Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the embodiments of the present application is a communication method. The method is applied to a first communication apparatus, the first communication apparatus comprising a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The method comprises: receiving a first signal, the first signal comprising a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band, wherein the second reference signal does not comprise a synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal, the first reference signal is received by means of a first array antenna, and the second reference signal is received by means of a second array antenna; and on the basis of the first signal, determining beam space information of a second signal on the second frequency band. In this way, a first communication apparatus can determine beam space information of a signal on a second frequency band and transmit and receive the signal on the second frequency band in the absence of an SSB reference signal on the second frequency band.

Description

A communication method and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411599158.5, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 8, 2024, entitled “A Communication Method and Related Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Carrier aggregation (CA) refers to combining multiple consecutive or discrete carriers together to form a wider spectrum, thereby meeting the greater bandwidth requirements of communication services. A secondary cell (SCell) refers to any cell other than the primary cell (PCell). User equipment (UE) can activate SCells to participate in carrier aggregation, thereby enhancing data transmission rates.

[0004] However, for UEs that include at least two array antennas, how to activate SCells in scenarios without synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks (SSB-less) is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for enabling a UE equipped with at least two array antennas to activate the SCell in an SSB-less scenario, so that the UE can transmit and receive signals in the SCell frequency band, thereby improving the data transmission rate.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which is executed by a first communication device, or by some components (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) of the first communication device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first communication device. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a first communication device. The method is applied to a first communication device, which includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna, and the method includes:

[0007] The first signal is received, which includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first reference signal is received through a first array antenna, and the second reference signal is received through a second array antenna.

[0008] Based on the first signal, the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band is determined.

[0009] In this application, the first communication device can be an air-to-ground (ATG) UE. The first frequency band corresponds to the frequency band of the primary cell PSell, and the second frequency band corresponds to the frequency band of the secondary cell SCell. The first array antenna is used to receive downlink signals from the PCell. To meet service requirements, the first communication device needs to activate the SCell to achieve enhanced carrier aggregation functionality. This is achieved by receiving a first reference signal from the PSell using the first array antenna and a second reference signal from the SCell using the second array antenna. The second reference signal does not include the SSB reference signal. The second signal on the second frequency band includes both reference and data signals. Once the beam space information of the SCell signal is determined, it indicates that the first communication device has the capability to transmit and receive signals on the SCell, thus achieving SCell activation in an SSB-less scenario.

[0010] In one possible implementation, determining the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band based on the first signal includes:

[0011] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined, and the receiving direction of the second reference signal is used to indicate the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band.

[0012] In this application, the beam space information of the SCell signal is determined primarily by determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal on the SCell. Determining the signal receiving direction ensures that the communication device can accurately establish a connection with the SCell for receiving and transmitting SCell signals.

[0013] In one possible implementation, determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal includes:

[0014] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal.

[0015] In one possible implementation, before receiving the first signal, the method further includes:

[0016] Send a third signal, which is used to request reception of the second signal on the second frequency band;

[0017] Receive a fourth signal, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal;

[0018] Determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal includes:

[0019] Based on the first reference signal and the correlation relationship, the receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined.

[0020] In this application, the first communication device reports its communication capability information via a third signal, and the received fourth signal is the configuration information of the transmission beams of PCell and SCell. After the network side performs the corresponding configuration based on the UE side's capabilities, it informs the UE side of the configuration result.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0022] Using the above method, when the two array antennas of the first communication device receive signals from PCell and SCell respectively, and these two signals use different frequency bands, if the network side configures them with a QCL-typeD relationship, then the first communication device can utilize this relationship to simultaneously receive both signals using the same receiving beam. The QCL-typeD relationship ensures the consistency of signal propagation characteristics in space, thereby simplifying the UE's reception processing flow and reducing the time and complexity required for beam search.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0024] By employing the above method, the first communication device can save time and resources spent searching and measuring across multiple beams. This helps reduce the processing load on the first communication device and improves the efficiency and accuracy of signal reception.

[0025] In one possible implementation, determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal includes:

[0026] The transmission beam that receives the second reference signal in multiple directions is used to obtain the receiving direction of the second reference signal.

[0027] In this application, the first communication device attempts to receive the second reference signal from different directions one by one until successful reception is achieved. At this point, the first communication device can obtain the direction information of the downlink beam.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0031] The second signal is received according to the receiving direction of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second communication device, the method comprising:

[0033] A first signal is sent to a first communication device. The first signal includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first communication device includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The first array antenna is used to receive the first reference signal, and the second array antenna is used to receive the second reference signal. The first signal is used by the first communication device to determine the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0034] Send a second signal.

[0035] In this application, the first communication device can be an air-to-ground (ATG) UE, and the second communication device is the network equipment (base station) of the ATG. The first frequency band corresponds to the frequency band of the primary cell PSell, and the second frequency band corresponds to the frequency band of the secondary cell SCell. The first array antenna is used to receive downlink signals from the PCell. To meet service requirements, the first communication device needs to activate the SCell to achieve enhanced carrier aggregation functionality. This is achieved by receiving a first reference signal from the PSell using the first array antenna and a second reference signal from the SCell using the second array antenna. The second reference signal does not include the SSB reference signal. The second signal on the second frequency band includes both reference signals and data signals. Once the beam space information of the SCell signal is determined, it indicates that the first communication device has the capability to transmit and receive signals on the SCell, thus achieving SCell activation in the SSB-less scenario.

[0036] In one possible implementation, before sending the first signal to the first communication device, the method further includes:

[0037] Receive a third signal, which is used to request the transmission of a second signal on the second frequency band;

[0038] A fourth signal is transmitted, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal.

[0039] In this application, the first communication device reports its communication capability information via a third signal, and the received fourth signal is the configuration information of the transmission beams of PCell and SCell. After the network side performs the corresponding configuration based on the UE side's capabilities, it informs the UE side of the configuration result.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0041] Using the above method, when the two array antennas of the first communication device receive signals from PCell and SCell respectively, and these two signals use different frequency bands, if the network side configures them with a QCL-typeD relationship, then the first communication device can utilize this relationship to simultaneously receive both signals using the same receiving beam. The QCL-typeD relationship ensures the consistency of signal propagation characteristics in space, thereby simplifying the UE's reception processing flow and reducing the time and complexity required for beam search.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0043] By employing the above method, the first communication device can save time and resources spent searching and measuring across multiple beams. This helps reduce the processing load on the first communication device and improves the efficiency and accuracy of signal reception.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the second signal is determined based on the timing of the transmission of the fourth signal.

[0045] This application also defines the specific time point at which the network side activates the SCell, with the time point as the reference for the time when the network side sends the fourth signal.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0048] Optionally, the SCell completes activation after a delay of X SCell TRS.

[0049] Optionally, the SCell completes activation after a delay of X PCell SSBs.

[0050] Optionally, the SCell is activated after a delay of X+Y SCell TRS.

[0051] Optionally, the SCell completes activation after a delay of X+Y PCell SSBs.

[0052] Where X and Y are integers greater than 1.

[0053] Using the above method, a latency index is given to constrain the SSB-less SCell activation latency of the entire ATG under the scheme of this application.

[0054] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which is a first communication device, comprising a transceiver unit and a processing unit: wherein the transceiver unit comprises a first array antenna and a second array antenna;

[0055] A transceiver unit is used to receive a first signal, which includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first reference signal is received through a first array antenna, and the second reference signal is received through a second array antenna.

[0056] The processing unit is used to determine the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band based on the first signal.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used for:

[0058] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined, and the receiving direction of the second reference signal is used to indicate the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used for:

[0060] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used for:

[0062] Send a third signal, which is used to request reception of the second signal on the second frequency band;

[0063] Receive a fourth signal, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal;

[0064] This processing unit is specifically used for:

[0065] Based on the first reference signal and the correlation relationship, the receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0068] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is specifically used for:

[0069] The transmission beam that receives the second reference signal in multiple directions is used to obtain the receiving direction of the second reference signal.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used for:

[0073] The second signal is received according to the receiving direction of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0074] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which is a second communication device, comprising:

[0075] The transceiver unit is used to send a first signal to a first communication device. The first signal includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first communication device includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The first array antenna is used to receive the first reference signal, and the second array antenna is used to receive the second reference signal. The first signal is used by the first communication device to determine the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0076] A processing unit is used to determine the transmission time of the second signal;

[0077] The transceiver unit is also used to send a second signal.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used for:

[0079] Receive a third signal, which is used to request the transmission of a second signal on the second frequency band;

[0080] A fourth signal is transmitted, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the second signal is determined based on the timing of the transmission of the fourth signal.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0086] A fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0087] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0088] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects described above.

[0089] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects.

[0090] The ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0091] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0092] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the first aspect or any of the first aspects.

[0093] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform an implementation as described in the second aspect or any of the second aspects.

[0094] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0095] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0096] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device including a processor for calling a program stored in a memory, such that the processor executes the second aspect or any implementation thereof described above.

[0097] Optionally, the memory may be located inside or outside the chip device.

[0098] The technical effects of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, the fifth aspect, the seventh aspect, the ninth aspect, the eleventh aspect or the thirteenth aspect can be found in the first aspect or the technical effects of different possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] The technical effects of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, the eighth aspect, the tenth aspect, the twelfth aspect or the fourteenth aspect can be found in the technical effects of the second aspect or different possible implementations of the second aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0100] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0101] Figure 1 is an example diagram of an ATG communication system;

[0102] Figure 2 shows the network element function division and protocol layer structure of the O-RAN equipment;

[0103] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0107] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0108] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0109] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application;

[0110] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication device in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0111] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0112] (1) Terminal equipment: This can be a wireless terminal equipment capable of receiving network equipment scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal equipment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal equipment can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN).

[0113] This application primarily targets terminal equipment that has deployed at least two array antennas, including air-to-ground (ATG) user equipment (UE), such as devices providing wireless communication capabilities on aircraft or other large aircraft, used to receive downlink signals from an ATG network or send uplink signals to an ATG network. The ATG UE can be a UE with ATG-related features in 5G, 5.5G, or 6G mobile communication systems, as well as products with similar functions.

[0114] (2) Network equipment: This can be equipment within a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: generation Node B (gNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B (HNB)), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In addition, in a network structure, network equipment can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0115] Specifically, network devices can send configuration information to terminal devices (e.g., carried in scheduling messages and / or indication messages). The terminal devices then configure their networks based on this information, aligning the network configurations of the network devices and terminal devices. Alternatively, network configurations can be pre-set in both the network devices and the terminal devices to achieve alignment. In essence, "alignment" means that when there are interactive messages between the network devices and terminal devices, their understanding of the carrier frequency for sending and receiving interactive messages, the determination of the interactive message type, the meaning of the fields carried in the interactive messages, or other configurations of the interactive messages is consistent.

[0116] Furthermore, in other possible cases, the network device can be any other device that provides wireless communication functionality to the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0117] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0118] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​of some parameters to the terminal device through messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources during transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device and the terminal device have negotiated in advance, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device or the terminal device uses as specified by the standard protocol, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that are pre-stored in the network device or the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0119] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0120] (4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0121] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0122] (5) In the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly through the air interface or sending indirectly through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY through the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY through the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0123] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0124] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0125] (6) In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (as described below, the instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is an association between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only indicate a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction can be implemented by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0126] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within each embodiment can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0127] (7) Air-to-ground (ATG) communication, also known as air-to-ground communication. As shown in Figure 1, ATG technology establishes an air-to-ground communication link by deploying dedicated base stations and antenna systems on the ground, thereby providing internet access services to passengers on board. The core of this system consists of two parts: ATG network equipment (i.e., ground base stations) and ATG user equipment (UE) installed on the aircraft. During downlink communication, the ATG network equipment sends downlink transmit beams containing data to the ATG UE on the aircraft; correspondingly, the ATG UE on the aircraft captures these downlink signals by transmitting downlink receive beams. ATG technology solves the problem that aircraft cannot directly utilize ground base station signals during flight. Its working mechanism is to first convert the received ground base station signals into Wi-Fi signals, and then provide data communication services to users in the cabin.

[0128] (8) Carrier aggregation (CA): In wireless communication networks, carrier aggregation technology is commonly used to improve spectrum efficiency and system capacity. Carrier aggregation allows data transmission using multiple carriers (or frequency bands) simultaneously, with signals from different frequency bands corresponding to different serving cells. The primary cell (PCell) is responsible for control plane communication, including key functions such as signaling, scheduling, and connection management. The secondary cell (SCell) is used for user plane data transmission to provide higher data transmission rates and capacity.

[0129] (9) Array antenna: This is a type of antenna that supports beamforming. Specifically, an array antenna consists of at least two antenna elements arranged regularly or randomly, and obtains predetermined radiation characteristics through appropriate excitation. Array antennas can adjust their radiation directional performance as needed, exhibiting a high degree of directional controllability.

[0130] (10) Quasi-collocated (QCL): QCL is an important concept in 5G NR. The basic definition of QCL is that if the wireless channel attributes of one antenna port can be inferred from the wireless channel attributes of another antenna port, then the two antenna ports are quasi-collocated.

[0131] This application primarily concerns the QCL-typeD relationship, which mainly refers to the quasi-co-addressable relationship between the transmit beams of two signals in terms of the specific attribute of the spatial receiver reference (Spatial Rx parameter). It can be understood that when the transmit beams of two signals at the transmitting end have a QCL-typeD mapping relationship, the receiving end can use the same receive beam to receive both signals.

[0132] Please refer to Figure 2, which shows the overall system architecture of O-RAN, including the division of network element functions and the protocol layer structure.

[0133] In some possible examples or schemes, the CU, as a logical node, carries the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions. The CU connects to other network nodes in the core network through interfaces, such as E2 interfaces. Optionally, the CU may also possess some core network functions. The CU (e.g., PDCP layer and above) connects to the DU (e.g., RLC layer and below) through interfaces, such as F1 interfaces. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., F1 interfaces) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions, such as interface management, system information management, UE context management, and RRC message transmission. F1AP is the application protocol for the F1 interface, defining the signaling procedures for F1. The F1 interface supports control plane F1-C and user plane F1-U.

[0134] In some possible examples or schemes, the CU can be divided into CU-CP (Control Unit-Control Plane) and CU-UP (Control Unit-User Plane). CU-CP is a logical node responsible for the RRC and PDCP-C (Control Plane Part of PDCP) layers, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with other network elements in the core network, which implement control plane functions, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G systems. The AMF network element is responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, including location updates, network registration, and handover for terminal devices. CU-UP is a logical node responsible for the SDAP and PDCP-U (User Plane Part of PDCP) layers, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with other network elements in the core network, which implement user plane functions, such as the UPF (User Plane Function) in 5G systems. The UPF is responsible for data forwarding and receiving in terminal devices.

[0135] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; actual configurations can be adjusted as needed. For instance, a CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or it can be configured to have only partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed on the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed on the DU. The functions of the CU or DU can also be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions requiring low latency can be placed on the DU, while functions not requiring this latency can be placed on the CU. In some possible examples or schemes, the DU is a logical node carrying Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), Higher Physical Layer (Higher PHY) layers, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU. The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes parts of the PHY layer that handle functions such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0136] In some possible examples or scenarios, the RU is a logical node that carries both Lower Physical Layer (Lower PHY) and Radio Frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a 3GPP Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), or other similar entities. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0137] DUs and RUs can be deployed co-located or geographically. DUs and RUs exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through the Lower-Layer Split-Control, User, and Synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. The LLS-CUS interface can contain two sub-interfaces: the LLS-C interface and the LLS-U interface, responsible for communication between the control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane), respectively. The control plane (C-Plane) primarily handles real-time control information between the DU and RU, while the user plane (U-Plane) is responsible for user data transmission. In addition, DUs and RUs exchange management information through the LLS-M interface. The management plane (M-Plane) handles non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU, such as configuration updates and status monitoring. DUs and RUs can collaborate to perform physical layer (PHY) functions. A DU can connect to one or more RUs, and the functions of DUs and RUs can be flexibly configured according to design requirements. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband processing, while an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Alternatively, the DU can be configured to implement higher-level physical layer functions, such as those closer to the MAC layer, while the RU can be configured to implement lower-level physical layer functions, including even RF functions. Higher-level physical layer functions typically involve parts closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions involve parts closer to the mid-RF side.

[0138] In the O-RAN architecture, the network-side implementations in this application embodiment, such as the reference configuration of relevant beam information, can be generated and completed in the CU. This includes possible implementations; for example, the CU can be divided into CU-CP and CU-UP, in which case network-side actions can be completed in CU-UP or CU-CP.

[0139] The existing protocol discusses that ATG UEs can use array antennas to receive downlink signals. However, for secondary cell activation (SSB-less) without synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel block (SSB), the protocol only mentions information related to cross-frequency band reference channels, but does not propose specific implementation methods.

[0140] Based on this, this application provides a communication method, as shown in FIG3. The communication method provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps 301-305. FIG3 illustrates the method by taking a first communication device and other communication devices (e.g., a second communication device) as the execution subjects of the interaction illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the communication device can be a communication device (e.g., a terminal device or a network device), or a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip (e.g., an SoC chip containing a modem core), SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module, or software in the communication device.

[0141] In this application, when referring to a network device, it may refer to the network device itself, or to the chips, communication modules, integrated circuits, processors, logic modules, or software within the network device used to implement the communication methods provided in this application, and this application does not impose any specific limitations. When referring to a server, it may refer to the server itself, or to the chips, communication modules, integrated circuits, processors, logic modules, or software within the server used to implement the communication methods provided in this application, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0142] As an example, the first communication device can be a terminal device, and the second communication device can be a network device.

[0143] As an example, the first communication device can be an ATG UE, and the second communication device can be an ATG network device.

[0144] 301. The first communication device sends a third signal to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the third signal from the first communication device.

[0145] In this application, the first communication device deploys at least two array antennas, including a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The first array antenna and the second array antenna can receive signals from different frequency bands, respectively. The first array antenna is used to receive downlink signals on a first frequency band, i.e., downlink signals of PCell.

[0146] Specifically, the first communication device needs to activate the SCell for carrier aggregation enhancement based on service requirements. The first communication device sends a third signal to the second communication device, which requests a second signal on the SCell frequency band (the second frequency band), i.e., requests the second communication device to activate the SCell and send the second signal on the SCell frequency band. The second signal includes a reference signal and a data signal.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the first communication device reports its communication capability information via a third signal.

[0148] Optionally, the third signal indicates that the first communication device supports the cross-band signal mapping QCL-typeD relationship.

[0149] For example, the UE can deduce the beam-related information of the wireless channel attributes of another antenna port from the beam-related information in the wireless channel attributes of one antenna port. That is, when the two transmit beams from the network side are in a QCL-typeD relationship, the UE can use the same beam to receive the two signals from the network side.

[0150] Optionally, the third signal indicates that the first communication device supports receiving downlink signals from the network side PCell and SCell using the same transmit beam.

[0151] For example, this means that the UE side can force the use of the same beam to receive signals from the network side PCell and SCell.

[0152] Optionally, the third signal indicates that the first communication device supports configuring SSB-less activation of the SCell.

[0153] For example, due to the limited capabilities of the first communication device, it is impossible to determine beam-related information of the wireless channel attributes of one antenna port through one antenna port.

[0154] 302. The second communication device sends a fourth signal to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the fourth signal from the second communication device.

[0155] The second communication device configures the transmission beams of PCell and SCell according to the communication capability information reported by the first communication device, and informs the first communication device of the relevant configuration through the fourth signal.

[0156] This application specifically includes the following three configuration methods:

[0157] Example 1: The network side is configured to have a QCL-typeD mapping relationship between the transmit beams of the signal in the first frequency band and the transmit beams of the signal in the second frequency band.

[0158] Specifically, since PCell communication is still ongoing between the first and second communication devices, the second communication device may transmit downlink signals for multiple PCells, including at least one PCell reference signal (e.g., SSB reference signal 0 to SSB reference signal 9). Importantly, the second communication device configures the beam information between the downlink beam of the SCell and a certain reference signal of the PCell (e.g., SSB reference signal 3) to satisfy the QCL-typeD mapping relationship.

[0159] For example, the downlink beam of PCell includes the SSB reference signal and / or the tracking reference signal (TRS) signal of SCell.

[0160] For example, the downlink beam of SCell includes the SCell TRS signal.

[0161] Based on this QCL-type D mapping relationship, after receiving the SSB reference signal of the PCell through its first array antenna, the first communication device can use this mapping relationship to infer the receive beam information for receiving the downlink signal of the SCell, such as the direction of the receive beam. Therefore, the UE side can directly obtain the downlink receive beam information of the SCell without performing SSB measurement of the SCell.

[0162] Example 2: The network side is configured so that PCell and SCell use the same transmit direction and coverage beam for downlink signal transmission and reception. That is, the downlink signal beam space information of PCell and SCell is the same.

[0163] The network side is configured to use the same beam for both PCell and SCell to transmit downlink signals. This corresponds to the communication capability information of the aforementioned first communication device, meaning that the transmission beams supporting the reception of downlink signals from the network side PCell and SCell are identical.

[0164] This fixed configuration also allows for the acquisition of SCell downlink beam information without performing SCell SSB reference signal measurements.

[0165] Example 3: Configure SCell SSB-less activation on the network side.

[0166] Specifically, the second communication device only transmits downlink signals of the SCell without an SSB reference signal, such as a TRS reference signal.

[0167] 303. The second communication device sends a first signal to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first signal from the second communication device.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the second communication device sends a first reference signal for PCell and a second reference signal for SCell to the first communication device, the beam information between which satisfies the QCL-typeD mapping relationship. The second reference signal does not include the SSB reference signal.

[0169] As shown in Figure 4, the ATG network device sends a first reference signal and a second reference signal to the ATG UE. There is a QCL-typeD mapping relationship between the transmission beams of these two reference signals. Specifically, the first reference signal is the reference signal of the PCell (e.g., the SSB reference signal or the TRS reference signal), while the second reference signal is the reference signal of the SCell (e.g., the TRS reference signal).

[0170] In practical applications, ATG network devices may be configured and transmit multiple such first and second reference signals in various directions. Once the ATG UE receives the first and second reference signals with a QCL-typeD mapping, it can determine the beam space information of the SCell signal. If the ATG UE does not receive these signals in the current cycle, it will wait for the next active cycle to attempt to receive them again.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the second communication device uses a beam with the same transmission direction and coverage area to transmit a first reference signal for PCell and a second reference signal for SCell to the first communication device. The transmission beams of these two signals are consistent in beam space information, thereby simplifying the downlink signal transmission and reception process. The second reference signal does not include the SSB reference signal.

[0172] As shown in Figure 5, the ATG network device sends a first reference signal and a second reference signal to the ATG UE (the beams in the figure do not represent actual direction information; they are only used to illustrate that the two beams are completely identical at this time). Due to this fixed configuration, the ATG UE can use the same receive beam to receive signals from both the PCell and SCell. In this way, the ATG UE can directly obtain the downlink receive beam information of the SCell without performing SSB signal measurements, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of signal reception.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the second communication device transmits a second reference signal. This second reference signal does not include the SSB reference signal. The first communication device then attempts to receive this second reference signal from different directions one by one until successful reception. At this point, the first communication device can obtain the direction information of the downlink beam.

[0174] It should be understood that the second communication device is still transmitting the first reference signal of the first frequency band at this time, but the first communication device does not rely on the first reference signal when determining the beam space information of the second signal of the second frequency band.

[0175] As shown in Figure 6, the ATG network device sends a second reference signal (e.g., a TRS reference signal) to the ATG UE. After the ATG UE is configured in SSB-less mode, the SCell on the base station side will no longer transmit SSB signals, but will instead only transmit normal downlink data signals, which periodically embed TRS signals. At this time, the ATG UE will automatically initiate a process to scan the SCell's receiving beam in multiple directions one by one. When a receiving beam that can be aligned with the SCell's TRS signal beam is successfully found, communication between the ATG UE and the SCell can be successfully established and proceed normally.

[0176] 304. The first communication device determines the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0177] Specifically, based on the configuration methods in the aforementioned three examples, after receiving the first signal (i.e., the first reference signal and the second reference signal), the first communication device can determine the beam spatial information of the second signal on the SCell (second frequency band). The beam spatial information includes multiple aspects such as directivity, gain, bandwidth, and polarization. The second signal includes the SCell's reference signal and data signal.

[0178] For the first communication device, once the beam space information of the SCell is determined, the second signal on the SCell can be transmitted and received, thus activating the SCell.

[0179] In this application, when the two array antennas on the UE side receive signals from PCell and SCell using different frequency bands, if these two signals are configured with a QCL-typeD relationship at the transmitting end (network side), the UE can utilize this relationship to receive both signals using the same receiving beam. The QCL-typeD relationship ensures consistency in signal spatial propagation characteristics (such as angle of arrival), thereby simplifying the UE's reception process and reducing beam search time and complexity. This not only optimizes the overall network performance but also improves the effective utilization of spectrum resources, ultimately enhancing the user experience.

[0180] 305. The first communication device and the second communication device transmit and receive a second signal on a second frequency band.

[0181] Specifically, after SCell is activated, the first and second communication devices can transmit and receive signals on the specific frequency band of SCell.

[0182] This application also defines the specific time point at which the network side activates the SCell. This time point is based on the moment when the network side sends the fourth signal (i.e., configuration information), and includes the following four possible implementation methods:

[0183] In the example where the beam space information of the second frequency band signal is determined by the correlation between the first reference signal and the second reference signal in the ATG UE, the specific time points for activating the SCell include:

[0184] 1. After a delay of X SCell TRS, the SCell is activated.

[0185] 2. After a delay of X PCell SSBs, the SCell is activated.

[0186] In the example where the ATG UE determines the beam spatial information of the second frequency band signal by scanning the beam, considering the time required for beam scanning, the specific time points for activating the SCell include:

[0187] 3. After a delay of X+Y SCell TRS, the SCell is activated.

[0188] 4. After a delay of X+Y PCell SSBs, the SCell is activated.

[0189] Where X and Y are integers greater than 1.

[0190] Using the above method, in an SSB-less scenario, the ability for a UE equipped with at least two array antennas to activate the SCell is achieved. This enables the UE to transmit and receive signals on the SCell's frequency band, thereby improving data transmission rates. Correspondingly, the network side can also reduce the air interface overhead caused by transmitting SSB reference signals. Furthermore, by setting latency parameters, the network side can autonomously decide when to initiate downlink data signal transmission for the SCell, effectively limiting the latency during the SSB-less SCell activation process.

[0191] The embodiments of this application support implementation under an open RAN architecture. Network-side configurations can be performed on the CU / O-CU-CP, etc. The ATG UE can activate the SCell without requiring it to transmit an SSB signal, depending on network cooperation and its own capabilities and implementation.

[0192] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Next, the device for performing the above methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0193] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 7, the device includes:

[0194] The transceiver unit 701 is used to receive a first signal, which includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first reference signal is received through a first array antenna, and the second reference signal is received through a second array antenna.

[0195] The processing unit 702 is used to determine the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band based on the first signal.

[0196] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 702 is specifically used for:

[0197] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined, and the receiving direction of the second reference signal is used to indicate the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 702 is specifically used for:

[0199] The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal.

[0200] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0201] Send a third signal, which is used to request reception of the second signal on the second frequency band;

[0202] Receive a fourth signal, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal;

[0203] The processing unit 702 is specifically used for:

[0204] Based on the first reference signal and the correlation relationship, the receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is specifically used for:

[0208] The transmission beam that receives the second reference signal in multiple directions is used to obtain the receiving direction of the second reference signal.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0212] The second signal is received according to the receiving direction of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0213] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 8, the device includes:

[0214] The transceiver unit 801 is used to send a first signal to a first communication device. The first signal includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first communication device includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The first array antenna is used to receive the first reference signal, and the second array antenna is used to receive the second reference signal. The first signal is used by the first communication device to determine the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band.

[0215] Processing unit 802 is used to determine the transmission time of the second signal;

[0216] The transceiver unit 801 is also used to transmit a second signal.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 801 is further configured to:

[0218] Receive a third signal, which is used to request the transmission of a second signal on the second frequency band;

[0219] A fourth signal is transmitted, which is used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmit beam of the first reference signal and the transmit beam of the second reference signal have the same beam space information.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the second signal is determined based on the timing of the transmission of the fourth signal.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the first reference signal includes an SSB reference signal for a first frequency band and / or a time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

[0225] Please refer to Figure 9, which shows the communication device 900 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 900 can be the communication device as a terminal device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 9 is that the terminal device is implemented through the terminal device (or the components in the terminal device).

[0226] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 900, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 901 and a communication port 902.

[0227] In Figure 7, the transceiver unit 701 can be a communication interface, which can be the communication port 902 in Figure 9. The communication port 902 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication port 902 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0228] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 903 and a bus 904. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 901 is used to control the operation of the communication device 900.

[0229] Furthermore, the processor 901 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0230] It should be noted that the communication device 900 shown in Figure 9 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 9 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0231] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 1000 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 can specifically be a communication device as a network device in the above embodiments. The example shown in Figure 10 is that the network device is implemented through a network device (or a component in the network device). The structure of the communication device can refer to the structure shown in Figure 10.

[0232] The communication device 1000 includes at least one processor 1011 and at least one network interface 1014. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1012, at least one transceiver 1013, and one or more antennas 1015. The processor 1011, memory 1012, transceiver 1013, and network interface 1014 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1015 is connected to the transceiver 1013. The network interface 1014 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1014 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other network devices or core network equipment), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0233] In this context, the transceiver unit 701 shown in Figure 7 can be a communication interface, which can be the network interface 1014 in Figure 10. The network interface 1014 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the network interface 1014 can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0234] The processor 1011 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 1011 in Figure 10 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. Various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0235] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1012 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1011. Optionally, the memory 1012 can be integrated with the processor 1011, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1012 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1011. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1011.

[0236] Figure 10 shows only one memory and one processor. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0237] Transceiver 1013 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1013 can be connected to antenna 1015. Transceiver 1013 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1015 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1013 is used to receive the RF signals from the antennas, convert the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 1011 so that processor 1011 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1013 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 1011, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1015. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0238] The transceiver 1013 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0239] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation of the communication device 1000 shown in Figure 10 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method described in the possible implementations of the first or second communication device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0241] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the method described above for the possible implementation of the first or second communication device.

[0242] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first communication device or the second communication device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0243] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0244] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0245] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0246] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first communication device, the first communication device including a first array antenna and a second array antenna, the method comprising: The system receives a first signal, which includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first reference signal is received through the first array antenna, and the second reference signal is received through the second array antenna. Based on the first signal, the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the first signal, the beam space information of the second signal in the second frequency band is determined, including: The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined, and the receiving direction of the second reference signal is used to indicate the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal includes: The receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before receiving the first signal, the method further includes: Send a third signal, the third signal being used to request reception of the second signal on the second frequency band; Receive a fourth signal, the fourth signal being used to indicate the correlation between the transmission beam of the first reference signal and the transmission beam of the second reference signal; Determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal based on the receiving direction of the first reference signal includes: Based on the first reference signal and the correlation relationship, the receiving direction of the second reference signal is determined.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmission beam of the first reference signal and the transmission beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the beam space information between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal is the same.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the receiving direction of the second reference signal includes: The transmission beams that receive the second reference signal in multiple directions are used to obtain the receiving direction of the second reference signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first reference signal includes the SSB reference signal of the first frequency band and / or the time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second signal is received according to the receiving direction of the second signal on the second frequency band.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes: A first signal is sent to a first communication device. The first signal includes a first reference signal on a first frequency band and a second reference signal on a second frequency band. The second reference signal does not include a synchronization signal and a physical broadcast channel block (SSB) reference signal. The first communication device includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna. The first array antenna is used to receive the first reference signal, and the second array antenna is used to receive the second reference signal. The first signal is used by the first communication device to determine the beam space information of the second signal on the second frequency band. Send the second signal.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before sending the first signal to the first communication device, the method further includes: Receive a third signal, the third signal being used to request the transmission of a second signal on the second frequency band; A fourth signal is transmitted, the fourth signal being used to indicate the correlation between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the transmission beam of the first reference signal and the transmission beam of the second reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address type D mapping relationship.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fourth signal is specifically used to indicate that the beam space information between the transmitted beam of the first reference signal and the transmitted beam of the second reference signal is the same.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The transmission time of the second signal is determined based on the transmission time of the fourth signal.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The first reference signal includes the SSB reference signal of the first frequency band and / or the time-frequency offset tracking TRS reference signal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The second reference signal includes the TRS reference signal.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a first communication device, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit, wherein the transceiver unit includes a first array antenna and a second array antenna; The transceiver unit is used to perform the sending step or the receiving step in the method of any one of claims 1 to 10; The processing unit is used to perform steps in the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, excluding the sending step and the receiving step.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a second communication device, and the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; The transceiver unit is used to perform the sending step or the receiving step in the method of any one of claims 11 to 17; The processing unit is used to perform steps in the method of any one of claims 11 to 17, excluding the sending step and the receiving step.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being coupled to memory; The memory is used to store programs or instructions; The at least one processor is configured to execute the program or instructions to cause the apparatus to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or to cause the apparatus to implement the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

22. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer performs the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

23. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 17.

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