are sent through N first channels, and each of the N first channels corresponds one-to-one with the N third interfaces; The first information is received through the fourth interface. The first information is used to indicate the amplitude of the first signal, which is obtained by coupling the N signals. Based on the first information, phase correction processing is performed on the N first channels. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The communication device as described in any one of claims 6 to 11. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module or unit for performing the method of claim 12; or, it includes a module or unit for performing the method of claim 13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in claim 12, or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in claim 13. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in claim 12, or cause the communication device to perform the method as described in claim 13.

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