Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus. First information transmitted between a terminal device and network devices (e.g., TRPs) is used to notify a peer side of the number of measurements of reference signals. When the network devices use a plurality of uplink reference signals to determine a reception phase difference between the network devices, and the terminal device uses a plurality of downlink reference signals to determine a transmission phase difference between the network devices, the number of measurements of downlink reference signals and the number of measurements of uplink reference signals can be aligned between the terminal device and the network devices. Therefore, the present application avoids phase compensation deviation caused by misalignment (difference) in the number of measurements when a terminal device and network devices determine a phase difference between the network devices, and improves the phase compensation precision between the network devices, thereby improving the reciprocity calibration accuracy and the communication efficiency between the network devices. For example, the method provided in the present application can be applied to a coherent joint transmission (CJT) communication scenario.

Description

Communication methods and communication devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510372388.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 26, 2025, entitled "Communication Method and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] Coherent joint transmission (CJT) is an advanced wireless communication technology primarily used to improve coverage and throughput for users at the cell edge. CJT utilizes multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) working collaboratively to coherently transmit the same data stream to the terminal. This technology, through the use of high-performance backhaul connections and precise synchronization, allows signals from different TRPs to be coherently superimposed at the terminal side, thereby enhancing signal quality, reducing interference, and improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

[0004] Considering the hardware factors affecting TRPs, such as the influence of the receiving and transmitting antennas, there are receiving and transmitting phase differences between different TRPs. To improve the performance of CJT communication, phase reciprocity calibration between different TRPs is required, i.e., obtaining the receiving and transmitting phase differences between different TRPs for compensation. Multiple TRPs can send downlink reference signals to the terminal multiple times to obtain the transmitting phase difference between TRPs, and the terminal can also send uplink reference signals to multiple TRPs multiple times to obtain the receiving phase difference between TRPs. However, when the number of times the downlink reference signal used to determine the transmitting phase difference between TRPs is different from the number of times the uplink reference signal used to determine the receiving phase difference between TRPs is sent, the phase compensation accuracy between TRPs decreases, and the accuracy of TRP reciprocity calibration and the efficiency of CJT communication are also affected. Therefore, a method is urgently needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can avoid the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the different number of measurements of the reference signal used to determine the received phase difference between network devices and the transmitted phase difference between network devices.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a network device, which can be a network equipment, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) that supports the network equipment in implementing the method, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The method includes: sending N downlink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1; receiving first information, the first information including a first field and a first phase difference between different network equipment, the first field being related to the number of measurements N, the first phase difference being related to the N downlink reference signals, the timing of sending the N downlink reference signals being before a first moment, the first moment being the moment of receiving the first information, or the first moment being the moment of sending the first information.

[0007] The communication method provided in the first aspect allows the terminal device to indicate the number N of joint measurements of the downlink reference signal it performs to the network device using the first field in the first information. The network device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, thus avoiding the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device. This improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, thereby enhancing the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0008] The first phase difference between different network devices can be understood as, or referred to as, the transmission phase difference between network devices. This transmission phase difference is caused by hardware factors (such as the transmission antenna panel) between different network devices. The transmission phase difference between network devices can include the transmission phase difference between a specific network device and a reference network device. For example, the transmission phase difference between network devices can be the transmission phase difference between TRPs, which can include the transmission phase difference between a specific TRP and a reference TRP. For example, the reference TRP can be any one of the multiple TRPs included in the CJT communication system (e.g., P TRPs, where P is an integer greater than 1), and a specific TRP can be any TRP other than the reference TRP, or any TRP in the CJT communication system.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving N uplink reference signals, wherein the N uplink reference signals are used to determine a second phase difference between different network devices, and the timing of transmitting the N uplink reference signals is before a first moment. In this implementation, multiple network devices can determine the second phase difference between network devices based on the received N uplink reference signals, thereby compensating for the second phase difference between network devices, improving the accuracy of the second phase compensation between network devices, and thus improving the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0010] The second phase difference between different network devices can be understood as, or referred to as, the reception phase difference between network devices. The reception phase difference between network devices is caused by hardware factors (such as the receiving antenna panel) between different network devices. For example, the reception phase difference between network devices can be the reception phase difference between TRPs. The reception phase difference between TRPs can include the reception phase difference between a specific TRP and a reference TRP.

[0011] For example, downlink reference signals include Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), and uplink reference signals include Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is defined as the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest time interval between its transmission and that of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where i is less than or equal to N. In this implementation, by defining or determining the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals, the terminal device and the network device can align their transmission timings. The network device can clearly define the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals, thereby correctly receiving and jointly measuring them, ensuring that the network device can obtain the received phase difference between different network devices. On the other hand, in the N uplink reference signals, the transmission timing of each uplink reference signal is closest to or has the shortest time interval to the transmission timing of the corresponding downlink reference signal in the time domain. The shorter time interval can reduce the impact of changes in uplink and downlink channel quantities, ensuring that the uplink and downlink channels have good channel reciprocity. This can reduce the impact of uplink and downlink channel quality on the receiving phase difference between different network devices, and improve the accuracy of the receiving phase difference determined by the network device between different network devices.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals before the first time point, and the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval to the first time point. In this implementation, by defining or determining the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals, on the one hand, the terminal device and the network device can align the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals. The terminal device can clearly define the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals, thereby correctly receiving the N downlink reference signals and performing joint measurements on the N downlink reference signals, improving the efficiency of the terminal device in determining the transmission phase difference between different network devices. On the other hand, since the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the first information, and is the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the first information, it can ensure that the time interval between the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals and the timing of the terminal device feeding back the transmission phase difference between different network devices is short. Since the transmission phase difference between different network devices is determined based on the joint measurement results of the N downlink reference signals, the shorter time interval can reduce the impact of channel quality changes on the transmission phase difference between different network devices, and can improve the accuracy of the transmission phase difference between different network devices determined by the terminal device.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, before sending N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: sending M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; receiving second information, the second information including a second field and a third field, the second field being related to the number of measurements M, the timing of sending the M downlink reference signals being before a second time point, the second time point being the time of receiving the second information, and the third field being used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest timing of sending the N downlink reference signals and the earliest timing of sending the N uplink reference signals are both later than the second time point. In this implementation, the two reports from the terminal device can be separated in time (separating the first information and the second information), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the subsequent joint measurements performed by the terminal device.

[0017] For example, the downlink reference signal includes the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), and the uplink reference signal includes the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report. In this implementation, the terminal device can reuse the existing joint transmission correction phase deviation report to send the first field and the first phase difference between different network devices to the network device, without using additional signaling to send the first field and the first phase difference between different network devices to the network device, which can reduce signaling overhead and improve the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, or the first field is used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect. In this implementation, if the first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, the efficiency and accuracy of the network device in determining the number of measurements N can be improved. Furthermore, the number of measurements N indicated by the terminal device can be different for different measurements, increasing the flexibility of indicating the number of measurements N. The first field can also indicate whether a pre-configured or pre-defined number of measurements N is effective, or in other words, the first field can be used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect. The length of the first field can be 1 bit. This implementation is simple and reduces the overhead of the first field.

[0020] Secondly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a terminal device, which can be a terminal equipment, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the implementation of this method in the terminal equipment, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: receiving N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than 1; determining a first phase difference between different network devices based on the N downlink reference signals; and sending first information, the first information including a first field and a first phase difference, wherein the first field is related to the number of measurements N, and the timing of sending the N downlink reference signals is before a first moment, where the first moment is the moment of sending the first information.

[0021] The second aspect provides a communication method in which the terminal device uses the first field in the first information to indicate the number N of joint measurements of the downlink reference signal, so that the network device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device, improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0022] In this scenario, each of the multiple network devices (e.g., P devices, where P is an integer greater than 1) can send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. Therefore, the P network devices can send a total of N downlink reference signals to the terminal device, which then receives these N downlink reference signals. Each downlink reference signal sent by the P network devices includes the downlink reference signals sent separately by each of the P network devices to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal sent includes P downlink reference signals, each corresponding to one network device. Alternatively, each downlink reference signal sent by the P network devices includes P downlink reference signal ports, each corresponding to one network device.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: transmitting N uplink reference signals, wherein the N uplink reference signals are used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices, and the timing of transmitting the N uplink reference signals is before the first moment. In this implementation, multiple network devices can determine the second phase difference between themselves based on the received N uplink reference signals, thereby compensating for the second phase difference between the network devices, improving the accuracy of the second phase compensation between the network devices, and thus improving the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between the network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0024] For the first phase difference between network devices, the second phase difference between network devices, the timing of sending N uplink reference signals, the timing of sending N downlink reference signals, the carrying method of the first information, the implementation method of the first field, the implementation method of the downlink reference signal, etc., please refer to the description of the implementation method corresponding to the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, before receiving N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: receiving M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports (e.g., P downlink reference signal ports), where M is an integer greater than 1; sending second information, the second information including a second field and a third field, the second field being related to the number of measurements M, the timing of the transmission of the M downlink reference signals being before a second time point, the second time point being the time of transmission of the second information, and the third field being used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest transmission timing of both the N downlink reference signals and the N uplink reference signals is later than the second time point. In this implementation, the two reports from the terminal device can be separated in time (separating the first information and the second information), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the subsequent joint measurements performed by the terminal device.

[0026] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method can be a network device, which can be a network equipment, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) that supports the network equipment in implementing this method, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network equipment. The method includes: receiving N uplink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1, and the N uplink reference signals are used to determine a second phase difference between different network equipment; and sending third information, which includes a first field related to the number of measurements N. The timing of sending the N uplink reference signals is before the third time point, and the third time point is the time when the third information is sent.

[0027] The third aspect provides a communication method in which the network device can use the first field in the third information to indicate to the terminal device the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal. The terminal device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, thus avoiding the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device. This improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, thereby improving the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the method further includes: transmitting N downlink reference signals, the N downlink reference signals being correlated with a first phase difference between different network devices, the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals being before a third time point; and receiving fourth information, the fourth information including the first phase difference. In this implementation, network devices can acquire the first phase difference between network devices, thereby compensating for the first phase difference between network devices, improving the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, and thus improving the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0029] For the first phase difference between network devices, the second phase difference between network devices, the timing of sending N uplink reference signals, the timing of sending N downlink reference signals, the implementation method of the first field, the implementation method of the downlink reference signal, etc., please refer to the description of the implementation method corresponding to the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, before sending N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: sending M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; receiving fifth information, the fifth information including a third field, wherein the M downlink reference signals are sent before the fifth time point, the fifth time point is the time of receiving the fifth information, and the third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest transmission times of the N downlink reference signals and the earliest transmission times of the N uplink reference signals are both later than the fifth time point. In this implementation, the terminal device can isolate the two reports in time (isolating the fourth and fifth information), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the terminal device's subsequent joint measurements.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the fourth information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

[0032] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a terminal device, which can be a terminal equipment, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) supporting the implementation of this method in the terminal equipment, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The method includes: sending N uplink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1, the N uplink reference signals being used to determine a second phase difference between different network devices; and receiving third information, the third information including a first field related to the number of measurements N, the timing of sending the N uplink reference signals being before a third time point, the third time point being either the time of sending the third information or the time of receiving the third information.

[0033] The fourth aspect provides a communication method in which the terminal device can use the first field in the third information sent by the network device to determine the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal by the network device. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device, improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0034] For the first phase difference between network devices, the second phase difference between network devices, the timing of sending N uplink reference signals, the timing of sending N downlink reference signals, the implementation method of the first field, the implementation method of the downlink reference signal, etc., please refer to the description of the implementation method corresponding to the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, the N downlink reference signals being transmitted before the third time point; determining a first phase difference between different network devices based on the N downlink reference signals; and transmitting fourth information, the fourth information including the first phase difference. In this implementation, the terminal device can determine the first phase difference between network devices based on the N downlink reference signals transmitted by multiple network devices and send it to multiple network devices, enabling the network devices to compensate for the first phase difference, thereby improving the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0036] In this network configuration, each of the multiple network devices (e.g., P devices, where P is an integer greater than 1) can send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. The P network devices can send a total of N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal sent by the P network devices includes the downlink reference signals sent separately by each of the P network devices to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal consists of P downlink reference signals, with each downlink reference signal corresponding to one network device. Alternatively, each downlink reference signal sent by the P network devices includes P downlink reference signal ports, with each downlink reference signal port corresponding to one network device.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, before receiving N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: receiving M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; sending fifth information, the fifth information including a third field, wherein the M downlink reference signals are sent before the fifth time point, the fifth time point is the time of receiving the fifth information, and the third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest transmission times of the N downlink reference signals and the earliest transmission times of the N uplink reference signals are both later than the fifth time point. In this implementation, the terminal device can isolate the two reports in time (isolating the fourth and fifth information), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the terminal device's subsequent joint measurements.

[0038] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided, comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and a communication module) for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or, a module for performing the steps of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0039] A sixth aspect provides a communication apparatus comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and a communication module) for performing the steps of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or a module for performing the steps of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0040] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0041] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the second aspect above or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect above or any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication device of the seventh and / or eighth aspects may further include a memory storing a computer program, and at least one processor executes the methods of the corresponding aspects above or any possible implementations of the corresponding aspects by executing the computer program stored in the memory. Optionally, the processor and the memory may be integrated together.

[0043] In one possible implementation, at least one processor executes the method in any possible implementation of the corresponding aspect above or the corresponding aspect through logic circuits or processing circuits.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the communication device may further include an interface circuit for performing specific signal transmission and reception.

[0045] Ninthly, a terminal device is provided, which includes the communication device provided in the sixth aspect above, or the terminal device includes the communication device provided in the eighth aspect above.

[0046] In a tenth aspect, a network apparatus is provided, which includes the communication apparatus provided in the fifth aspect above, or the network apparatus includes the communication apparatus provided in the seventh aspect above.

[0047] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to perform any one of the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any one of any possible implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0048] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, are used to perform: any one of the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or any one of any possible implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0049] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprising: a processor for retrieving and executing a computer program or instructions from a memory, causing a communication device having the chip mounted to perform: any one of the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, or any one of any possible implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0050] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip or system-on-a-chip is provided, comprising: logic circuitry for implementing any one of the methods provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any one of any possible implementations of any one of the first to fourth aspects. Optionally, the chip or system-on-a-chip may further include interface circuitry.

[0051] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal device and a plurality of network devices, wherein the terminal device is configured to execute any method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute any method of the fourth aspect or any method provided therein. Each of the plurality of network devices is configured to execute any method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to execute any method of the third aspect or any method provided therein. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a protocol layer structure between a network device and a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of phase reciprocity calibration in a TRP.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of obtaining the phase difference between TRPs by combining measurements of multiple reference signals.

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 7 is a timing diagram showing the timing of the transmission of N downlink reference signals sent by multiple network devices, N uplink reference signals sent by a terminal device, and the transmission of the first information, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of N downlink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to an embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to another embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of M downlink reference signals, second information, N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to another embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of M downlink reference signals, fifth information, N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals sent by multiple network devices according to another embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 17 is a schematic block diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0069] Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0072] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0073] In this article, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably.

[0074] In this embodiment, the terminal or network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal or network device, or a functional module in the terminal or network device that can call and execute a program.

[0075] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0076] First, let me introduce the main technologies involved in this application.

[0077] Uplink and downlink channel reciprocity: In scenarios where the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) use the same frequency band and the same transmit and receive antennas, the channel fading characteristics are symmetrical over a short period of time. For example, the path loss, delay, and phase of the uplink and downlink channels are the same. In an ideal situation, Among them, H DL Represents the downlink channel matrix. This represents the transpose of the uplink channel matrix. Utilizing the reciprocity of uplink and downlink channels, network devices (such as base stations) can directly obtain the downlink channel through the reference signal transmitted by the terminal uplink, thereby enabling downlink scheduling.

[0078] Cellular Joint Technology (CJT) is an advanced wireless communication technology primarily used to improve coverage and throughput for users at the cell edge. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) physical layer protocol, CJT enables multiple network devices to work collaboratively, coherently transmitting the same data stream to the terminal. This technology, through high-performance backhaul connections and precise synchronization, allows signals from different network devices to be coherently superimposed at the terminal side, thereby enhancing signal quality, reducing interference, and improving the reliability and efficiency of data transmission. CJT is particularly important in new radio (NR) or 5G communication systems because it supports Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) technologies, contributing to more efficient network resource utilization and a better user experience.

[0079] First, a brief introduction to the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be given.

[0080] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes multiple (two for example) network devices and multiple terminals, the network devices being used to help the terminals achieve wireless access.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, network device 1, network device 2, and terminals 1 to 5 can form a wireless communication system network. Terminals 1 to 5 can receive downlink information transmitted by network device 1 and / or network device 2. The downlink information transmitted by the network devices includes user data and control information. The downlink data received by terminals 1 to 5 can be transmitted by one of the network devices or jointly by two network devices. For example, the downlink data received by terminals 1 and 2 can be transmitted by network device 1, while the downlink data received by terminal 5 can be transmitted by network device 2. The downlink data received by terminals 3 and 4 can be jointly transmitted by network device 1 and network device 2.

[0082] In one possible implementation, network device 1 and network device 2 may not share a clock source. Network device 1 and network device 2 may jointly provide communication services for a terminal (terminal 3 or terminal 4). For example, network device 1 and network device 2 may jointly transmit data for the same terminal via CJT.

[0083] For example, in the communication system shown in Figure 1, when network device 1 and network device 2 can jointly transmit data for the same terminal (terminal 3 or terminal 4) via CJT, the method provided in this application can be used to perform reciprocity correction between network devices 1 and 2.

[0084] For example, the communication system shown in Figure 1 can be a 3GPP-related cellular system, such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, an LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, a 4G or 5G mobile communication system (including standalone and non-standalone networks), NR, future communication networks, a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or an open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) system, or a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. This application does not impose limitations on the embodiments described herein.

[0085] In one possible implementation, network devices may also be referred to as access network devices, radio access network (RAN) devices, RAN entities, RAN nodes, or access nodes, etc., forming part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access.

[0086] In one possible scenario, the network device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a TRP, a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a next-generation mobile communication system, or a base station in a future mobile communication system. Alternatively, the network device can also be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a CRAN scenario. All or part of the functions of the network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the network device functions.

[0087] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node implementing a portion of the network device's functions. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0088] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0089] The CU and DU can be configured according to the protocol layer functions of the wireless network they implement. For example, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer and above (such as the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and / or the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer); the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and / or the Physical (PHY) layer). Alternatively, the CU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers above the PDCP layer (such as the RRC and / or SDAP layers), and the DU can be configured to implement the functions of the protocol layers below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC, MAC, and / or PHY layers).

[0090] When a CU includes CU-CP and CU-UP, CU-CP is used to implement the control plane functions of the CU, and CU-UP is used to implement the user plane functions of the CU. For example, when a CU is configured to implement the functions of the PDCP layer, RRC layer, and SDAP layer, CU-CP is used to implement the RRC layer functions and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer, and CU-UP is used to implement the SDAP layer functions and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer.

[0091] The CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements can be access and mobility function (AMF) network elements, such as those in a 5G system. AMF network elements are responsible for mobility management in the mobile network, such as terminal location updates, terminal device registration with the network, and terminal device handover.

[0092] CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. These network elements, such as the user plane function (UPF) in a 5G system, are responsible for forwarding and receiving data in terminal devices.

[0093] The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of the CU and DU can be configured as needed. For instance, the CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or only some protocol layer processing functions. For example, some RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining RLC layer functions and protocol layer functions below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Furthermore, the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements, such as by latency. Functions that require low latency can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not require low latency can be placed in the CU.

[0094] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the network device (or the functions of the RAN node) can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the network device, or by a control subsystem that includes network device functions. For example, a control subsystem that includes network device functions can be a control center in application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. The functions of the terminal can also be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0096] In one possible implementation of this application, the network device (or RAN node) may include CU, DU, and RU, etc. In another possible implementation, the network device (or RAN node) may be CU, DU, or RU, etc. This application does not impose any limitations on the implementation.

[0097] For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the protocol layer structure between a network device and a terminal.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2, the protocol layer structure between network devices and terminals can include the functions of protocol layers such as RRC layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer and PHY layer.

[0099] RRC signaling interaction: The RRC layer of the network device is mainly used to send RRC signaling to the RRC layer (i.e., the RRC layer entity) of the terminal. The RRC layer of the terminal is mainly used to parse the RRC signaling sent by the network device. For example, the network device configures reference signal resources, including uplink reference signals and downlink reference signal resources, to the terminal through RRC signaling.

[0100] PDCP data interaction: The PDCP layer of a network device is mainly used to send data to or receive data from the PDCP layer of a terminal (i.e., the PDCP layer entity). The PDCP layer of a terminal is mainly used to send data packets to or receive data packets from the PDCP layer of the network device (i.e., the PDCP layer entity).

[0101] RLC signaling interaction: The RLC layer of network devices and terminals is used to send and receive RLC layer signaling.

[0102] MAC signaling interaction: The MAC layer of network devices and terminals is used to send and receive media access control elements (MAC CEs).

[0103] PHY Signaling and Data Interaction: The PHY layer of network devices and terminals is used to send and receive uplink / downlink control signaling, including signaling transmitted on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0104] It should be understood that the protocol stack structure shown in Figure 2 is merely exemplary, and the functions or roles of each protocol layer are also exemplary illustrations, and should not impose any limitations on the functions of the protocol stack or protocol layers of the terminal devices and network devices provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user. It may also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or an entity on the user side used to receive or transmit signals, for sending uplink signals to network devices, receiving downlink signals from network devices, sending signals to another terminal device, receiving signals from another terminal device, or receiving echo signals of signals transmitted by itself. For example, terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart city.

[0106] For example, terminal devices can be: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, VR devices, AR devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (light UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), smart robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, surveillance cameras in intelligent transportation and smart cities, and flying equipment (such as smart robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. The terminal device can also be a vehicle device, such as a complete vehicle device, an in-vehicle module, an in-vehicle chip, an on-board unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX). The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions; for example, it can be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication. The embodiments of this application do not limit the form of the terminal device.

[0107] It should be understood that the communication system shown in Figure 1 is merely exemplary and should not impose any limitations on the communication systems applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, the communication system shown in Figure 1 may also include more or fewer network nodes (such as terminals, network devices, etc.), and the network devices or terminals included in Figure 1 may be the various forms of RAN nodes or terminal devices described above. The embodiments of this application are not shown one by one in the figures.

[0108] In the examples below, the network device is illustrated using TRP as an example, and the terminal device is illustrated using UE as an example.

[0109] For CJT, theoretically, multiple TRPs are needed to achieve ideal backhaul connectivity. However, in real-world scenarios, the multiple TRPs involved in CJT often fail to achieve ideal backhaul connectivity. Firstly, due to hardware implementation factors, the antennas of the multiple TRPs involved in CJT often have phase differences with each other, meaning there are phase differences between different TRPs. Secondly, for a single TRP, the phase difference between the received and transmitted signals is also different, meaning the phase difference between the transmitting and receiving ends within a single TRP is different. In TDD systems, these two aspects affect uplink and downlink channel reciprocity; that is, the uplink channel measured using the uplink reference signal cannot be applied to the downlink channel, which also affects the final performance of CJT.

[0110] In communication systems, to ensure the reciprocity of uplink and downlink channels, a Transmission Point (TRP) with multi-antenna transmission capabilities needs to perform phase reciprocity calibration between its antenna ports. In a CJT scenario, taking two cooperating TRPs (TRP1 and TRP2) as an example, to ensure uplink and downlink channel reciprocity, TRP1 and TRP2 need to perform phase reciprocity calibration not only for each antenna port within their respective TRPs but also for each antenna port between the TRPs. That is, both intra-TRP phase reciprocity calibration and inter-TRP phase reciprocity calibration are required. Optionally, in this application, phase reciprocity calibration can also be referred to as phase reciprocity correction.

[0111] For phase reciprocity calibration within a TRP, one possible implementation is shown in Figure 3. Taking TRP1 as an example, TRP1 includes N transmit antennas and N receive antennas. This represents the reception coefficient on the first receiving antenna of TRP1. This represents the reception coefficient on the Nth receiving antenna of TRP1. This represents the transmission coefficient on the first transmitting antenna of TRP1. This represents the transmission coefficient on the Nth transmit antenna of TRP1. The UE includes K transmit antennas and K receive antennas. This represents the transmission coefficient on the UE's first transmit antenna. This represents the transmission coefficient on the k-th transmitting antenna of the UE. This represents the reception coefficient on the UE's first receiving antenna. This represents the reception coefficient on the k-th receiving antenna of the UE, where k ranges from 1 to K. The channel matrix between TRP1 and the UE is H1. Here, the reception coefficients on each receiving antenna of TRP1 (e.g., including...) ), and the transmission coefficients on each transmitting antenna of TRP1 (e.g., including ), the reception coefficients on each receiving antenna of the UE (e.g., including ), and the transmission coefficients on each transmit antenna of the UE (e.g., including The values ​​of ) are all in the range of 0 to 2π.

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, for uplink transmission, the uplink channel response (uplink channel matrix H1 between TRP1 and UE) UL The UE-side transmit coefficient needs to be multiplied on the left, and the TRP1-side receive coefficient also needs to be multiplied on the right. TRP1 can be determined based on the uplink channel matrix H1. UL Estimate the downlink channel matrix H1 DL Similarly, for downlink transmission, the downlink channel response (downlink channel matrix H1) DL It is necessary to multiply the UE-side receiving coefficient on the left and the TRP1-side transmitting coefficient on the right.

[0113] To ensure that uplink and downlink channel reciprocity holds. and The difference can be resolved through phase reciprocity calibration on the UE side, that is, the UE can use the receiving coefficients of each receiving antenna and the transmitting coefficients of each transmitting antenna on the UE side to perform phase reciprocity calibration. and The differences are resolved through TRP1 self-calibration (n takes values ​​from 1 to N), that is, phase reciprocity calibration is performed using the measurement results within TRP1 (the receive coefficients of each receiving antenna and the transmit coefficients of each transmitting antenna). To perform phase reciprocity calibration within TRP1, TRP1 needs to obtain its own... The value of TRP1 can be determined based on the given information. The value of is used to perform amplitude and phase adjustment on the received channel to ensure reciprocity. Among them, It is used to represent the uplink multiplicative coefficient (receiver coefficient) corresponding to the nth antenna of TRP1. Downlink multiplicative coefficient (transmission coefficient) The parameters of the difference between them, for example

[0114] In other words, for phase reciprocity calibration within each TRP, such as TRP1, TRP1 needs to utilize its own... The value is used for phase reciprocity calibration within TRP1, ultimately making... The values ​​are all the same.

[0115] It should be understood that the above-described method of phase reciprocity calibration within the TRP is merely exemplary and should not impose any limitations on the implementation of phase reciprocity calibration within the TRP. In the embodiments of this application, other methods or approaches can also be used for phase reciprocity calibration within the TRP, and this application does not impose any limitations on them.

[0116] For phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs, considering a multi-station CJT scenario, multiple stations will jointly send data to the UE, for example, via PDSCH. Assuming two TRPs (e.g., TRP1 and TRP2) cooperate, the channel traversed by the PDSCH can be represented as: H = [H1 H2]. This formula indicates that the matrix or vector H is horizontally (column-wise) concatenated from two parts H1 and H2. Here, H1 corresponds to the channel dimension from TRP1 to the UE as [Tx1, Rx], H2 corresponds to the channel dimension from TRP2 to the UE as [Tx2, Rx], and the channel dimension of the equivalent channel H of the multi-station PDSCH transmission is [Tx1 + Tx2, Rx].

[0117] Typically, the multiplicative coefficients mentioned above differ between different TRPs (taking TRP1 and TRP2 as examples). Regarding the impact on reciprocity, phase reciprocity calibration is performed within each TRP (e.g., TRP1 needs to acquire its own...). The value of TRP2 needs to be obtained. Based on the values ​​(as shown in Figure 4), additional phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs is required (this requires obtaining the values). and The relative relationship between TRPs is determined by obtaining the phase difference between different TRPs, and finally, phase difference compensation between TRPs is used to make TRP1 and TRP2 correspond to the phase difference between TRPs. and The same properties ensure that reciprocity also holds for the channel matrix H. Among these, This represents the uplink multiplication factor (receiver factor) corresponding to the m-th antenna of TRP2. Downlink multiplicative coefficient (transmission coefficient) The parameters of the difference between them, for example TRP2 includes M transmit antennas and M receive antennas, where m ranges from 1 to M. The channel matrix between TRP1 and the UE is H2. The receive coefficients on each receive antenna of TRP2 (e.g., including...) ), and the transmission coefficients on each transmitting antenna of TRP2 (e.g., including The values ​​of ) are all in the range of 0 to 2π.

[0118] When performing phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs, one possible implementation is as follows: Since the phase difference between TRPs includes both the receive phase difference and the transmit phase difference, the UE needs to measure the downlink reference signals transmitted by multiple TRPs to obtain the transmit phase difference between each TRP and the reference TRP. The UE then reports the transmit phase difference between each TRP and the reference TRP to the TRP. In other words, the transmit phase difference between TRPs includes: the transmit phase difference between each of the multiple TRPs and the reference TRP, or the transmit phase difference between each of the other TRPs and the reference TRP. The reference TRP can be any one of the multiple TRPs, and the other TRPs are the remaining TRPs excluding the reference TRP. It should be understood that the transmit phase difference between a TRP and the reference TRP consists of two parts: one part is the phase difference caused by the downlink channel between the TRP and the reference TRP and the UE, respectively; the other part is the phase difference caused by hardware factors (e.g., transmit antenna panel) of the TRP and the reference TRP themselves. In this application, the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP can be understood as the phase difference caused by hardware factors of the TRP and the reference TRP themselves (such as the transmission antenna panel).

[0119] To determine the receive phase difference between TRPs, the UE can send uplink reference signals to multiple TRPs. Different TRPs measure the uplink reference signals sent by the UE and exchange the measurement results to obtain the receive phase difference between TRPs. This receive phase difference includes: the receive phase difference between each of the multiple TRPs and the reference TRP, or the transmit phase difference between each of the other TRPs and the reference TRP. The reference TRP can be any one of the multiple TRPs, and the other TRPs are the remaining TRPs excluding the reference TRP. It should be understood that the receive phase difference between a TRP and the reference TRP also consists of two parts: one part is the phase difference caused by the uplink channel between the UE and both the TRP and the reference TRP, and the other part is the phase difference caused by the hardware factors (e.g., the receiving antenna panel) of the TRP and the reference TRP themselves. In this application, the transmit phase difference between a TRP and the reference TRP can be understood as the phase difference caused by the hardware factors (e.g., the transmitting antenna panel) of the TRP and the reference TRP themselves.

[0120] After obtaining the receive phase difference and transmit phase difference between TRPs, since the phase difference caused by the downlink and uplink channels between the TRP and the UE can be eliminated by the reciprocity of the channels, the phase difference caused by the hardware factors of different TRPs can be determined by using the receive phase difference and transmit phase difference between TRPs (e.g., the receive phase difference between TRP1 and the reference TRP, and the transmit phase difference between TRP1 and the reference TRP). Thus, the reciprocity calibration between TRPs (or the compensation of the phase difference between TRPs) can be performed.

[0121] For example, the downlink reference signal mentioned above may include a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) and other downlink reference signals. The uplink reference signal mentioned above may include a sounding reference signal (SRS) and other uplink reference signals.

[0122] For example, suppose there are two TRPs (TRP1 and TRP2) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP2 is the reference TRP. TRP1 and TRP2 each send CSI-RS to the UE. The UE receives the CSI-RS sent by TRP1 and TRP2 respectively, performs measurements, and obtains the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP2. It then sends this transmission phase difference back to either TRP1 or TRP2. Furthermore, the UE can send SRS to TRP1 and TRP2. TRP1 receives the SRS, performs measurements, and obtains the measurement result. TRP2 receives the SRS, performs measurements, and obtains the measurement result. TRP1 and TRP2 can exchange measurement results, thus allowing either TRP1 or TRP2 to determine the reception phase difference between TRP1 and TRP2.

[0123] The above describes the process by which the TRP obtains the received phase difference between TRPs using a single SRS (or a measurement of a single SRS in the time domain), and the UE obtains the transmitted phase difference between TRPs using a single CSI-RS (or a measurement of a single CSI-RS in the time domain). A single CSI-RS includes multiple CSI-RS signals transmitted by the TRPs to the UE. Performing a single measurement of the phase difference between TRPs (i.e., measuring one uplink reference signal and one downlink reference signal) is susceptible to noise, potentially causing phase compensation errors, which in turn affect the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between TRPs and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0124] Currently, the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between TRPs can be obtained by taking the average value of multiple measurements of the reference signal, rather than relying solely on a single measurement result.

[0125] For example, regarding the transmission phase difference between TRPs, multiple TRPs can transmit CSI-RS multiple times. Each transmitted CSI-RS includes multiple CSI-RS transmitted by each TRP to the UE. The UE measures each transmitted CSI-RS to obtain a transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP (or one value of the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP). Averaging the multiple transmission phase differences between the TRP and the reference TRP (or the average value of the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP) yields the final transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP (or it can be called the average value of the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP), which is then reported to the TRP.

[0126] For example, assume there are three TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. The three TRPs can transmit CSI-RS N times, with each transmission including CSI-RS transmitted by each of the three TRPs. The UE can measure the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 and between TRP2 and TRP3 for each transmitted CSI-RS. Averaging the N transmission phase differences between TRP1 and TRP3 (the N transmission phase differences between TRP1 and TRP3) yields the final transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 (or the average value of the transmission phase differences between TRP1 and TRP3). The final transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3 (or the average value of the N transmission phase differences between TRP2 and TRP3) is obtained by averaging the N transmission phase differences between TRP2 and TRP3. Then, the average value of the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3, and the average value of the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, are reported to TRP1 and TRP2 respectively.

[0127] For the received phase difference between TRPs, the UE can also send multiple SRSs. For each SRS sent, each TRP can obtain a measurement result. The TRP can average the multiple measurement results to obtain the average measurement result. The average measurement results obtained by different TRPs (e.g., each TRP and the reference TRP) can be used to obtain the final received phase difference between TRPs (or the average value of the received phase difference between TRPs).

[0128] For example, suppose there are three TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. The UE can send M SRSs to the three TRPs, and each SRS sent can be received by all three TRPs. For each SRS sent, each of the three TRPs can obtain a measurement result. Then TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 can each obtain M measurement results. TRP1 can average the M measurement results to obtain an average measurement result, and TRP2 and TRP3 can also obtain an average measurement result. By exchanging their respective average measurement results, the three TRPs can obtain the received phase difference between the TRPs. For example, TRP1 can obtain the received phase difference between TRP1 and the reference TRP, and TRP2 can obtain the received phase difference between TRP2 and the reference TRP.

[0129] The method described above, which uses joint measurements of multiple reference signals to obtain the phase difference between TRPs, can also be called the time-averaging method of phase offset (PO) over multiple transmission times. This method can improve robustness to measurement noise, reduce phase compensation errors, and thus improve the accuracy of phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs and the efficiency of CJT communication. Here, PO can be understood as the phase difference between TRPs, including the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between TRPs. Transmission time can be understood as the transmission time, transmission timing, or transmission moment of the reference signals (including uplink and downlink reference signals). The time-averaging method (or time-averaging mechanism) can be understood as: using multiple transmitted reference signals for joint measurement in the time domain and using the results of multiple measurements (e.g., averaging). The transmission times or time-domain resources of the reference signals in different transmissions are different; in other words, the transmission times or transmission opportunities of the reference signals in different transmissions are different.

[0130] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 5a, the TRP can send a CJT calibration trigger to the UE. After receiving the trigger, the UE can send multiple SRSs, which can be received by multiple TRPs (including the reference TRP). Multiple TRPs can also send multiple CSI-RSs to the UE, each CSI-RS consisting of CSI-RSs sent by each TRP to the UE. The UE can measure the multiple CSI-RSs, average the transmission phase differences between the TRP and the reference TRP obtained from the multiple measurements, and obtain the final transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP (i.e., the average value of the transmission phase differences between each TRP and the reference TRP). This final value is then sent to the TRP via a CJT calibration report. Figure 5a shows the measurement process after receiving the trigger and the collection of buffer measurements.

[0131] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 5b, before the TRP sends the CJT correction trigger information to the UE, the UE can send multiple SRSs, which can be received by multiple TRPs (including the reference TRP). Multiple TRPs can also send multiple CSI-RSs to the UE. The UE can measure the multiple CSI-RSs and cache the measurement results. After receiving the CJT correction trigger information, the UE uses the previously cached measurement results to obtain the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP (the average value of the transmission phase difference between the TRP and the reference TRP), and sends it to the TRP via a CJT correction report. Figure 5b shows the collection of cached measurement values ​​before receiving the trigger information.

[0132] Regarding the phase difference between TRPs, if the UE and TRP use different time averaging methods (i.e., the number of times the UE measures the downlink reference signal and the number of times the TRP measures the uplink reference signal are different), for example, the UE uses multiple CSI-RS transmissions from the TRP to perform measurements, averages the measurement results to obtain the received phase difference between TRPs and reports it, while the TRP only uses one SRS transmission from the UE to obtain the received phase difference between TRPs. In this case, the received phase difference between TRPs and the transmitted phase difference between TRPs cannot be directly canceled to obtain the PO. This is because the different number of measurements used by the UE and TRP leads to different noise levels and error ranges, which in turn reduces the phase compensation accuracy between TRPs. The accuracy of reciprocity calibration between TRPs and the efficiency of CJT communication will also be affected. Therefore, it is necessary to align the time averaging methods of the UE and TRPs.

[0133] Currently, when using the time averaging method, the CSI-RS transmission timing needs to match the corresponding SRS transmission, and the number of downlink reference signal measurements performed by the UE in the time averaging needs to correspond to the number of uplink reference signal measurements performed by the TRP in the time averaging. In other words, the number of measurements performed by the UE and the number of measurements performed by the TRP need to be the same.

[0134] However, there is currently no solution to align the number of measurements (the number of measurements is the same) when the UE and TRP determine the phase difference between the TRP. In other words, how to align the number of measurements of the uplink and downlink reference signals between the UE and TRP is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0135] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and communication apparatus that utilizes information transmitted between a terminal device and a network device (e.g., a TRP) to inform each other of the number of times the reference signal has been measured. When the network device uses multiple uplink reference signals to determine the received phase difference between network devices, and the terminal device uses multiple downlink reference signals to determine the transmitted phase difference between network devices, the measurement counts of the uplink and downlink reference signals between the terminal device and the network device can be aligned. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device, improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of phase reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0136] The following section uses specific examples to illustrate the communication method provided in this application.

[0137] It should be understood that in this application, network devices and terminal devices are used as examples to illustrate the method. As examples and not limitations, the terminal device in this application can be a terminal equipment, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) that supports the implementation of the method on the terminal equipment, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal equipment. The network device in this application can be a network device, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) that supports the implementation of the method on the network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device, such as a CU, DU, or RU. The embodiments in this application are not limited here. In the examples below, the network device is described using a network device as an example, and the terminal device is described using a terminal equipment as an example.

[0138] The communication method provided in this application will be described below with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. This method 600 can be applied to the communication system or communication architecture shown in Figure 1, such as in the CJT transmission system. Of course, it can also be applied to other communication scenarios or communication architectures with the above-mentioned problems, and this application embodiment does not limit it here. In the example shown in Figure 6, the terminal device notifies the network device of the number of joint measurements through uplink information, thereby realizing the number of measurements of the reference signal when the terminal device and the network device align to determine the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between the network devices.

[0139] As shown in Figure 6, the method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 may include steps S610 to S630. The steps of method 600 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0140] S610, P network devices send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than 1 and P is an integer greater than 1. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives N downlink reference signals.

[0141] In this embodiment, the number of network devices can be multiple (e.g., P). Each of the P network devices can send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. The P network devices can send downlink data to the terminal device via CJT. For example, the P network devices may include P TRPs, and the P TRPs and the terminal device perform coherent joint transmission. Each of the P TRPs can send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device, so the P TRPs can send a total of N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. In the examples below, the downlink reference signal is described using CSI-RS as an example. It should be understood that in other implementations of this application, the downlink reference signal can also be other reference signals different from CSI-RS, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0142] It should be understood that each CSI-RS transmitted by P network devices (e.g., P TRPs) includes the CSI-RS transmitted by each of the P TRPs to the terminal device. Each CSI-RS transmitted by the P TRPs comprises P CSI-RS, and each CSI-RS corresponds to one TRP. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the CSI-RS and TRPs in each transmission of the multiple CSI-RSs by the P TRPs. Alternatively, each downlink reference signal transmitted by the P TRPs includes P downlink reference signal ports, and each downlink reference signal port corresponds to one TRP. For example, if multiple TRPs include TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3, and TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 transmit downlink reference signals to the terminal device N times, then each CSI-RS transmitted by the 3 TRPs comprises 3 CSI-RSs, or in other words, each CSI-RS transmitted by the 3 TRPs includes 3 downlink reference signal ports. Each TRP transmits one CSI-RS per transmission, which corresponds to the TRP. In other words, each TRP transmits one downlink reference signal port per transmission, which corresponds to the TRP.

[0143] It should also be understood that for P network devices, each transmitted downlink reference signal includes either P downlink reference signal ports or P downlink reference signals. For each of the P network devices, each transmitted downlink reference signal includes either one downlink reference signal port or one downlink reference signal.

[0144] S620: The terminal device determines the first phase difference between different network devices among the P network devices based on the N downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices.

[0145] It should be understood that, in this application, the first phase difference between different network devices among the P network devices can be understood as, or referred to as, the transmission phase difference between different network devices. The transmission phase difference between different network devices is the phase difference caused by hardware factors (such as the transmission antenna panel) between different network devices.

[0146] In this context, "different network devices" can be understood as the relative relationship between each TRP and the reference TRP within the P network devices (using P TRPs as an example). The P TRPs include the reference TRP. Alternatively, "different TRPs" can be understood as the relative relationship between each of the other TRPs and the reference TRP. The reference TRP can be any one of the P TRPs, and the other TRPs are the remaining TRPs excluding the reference TRP.

[0147] For example, the first phase difference between different TRPs may include: the transmission phase difference between each of the P TRPs and the reference TRP, or the transmission phase difference between each of the other TRPs and the reference TRP.

[0148] In this application, the terminal device can determine the transmission phase difference between different TRPs by jointly measuring N downlink reference signals, that is, by jointly measuring multiple downlink reference signals during multiple (N) downlink reference signal transmissions.

[0149] For example, suppose there are three TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. The three TRPs can send N CSI-RS signals, each transmission including the CSI-RS signals sent by each of the three TRPs. The terminal device can measure each transmitted CSI-RS signal to obtain: the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, and the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3. The transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 can be determined using the N obtained transmission phase differences (N transmission phase differences between TRP1 and TRP3). For example, the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 can be determined by averaging the N obtained transmission phase differences, calculating a filtered value, or using joint measurement values. In other words, the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 can be determined using the joint measurement results of N measurements. The transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3 can also be determined using the joint measurement results of N measurements. The first phase difference between different network devices determined by the terminal device includes: the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, and the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3.

[0150] It should be understood that, in this application, there are no restrictions on the specific implementation method by which the terminal device determines the transmission phase difference between different network devices using the joint measurement results of N measurements. For example, it can be an averaging method, a weighted method, or an alpha filtering method. The embodiments of this application are not limited herein.

[0151] For example, when using alpha filtering on N joint measurements, α must satisfy the stability condition 0 < α < 1, which is usually determined through experimental adjustment or theoretical calculation. Alpha filtering is expressed as... The value x represents the actual value used in the kth instance. k It is based on the value from the k-th measurement and the (k-1)-th actual use. The weighted average is used. The actual value x used in the kth iteration is... k It can be understood as the measurement result of the reference signal for the kth time (e.g., the transmission phase difference between the kth TRP1 and TRP3), where the value of k is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0152] S630, the terminal device sends first information, which includes a first field and a first phase difference between different network devices. The first field is related to the number of measurements N. The timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals is before the first moment, which is the moment the terminal device sends the first information. Correspondingly, P network devices receive the first information.

[0153] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first moment can also be the moment when the network device receives the first information.

[0154] After the terminal device determines the transmission phase difference between different network devices among P network devices based on the joint measurement of N downlink reference signals, it can send the transmission phase difference between different network devices to the P network devices, so that the P network devices can compensate for the transmission phase difference based on the transmission phase difference between different network devices.

[0155] In this embodiment, the terminal device can send first information, which includes a first phase difference between different network devices among P network devices, and the first information includes a first field. That is, the terminal device can carry the first phase difference between different network devices through the first field in the first information. The first field is related to the number N of downlink reference signals jointly measured by the terminal device; in other words, the first field can be used to determine the number N of joint measurements. Each of the P network devices can receive the first information.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can send the first information via broadcast. For example, following the example above, suppose there are three TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. The terminal device can send the first information via broadcast. The first information includes a first field, as well as the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, and the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3. TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 can all receive the first information.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can also send first information to each of the P network devices. For example, following the example above, assume there are three TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. The terminal device can send first information to TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 respectively. The first information includes a first field, as well as the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, and the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3. Alternatively, the first information sent by the terminal device to TRP1 includes: the first field and the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3; the first information sent by the terminal device to TRP2 includes: the first field and the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3; and the first information sent by the terminal device to TRP3 includes the first field.

[0158] After P network devices receive the transmission phase difference between different network devices, they can compensate for the transmission phase difference between the different network devices. For example, following the example above, if TRP1 can receive the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, then TRP1 will compensate for the transmission phase difference based on the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, making the transmission phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 zero. If TRP2 can receive the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3, then TRP2 will compensate for the transmission phase difference based on the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3, making the transmission phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3 zero.

[0159] In this embodiment, the terminal device uses a first field in the first information to indicate to multiple network devices (e.g., P network devices) the number of joint measurements N of its downlink reference signal. Each network device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, thereby using the same number of joint measurements N to measure the uplink reference signal transmitted by the terminal device and determine the received phase difference between TRPs. This allows the terminal device and network devices (e.g., TRPs) to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between TRPs. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of measurements between the terminal device and network devices when determining the phase difference between TRPs, improves the phase compensation accuracy between TRPs, and thus improves the accuracy of phase reciprocity calibration between TRPs and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0160] Optionally, in this embodiment, the receiving phase difference between different network devices (e.g., between different TRPs) can also be referred to as the second phase difference between different network devices. It should be understood that the receiving phase difference between different network devices is a phase difference caused by hardware factors (e.g., receiving antenna panels) between the different network devices.

[0161] For example, the receive phase difference between different TRPs may include: the receive phase difference between each TRP and the reference TRP in multiple TRPs, or the receive phase difference between each TRP and the reference TRP in other TRPs.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices in S610 can all be before the transmission timing (or reception timing) of the first information. For example, if the transmission timing of the first information is the first moment (or the reception timing of the first information is the first moment), or if the time domain resource occupied by the first information corresponds to the first moment, then the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals can all be before the first moment, or in other words, the transmission timing of the latest downlink reference signal among the N downlink reference signals is before the first moment. Here, the transmission timing of the latest downlink reference signal among the N downlink reference signals being before the first moment can be understood as: the latest transmission timing among the multiple downlink reference signals included in the latest downlink reference signal being before the first moment, or, the transmission timing of each downlink reference signal among the multiple downlink reference signals included in the latest downlink reference signal being before the first moment.

[0163] Alternatively, the timing of the N downlink reference signals sent by each of the P network devices can all be before the first moment, or the timing of the latest downlink reference signal among the N downlink reference signals sent by each of the P network devices can be before the first moment.

[0164] It should be understood that, in this application, the timing of the transmission of the reference signal can be understood as the time-domain resources occupied by the reference signal. Optionally, the timing of the transmission of the reference signal can also be referred to as the timing of the measurement of the reference signal, the timing of transmission, the transmission time, or the transmission period, etc.

[0165] After receiving the first information, each of the P network devices can determine the number of times N that the terminal device will perform joint measurements of the downlink reference signal based on the first field in the first information. Thus, the same number of measurements can be used to measure the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device (taking SRS as an example for explanation).

[0166] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can send N SRSs, and each of the P network devices can receive N SRSs. The P network devices can use the received N SRSs to determine the reception phase difference between different network devices. For example, the terminal device can send N SRSs, and each of the P TRPs can receive N SRSs. The P TRPs can use the joint measurement results of the N SRSs to determine the reception phase difference between different TRPs.

[0167] It should be understood that in other implementations of this application, the uplink reference signal may be other uplink reference signals different from SRS, and the embodiments of this application are not limited to this.

[0168] For example, suppose there are three Transmission Points (TRPs) (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, where TRP3 is the reference TRP. A terminal can send N SRSs to the three TRPs, and each SRS sent can be received by all three TRPs. For each SRS sent, each of the three TRPs can measure a result. TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 can each obtain N measurement results. TRP1 can average these N results to obtain an average measurement result (or it can calculate a filtered value or a joint measurement value from the N results, etc.). TRP2 and TRP3 can also each obtain an average measurement result. By exchanging their average measurement results, TRP1 and TRP3 can obtain the received phase difference between TRP1 and the reference TRP. Similarly, by exchanging their average measurement results, TRP2 and TRP3 can obtain the received phase difference between TRP2 and the reference TRP. In other words, network devices can use the joint measurement result of N measurements to determine the received phase difference between different network devices. For example, in conjunction with the above examples, the received phase difference between different network devices determined by the network device includes: the received phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3, and the received phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3.

[0169] It should be understood that in this application, there is no limitation on the specific implementation method for determining the receiving phase difference between different network devices using the joint measurement results of N measurements for P network devices. For example, the receiving phase difference between different network devices can be determined by using the average value of the N joint measurement results or by using different weights for different joint measurement results. The embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0170] After the network devices determine the received phase difference between different network devices based on N joint SRS measurements, compensation can be performed on this received phase difference. For example, following the example above, TRP1 can determine the received phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3. TRP1 then compensates for this received phase difference, making the received phase difference between TRP1 and TRP3 zero. Similarly, TRP2 can determine the received phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3. TRP2 then compensates for this received phase difference, making the received phase difference between TRP2 and TRP3 zero.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned first information can be a Coherent Joint Transmission Corrected Phase Deviation Report (CJTC report), which includes a first field and a first phase difference between different network devices. In this implementation, the terminal device can reuse existing signaling to carry the first field and the first phase difference between different network devices, eliminating the need for additional signaling to send the first field and the first phase difference to the network devices. This reduces signaling overhead and resource consumption for transmitting the first information, improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can also use other signaling to send the first information to P network devices. For example, the first information mentioned above can be uplink control information (UCI), which carries a first field and the first phase difference between different network devices.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the first field can be used to indicate the number of measurements N. In this implementation, the network device can directly determine the number of measurements N based on the content indicated by the first field, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the network device in determining the number of measurements N. Furthermore, the number of measurements N indicated by the terminal device can be different for different measurements, which can improve the flexibility of indicating the number of measurements N.

[0174] For example, if the length of the first field is 2 bits, two bits of "00" indicate 2 measurements, meaning N is 2. Two bits of "01" indicate 4 measurements, meaning N is 4. Two bits of "10" indicate 6 measurements, meaning N is 6. Two bits of "11" indicate 8 measurements, meaning N is 8.

[0175] In one possible implementation, a fixed number of measurements N can be pre-configured or predefined (e.g., protocol-defined). The first field can indicate whether the pre-configured or predefined number of measurements N is effective; in other words, the first field can trigger the number of measurements N to take effect. In this case, the length of the first field can be 1 bit. For example, if the first field has a bit value of 1, it indicates that the number of measurements N is effective, and the network device can determine that the terminal device performs N joint measurements of the downlink reference signal based on the value of 1 in the first field. Alternatively, if the first field has a bit value of 0, it indicates that the number of measurements N is effective, and the network device can determine that the terminal device performs N joint measurements of the downlink reference signal based on the value of 0 in the first field. This implementation is simple, and compared to simply indicating the number of measurements N in the first field, the overhead of the first field can be reduced, thereby reducing the overhead of the first information.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device to the P network devices is before the first moment. That is, the timing of the transmission of all N uplink reference signals can be before the first moment, or in other words, the earliest uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is transmitted before the first moment.

[0177] For example, Figure 7 shows a timing diagram of the downlink reference signals sent by P network devices, the uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device, and the timing of the transmission of the first information. The transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the P network devices (or the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals sent by each of the P network devices) and the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device both precede the transmission timing of the first information. In the example shown in Figure 7, the value of N is greater than or equal to 4, and the value of n in the nth uplink reference signal and the nth downlink reference signal is greater than 2 and less than N.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the timing of the N downlink reference signals transmitted by the P network devices is: before the transmission timing of the first information, i.e., before the first time moment, and at the time moment of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval to the first time moment. Alternatively, the timing of the N downlink reference signals transmitted by each of the P network devices is: before the first time moment, and at the time moment of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval to the first time moment.

[0179] For example, Figure 8 illustrates the transmission timing of N downlink reference signals. As shown in Figure 8, before the terminal device sends the first information, assuming N is 4, the transmission timing of the four downlink reference signals all occurs before the first moment. Furthermore, the transmission timing of these four downlink reference signals is the shortest in time interval from the first moment. Each downlink reference signal includes downlink reference signals transmitted by P different network devices (e.g., TRPs), meaning each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signal ports.

[0180] For example, as shown in Figure 8, N is 4. If P network devices transmit 6 downlink reference signals before the first time step, and based on the time interval between these signals and the first time step, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth downlink reference signals are the four downlink reference signals with the shortest time interval to the first time step. Therefore, the transmission timings of these four downlink reference signals are: the transmission timings of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth downlink reference signals. The terminal device performs joint measurements on these four downlink signals to obtain the transmission phase difference between different network devices.

[0181] For P network devices (e.g., P TRPs), each downlink reference signal in N downlink reference signals includes downlink reference signals transmitted by P different TRPs. In one possible implementation, for a certain downlink reference signal (e.g., the i-th signal, where i ranges from 1 to N), if the P different TRPs transmit the downlink reference signal at the same time, then the transmission time of the i-th downlink reference signal can be a single timing point or a single moment. In another possible implementation, for the i-th downlink reference signal, if at least two of the P different TRPs transmit the downlink reference signal at different times, then the transmission time of the i-th downlink reference signal can be a time range or a time-domain resource range. The starting point of this time range is the earliest transmission timing among the transmission timings corresponding to the multiple reference signals in the i-th downlink reference signal, and the ending point of this time range is the latest transmission timing among the transmission timings corresponding to the multiple reference signals in the i-th downlink reference signal.

[0182] By defining or determining the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals, on the one hand, the terminal device and network device can be aligned in their transmission timing. The terminal device can clearly define the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals, thus correctly receiving and jointly measuring them. This ensures that the terminal device can obtain the transmission phase difference between different network devices, improving the efficiency of determining the transmission phase difference. On the other hand, since the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the first information and is the N downlink reference signal transmission timing with the shortest interval between them, the time interval between the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals and the timing of the terminal device's feedback on the transmission phase difference between different network devices is short. Since the transmission phase difference between different network devices is determined based on the joint measurement results of the N downlink reference signals, a shorter time interval can reduce the impact of channel quality changes on the transmission phase difference between different network devices, improving the accuracy of the transmission phase difference determined by the terminal device.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device is determined by the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest time interval between it and the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where i is less than or equal to N. It should be understood that the transmission timing of all N uplink reference signals precedes the transmission timing of the first information, i.e., before the first moment.

[0184] For example, assuming N is 3, the transmission timing of the first uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the first downlink reference signal in the time domain. The transmission timing of the second uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the second downlink reference signal in the time domain. The transmission timing of the third uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the third downlink reference signal in the time domain. That is, the transmission timing of a certain uplink reference signal is the uplink reference signal transmission timing closest to the transmission timing of the corresponding downlink reference signal.

[0185] For example, referring to the example shown in Figure 9, assuming N is 3, the transmission timing of the first uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between it and the transmission timing of the first downlink reference signal in the time domain. The transmission timing of the second uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between it and the transmission timing of the second downlink reference signal in the time domain. For the transmission timing of the third uplink reference signal, since the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 4 is shorter than that of the third downlink reference signal in the time domain, the transmission timing of the third uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 4.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal, as shown in Figure 9. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal, where the value of i is less than or equal to N. As shown in Figure 9, the transmission timings of uplink reference signal 3 and uplink reference signal 4 are both before the transmission timing of the 3rd downlink reference signal, but the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 4 has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the 3rd downlink reference signal in the time domain; therefore, the transmission timing of the 3rd uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 4.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals can also be after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal. For example, as shown in Figure 10, assume N is 3. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal, where the value of i is less than or equal to N. As shown in Figure 10, the transmission timings of uplink reference signal 3 and uplink reference signal 4 are both after the transmission timing of the 3rd downlink reference signal, but the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 3 has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the 3rd downlink reference signal in the time domain; therefore, the transmission timing of the 3rd uplink reference signal is the transmission timing of uplink reference signal 3.

[0188] By defining or determining the transmission timing of N uplink reference signals, on the one hand, it allows terminal devices and network devices (e.g., P network devices or each of the P network devices) to align the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals. Network devices can clearly define the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals, thus correctly receiving and jointly measuring them. This ensures that network devices can obtain the received phase difference between different network devices, improving the efficiency of determining the received phase difference. On the other hand, the transmission timing of each of the N uplink reference signals is closest to or has the shortest time interval in the time domain to the transmission timing of the corresponding downlink reference signal. Since the received phase difference between different network devices is determined based on the joint measurement results of the N uplink reference signals, a shorter time interval reduces the impact of changes in uplink and downlink channel quantities, ensuring good channel reciprocity between the uplink and downlink channels. This reduces the impact of uplink and downlink channel quality on the received phase difference between different network devices, improving the accuracy of the received phase difference determined by the network devices.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the timing of transmitting the N uplink reference signals and / or the N downlink reference signals can be pre-configured (or configured) or pre-defined (e.g., protocol defined), or it can be indicated by the network device to the terminal device via signaling. This application does not impose limitations on the embodiments herein.

[0190] In one possible implementation, if the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices by the terminal device is invalid, or in other words, the terminal device cannot ultimately determine the transmission phase difference between different network devices using the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices, then the terminal device can send an indication message indicating that the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals is invalid or has failed.

[0191] For example, P network devices can send M downlink reference signals to a terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1. Each downlink reference signal includes the downlink reference signal sent by each of the P network devices, meaning each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signal ports. The terminal device performs joint measurements on the M downlink reference signals. If the terminal device determines that the M joint measurements are invalid—for example, if at least one downlink reference signal measurement fails, or the measurement result does not meet the conditions—the terminal device determines that the M joint measurements are invalid. The terminal device can send a second message to the P network devices. The second message includes a second field and a third field. The second field is related to the number of measurements M, or in other words, the second field is used by the P network devices to determine the number of joint measurements M, and the third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid. In this case, the starting position for the terminal device's next joint measurement can be after the terminal device sends the second message. That is, after the timing of the second message transmission, the terminal device begins measuring the multiple downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices, i.e., restarting the joint measurement of downlink reference signals and reporting the joint measurement results (the transmission phase difference between different network devices). In this way, the terminal device can report twice in time (separating the first and second information), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the terminal device's subsequent joint measurements.

[0192] For example, as shown in Figure 11, in the time domain, before the terminal device sends the aforementioned first information, P network devices can send M downlink reference signals to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal includes downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices to the terminal device, i.e., each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signals. The timing of sending the M downlink reference signals is before the time (second moment) when the terminal device sends the second information. Therefore, the earliest timing of sending the aforementioned N downlink reference signals and the earliest timing of sending the N uplink reference signals are both later than the second moment. In other words, after the second moment, the terminal device sends N uplink reference signals to the P network devices, and the P network devices send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. After the timing of sending the N downlink reference signals and the N uplink reference signals, the terminal device sends the aforementioned first information to the P network devices. The second information includes a second field and a third field. The second field is related to the number of measurements M, or in other words, the second field is used by the network devices to determine the number of joint measurements M, and the third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the second information mentioned above can be a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the second field can be used to indicate the number of measurements M.

[0195] In one possible implementation, a fixed number of measurements M can be pre-configured or predefined (e.g., defined by the protocol). The second field can indicate whether the pre-configured or predefined number of measurements M is effective. In other words, the first field can be the trigger for the number of measurements M to take effect.

[0196] For details on the implementation and benefits of the second field, please refer to the explanation of the first field above. For the sake of brevity, we will not repeat it here.

[0197] Figure 12 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of this application. In the example shown in Figure 12, the network device notifies the terminal device of the number of joint measurements via downlink information, thereby enabling the terminal device and the network device to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the receive phase difference and the transmit phase difference between TRPs.

[0198] As shown in Figure 12, method 1200 may include steps S1210 to S1230. The steps of method 1200 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 12.

[0199] S1210, the terminal device sends N uplink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1. Correspondingly, P network devices receive N uplink reference signals, where P is an integer greater than 1. For example, the P network devices can send downlink data to the terminal device via CJT.

[0200] For example, a terminal device can send N SRSs, and P TRPs can receive N SRSs.

[0201] S1220, P network devices determine the second phase difference between different network devices based on N uplink reference signals.

[0202] It should be understood that, in this application, the second phase difference between different network devices can be understood as, or referred to as, the receiving phase difference between different network devices. The receiving phase difference between different network devices is the phase difference caused by hardware factors (such as transmitting antenna panels) between different network devices.

[0203] For example, a terminal device can send N SRSs, and P TRPs can receive the SRSs respectively. The P TRPs can use the joint measurement results of the N SRSs to determine the received phase difference between different TRPs.

[0204] For the specific process of P network devices determining the received phase difference between different network devices based on N uplink reference signals, please refer to the corresponding section of Method 600. For simplicity, it will not be repeated here. After the network devices determine the received phase difference between different network devices based on the joint measurement of N uplink reference signals, the received phase difference between different network devices can be compensated.

[0205] S1230, at least one of the P network devices sends third information to the terminal device. The third information includes a first field, which is related to the number of measurements N. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the third information.

[0206] Among them, the timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device to the P network devices is before the third time. That is, the timing of the transmission of all N uplink reference signals can be before the third time. In other words, the timing of the transmission of the latest uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is before the third time. The third time is the time when the third information is sent.

[0207] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the third moment can be the moment when the terminal device receives the third information.

[0208] In S1230, the network device can use the first field in the third information to indicate to the terminal device the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal it performs. The terminal device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, and thus use the same number of joint measurements N to measure the downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices and determine the transmission phase difference between network devices. This enables the terminal device and network devices (e.g., TRPs) to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the reception phase difference and transmission phase difference between TRPs. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the misalignment (inconsistency) of the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements between the terminal device and the network device, improves the phase compensation accuracy between TRPs, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between TRPs and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0209] In one possible implementation, since the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device can be received by P network devices, any one of the P network devices can send the aforementioned third information to the terminal device. For example, assuming there are 3 TRPs (TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3) performing coherent joint transmission, and the uplink reference signal sent by the terminal device can be received by these three TRPs, then any one of TRP1, TRP2, or TRP3 can send the aforementioned third information to the terminal device.

[0210] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned third information can be downlink control information (DCI), which carries the first field. In this implementation, the network device can reuse existing signaling to send the first field to the terminal device without using additional signaling to send the first field to the network device, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving the utilization of communication resources.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the network device may also use other signaling to send the first field to the terminal device; that is, the third information may also be other signaling. This application does not impose limitations on the embodiments herein.

[0212] After receiving the third information, the terminal device can determine the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal performed by the network device based on the first field in the third information. This allows the same number of measurements to be used to measure the N downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices. The joint measurement of the N downlink reference signals is then used to determine the first phase difference between the different network devices. This first phase difference between the different network devices can be understood as, or referred to as, the transmission phase difference between the different network devices. This transmission phase difference is caused by hardware factors (such as the transmitting antenna panel) of the different network devices.

[0213] In one possible implementation, P network devices can send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. Each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signal ports. The timing of the N downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices to the terminal device is before the third time interval; that is, the timing of the transmission of all N downlink reference signals can be before the third time interval, or in other words, the latest downlink reference signal among the N downlink reference signals is transmitted before the third time interval. For a description of the N downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices to the terminal device, please refer to the specific description in S610 of method 600; for simplicity, it will not be repeated here. For the process by which the terminal device uses the N downlink reference signals to determine the transmission phase difference between different network devices, please refer to the specific description in S620 of method 600; for simplicity, it will not be repeated here.

[0214] After the terminal device determines the transmission phase difference between different network devices using joint measurements of N downlink reference signals, it can send fourth information to P network devices. This fourth information includes the transmission phase difference between the different network devices (i.e., the first phase difference). A detailed explanation of how the terminal device sends the fourth information to the network devices can be found in the explanation of how the terminal device sends the first information to the network devices in method 600; for brevity, it will not be repeated here. The time at which the fourth information is sent is called the fourth moment. In one possible implementation, the fourth moment is later than the third moment. For example, the terminal device can send the fourth information to the first network device among the P network devices. This fourth information includes the transmission phase difference between the first network device and the reference network device. The first network device can be any one of the P network devices except the reference network device.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the fourth information mentioned above can be a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report, which includes the first phase difference between different network devices.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the first field can be used to indicate the number of measurements N.

[0217] In one possible implementation, a fixed number of measurements N can be pre-configured or pre-defined (e.g., protocol definition). The first field can indicate whether the pre-configured or pre-defined number of measurements N is effective, or in other words, the first field can be the trigger for the number of measurements N to take effect.

[0218] For details on the specific implementation of the first field and its corresponding beneficial effects, please refer to the explanation of the first field in method 600. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated here.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals is: before the third time point, and the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval to the third time point.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is before the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the uplink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain and is transmitted after the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the N uplink reference signals is: before the third time point, and the timing of the transmission of the N uplink reference signals with the shortest interval to the third time point.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal among N downlink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the downlink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal among N downlink reference signals is before the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal among N downlink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the downlink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal in the time domain and is before the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal among N downlink reference signals is after the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal. That is, the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal among N downlink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the downlink reference signal that has the shortest time interval with the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal in the time domain and is after the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal.

[0227] For the N downlink reference signals and their transmission timing, and the N uplink signals and their transmission timing, please refer to the corresponding section of Method 600. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0228] For example, Figure 13 shows a timing diagram of the N uplink reference signals sent by a terminal device, the N downlink reference signals sent by P network devices, and the timing of the transmission of the third information. As shown in Figure 13, the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the P network devices and the transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals sent by the terminal device are both before the transmission timing of the third information (the third time point).

[0229] In one possible implementation, if the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices by the terminal device is invalid, or in other words, the terminal device cannot ultimately determine the transmission phase difference between different network devices using the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals transmitted by P network devices, then the terminal device can send an indication message indicating that the joint measurement of multiple downlink reference signals is invalid or has failed.

[0230] For example, P network devices can send M downlink reference signals to a terminal device, where M is an integer greater than 1. Each downlink reference signal includes the downlink reference signal sent by each of the P network devices, i.e., each downlink reference signal includes P downlink reference signal ports. The terminal device performs joint measurements on the M downlink reference signals. If the terminal device determines that the M joint measurements are invalid—for example, if at least one downlink reference signal measurement fails, or the measurement result does not meet the conditions—the terminal device determines that the M joint measurements are invalid. The terminal device can send a fifth message to the network devices. The fifth message includes a third field, which indicates that the M joint measurements are invalid. In this case, the starting position for the terminal device's next joint measurement can be after the terminal device sends the fifth message. That is, after the timing of the fifth message transmission, the terminal device begins measuring the multiple downlink reference signals sent by the P network devices, i.e., restarting the joint measurement of downlink reference signals and reporting the joint measurement results (the transmission phase difference between different network devices). In this way, the terminal device can isolate the two reports in time (isolating the fourth and fifth messages), avoiding the impact of previous invalid measurements on the terminal device's subsequent joint measurements.

[0231] For example, as shown in Figure 14, in the time domain, before the terminal device sends the aforementioned fourth information, P network devices can send M downlink reference signals to the terminal device. The timing of sending these M downlink reference signals is before the time (fifth moment) when the terminal device sends the fifth information. Therefore, the earliest sending times of the aforementioned N downlink reference signals and N uplink reference signals are both later than the fifth moment. In other words, after the fifth moment, the terminal device sends N uplink reference signals to the P network devices, and the P network devices send N downlink reference signals to the terminal device. After the sending times of the N downlink and N uplink reference signals, the terminal device sends the aforementioned fourth information to the P network devices. The fourth information includes the transmission phase difference between different network devices.

[0232] The communication method provided in this application utilizes uplink or downlink information transmitted between terminal devices and network devices to inform each other of the number of times the reference signal has been measured. When determining the received phase difference and transmitted phase difference between network devices using multiple reference signals, the terminal device and network device can align the number of reference signal measurements when determining these differences. This avoids phase compensation deviations caused by discrepancies in the number of uplink and downlink reference signal measurements, thus improving the phase compensation accuracy between network devices. Furthermore, the transmission timing (measurement timing) of multiple uplink and downlink reference signals is defined. The terminal device and network device can determine the transmission timing of the downlink and uplink reference signals respectively, enabling accurate measurement of the downlink and uplink reference signals. This ensures that the terminal device and network device can use multiple reference signals for joint measurement to obtain the received and transmitted phase differences between network devices, improving the efficiency of determining these differences.

[0233] It should be understood that the above description is merely to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Based on the examples given above, those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes. For example, some steps in the above method embodiments may be unnecessary, or new steps may be added. Alternatively, any combination of two or more of the above embodiments may be used. Such modifications, changes, or combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0234] It should also be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction.

[0235] It should also be understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0236] It should also be understood that the above description of the embodiments of this application focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Any similarities or differences not mentioned can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0237] The communication method of the present application embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to Figures 1 to 14. The communication device of the present application embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 15 to 18.

[0238] This embodiment can divide terminal devices and network devices (e.g., network devices) into functional modules according to the above method. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0239] It should be noted that the relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] The terminal device and network apparatus (e.g., a network device) provided in this application embodiment are used to execute any of the communication methods provided in the above method embodiments, and therefore can achieve the same effect as the above-described implementation method. When using integrated units, the terminal device and network apparatus may include a processing module, and optionally a storage module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the actions of the terminal device and network apparatus. For example, it can be used to support the terminal device and network apparatus in executing the steps executed by the processing unit. The storage module can be used to support the storage of program code and data, etc. The communication module can be used to support communication between the terminal device and network apparatus and other devices.

[0241] It should be understood that the network device provided in this application may be a network device, a component (chip, chip system, or processor) that supports the network device in implementing the method, or a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0242] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, or a device that interacts with other electronic devices.

[0243] For example, FIG15 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG15, the communication device 1500 includes a processing unit 1510 and a transceiver unit 1520. The transceiver unit 1520 is used to perform operations related to information transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1510. The processing unit may also be referred to as a processing module, and the transceiver unit may also be referred to as a communication unit, communication module, or communication interface, etc.

[0244] In some embodiments, the communication device 1500 may correspond to the network device described in method 600 above, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network device, or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1500 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the network device in method 600 above.

[0245] The transceiver unit 1520 is used to: transmit N downlink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1; receive first information, which includes a first field and a first phase difference between different network devices. The first field is related to the number of measurements N, and the first phase difference is related to the N downlink reference signals. The N downlink reference signals are transmitted before a first moment, which is the moment when the first information is received.

[0246] The communication device provided in this embodiment allows the terminal device to indicate the number N of joint measurements of the downlink reference signal it performs using a first field in the first information. The communication device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, thereby using the same number of joint measurements N to measure the uplink reference signal transmitted by the terminal device and determine the received phase difference between network devices. This enables the terminal device and the communication device to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between network devices. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by different number of measurements when the terminal device and the network device determine the phase difference between network devices, improves the phase compensation accuracy between network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive N uplink reference signals. The processing unit 1510 is configured to: determine a second phase difference between different network devices based on the N uplink reference signals, wherein the timing of transmitting the N uplink reference signals is before the first moment.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the i-th uplink reference signal in N uplink reference signals is transmitted before the i-th downlink reference signal is transmitted.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals is: before the first time point, and the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval from the first time point.

[0251] In one possible implementation, before sending N uplink reference signals, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: send M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; receive second information, the second information including a second field and a third field, the second field being related to the number of measurements M, the timing of sending the M downlink reference signals being before the second time point, the second time point being the time of receiving the second information, and the third field being used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest timing of sending the N downlink reference signals and the earliest timing of sending the N uplink reference signals are both later than the second time point.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the downlink reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and the uplink reference signal includes a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0253] In one possible implementation, the first information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, or the first field is used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect.

[0255] In this embodiment, the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1500 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the network device related to the embodiment of method 600. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0256] In other embodiments: the communication device 1500 may correspond to the network device described in method 1200 above, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the network device, or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1500 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the network device in method 1200 above.

[0257] The transceiver unit 1520 is used to: receive N uplink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1, and the N uplink reference signals are used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices; and send third information, which includes a first field related to the number of measurements N. The N uplink reference signals are sent before the third time point, and the third time point is the time when the third information is sent.

[0258] The communication device provided in this embodiment can use the first field in the third information to indicate to the terminal device the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal it performs. The terminal device can determine the number of joint measurements N based on the first field, and thus use the same number of joint measurements N to measure the downlink reference signal transmitted by the network device, determine the transmission phase difference between the network devices, and report it. This enables the terminal device and the network device to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the reception phase difference and the transmission phase difference between the network devices. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the different number of measurements when the terminal device and the network device determine the phase difference between the network devices, improves the phase compensation accuracy between the network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between the network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: transmit N downlink reference signals, the N downlink reference signals being related to a first phase difference between different network devices, the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals being before a third time interval; and receive fourth information, the fourth information including the first phase difference.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the i-th uplink reference signal in N uplink reference signals is transmitted before the i-th downlink reference signal is transmitted.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals is: before the third time point, and the timing of the transmission of the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval to the third time point.

[0263] In one possible implementation, before sending N uplink reference signals, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: send M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; receive fifth information, the fifth information including a third field, the transmission timing of the M downlink reference signals being before the fifth time point, the fifth time point being the time of receiving the fifth information, the third field being used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals and the earliest transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals are both later than the fifth time point.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the fourth piece of information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, or the first field is used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect.

[0266] In this embodiment, the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1500 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the network device related to the embodiment of method 1200. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0267] In other embodiments: the communication device 1500 may correspond to the terminal device described in method 600 above, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the terminal device, or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1500 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the terminal device in method 600 above.

[0268] The transceiver unit 1520 is used to receive N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0269] Processing unit 1510 is used to: determine the first phase difference between different network devices based on N downlink reference signals;

[0270] The transceiver unit 1520 is also used to: transmit first information, the first information including a first field and a first phase difference, the first field being related to the number of measurements N, the timing of transmitting the N downlink reference signals being before the first moment, and the first moment being the moment when the first information is transmitted.

[0271] The communication device provided in this embodiment can use the first field in the first information to indicate to the network device the number N of joint measurements of the downlink reference signal it performs. This enables the communication device and the network device to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between the network devices. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the different number of measurements performed by the communication device and the network device when determining the phase difference between the network devices, improves the phase compensation accuracy between the network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between the network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0272] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: send N uplink reference signals, the N uplink reference signals being used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices, the timing of sending the N uplink reference signals being before the first moment.

[0273] In one possible implementation, before receiving N uplink reference signals, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; and send second information, which includes a second field and a third field. The second field is related to the number of measurements M, and the timing of the transmission of the M downlink reference signals is before the second time point, where the second time point is the time when the second information is transmitted. The third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid. The earliest transmission timing of both the N downlink reference signals and the N uplink reference signals is later than the second time point.

[0274] For details on the specific implementation of the first field, the implementation of the uplink and downlink reference signals, and the timing of sending the Nth uplink and Nth downlink reference signals, please refer to the corresponding sections above. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be repeated here.

[0275] In this embodiment, the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1500 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the terminal device related to the embodiment of method 600. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0276] In other embodiments: the communication device 1500 may correspond to the terminal device described in method 1200 above, or it may be a component (chip, chip system, or processor) applied to the terminal device, or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1500 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the terminal device in method 1200 above.

[0277] The transceiver unit 1520 is used to: send N uplink reference signals, where N is an integer greater than 1, and the N uplink reference signals are used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices; receive third information, which includes a first field related to the number of measurements N, and the N uplink reference signals are sent before the third time point, which is the time when the third information is sent.

[0278] The communication device provided in this embodiment allows the network device to indicate the number N of joint measurements of the uplink reference signal it performs to the communication device using the first field in the third information. This enables the communication device and the network device to align the number of measurements of the reference signal when determining the received phase difference and the transmitted phase difference between the network devices. This avoids the phase compensation deviation problem caused by the different number of measurements performed by the communication device and the network device when determining the phase difference between the network devices, improves the phase compensation accuracy between the network devices, and thus improves the accuracy of reciprocity calibration between the network devices and the efficiency of CJT communication.

[0279] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, and the transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals is before the third time.

[0280] The processing unit 1510 is used to: determine the first phase difference between different network devices based on N downlink reference signals; the transceiver unit 1520 is also used to: send fourth information, the fourth information including the first phase difference.

[0281] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1520 is further configured to: receive M downlink reference signals before receiving N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; and send fifth information, the fifth information including a third field, wherein the transmission timing of the M downlink reference signals is before the fifth time point, the fifth time point is the time of receiving the fifth information, and the third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid, wherein the earliest transmission timing of the N downlink reference signals and the earliest transmission timing of the N uplink reference signals are both later than the fifth time point.

[0282] For details on the specific implementation of the first field, the implementation of the uplink and downlink reference signals, and the timing of sending the Nth uplink and Nth downlink reference signals, please refer to the corresponding sections above. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be repeated here.

[0283] In this embodiment, the specific process of each unit in the communication device 1500 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps is described in the previous description of the terminal device related to the embodiment of method 1200. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0284] Furthermore, the communication device 1500 may also include a storage unit, and the transceiver unit 1520 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, pins, or interface circuitry. The storage unit is used to store instructions executed by the transceiver unit 1520 and the processing unit 1510. The transceiver unit 1520, the processing unit 1510, and the storage unit are coupled to each other. The storage unit stores instructions, the processing unit 1510 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the transceiver unit 1520 performs specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1510.

[0285] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1520 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit may be a memory. The processing unit 1510 may be implemented by a processor.

[0286] As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 1600 may include a processor 1610. Optionally, the communication device 1600 may also include a memory 1620 and a transceiver 1630. The dashed lines in Figure 16 indicate that this unit or module is optional. The communication device 1600 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0287] The communication device 1500 shown in Figure 15 or the communication device 1600 shown in Figure 16 can implement the steps performed by the device terminal in the aforementioned method 600 or method 1200. Alternatively, it can implement the steps performed by the network device in the aforementioned method 600 or method 1200. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0288] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 shown in FIG15 or the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16 may be a terminal device, or the terminal device may include the communication device 1500 shown in FIG15 or the communication device 1600 shown in FIG16.

[0289] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 shown in FIG. 15 or the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16 can be a network device, or the network device can include the communication device 1500 shown in FIG. 15 or the communication device 1600 shown in FIG. 16. For example, the network device can be a TRP.

[0290] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above communication device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, and its function can be called and executed by a processing element within the device. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0291] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0292] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 1700 provided in this application. The aforementioned communication device 1500 or communication device 1600 can be configured in the terminal device 1700. Alternatively, the communication device 1500 or communication device 1600 itself can be the terminal device 1700. In other words, the terminal device 1700 can perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the aforementioned method 600 or method 1200. Optionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 17 only shows the main components of the terminal device. As shown in Figure 17, the terminal device 1700 includes a processor, memory, control circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices.

[0293] The processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and data, control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data, such as supporting the terminal in performing the actions described in the above communication method embodiments. The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data, such as the measurement results of the N downlink reference signals described in the above embodiments, and the first phase difference between different network devices. The control circuit is primarily used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals, and for processing radio frequency signals. The control circuit and antenna together can also be called a transceiver, primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. For example, it transmits the first information, N uplink reference signals, fourth information, and fifth information described in the above embodiments, and receives the N downlink reference signals and third information described in the above embodiments. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0294] When the terminal device is powered on, the processor can read the software program from the storage unit, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted (such as first information, second information, etc.) and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When signaling (such as the aforementioned Nth downlink reference signal, Mth downlink reference signal, third information, etc.) is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0295] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 17 only shows one memory and processor. In actual terminal devices, multiple processors and memories may exist. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium or storage device, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0296] For example, a processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is mainly used for controlling the entire terminal device, executing software programs, and processing the data in those programs. The processor in Figure 17 integrates the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Alternatively, the baseband processor and CPU can be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. A terminal device may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored as software programs in a storage unit, with the processor executing the software programs to implement the baseband processing function.

[0297] For example, in this embodiment, the antenna and control circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit 1701 of the terminal device 1700, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit 1702 of the terminal device 1700. As shown in FIG17, the terminal device 1700 includes the transceiver unit 1701 and the processing unit 1702. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver device, transceiver apparatus, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit 1701 used to implement the receiving function can be regarded as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 1701 used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as the transmitting unit, that is, the transceiver unit 1701 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be referred to as a receiver, receiver circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0298] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a network device 1800 provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be used to implement the functions of the network device (e.g., TRP) in the above-described method. The network device 1800 includes one or more radio frequency (RF) units 1801 and one or more processing units 1802. The RF unit 1801 can be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna 18011 and an RF unit 18012. The RF unit 1801 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving RF signals and converting RF signals to baseband signals, for example, for sending the M-th downlink reference signal, N-th downlink reference signal, and third information to the terminal device as described in the above embodiment. The processing unit 1802 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling the network device. The RF unit 1801 and the processing unit 1802 can be physically arranged together or physically separated, i.e., a distributed network device.

[0299] The processing unit 1802 is the control center of the network device, and can also be called the baseband unit. It is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spreading, etc. For example, the processing unit 1802 can be used to control the network device to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0300] In one example, the processing unit 1802 may consist of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can collectively support a single access standard wireless access network (such as an LTE system or a 5G system), or they can each support wireless access networks with different access standards. The processing unit 1802 also includes a memory 18021 and a processor 18022. The memory 18021 is used to store necessary instructions and data. For example, the memory 18021 stores first information, second information, third information, etc., in the above embodiments. The processor 18022 is used to control the network device to perform necessary actions, such as controlling the network device to execute the operation flow related to the network device in the above method embodiments. The memory 18021 and the processor 18022 can serve one or more single boards. That is, each single board can have its own memory and processor, or multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. Furthermore, each single board can also have necessary circuitry.

[0301] In one possible implementation, with the development of SoC technology, all or part of the functions of the 1802 and 1801 parts can be implemented by SoC technology, for example, by a network device function chip. This network device function chip integrates a processor, memory, antenna interface, and other devices. The program for the network device-related functions is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the program to implement the relevant functions of the network device. Optionally, the network device function chip can also read external memory to implement the relevant functions of the network device.

[0302] It should be understood that the network device structure illustrated in Figure 18 is only one possible configuration and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of other network device structures that may appear in the future.

[0303] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a CPU, but it can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, microprocessors (MPUs), microcontroller units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), artificial intelligence processors (AI processors), neural processing units (NPUs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0304] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be cache or random access memory (RAM) (which serves as an external cache). By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0305] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned terminal device and multiple network devices (e.g., P network devices), such as multiple network devices including multiple TRPs.

[0306] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to 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., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0307] This application also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer program code, the computer program including instructions for executing any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The readable medium may be the memory described in the examples above, and this application does not limit this to such methods.

[0308] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause a terminal device to perform an operation corresponding to the terminal device in the above method, or cause a network device to perform an operation corresponding to the network device in the above method.

[0309] This application also provides a chip comprising a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuitry. The processing unit can execute computer instructions to cause the chip within the communication device to perform any of the communication methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0310] Optionally, any of the communication devices provided in the above embodiments of this application may include the chip.

[0311] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0312] Optionally, the storage unit can be an internal storage unit within the chip, such as a register or cache. Alternatively, it can be an external storage unit within the communication device, such as ROM or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, like RAM. The processing unit and the storage unit can be decoupled and located on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thus supporting the chip in performing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0313] In this application, various objects such as messages / information / devices / systems / apparatus / actions / operations / processes may be named. It is understood that these specific names do not constitute a limitation on the relevant objects. The names may be changed depending on the scenario, context, or usage habits. The understanding of the technical meaning of the technical terms in this application should be mainly determined from their functions and technical effects embodied / performed in the technical solution.

[0314] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0315] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0316] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send downlink reference signals N times, where N is an integer greater than 1; Receive first information, the first information including a first field and a first phase difference between different network devices, the first field being related to the number of measurements N, the first phase difference being related to the N downlink reference signals, the N downlink reference signals being transmitted before a first moment, the first moment being the moment when the first information is received.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive N uplink reference signals, which are used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices. The timing of sending the N uplink reference signals is before the first time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The i-th uplink reference signal in the N uplink reference signals is transmitted before the i-th downlink reference signal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The timing of transmitting the N downlink reference signals is: before the first time point, and the timing of transmitting the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval from the first time point.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Before transmitting the N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: Send M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; Receive second information, which includes a second field and a third field. The second field is related to the number of measurements M. The timing of the transmission of the M downlink reference signals is before the second time point, which is the time when the second information is received. The third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid. The earliest transmission times of the N downlink reference signals and the earliest transmission times of the N uplink reference signals are both later than the second time point.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and / or the uplink reference signal includes a sounding reference signal (SRS).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first piece of information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, or the first field is used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive N downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where N is an integer greater than 1; The first phase difference between different network devices is determined based on the N downlink reference signals; Send first information, which includes a first field and a first phase difference. The first field is related to the number of measurements N. The timing of sending the N downlink reference signals is before a first moment, which is the moment when the first information is sent.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The uplink reference signal is sent N times. The N uplink reference signals are used to determine the second phase difference between different network devices. The timing of sending the N uplink reference signals is before the first time.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transmission timing of the i-th uplink reference signal among the N uplink reference signals is: the transmission timing of the uplink reference signal with the shortest interval between the transmission timing of the i-th downlink reference signal in the time domain, where the value of i is less than or equal to N.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The i-th uplink reference signal in the N uplink reference signals is transmitted before the i-th downlink reference signal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The timing of transmitting the N downlink reference signals is: before the first time point, and the timing of transmitting the N downlink reference signals with the shortest interval from the first time point.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, Before receiving the N downlink reference signals, the method further includes: Receive M downlink reference signals, each downlink reference signal including multiple downlink reference signal ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; Send a second message, which includes a second field and a third field. The second field is related to the number of measurements M. The timing of sending the M downlink reference signals is before the second time point, which is the time when the second message is sent. The third field is used to indicate that the M joint measurements are invalid. The earliest timing of sending the N downlink reference signals and the earliest timing of sending the N uplink reference signals are both later than the second time point.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that, The downlink reference signal includes a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), and / or the uplink reference signal includes a sounding reference signal (SRS).

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, The first piece of information is a coherent joint transmission correction phase deviation report.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that, The first field is used to indicate the number of measurements N, or the first field is used to trigger the number of measurements N to take effect.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18, by executing a computer program or instructions stored in a memory, and / or by using logic circuitry.

21. The communication device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The communication device also includes the memory.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program or instruction that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform: the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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