Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and apparatus, applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: generating a first signal, wherein a first time slot of the first signal is used for carrying a first SSB, a first reference signal and a second reference signal, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation, the first reference signal has a QCL relationship with the first SSB, and the second reference signal does not have a QCL relationship with the first SSB; and sending the first signal. By means of the present application, the waste of time-frequency resources can be reduced, improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources.

Description

A communication method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411988905.4, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 30, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] In a hybrid beamforming (HBF) architecture, if a user equipment (UE) receives both the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the same physical cell identifier (PCI) within the same orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the UE can assume that the DMRS and SSB are quasi-co-location (QCL). That is, when both the SSB and PDSCH exist within a slot, the PDSCH and DMRS use the same beam, and the DMRS needs to use the same beam as the SSB within the same OFDM symbol. However, the location pointed to by the SSB beam is often determined by beam scanning requirements, not necessarily by the presence of a user at that location. This binding relationship can lead to a waste of time and frequency resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the waste of time and frequency resources and improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a network side, such as a network-side communication module or a network-side component responsible for communication functions (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system); the method includes:

[0006] Generate a first signal, the first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first SSB, a first reference signal and a second reference signal, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation, the first reference signal and the first SSB have a QCL relationship, and the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have the QCL relationship; transmit the first signal.

[0007] By configuring the first reference signal and the first SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first time slot of the first signal, the first reference signal and the first SSB are carried on the same beam. By configuring the second reference signal and the first SSB to have no QCL relationship in the first time slot, the second reference signal and the first SSB are carried on different beams. This is beneficial to increase the number of beams in the first time slot, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0008] In one possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB have the aforementioned QCL relationship. By configuring the second reference signal and the second SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first time slot, so that the second reference signal and the second SSB are carried in the same beam, it is beneficial to avoid the problem of inconsistent weights of two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0009] In another possible design, the first reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the first SSB, and the second reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the second SSB. By configuring the first reference signal and the first SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second reference signal and the second SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol, it is beneficial to reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce receiver processing delay.

[0010] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a first PDSCH and a second PDSCH, with the first reference signal related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH and the second reference signal related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH. Configuring the first and second PDSCHs in the first time slot increases the number of PDSCH beams within the first time slot, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving their utilization.

[0011] In another possible design, the first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot. By configuring the first PDSCH and the first SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol, it is beneficial to reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce receiver processing delay.

[0012] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB share the QCL relationship. By configuring the first reference signal and the third SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first time slot, the first reference signal and the third SSB are carried in the same beam, which helps to avoid the problem of inconsistent weights of two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0013] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a fourth SSB and a third reference signal. The third reference signal is related to data demodulation, and the third reference signal and the fourth SSB share the QCL relationship. By configuring the third reference signal and the fourth SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first time slot, the third reference signal and the fourth SSB are carried in the same beam. This helps to increase the number of beams in the first time slot, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent weights for two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0014] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal, and the fifth reference signal. The fourth and fifth reference signals are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have the QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have the QCL relationship. By configuring the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first frequency domain resources of the first signal, the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB are carried in the same beam. By configuring the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB to have no QCL relationship in the first frequency domain resources, the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB are carried in different beams. This increases the number of beams in the first frequency domain resources, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0015] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resource is also used to carry a sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share the QCL relationship. By configuring the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first frequency domain resource, the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB are carried in the same beam. This helps to increase the number of beams in the first frequency domain resource, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent weights for two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first frequency domain resource contains multiple SSBs.

[0016] In another possible design, the fourth reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource with the fifth SSB, and the fifth reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource with the sixth SSB. By configuring the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol, it is beneficial to reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce receiver processing delay.

[0017] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resource is also used to carry a third PDSCH and a fourth PDSCH, wherein the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH. Configuring the third and fourth PDSCHs in the first frequency domain resource increases the number of PDSCH beams within the first frequency domain resource, thereby reducing the waste of time-frequency resources and improving their utilization rate.

[0018] In another possible design, the third PDSCH shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource with the fifth SSB, and the fourth PDSCH shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource with the sixth SSB. By configuring the third PDSCH and the fifth SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB to share at least one OFDM symbol, it is beneficial to reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce receiver processing delay.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module in a terminal device, or a circuit or chip in the terminal device responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip); the method includes:

[0020] A first signal is received, wherein a first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first SSB, a first reference signal, and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation. The first reference signal and the first SSB have a QCL relationship, while the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have the QCL relationship. Data demodulation is performed based on the first signal.

[0021] By configuring a QCL relationship between the first reference signal and the first SSB in the first time slot of the first signal on the network side, the first reference signal and the first SSB are carried on the same beam. By configuring a second reference signal without a QCL relationship with the first SSB in the first time slot on the network side, the second reference signal and the first SSB are carried on different beams, which helps to increase the number of beams in the first time slot. The terminal device can demodulate data based on the first reference signal and / or the second reference signal in the first signal by receiving the first signal, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0022] In one possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB share the aforementioned QCL relationship. This helps to avoid the problem of inconsistent weights between two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0023] In another possible design, the first reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the first SSB, and the second reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the second SSB. This helps reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce the processing latency of terminal equipment.

[0024] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a first PDSCH and a second PDSCH. The first reference signal is correlated with the data demodulation of the first PDSCH, and the second reference signal is correlated with the data demodulation of the second PDSCH. This is beneficial for increasing the number of PDSCH beams within the first time slot, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0025] In another possible design, the first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot. This helps reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce the processing latency of terminal equipment.

[0026] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB share the QCL relationship. This helps to avoid the problem of inconsistent weights between two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0027] In another possible design, the first time slot is also used to carry a fourth SSB and a third reference signal. The third reference signal is related to data demodulation, and the third reference signal and the fourth SSB share the QCL relationship. This is beneficial for increasing the number of beams in the first time slot, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent weights for two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first time slot contains multiple SSBs.

[0028] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal, and the fifth reference signal. The fourth and fifth reference signals are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have the QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have the QCL relationship. This is beneficial for increasing the number of beams within the first frequency domain resources, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0029] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resource is also used to carry a sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share the QCL relationship. This is beneficial for increasing the number of beams within the first frequency domain resource, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent weights for two signals on the same OFDM symbol when the first frequency domain resource contains multiple SSBs.

[0030] In another possible design, the fourth reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources with the fifth SSB, and the fifth reference signal shares at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources with the sixth SSB. This helps reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce the processing latency of terminal equipment.

[0031] In another possible design, the first frequency domain resource is also used to carry a third PDSCH and a fourth PDSCH, wherein the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH. This is beneficial for increasing the number of PDSCH beams within the first frequency domain resource, thereby reducing the waste of time and frequency resources and improving the utilization rate of time and frequency resources.

[0032] In another possible design, the third PDSCH and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources. This helps reduce the waste of time and frequency resources, improve the utilization rate of time and frequency resources, and reduce the processing latency of terminal equipment.

[0033] In another possible design, the first PDSCH is demodulated based on the first SSB and the first reference signal; and / or, the second PDSCH is demodulated based on the second SSB and the second reference signal. Demodulating the data of the first PDSCH and / or the second PDSCH helps to improve the utilization of time and frequency resources and reduce the processing latency of the terminal device.

[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device configured to implement the methods and functions described in the first aspect. The communication device is implemented in hardware / software. It includes modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The communication device can be a network device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the methods in a network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device configured to implement the methods and functions described in the second aspect. The communication device is implemented in hardware / software. It includes modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The communication device can be a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the methods in the terminal device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions.

[0036] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including one or more processors. The one or more processors enable the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0037] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, through which the processor communicates with other devices or components.

[0038] In another possible design, the communication device may further include a memory. The memory stores part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary to implement the functions described in the first aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0039] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including one or more processors. The one or more processors enable the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect described above.

[0040] In one possible design, the communication device may further include an interface circuit, through which the processor communicates with other devices or components.

[0041] In another possible design, the communication device may further include the memory. The memory stores part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary to implement the functions described in the second aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the second aspect above.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising at least one first device and at least one second device, wherein the first device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, and the second device is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0043] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer or processor, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0044] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing programs or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described above.

[0045] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, the processor enabling the chip to implement the methods described in the above aspects.

[0046] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes, either from the stored computer programs or instructions or derived from other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor causes the chip to implement the methods described above.

[0047] In another possible design, the chip can be integrated into network devices or terminal devices. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment;

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a frequency division MB-HBF architecture;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of resource distribution;

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of beam scanning;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution;

[0054] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The following explanations of some of the terms used in this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0065] (1) Wave beam: refers to the electromagnetic wave radiation pattern of an antenna system.

[0066] (2) Beamforming: This is the process of forming a beam. In a multi-antenna system, beamforming refers to the process of adjusting the amplitude or phase of the signal on the radio frequency chain to form a directional electromagnetic wave radiation direction. Since the radio frequency chain is divided into digital radio frequency chain and analog radio frequency chain, beamforming can be divided into digital beamforming and analog beamforming.

[0067] (3) Digital beamforming (DBF): By weighting the amplitude and phase of the signal during the baseband processing stage, precise control of the antenna beam can be achieved. Digital beamforming has high requirements for baseband processing capabilities and requires a set of RF links for each data path. It has disadvantages such as system complexity, large equipment size, and high cost.

[0068] (4) Analog beamforming (ABF): By processing the RF signal weights, analog phase shifters and other hardware devices are used in the RF phase to adjust the antenna phase, thereby forming a directional beam. Analog beamforming has poor flexibility and can usually only generate one signal beam, making it unsuitable for applications with high performance requirements and flexible beam management.

[0069] (5) Hybrid beamforming (HBF): This typically employs a design scheme where one digital RF link corresponds to multiple analog RF links. Hybrid beamforming combines digital beamforming and analog beamforming, possessing the advantages of both.

[0070] (6) Frequency Division Multi-Beam HBF (MB-HBF) architecture: This is a type of HBF architecture. Its characteristic is that the analog beamforming part is completed by analog devices such as time delayers, rather than phase shifters in the traditional sense. It can form beams with different directions on multiple frequency sub-bands.

[0071] (7) Slot: It is the basic unit of the physical channel. Each slot can include 12 or 14 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

[0072] (8) Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS): Used to assist coherent demodulation, it exists in several important physical channels, including the downlink physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and the uplink physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The main function of DMRS is to provide a reference for channel estimation, enabling the receiver to accurately demodulate the transmitted data. Therefore, to ensure the correlation between DMRS and physical channels, the weights of DMRS are often the same as those of its associated physical channels.

[0073] (9) Synchronization Signal Block (SSB): This is a key signal used for downlink synchronization in 5G networks, including the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and PBCH. The SSB occupies 4 OFDM symbols in the time domain and 240 subcarriers (20 physical resource blocks, PRBs) in the frequency domain. The design of the SSB allows terminal devices to quickly perform channel estimation and parse the PBCH physical channel after detecting the synchronization sequence, thereby accelerating cell access for terminal devices and reducing network latency.

[0074] (10) Quasi-co-location (QCL): This is a channel characteristic assumption used to describe the large-scale channel attribute similarity between two antenna ports. Specifically, if the large-scale channel characteristics experienced by the signals on two antenna ports (such as Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread) can be inferred from each other, then the two ports are considered quasi-co-located. QCL technology is mainly used to assist user equipment in performing channel state measurement and estimation, and to optimize beamforming and signal transmission. By defining different QCL types (such as QCL-typeA, typeB, typeC, and typeD), the system can instruct the UE to assume the transmission conditions of other signals based on the channel conditions of the reference signal, thereby improving the accuracy of signal reception and network performance.

[0075] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] It should be understood that in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the words "first," "second," etc., unless otherwise stated, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0077] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0078] It should be understood that, in the description of this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations where it is determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0079] Furthermore, in this application, "network element A sends message A to network element B" can be understood as network element B being the destination of message A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the destination and network element B, which may include sending the message directly or indirectly to network element B. Similarly, "network element B receives message A from network element A" can be understood as network element A being the source of message A or an intermediate network element in the transmission path between the source and network element A, which may include receiving the message directly or indirectly from network element A. The message may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand a valid message from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further here.

[0080] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, future communication systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, or other communication systems.

[0081] In this communication system, one network element can send signals to or receive signals from another network element. Signals can include information, signaling, or data; a network element can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, device, communication equipment, communication module, node, or communication node, etc. This application uses a network element as an example for description. For instance, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device.

[0082] Optionally, network devices and terminal devices can communicate using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or simultaneously using both. This application does not limit the spectrum resources used between network devices and terminal devices.

[0083] As exemplified, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to the communication method of this application embodiment. The communication system may include at least one network device, such as network device 101 shown in Figure 1, and may also include at least one terminal device, such as terminal device 102 and terminal device 103 shown in Figure 1. The network device (e.g., network device 101) and the terminal devices (e.g., terminal device 102 and terminal device 103) can communicate via a wireless link. The communication devices in this communication system, for example, between network device 101 and terminal device 102, can communicate using multi-antenna technology.

[0084] It should be noted that Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding. This communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1. In practical applications, this communication system may include multiple network devices or multiple terminal devices. This application embodiment does not limit the number of network devices and terminal devices in the communication system.

[0085] The terminal side in the embodiments of this application may include a terminal device, which may also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment.

[0086] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, smartphones, wireless data cards, MTC terminals, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The embodiments of this application do not limit this to personal assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or terminal devices in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0087] In this application embodiment, the communication device provided in the fourth aspect above can be understood as a device for implementing the functions of a terminal device. This device can be a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing these functions, such as a chip, chip system, or processor. It can also be a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. In this application embodiment, the terminal device is used as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and this does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this application embodiment.

[0088] The network side in this application embodiment may include network devices, which include devices for communicating with terminal devices. These network devices include access network devices or radio access network (RAN) devices, such as base stations, transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), or operation administration and maintenance (OAM) devices or core network (CN) devices. In this application embodiment, the access network device may refer to a RAN node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: Node B, eNB, next generation node B (gNB), relay station, access point, TRP, transmitting point (TP), master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. Base stations can also be mobile switching centers, devices that perform base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, and devices that perform base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. Optionally, RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, access network equipment in V2X technology can be roadside units (RSUs). The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment.

[0089] In this application embodiment, the communication device provided in the third aspect above can be understood as a device for implementing the functions of a network device. This device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing these functions, such as a chip system, hardware circuit, software module, or a combination of hardware circuit and software module. It can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a network device. This device can be installed in a network device or used in conjunction with a network device. In this application embodiment, only the network device as an example of a device for implementing the functions of a network device is used for illustration, and it does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this application embodiment.

[0090] Network devices and / or terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, or software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0091] Currently, analog beamforming produces fixed and uniform beam patterns, lacking flexibility. While it allows for scheduling terminal devices in different directions at different time intervals, this scheduling method increases transmission latency. Furthermore, the uniform beam pointing across the entire bandwidth affects the flexibility of frequency domain resource scheduling, is unfriendly to small packet services, and impacts user experience. During measurement, downlink measurements, channel state information (CSI) reporting, and uplink measurements are all beam-bound and must be completed in time intervals, leading to significant overhead and latency (proportional to the convergence ratio).

[0092] With the continuous development of communication technology, the frequency division MB-HBF architecture can schedule terminal devices in multiple directions at the same time by forming different analog beams in multiple subbands, thereby improving the user's service experience. As shown in Figure 2, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a frequency division MB-HBF architecture. Specifically, the frequency division MB-HBF architecture in Figure 2 includes digital beamforming and analog beamforming. Digital beamforming includes baseband circuitry, RF link 1, and RF link 2. Analog beamforming includes analog frequency selector 1, analog frequency selector 2, analog frequency selector 3, and analog frequency selector 4. RF link 1 is connected to analog frequency selector 1 and analog frequency selector 2, and RF link 2 is connected to analog frequency selector 3 and analog frequency selector 4. RF link 1 configures signal A to analog frequency selector 1 and signal B to analog frequency selector 2, and RF link 2 configures signal C to analog frequency selector 3 and signal D to analog frequency selector 4. By processing different signals through different analog frequency selectors, the frequency division MB-HBF architecture can form beams 1, 2, and 3 with different directions on multiple frequency subbands.

[0093] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of radio frequency links and analog frequency selection devices in the frequency division MB-HBF architecture.

[0094] According to the current protocol, if a terminal device receives both the DMRS of a PDSCH and the SSB associated with the same PCI in the same OFDM symbol, the terminal device can assume that the DMRS and SSB have a QCL relationship. That is, when both an SSB and a PDSCH exist in a time slot, the PDSCH and DMRS are carried in the same beam, and the PDSCH needs to be carried in the same beam as the SSB within the same symbol.

[0095] It should be noted that the QCL relationship involved in the embodiments of this application refers to the QCL Type D relationship. The QCL Type D relationship is used to indicate that different signals have the same spatial Rx parameter, which will not be elaborated on hereafter.

[0096] Figure 3 illustrates a resource distribution. Specifically, each cell in the resource grid shown in Figure 3 is called a resource element (RE). One RE corresponds to one OFDM symbol in the time direction and one subcarrier in the frequency direction. Slot 0 in Figure 3 is used to carry one DMRS, one SSB, and one PDSCH. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry the DMRS, OFDM symbols 2 to 5 are used to carry the SSB, and OFDM symbols 4 to 13 are used to carry the PDSCH. There is a QCL relationship between the SSB and DMRS. Since there is a QCL relationship between the SSB and DMRS, and the PDSCH and DMRS are carried in the same beam, the DMRS, PDSCH, and SSB are carried in the same beam.

[0097] However, the location pointed to by the SSB beam is often determined by beam scanning needs, not necessarily by the presence of users at that location. Figure 4 illustrates a beam scanning scenario. Specifically, there may be no UE at the current location pointed to by the SSB beam; UEs are mainly concentrated at the location pointed to by the next SSB beam. In this scenario, due to the aforementioned binding relationship, the DMRS and PDSCH in a certain time slot use the same beam as the SSB, leading to a waste of time-frequency resources in that time slot.

[0098] Furthermore, when a time slot includes multiple SSBs, these SSBs will correspond to different beams for beam scanning needs. In the frequency division MB-HBF architecture, beam weight adjustment is often not possible within a single symbol. Therefore, SSB beam scanning is subject to hardware limitations.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution. Specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 5 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, DMRS, and PDSCH. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0-13. OFDM symbols 2-3 are used to carry DMRS, OFDM symbols 2-5 are used to carry SSB 1, OFDM symbols 8-11 are used to carry SSB 2, and OFDM symbols 4-13 are used to carry PDSCH. SSB 1 and DMRS have a QCL relationship. Since SSB 1 and DMRS have a QCL relationship and PDSCH and DMRS are carried in the same beam, DMRS, PDSCH, and SSB1 are carried in the same beam. Due to the needs of beam scanning, SSB 2 and SSB 1 are carried in different beams. However, SSB 2 and PDSCH share OFDM symbols 8-11. At this time, the problem of PDSCH and SSB 2 having different beams on OFDM symbols 8-11 will occur.

[0100] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0102] S601: The network device generates the first signal.

[0103] The first signal is used to indicate the time-frequency domain resource distribution of at least one time slot, and each time slot in the at least one time slot is used to carry multiple signals; the first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first SSB, a first reference signal and a second reference signal, the first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation, the first reference signal and the first SSB have a QCL relationship, and the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0104] In this configuration, the first reference signal occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the second reference signal, but these resources are time-division multiplexed. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the first reference signal and the second reference signal do not overlap at all, although the time-domain resources occupied by the first reference signal and the first SSB may partially or completely overlap; the time-domain resources occupied by the second reference signal and the first SSB do not overlap at all. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the first reference signal and the second reference signal completely overlap.

[0105] It should be noted that, in the time direction, for signals whose time domain resources do not overlap at all, the time domain resources occupied by these signals may be adjacent or not adjacent (for example, they may be separated by one or more OFDM symbols), and this application does not limit this.

[0106] Both the first and second reference signals have DMRS functionality (e.g., used to assist coherent demodulation or provide a reference for channel estimation). However, unlike the first reference signal, the second reference signal is characterized by not having a QCL relationship with its preceding reference signal / preceding SSB within the same time slot. In the time direction, the preceding reference signal / preceding SSB refers to all reference signals / SSBs preceding the second reference signal; that is, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the preceding reference signal / preceding SSB precede those occupied by the second reference signal. The second reference signal can be applied to the frequency division multiplexing (MB-HBF) architecture.

[0107] Optionally, the first reference signal can be DMRS, and the second reference signal can be multi-beam DMRS (MB-DMRS).

[0108] The name MB-DMRS is used as an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. With the development of communication technology and HBF technology, the second reference signal may be called by other names. For example, the second reference signal can also be described as a signal used to implement MB-DMRS, which will not be elaborated further below.

[0109] For example, a certain time slot of the first signal is used to carry DMRS 1 and MB-DMRS 1. This time slot contains OFDM symbols 0 to 13, of which OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry DMRS 1 and OFDM symbols 6 to 7 are used to carry MB-DMRS 1. Since the time domain resources occupied by DMRS 0 are before the time domain resources occupied by MB-DMRS 1, it can be determined that DMRS 1 is the preceding reference signal of MB-DMRS 1, and there is no QCL relationship between MB-DMRS 1 and DMRS 1.

[0110] It should be understood that a QCL relationship exists between the first reference signal and the first SSB, meaning that the first reference signal and the first SSB are carried in the same beam; no QCL relationship exists between the first reference signal and the second SSB, meaning that the first reference signal and the second SSB are carried in different beams. Other similar relationships will not be elaborated upon further.

[0111] Optionally, the first time slot may also be used to carry the second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0112] The second SSB occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the first SSB, but these resources are time-division multiplexed. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the second SSB may partially or completely overlap with those occupied by the second reference signal, but the time-domain resources occupied by the second SSB do not overlap at all with those occupied by the first reference signal or the first SSB. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the first SSB completely overlap with those occupied by the second SSB.

[0113] Optionally, the first reference signal may share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the first SSB, and the second reference signal may share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot with the second SSB.

[0114] Optionally, the first time slot is also used to carry the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH. The first reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH, and the second reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH. Further, since the first reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH and has a QCL relationship with the first SSB, it can be understood that the first reference signal, the first PDSCH, and the first SSB are carried in the same beam; similarly, since the second reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH and has a QCL relationship with the second SSB, it can be understood that the second reference signal, the second PDSCH, and the second SSB are carried in the same beam.

[0115] The first PDSCH occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the second PDSCH, but they are time-division multiplexed in the time direction. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the first PDSCH may partially overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the first reference signal and the first SSB, respectively; the time-domain resources occupied by the first PDSCH do not overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the second reference signal, the second SSB, and the second PDSCH, respectively. Similarly, the time-domain resources occupied by the second PDSCH do not overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the first reference signal and the first SSB, respectively; the time-domain resources occupied by the second PDSCH may partially overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the second reference signal and the second SSB, respectively. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH completely overlap.

[0116] Optionally, the first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG7, FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a resource distribution provided in an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 7 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, DMRS, and MB-DMRS. DMRS is related to the demodulation of PDSCH 1, and MB-DMRS is related to the demodulation of PDSCH 2. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0-13. OFDM symbols 2-3 are used to carry DMRS, OFDM symbols 2-5 are used to carry SSB 1, OFDM symbols 4-7 are used to carry PDSCH 1, OFDM symbols 8-9 are used to carry MB-DMRS, OFDM symbols 8-11 are used to carry SSB 2, and OFDM symbols 10-13 are used to carry PDSCH 2. Since DMRS is related to the demodulation of PDSCH 1, and DMRS and SSB 1 share OFDM symbols 2-3, DMRS, PDSCH 1, and SSB 1 are carried in the same beam. Since MB-DMRS and PDSCH 1 are related to the demodulation of PDSCH 1, and MB-DMRS is related to the demodulation of PDSCH 2, MB-DMRS is related to the demodulation of PDSCH 1. Since the data demodulation of MB-DMRS and SSB 2 are related, and MB-DMRS and SSB 2 share OFDM symbols 8-9, MB-DMRS, PDSCH 2 and SSB 2 are carried in the same beam.

[0118] In this diagram, the first SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 7, the second SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 7, the first reference signal can be DMRS in Figure 7, the second reference signal can be MB-DMRS in Figure 7, the first PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 7, and the second PDSCH can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 7. Furthermore, DMRS and SSB 1 in Figure 7 have a QCL relationship, and MB-DMRS and SSB 2 have a QCL relationship.

[0119] The above resource allocation method can avoid the problem of conflict between SSB and PDSCH weights. Furthermore, when there is no user at the location pointed to by the beam carrying the first SSB, since the beam carrying the second SSB is different from the beam carrying the first SSB, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB are carried on the same beam, it is beneficial to increase the utilization probability of PDSCH in slot 0, thereby alleviating the problem of wasted time and frequency resources to a certain extent.

[0120] Optionally, the first reference signal and the first SSB can be carried on the first beam, and the second reference signal and the second SSB can be carried on the second beam, wherein the first beam and the second beam are different.

[0121] Optionally, when the first time slot is used to carry multiple SSBs, it may also be used to carry one or more MB-DMRSs. This mainly includes the following two cases:

[0122] Case 1: The difference between the number of SSBs in the first time slot and the first value is greater than the number of MB-DMRS. Furthermore, for an SSB in the first time slot that does not share an OFDM symbol with an MB-DMRS or DMRS, that SSB is carried in the same beam as the previous SSB.

[0123] The first value is equal to 1.

[0124] In one possible implementation, the first time slot is also used to carry the third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB have a QCL relationship. Furthermore, the third SSB and the first SSB are carried in the same beam.

[0125] Here, the first SSB is the SSB preceding the third SSB. The third SSB occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the first and second SSBs, but these resources are time-division multiplexed. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the third SSB do not overlap with those occupied by the first, second, first, second, first, and second PDSCHs. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the third SSB completely overlap with those occupied by the first and second SSBs.

[0126] Optionally, the first time slot here may also be used to carry a PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB.

[0127] Specifically, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB are the same as those occupied by the first and second PDSCHs, but are time-division multiplexed in the time direction. In the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB do not overlap at all with those occupied by the first, second, first, and second reference signals, respectively. However, the time-domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB may partially or completely overlap with those occupied by the third SSB. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB completely overlap with those occupied by the first and second PDSCHs.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided by an embodiment of this application, specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 8 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, SSB 3, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, PDSCH 3, DMRS, and MB-DMRS. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. Among them, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry DMRS and SSB 1, OFDM symbols 4 to 5 are used to carry PDSCH 1, OFDM symbols 6 to 7 are used to carry SSB 2, OFDM symbols 6 to 9 are used to carry PDSCH 2, OFDM symbols 10 to 11 are used to carry MB-DMRS and SSB 3, and OFDM symbols 12 to 13 are used to carry PDSCH 3. Since SSB 2 does not share OFDM symbols with MB-DMRS or DMRS, SSB 2 and SSB 1 (i.e., the SSB preceding SSB 2) are carried in the same beam.

[0129] Optionally, the first SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 8, the third SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 8, the second SSB can be SSB 3 in Figure 8, the first reference signal can be DMRS in Figure 8, the second reference signal can be MB-DMRS in Figure 8, the first PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 8, the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 8, and the second PDSCH can be DSCH 3 in Figure 8. Furthermore, DMRS and SSB 1 in Figure 8 have a QCL relationship, DMRS and SSB 2 also have a QCL relationship, and MB-DMRS and SSB 3 have a QCL relationship.

[0130] Optionally, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 2-5 in Figure 8 can constitute the first time-domain resource, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 6-9 can constitute the third time-domain resource, and all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 10-13 can constitute the second time-domain resource. Further, slot 0 shown in Figure 8 can include the first, second, and third time-domain resources, which do not overlap. Here, the first time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 1, DMRS, and PDSCH 1 (i.e., the first SSB, the first reference signal, and the first PDSCH), the third time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 2 and PDSCH 2 (i.e., the third SSB and the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB), and the second time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 3, MB-DMRS, and PDSCH 3 (i.e., the second SSB, the second reference signal, and the second PDSCH).

[0131] Optionally, DMRS, PDSCH 1, SSB 1, SSB 2 and PDSCH 2 in Figure 8 can be carried in beam 0, and MB-DMRS, PDSCH 3 and SSB 3 can be carried in beam 1. Beam 0 and beam 1 are different.

[0132] In another possible implementation, the first time slot is also used to carry the third SSB, and the second reference signal has a QCL relationship with the third SSB. Furthermore, the third SSB and the second SSB are carried in the same beam.

[0133] Here, the second SSB is the SSB preceding the third SSB. The time-frequency domain resources occupied by the third SSB can be referred to the description of the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the third SSB in Case 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0134] Optionally, the first time slot here may also be used to carry a PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB.

[0135] The time-frequency domain resources occupied by the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB can be referred to the description of the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB in Case 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] As shown in Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application, specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 9 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, SSB 3, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, PDSCH 3, DMRS, and MB-DMRS. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. Among them, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry DMRS and SSB 1, OFDM symbols 4 to 5 are used to carry PDSCH 1, OFDM symbols 6 to 7 are used to carry MB-DMRS and SSB 2, OFDM symbols 8 to 9 are used to carry PDSCH 2, OFDM symbols 10 to 11 are used to carry SSB 3, and OFDM symbols 10 to 13 are used to carry PDSCH 3. Since SSB 3 does not share OFDM symbols with MB-DMRS or DMRS, SSB 3 and SSB 2 (i.e., the SSB preceding SSB 3) are carried in the same beam.

[0137] Optionally, the first SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 9, the second SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 9, and the third SSB can be SSB 3 in Figure 9. The first reference signal can be DMRS in Figure 9, the second reference signal can be MB-DMRS in Figure 9, the first PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 9, the second PDSCH can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 9, and the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB can be PDSCH 3 in Figure 9. Furthermore, DMRS in Figure 9 has a QCL relationship with SSB 1, MB-DMRS has a QCL relationship with SSB 2, and MB-DMRS also has a QCL relationship with SSB 3.

[0138] Optionally, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 2-5 in Figure 9 can constitute the first time-domain resource, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 6-9 can constitute the second time-domain resource, and all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 10-13 can constitute the third time-domain resource. Further, slot 0 shown in Figure 9 can include the first, second, and third time-domain resources, which do not overlap. Here, the first time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 1, DMRS, and PDSCH 1 (i.e., the first SSB, the first reference signal, and the first PDSCH), the second time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 2, MB-DMRS, and PDSCH 2 (i.e., the second SSB, the second reference signal, and the second PDSCH), and the third time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 3 and PDSCH 3 (i.e., the third SSB and the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB).

[0139] Optionally, DMRS, PDSCH 1 and SSB 1 in Figure 9 can be carried in beam 0, while MB-DMRS, PDSCH 2, SSB 2, PDSCH 3 and SSB 3 can be carried in beam 1. Beam 0 is different from beam 1.

[0140] In scenario 2, the difference between the number of SSBs in the first time slot and the first value equals the number of MB-DMRS. Furthermore, the SSBs in the first time slot are carried by different beams.

[0141] Specifically, the first time slot is also used to carry the fourth SSB and the third reference signal, with the third reference signal and the fourth SSB having a QCL relationship. Furthermore, the third reference signal and the fourth SSB are carried in the same beam.

[0142] The third reference signal here has the same characteristics as the second reference signal, which can be referred to in the description of the second reference signal in step S601, and will not be repeated here.

[0143] The time-frequency domain resources occupied by the fourth SSB can be referred to the description of the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the third SSB in Case 1, and will not be repeated here. In addition, in the time direction, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the fourth SSB and the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the third reference signal may partially or completely overlap.

[0144] The third reference signal occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the first and second reference signals, but these resources are time-division multiplexed. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the third reference signal do not overlap with those occupied by the first SSB, the second SSB, the first reference signal, the second reference signal, the first PDSCH, and the second PDSCH. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the third reference signal completely overlap with those occupied by the first and second reference signals.

[0145] Optionally, the first time slot here may also be used to carry a PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the fourth SSB.

[0146] The time-frequency domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the fourth SSB can be referred to the description of the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the third SSB in Case 1, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the PDSCH sharing at least one OFDM symbol with the fourth SSB may partially overlap or not overlap at all with the time-domain resources occupied by the third reference signal.

[0147] As shown in Figure 10, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided by an embodiment of this application. Specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 10 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, SSB 3, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, PDSCH 3, DMRS, MB-DMRS 1, and MB-DMRS 2. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. Among them, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry DMRS, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 are used to carry SSB 1, OFDM symbols 4 to 5 are used to carry PDSCH 1, OFDM symbols 6 to 7 are used to carry MB-DMRS 1, OFDM symbols 6 to 7 are used to carry SSB 2, OFDM symbols 6 to 9 are used to carry PDSCH 2, OFDM symbols 10 to 11 are used to carry MB-DMRS 2, OFDM symbols 10 to 11 are used to carry SSB 3, and OFDM symbols 12 to 13 are used to carry PDSCH 3. Since SSB 1 shares OFDM symbols 2-3 with DMRS, SSB 2 shares OFDM symbols 6-7 with MB-DMRS 1, and SSB 3 shares OFDM symbols 10-11 with MB-DMRS 2, SSB 1, SSB 2, and SSB 3 are carried on different beams.

[0148] Optionally, the first SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 10, the second SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 10, the fourth SSB can be SSB 3 in Figure 10, the first reference signal can be DMRS in Figure 10, the second reference signal can be MB-DMRS 1 in Figure 10, the third reference signal can be MB-DMRS 2 in Figure 10, the first PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 10, the second PDSCH can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 10, and the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the fourth SSB can be PDSCH 3 in Figure 10. Furthermore, the DMRS in Figure 10 has a QCL relationship with SSB 1, the MB-DMRS 1 has a QCL relationship with SSB 2, and the MB-DMRS 2 has a QCL relationship with SSB 3.

[0149] Optionally, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 2-5 in Figure 10 can constitute the first time-domain resource, all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 6-9 can constitute the second time-domain resource, and all REs corresponding to OFDM symbols 10-13 can constitute the third time-domain resource. Further, slot 0 shown in Figure 10 can include the first, second, and third time-domain resources, which do not overlap. Here, the first time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 1, DMRS, and PDSCH 1 (i.e., the first SSB, the first reference signal, and the first PDSCH), the second time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 2, MB-DMRS 1, and PDSCH 2 (i.e., the second SSB, the second reference signal, and the second PDSCH), and the third time-domain resource is used to carry SSB 3, MB-DMRS 2, and PDSCH 3 (i.e., the fourth SSB, the third reference signal, and the PDSCH that shares at least one OFDM symbol with the fourth SSB).

[0150] Optionally, DMRS, PDSCH 1 and SSB 1 in Figure 10 can be carried in beam 0, MB-DMRS 1, PDSCH 2 and SSB 2 can be carried in beam 1, and MB-DMRS 2, PDSCH 3 and SSB 3 can be carried in beam 2. Beam 0, beam 1 and beam 2 are different.

[0151] It should be noted that the frequency domain resources occupied by each signal in slot 0 of Figures 7-10 are only examples. In actual applications, they may occupy more or less frequency domain resources, and this application does not limit this.

[0152] Furthermore, the first time slot of the first signal may also include one or more frequency domain resources. Moreover, the above resource allocation method is also applicable to the frequency division MB-HBF architecture.

[0153] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal, and the fifth reference signal. The fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have a QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0154] Here, the fourth reference signal has the same characteristics as the first reference signal, and the fifth reference signal has the same characteristics as the second reference signal. For details, please refer to the description of the second reference signal in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0155] The fourth reference signal occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the fifth reference signal, but they are time-division multiplexed in the time direction. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal do not overlap at all, but may partially or completely overlap with those occupied by the fifth SSB; the time-domain resources occupied by the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not overlap at all. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal completely overlap.

[0156] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0157] The sixth SSB occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the fifth SSB, but these resources are time-division multiplexed. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the sixth SSB may partially or completely overlap with those occupied by the fifth reference signal, but they do not overlap at all with those occupied by the fourth reference signal or the fifth SSB. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the sixth SSB completely overlap with those occupied by the fifth SSB.

[0158] Optionally, the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0159] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the third and fourth PDSCHs, the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH.

[0160] The third PDSCH occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the fourth PDSCH, but they are time-division multiplexed in the time direction. Specifically, in the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the third PDSCH may partially overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB, respectively. The time-domain resources occupied by the fourth PDSCH do not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the fifth reference signal, the sixth SSB, and the fourth PDSCH, respectively. Similarly, the time-domain resources occupied by the fourth PDSCH do not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB, respectively. However, the time-domain resources occupied by the fourth PDSCH may partially overlap with or not overlap with the time-domain resources occupied by the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB, respectively. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the third PDSCH completely overlap with those occupied by the fourth PDSCH.

[0161] Optionally, the third PDSCH and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0162] As shown in Figure 11, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided by an embodiment of this application. Specifically, the first frequency domain resource in slot 0 shown in Figure 11 is used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, DMRS, and MB-DMRS. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. Among them, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 in the first frequency domain resource are used to carry DMRS and SSB 1, OFDM symbols 4 to 7 in the first frequency domain resource are used to carry PDSCH 1, OFDM symbols 8 to 9 in the first frequency domain resource are used to carry MB-DMRS and SSB 2, and OFDM symbols 10 to 13 in the first frequency domain resource are used to carry PDSCH 2. Since SSB 1 shares OFDM symbols 2 to 3 with DMRS, and SSB 2 shares OFDM symbols 8 to 9 with MB-DMRS, SSB 1 and SSB 2 are carried in different beams.

[0163] Optionally, the fifth SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 11, the sixth SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 11, the fourth reference signal can be DMRS in Figure 11, the fifth reference signal can be MB-DMRS in Figure 11, the third PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 11, and the fourth PDSCH can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 11. Furthermore, DMRS and SSB 1 in Figure 11 have a QCL relationship, and MB-DMRS and SSB 2 have a QCL relationship.

[0164] Optionally, DMRS, PDSCH 1 and SSB 1 in Figure 11 can be carried in beam 0, and MB-DMRS, PDSCH 2 and SSB 2 can be carried in beam 1. Beam 0 and beam 1 are different.

[0165] Optionally, the first signal may also include a second frequency domain resource, which is used to carry the seventh SSB, the sixth reference signal, and the seventh reference signal. The sixth reference signal and the seventh reference signal are related to data demodulation. The sixth reference signal and the seventh SSB have a QCL relationship, while the seventh reference signal and the seventh SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0166] It should be noted that, in the frequency domain direction, the first frequency domain resources and the second frequency domain resources may be adjacent or non-adjacent (for example, they may be separated by one or more subcarriers), and this application does not impose any limitation on this. Specifically, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the seventh SSB are the same number as those occupied by the fifth SSB, but are frequency-divided in the frequency domain direction. In the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the seventh SSB completely overlap with those occupied by the fifth SSB; the time-domain resources occupied by the seventh SSB may partially or completely overlap with those occupied by the sixth reference signal; and the time-domain resources occupied by the seventh SSB do not overlap with those occupied by the seventh reference signal. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the seventh SSB do not overlap with those occupied by the fifth SSB.

[0167] Here, the sixth reference signal has the same characteristics as the first reference signal, and the seventh reference signal has the same characteristics as the second reference signal. For details, please refer to the description of the second reference signal in step S601, which will not be repeated here.

[0168] Specifically, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the sixth reference signal are the same as those occupied by the fourth reference signal, but are frequency-divided in the frequency domain direction; the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the seventh reference signal are the same as those occupied by the fifth reference signal, but are frequency-divided in the frequency domain direction. In the time direction, the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the sixth reference signal completely overlap with those occupied by the fourth reference signal, but do not overlap with those occupied by the seventh reference signal; the time-frequency domain resources occupied by the seventh reference signal completely overlap with those occupied by the fifth reference signal. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-frequency domain resources occupied by the sixth reference signal completely do not overlap with those occupied by the fourth reference signal; the frequency-frequency domain resources occupied by the seventh reference signal completely do not overlap with those occupied by the fifth reference signal; the frequency-frequency domain resources occupied by the sixth reference signal completely overlap with those occupied by the seventh reference signal.

[0169] Optionally, the second frequency domain resources are also used to carry the eighth SSB, and the seventh reference signal and the eighth SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0170] Specifically, the eighth SSB occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the seventh SSB, but these resources are time-division multiplexed in the time direction; the eighth SSB also occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the sixth SSB, but these resources are time-division multiplexed in the frequency domain. In the time direction, the time-domain resources occupied by the eighth SSB completely overlap with those of the sixth SSB; the time-domain resources occupied by the eighth SSB may partially or completely overlap with those of the seventh reference signal; and the time-domain resources occupied by the eighth SSB do not overlap with those of the sixth reference signal or the seventh SSB. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency-domain resources occupied by the eighth SSB do not overlap with those of the sixth SSB, but they completely overlap with those of the seventh SSB.

[0171] Optionally, the sixth reference signal and the seventh SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the second frequency domain resources, and the seventh reference signal and the eighth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the second frequency domain resources.

[0172] Optionally, the second frequency domain resources are also used to carry the fifth PDSCH and the sixth PDSCH, with the sixth reference signal related to the data demodulation of the fifth PDSCH and the seventh reference signal related to the data demodulation of the sixth PDSCH.

[0173] The fifth PDSCH occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the third PDSCH, but is frequency-divided in the frequency domain direction; the sixth PDSCH occupies the same amount of time-frequency domain resources as the fourth PDSCH, but is frequency-divided in the frequency domain direction. Specifically, in the time direction, the time domain resources occupied by the fifth PDSCH completely overlap with those occupied by the third PDSCH. The time domain resources occupied by the fifth PDSCH may partially overlap with or not overlap with those occupied by the sixth reference signal and the seventh SSB, respectively. The time domain resources occupied by the fifth PDSCH do not overlap with those occupied by the seventh reference signal and the eighth SSB, respectively. The time domain resources occupied by the sixth PDSCH completely overlap with those occupied by the fourth PDSCH. The time domain resources occupied by the sixth PDSCH partially overlap with or not overlap with those occupied by the seventh reference signal, the eighth SSB, the fifth reference signal, and the sixth SSB, respectively. The time domain resources occupied by the sixth PDSCH do not overlap with those occupied by the sixth reference signal and the seventh SSB, respectively. In the frequency domain direction, the frequency domain resources occupied by the fifth PDSCH do not overlap with those occupied by the third PDSCH at all; the frequency domain resources occupied by the sixth PDSCH do not overlap with those occupied by the fourth PDSCH at all; and the frequency domain resources occupied by the fifth PDSCH completely overlap with those occupied by the sixth PDSCH.

[0174] Optionally, the fifth PDSCH and the seventh SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the second frequency domain resources, and the sixth PDSCH and the eighth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the second frequency domain resources.

[0175] As shown in Figure 12, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another resource distribution provided in an embodiment of this application. Specifically, slot 0 shown in Figure 12 includes first and second frequency domain resources. The first frequency domain resources are used to carry SSB 1, SSB 2, PDSCH 1, PDSCH 2, DMRS 1, and MB-DMRS 1; the second frequency domain resources are used to carry SSB 3, SSB 4, PDSCH 3, PDSCH 4, DMRS 2, and MB-DMRS 2. In the time direction, slot 0 contains 14 OFDM symbols, corresponding to indices 0 to 13. Among them, OFDM symbols 2 to 3 in the first frequency domain resources are used to carry DMRS 1 and SSB 1; OFDM symbols 4 to 7 in the first frequency domain resources are used to carry PDSCH 1; OFDM symbols 8 to 9 in the first frequency domain resources are used to carry MB-DMRS 1 and SSB 2; OFDM symbols 10 to 13 in the first frequency domain resources are used to carry PDSCH 2; and OFDM symbols 2 to 3 in the second frequency domain resources are used to carry DMRS 2 and SSB 1. 3. OFDM symbols 4-7 in the second frequency domain resource are used to carry PDSCH 3; OFDM symbols 8-9 in the second frequency domain resource are used to carry MB-DMRS 2 and SSB 4; and OFDM symbols 10-13 in the second frequency domain resource are used to carry PDSCH 4. Since SSB 1 and DMRS 1 share OFDM symbols 2-3, and SSB 2 and MB-DMRS 1 share OFDM symbols 8-9 in the first frequency domain resource, SSB 1 and SSB 2 are carried on different beams. Similarly, since SSB 3 and DMRS 2 share OFDM symbols 2-3, and SSB 4 and MB-DMRS 2 share OFDM symbols 8-9 in the second frequency domain resource, SSB 3 and SSB 4 are carried on different beams.

[0176] Optionally, the fifth SSB can be SSB 1 in Figure 12, the sixth SSB can be SSB 2 in Figure 12, the seventh SSB can be SSB 3 in Figure 12, the eighth SSB can be SSB 4 in Figure 12, the fourth reference signal can be DMRS 1 in Figure 12, the fifth reference signal can be MB-DMRS 1 in Figure 12, the sixth reference signal can be DMRS 2 in Figure 12, the seventh reference signal can be MB-DMRS 2 in Figure 12, the third PDSCH can be PDSCH 1 in Figure 12, the fourth PDSCH can be PDSCH 2 in Figure 12, the fifth PDSCH can be PDSCH 3 in Figure 12, and the sixth PDSCH can be PDSCH 4 in Figure 12. Furthermore, DMRS 1 and SSB 1 in Figure 12 have a QCL relationship, MB-DMRS 1 and SSB 2 have a QCL relationship, DMRS 2 and SSB 3 have a QCL relationship, and MB-DMRS 2 and SSB 4 have a QCL relationship.

[0177] Optionally, DMRS 1, PDSCH 1 and SSB 1 in Figure 12 can be carried in beam 0, MB-DMRS 1, PDSCH 2 and SSB 2 can be carried in beam 1, DMRS 2, PDSCH 3 and SSB 3 can be carried in beam 2, and MB-DMRS 2, PDSCH 4 and SSB 4 can be carried in beam 3. Beams 0, 1, 2 and 3 are not the same.

[0178] It should be noted that Figures 7-12 are simplified schematic diagrams for ease of understanding. Slot 0 in Figures 7-12 can also carry other signals, such as PDCCH, which are not shown in Figures 7-12. In practical applications, a time slot of the first signal can carry multiple SSBs or multiple MB-DMRSs. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of SSBs and MB-DMRSs in that time slot.

[0179] S602: The network device sends the first signal to the terminal device.

[0180] Specifically, after receiving the first signal, the terminal device can perform data demodulation based on the first signal.

[0181] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first SSB and the first reference signal, the terminal device can obtain channel characteristics based on the first SSB and the first reference signal since there is a QCL relationship between the first SSB and the first reference signal, and perform data demodulation of the first PDSCH; and / or, after receiving the second SSB and the second reference signal, the terminal device can obtain channel characteristics based on the second SSB and the second reference signal since there is a QCL relationship between the second SSB and the second reference signal, and perform data demodulation of the second PDSCH.

[0182] Optionally, if the first reference signal and the first SSB are carried in the first beam, and the second reference signal and the second SSB are carried in the second beam, then the network device can send the first reference signal and the first SSB to the terminal device through the first beam, and send the second reference signal and the second SSB to the terminal device through the second beam.

[0183] In the embodiments of this application, the network device configures a first reference signal and a first SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first time slot of the first signal, so that the first reference signal and the first SSB are carried in the same beam. Conversely, it configures a second reference signal and a first SSB to have no QCL relationship in the first time slot, so that the second reference signal and the first SSB are carried in different beams. This facilitates flexible control of the number of beams within the first time slot. Furthermore, increasing the number of PDSCHs within the first time slot helps reduce the waste of time-frequency resources and improve their utilization. In addition, in the frequency division multiplexing (MB-HBF) architecture, the network device configures a fourth reference signal and a fifth SSB to have a QCL relationship in the first frequency domain resources of the first signal, so that the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB are carried in the same beam. Conversely, it configures a fifth reference signal and a fifth SSB to have no QCL relationship in the first frequency domain resources, so that the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB are carried in different beams. This helps increase the number of beams within the first frequency domain resources.

[0184] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. The following is a description of the apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0185] As shown in Figure 13, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The transceiver module 1302 may include a receiving module and / or a transmitting module. Detailed descriptions of each module are as follows.

[0186] Processing module 1301 is used to generate a first signal. The first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first SSB, a first reference signal, and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation. The first reference signal and the first SSB have a QCL relationship, while the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0187] The transceiver module 1302 is used to send the first signal.

[0188] Optionally, the first time slot may also be used to carry the second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0189] Optionally, the first reference signal and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second reference signal and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

[0190] Optionally, the first time slot is also used to carry the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH, the first reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH, and the second reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH.

[0191] Optionally, the first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

[0192] Optionally, the first time slot may also be used to carry the third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0193] Optionally, the first time slot is also used to carry the fourth SSB and the third reference signal. The third reference signal is related to data demodulation, and there is a QCL relationship between the third reference signal and the fourth SSB.

[0194] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal, and the fifth reference signal. The fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have a QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0195] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0196] Optionally, the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0197] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the third and fourth PDSCHs, the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH.

[0198] Optionally, the third PDSCH and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0199] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also refer to the corresponding descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-12, and execute the methods and functions performed by the network device in the above embodiments.

[0200] As shown in Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application, the communication device includes a transceiver module 1401 and a processing module 1402. The transceiver module 1401 may include a receiving module and / or a transmitting module. The detailed descriptions of each module are as follows.

[0201] The transceiver module 1401 is used to receive a first signal. The first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first synchronization signal block (SSB), a first reference signal, and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation. The first reference signal and the first SSB have a quasi-co-address (QCL) relationship, while the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0202] The processing module 1402 is used to demodulate data based on the first signal.

[0203] Optionally, the first time slot may also be used to carry the second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0204] Optionally, the first reference signal and the first SSB share at least one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol in the first time slot, and the second reference signal and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

[0205] Optionally, the first time slot is also used to carry the first PDSCH and the second PDSCH, the first reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH, and the second reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH.

[0206] Optionally, the first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

[0207] Optionally, the first time slot may also be used to carry the third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0208] Optionally, the first time slot is also used to carry the fourth SSB and the third reference signal. The third reference signal is related to data demodulation, and there is a QCL relationship between the third reference signal and the fourth SSB.

[0209] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal, and the fifth reference signal. The fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have a QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have a QCL relationship.

[0210] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB have a QCL relationship.

[0211] Optionally, the fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0212] Optionally, the first frequency domain resources are also used to carry the third and fourth PDSCHs, the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH.

[0213] Optionally, the third PDSCH and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resources.

[0214] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also refer to the corresponding descriptions of the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-12, and execute the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0215] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a chip or processing system in a communication system or communication device, and can implement any of the methods and functions in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0216] As shown in Figure 15, the communication device includes a processor 1501, which is configured to perform the actions described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the communication device also includes a transceiver 1502. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory 1503, which is configured to store a computer program. The processor 1501 retrieves and runs the computer program from the memory 1503 to control the transceiver 1502 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the communication device may also include an antenna, which is configured to transmit uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 1502 via a wireless signal.

[0217] The processor 1501, transceiver 1502 and memory 1503 can communicate with each other through internal connection channels to transmit control and / or data signals.

[0218] The processor 1501 and the memory 1503 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 1501 is configured to execute the program code stored in the memory 1503 to achieve the above-mentioned functions. In specific implementations, the memory 1503 can be integrated into the processor 1501 or independent of the processor 1501.

[0219] The transceiver 1502 described above can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 1502 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is configured to receive signals, and the transmitter is configured to transmit signals.

[0220] It should be understood that the communication device shown in Figure 15 can implement the various processes in the method embodiments shown in Figures 6-12. The operation and / or function of each module in the communication device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0221] The processor 1501 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 1501 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. The communication bus 1504 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 15, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 1504 is configured to enable communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 1502 is configured to communicate with other node devices for signaling or data. Memory 1503 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disk (SSD), etc. Memory 1503 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 1501. Memory 1503 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. Processor 1501 may also execute the program stored in memory 1503. Processor 1501 may cooperate with memory 1503 and transceiver 1502 to perform any of the methods and functions involved in the above-described embodiments.

[0222] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a communication system or communication device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0223] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 6-12.

[0224] This application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 6-12.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the communication device, the unit or module within the device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] 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 as 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. 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., digital versatile discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0227] It should be understood that the "and / or" appearing in the embodiments of this application is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0228] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0229] It should be understood that the symbol " / " appearing in the embodiments of this application can indicate that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. Additionally, the symbol " / " can also represent a division sign, i.e., performing a division operation. For example, A / B can mean A divided by B.

[0230] It should be understood that some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application may be performed. These steps or operations are merely examples. In the embodiments of this application, other operations or variations of various operations may also be performed. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0231] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first signal is generated, and the first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first synchronization signal block (SSB), a first reference signal, and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation. The first reference signal and the first SSB have a quasi-co-address (QCL) relationship, while the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have the QCL relationship. Send the first signal.

2. A communication method, characterized in that, include: A first signal is received, and the first time slot of the first signal is used to carry a first synchronization signal block (SSB), a first reference signal, and a second reference signal. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are related to data demodulation. The first reference signal and the first SSB have a quasi-co-address (QCL) relationship, while the second reference signal and the first SSB do not have the QCL relationship. Data demodulation is performed based on the first signal.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first time slot is also used to carry the second SSB, and the second reference signal and the second SSB have the QCL relationship.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first reference signal and the first SSB share at least one orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol in the first time slot, and the second reference signal and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first time slot is also used to carry the first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and the second PDSCH. The first reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the first PDSCH, and the second reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the second PDSCH.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first PDSCH and the first SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot, and the second PDSCH and the second SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first time slot.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first time slot is also used to carry the third SSB, and the first reference signal and the third SSB have the QCL relationship.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first time slot is also used to carry the fourth SSB and the third reference signal. The third reference signal is related to data demodulation and has the QCL relationship with the fourth SSB.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resources of the first signal are used to carry the fifth SSB, the fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal. The fourth reference signal and the fifth reference signal are related to data demodulation. The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB have the QCL relationship, while the fifth reference signal and the fifth SSB do not have the QCL relationship.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource is also used to carry the sixth SSB, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB have the QCL relationship.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The fourth reference signal and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource, and the fifth reference signal and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first frequency domain resource is also used to carry the third PDSCH and the fourth PDSCH, the fourth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the third PDSCH, and the fifth reference signal is related to the data demodulation of the fourth PDSCH.

13. The method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The third PDSCH and the fifth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource, and the fourth PDSCH and the sixth SSB share at least one OFDM symbol in the first frequency domain resource.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor that causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 and 3-13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor that causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 2 and 3-13.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a first device and a second device, the first device being used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 and 3-13, and the second device being used to perform the method of any one of claims 2 and 3-13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, and any one of claims 3-13 to be implemented.

18. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, and the processor enables the chip to implement the method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, and any one of claims 3-13.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 1 or claim 2, and any one of claims 3-13.

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