Average power tracking module, average power tracking circuit, communication device, and power supply voltage supply method

Abstract

The invention relates to an average power tracking module, an average power tracking circuit, a communication apparatus, and a power supply voltage supply method. An APT module (1) is provided with: a converter circuit (20) that outputs a power supply voltage (V1); output terminals (111, 112) to which a power supply voltage (V1) is applied; an FB terminal (121) connected to a signal path (PS1) connecting the power amplifiers (41-43) and the output terminal (111); an FB terminal (122) connected to a signal path (PS2) connecting the power amplifiers (44-46) and the output terminal (112); and a control circuit (10) connected to the FB terminals (121, 122) and the converter circuit (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an average power tracking module, an average power tracking circuit, a communication device and a power supply voltage supply method. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an average power tracking (APT) method for controlling the power supply voltage of a power amplifier module according to average output power. This can improve power efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 9041464

[0004] However, when high-frequency signals of multiple frequency bands are transmitted simultaneously by the APT method disclosed in Patent Document 1, multiple power supply voltages are simultaneously supplied from an APT module that supplies power supply voltages to multiple power amplifiers, and the APT module may become larger. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a small average power tracking module, an average power tracking circuit and a communication device for supplying a power supply voltage to a power amplifier when multiple high-frequency signals are transmitted simultaneously, and a power supply voltage supply method for simultaneously transmitting multiple high-frequency signals.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an average power tracking module involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a converter circuit outputting a first voltage; a first output terminal and a second output terminal to which the first voltage is applied; a first feedback terminal connected to a path connecting a first power amplifier and the first output terminal; a second feedback terminal connected to a path connecting a second power amplifier and the second output terminal; and a control circuit connected to the first feedback terminal, the second feedback terminal and the converter circuit.

[0007] In addition, a communication device involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal; the above-mentioned average power tracking module that transmits the high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and the antenna; a first amplification module that is connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna and includes a first power amplifier; a second amplification module that is connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna and includes a second power amplifier; and a mother substrate that is configured with the signal processing circuit, the average power tracking module, the first amplification module and the second amplification module, and when looking down at the main surface of the mother substrate, the average power tracking module is configured between the first amplification module and the second amplification module.

[0008] In addition, an average power tracking circuit involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a converter circuit that outputs a first voltage; a first switch that is configured in a first path that connects the converter circuit and the first power amplifier and supplies the first voltage to the first power amplifier; and a second switch that is configured in a second path that connects the converter circuit and the second power amplifier and supplies the first voltage to the second power amplifier, and the first switch and the second switch can be turned on at the same time.

[0009] In addition, a power supply voltage supply method involved in one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply voltage supply method for a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier that can simultaneously transmit high-frequency signals, wherein a higher voltage of a first power supply voltage based on the output power of the first power amplifier and a second power supply voltage based on the output power of the second power amplifier are selected as the first voltage, and the selected first voltage is supplied to both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier.

[0010] According to the present invention, a small average power tracking module, an average power tracking circuit or a communication device for supplying a power supply voltage to a power amplifier when multiple high-frequency signals are transmitted simultaneously, or a power supply voltage supply method for transmitting multiple high-frequency signals simultaneously can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A This is a graph showing an example of transition of the power supply voltage in the average power tracking mode.

[0012] Figure 1B This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the analog envelope tracking mode.

[0013] Figure 1C This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the digital envelope tracking mode.

[0014] Figure 2A It is a circuit structure diagram of the APT module and the communication device involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 2B This is a circuit configuration diagram of an APT module and a communication device according to Modification 1.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a flowchart showing a first example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3B 1 is a flowchart showing a second example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a lookup table included in the APT module according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a circuit configuration diagram of an APT module and a communication device according to Modification Example 2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a circuit configuration diagram of an APT module and a communication device according to Modification 3.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a third example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a circuit configuration diagram of an APT module and a communication device according to Modification 4.

[0023] Fig. 9 It is a top view of the communication device involved in the modification example 2.

[0024] Fig. 10A It is a plan view of the first main surface of the APT module according to the second modification.

[0025] Fig. 10B It is a plan view of the second main surface of the APT module according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below all represent general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configurations of components, and connection methods shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the subject matter of the present invention.

[0027] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram for appropriately emphasizing, omitting or adjusting the ratio in order to express the present invention, and is not necessarily a strict illustration, and sometimes differs from the actual shape, positional relationship and ratio. In each figure, the same reference numerals are marked for substantially the same structure, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted or simplified.

[0028] In the following figures, the x-axis and the y-axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other on a plane parallel to the main surface of the module substrate. Specifically, when the module substrate has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, the x-axis is parallel to the first side of the module substrate, and the y-axis is parallel to the second side of the module substrate that is orthogonal to the first side. In addition, the z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the main surface of the module substrate, and its positive direction indicates the upward direction, and its negative direction indicates the downward direction.

[0029] In the circuit structure of the present invention, the so-called "connection" includes not only direct connection through connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements. The so-called "connection between A and B" means connection between A and B and both A and B, and includes parallel connection (parallel connection) between the path connecting A and B and ground in addition to series connection on the path connecting A and B.

[0030] In the component configuration of the present invention, the so-called "components are configured on the substrate" includes configuring the components on the main surface of the substrate and configuring the components inside the substrate. The so-called "components are configured on the main surface of the substrate", in addition to the components being configured in contact with the main surface of the substrate, also includes components not being in contact with the main surface but being configured above the main surface (for example, components are stacked on other components configured in contact with the main surface). In addition, "components are configured on the main surface of the substrate" can also include the situation where components are configured in recesses formed on the main surface. The so-called "components are configured inside the substrate", in addition to encapsulating the components in the module substrate, also includes configuring all components between the two main surfaces of the substrate but a portion of the components is not covered by the substrate, and only a portion of the components is configured inside the substrate.

[0031] In addition, in the component configuration of the present invention, the so-called "view from above of the module substrate" refers to observing the object by orthogonally projecting it onto the xy plane from the positive side of the z-axis. The so-called "A is configured between B and C" means that at least one of the multiple line segments connecting an arbitrary point in B and an arbitrary point in C passes through A. The so-called "distance between A and B when viewing the module substrate from above" refers to the length of the line segment connecting the representative point in the area of ​​A projected onto the xy plane and the representative point in the area of ​​B. Here, as a representative point, the center point of the area or the point closest to the area of ​​the object can be used, but it is not limited to this.

[0032] In addition, terms such as “parallel” and “perpendicular” indicating the relationship between elements, terms such as “rectangular” indicating the shape of an element, and numerical ranges do not mean only strict meanings but also include substantially equivalent ranges, for example, errors of several percent.

[0033] In the component arrangement of the present invention, circuit element A and circuit element B are arranged adjacent to (or adjacent to) each other, which means that no other circuit element is arranged between circuit element A and circuit element B when the module substrate is viewed from above.

[0034] First, as a technique for efficiently amplifying high-frequency signals, a tracking mode in which a power supply voltage dynamically adjusted over time based on a high-frequency signal is supplied to a power amplifier will be described. The so-called tracking mode is a mode in which the power supply voltage applied to a power amplifier circuit is dynamically adjusted. There are several types of tracking modes. Figure 1A to Figure 1C, describes the average power tracking (APT: Average Power Tracking) mode and the envelope tracking (ET: Envelope Tracking) mode (including analog ET mode and digital ET mode). Figure 1A to Figure 1C In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. In addition, the thick solid line represents the power supply voltage and the thin solid line (waveform) represents the modulation wave.

[0035] Figure 1A This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the APT mode. In the APT mode, the power supply voltage is varied to a plurality of discrete voltage levels in units of one frame. As a result, the power supply voltage signal forms a rectangular wave. In the APT mode, the voltage level of the power supply voltage is determined based on the average output power. In addition, in the APT mode, the voltage level may also vary in units smaller than one frame (e.g., subframes, time slots, or symbols). APT in which the voltage level varies in units of symbols is sometimes referred to as symbol power tracking (SPT: Symbol Power Tracking).

[0036] A frame is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 10 milliseconds and includes 10 subframes. A subframe is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 1 millisecond and includes 2 slots. A slot is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 0.5 milliseconds and includes 6 symbols. A symbol is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 71 microseconds and includes a cyclic prefix (CP).

[0037] In the SPT mode, the power supply voltage level is modulated in units of 1 symbol. At this time, the voltage level is changed in the CP interval. For example, in the first symbol, the CP is changed to a higher voltage level, and in the second symbol, the CP is changed to a lower voltage level. In addition, the voltage level may not be changed in subsequent symbols. The power supply voltage level can be modulated based on the data signal in each symbol interval.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the APT mode includes the SPT mode, and the APT module includes a module that supplies a power supply voltage to the PA module in the SPT mode.

[0039] Figure 1B 1 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the analog ET mode. The analog ET mode is an example of the conventional ET mode. Figure 1B As shown, in the analog ET mode, the power supply voltage is continuously varied to track the envelope of the modulation wave. In the analog ET mode, the power supply voltage is determined based on the envelope signal.

[0040] The so-called envelope signal refers to a signal representing the envelope of the modulated wave. The envelope value is represented by the square root of (I2+Q2), for example. Here, (I, Q) represents a constellation point. A constellation point is a point on a constellation diagram that represents a signal modulated by digital modulation. For example, (I, Q) is determined by a BBIC (baseband integrated circuit) based on the transmission information.

[0041] Figure 1C is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the digital ET mode. Figure 1C As shown in FIG. 1 , in the digital ET mode, the power supply voltage is varied to a plurality of discrete voltage levels within one frame to track the envelope of the modulation wave. As a result, the power supply voltage signal forms a rectangular wave. In the digital ET mode, the power supply voltage level is selected or set from a plurality of discrete voltage levels based on the envelope signal.

[0042] (Implementation Method)

[0043] [1 Circuit Structure of APT Module 1 and Communication Device 5]

[0044] Reference Figure 2A , an average power tracking module (hereinafter referred to as APT module) 1 and a communication device 5 involved in this embodiment are described.

[0045] Figure 2A 1 is a circuit diagram of the APT module 1 and the communication device 5 involved in the embodiment. The communication device 5 involved in this embodiment is equivalent to the user terminal (UE: User Equipment) in the cellular network, typically a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, etc. In addition, the communication device 5 can also be an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor device, a medical / health care device, a car, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (so-called drone), and an unmanned guided vehicle (AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle).

[0046] First, the circuit structure of the communication device 5 is described. Figure 2A As shown, the communication device 5 according to the present embodiment includes an APT module 1 , PA modules 2A and 2B, antennas 3A and 3B, and an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 4 .

[0047] Antenna 3A is connected to PA module 2A and transmits a high-frequency signal output from PA module 2A. Antenna 3B is connected to PA module 2B and transmits a high-frequency signal output from PA module 2B. In addition, antennas 3A and 3B may be combined into one antenna, in which case PA modules 2A and 2B are connected to a common antenna.

[0048] RFIC4 is an example of a signal processing circuit for processing high-frequency signals. RFIC4 has a control unit for controlling PA modules 2A and 2B. Specifically, RFIC4 performs signal processing on a transmission signal input from BBIC (not shown) by up-conversion, etc., and outputs the high-frequency transmission signal generated by the signal processing to PA modules 2A and 2B. In addition, RFIC4 outputs a digital control signal for controlling APT module 1 to APT module 1. In addition, part or all of the functions of RFIC4 as a control unit may also be installed outside RFIC4, for example, it may also be installed on BBIC, PA modules 2A, 2B and APT module 1.

[0049] The APT module 1 can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the PA modules 2A and 2B in the APT mode. The power supply voltage V1 is an example of a first voltage. Figure 1A As described in , in the APT mode, the power supply voltage V1 is varied to a plurality of discrete voltage levels in units of one frame based on the average output power of the power amplifier. Figure 2A As shown, the APT module 1 includes a converter circuit 20 , a control circuit 10 , switches 31 and 32 , output terminals 111 and 112 , feedback (hereinafter referred to as FB) terminals 121 and 122 , and a control signal terminal 130 .

[0050] The converter circuit 20 receives the control signal output from the control circuit 10 and generates a power supply voltage V1, and outputs the power supply voltage V1 to the output terminals 111 and 112. The converter circuit 20 includes, for example, an inductor 21 and switches 22, 23, 24, and 25. The converter circuit 20 steps up or steps down the magnetic energy generated by the inductor 21 by on / off control of the switches 22 to 25, and outputs the result as the power supply voltage V1. In addition, the inductor 21 may be arranged outside the APT module 1.

[0051] The output terminal 111 is an example of a first output terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 31, and is also connected to the PA module 2A, and is applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. The output terminal 112 is an example of a second output terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 32, and is also connected to the PA module 2B, and is applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20.

[0052] The FB terminal 121 is an example of a first feedback terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to a signal path PS1 connecting the power amplifiers 41 to 43 of the PA module 2A and the output terminal 111, and is also connected to the control circuit 10. The FB terminal 122 is an example of a second feedback terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to a signal path PS2 connecting the power amplifiers 44 to 46 of the PA module 2B and the output terminal 112, and is also connected to the control circuit 10.

[0053] The control signal terminal 130 is connected to the RFIC 4 and the control circuit 10 .

[0054] The control circuit 10 is an example of a control unit of the APT module 1, and is connected to the FB terminals 121 and 122 and the converter circuit 20. The control circuit 10 controls the on / off timing of the switches 22 to 25 of the converter circuit 20 based on the target power supply voltage information of the PA modules 2A and 2B input from the RFIC 4 via the control signal terminal 130 and the FB power supply voltage input via the FB terminals 121 and 122, so that the power supply voltage V1 is output from the converter circuit 20.

[0055] The switch 31 is an example of a first switch, and is connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 111, and switches between connection and disconnection between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 111. The switch 32 is an example of a second switch, and is connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 112, and switches between connection and disconnection between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 112. The switches 31 and 32 can be turned on at the same time. When the transmission of the high-frequency transmission signal by the PA module 2A and the transmission of the high-frequency transmission signal by the PA module 2B are performed simultaneously, the switches 31 and 32 are both in the connected state, and the power supply voltage V1 is supplied to both the PA modules 2A and 2B at the same time.

[0056] In addition, there may be no switches 31 and 32. In this case, the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20 is always supplied to the PA modules 2A and 2B.

[0057] According to the above structure of the APT module 1, when the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2A and the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2B at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT module 1 to the PA modules 2A and 2B at a predetermined time. That is, the APT module 1 does not need to supply a plurality of different power supply voltages at the same time, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small APT module 1 that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0058] In addition, the APT module 1 of the present embodiment can be applied as an APT circuit. That is, the APT circuit of the present embodiment includes: a converter circuit 20 that outputs a power supply voltage V1; a switch 31 that is arranged in a first path that connects the converter circuit 20 and power amplifiers 41 to 43 and supplies the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 43; and a switch 32 that is arranged in a second path that connects the converter circuit 20 and power amplifiers 44 to 46 and supplies the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 44 to 46, and the switches 31 and 32 can be turned on at the same time.

[0059] According to the above structure of the APT circuit, when the switches 31 and 32 are turned on at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT circuit to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT circuit does not need to supply multiple different power supply voltages, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small and simplified APT circuit that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0060] PA module 2A receives power supply voltage V1 in APT mode from APT module 1, amplifies high frequency transmission signal input from RFIC 4, and outputs to antenna 3A. PA module 2A includes power amplifiers 41, 42, and 43, filters 51, 52, and 53, and switch 61.

[0061] The power amplifiers 41 to 43 are each an example of a first power amplifier, and are connected between the APT module 1 and the antenna 3A. Specifically, the power terminal of the power amplifier 41 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3A via the filter 51 and the switch 61. The power terminal of the power amplifier 42 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3A via the filter 52 and the switch 61. The power terminal of the power amplifier 43 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3A via the filter 53 and the switch 61. The power amplifier 41 can amplify high-frequency signals of frequency band A, the power amplifier 42 can amplify high-frequency signals of frequency band B, and the power amplifier 43 can amplify high-frequency signals of frequency band C.

[0062] The filter 51 includes, for example, a frequency band A as a passband. The filter 52 includes, for example, a frequency band B as a passband. The filter 53 includes, for example, a frequency band C as a passband.

[0063] The switch 61 has a common terminal and three selection terminals, and switches the connection between the common terminal and any one of the three selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch 61 is connected to the antenna 3A, the first selection terminal is connected to the filter 51, the second selection terminal is connected to the filter 52, and the third selection terminal is connected to the filter 53.

[0064] According to the above-described configuration of the PA module 2A, the PA module 2A can amplify a high-frequency signal in any one of the frequency bands A, B, and C, and output the amplified signal to the antenna 3A.

[0065] A node on a signal path PS1 connecting each power supply terminal of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 and the output terminal 111 and the FB terminal 121 are connected via an FB line FB1 .

[0066] PA module 2B receives power supply voltage V1 in APT mode from APT module 1, amplifies high frequency transmission signal input from RFIC 4, and outputs to antenna 3B. PA module 2B includes power amplifiers 44, 45, and 46, filters 54, 55, and 56, and switch 62.

[0067] Power amplifiers 44 to 46 are examples of second power amplifiers, respectively, and are connected between the APT module 1 and the antenna 3B. Specifically, the power supply terminal of the power amplifier 44 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3B via the filter 54 and the switch 62. The power supply terminal of the power amplifier 45 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3B via the filter 55 and the switch 62. The power supply terminal of the power amplifier 46 is connected to the APT module 1, the high-frequency input terminal is connected to the RFIC4, and the high-frequency output terminal is connected to the antenna 3B via the filter 56 and the switch 62. The power amplifier 44 can amplify high-frequency signals in frequency band D, the power amplifier 45 can amplify high-frequency signals in frequency band E, and the power amplifier 46 can amplify high-frequency signals in frequency band F.

[0068] The filter 54 includes, for example, a frequency band D as a passband. The filter 55 includes, for example, a frequency band E as a passband. The filter 56 includes, for example, a frequency band F as a passband.

[0069] The switch 62 has a common terminal and three selection terminals, and switches the connection between the common terminal and any one of the three selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch 62 is connected to the antenna 3B, the first selection terminal is connected to the filter 54, the second selection terminal is connected to the filter 55, and the third selection terminal is connected to the filter 56.

[0070] According to the above configuration of the PA module 2B, the PA module 2B can amplify a high-frequency signal in any one of the frequency bands D, E, and F, and output the amplified signal to the antenna 3B.

[0071] A node on a signal path PS2 connecting each power supply terminal of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 and the output terminal 112 and the FB terminal 122 are connected via an FB line FB2 .

[0072] Furthermore, the PA modules 2A and 2B only need to have at least one power amplifier each.

[0073] also, Figure 2A The circuit configuration of the communication device 5 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 5 may not include the antennas 3A and 3B.

[0074] In the above structure, the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2A is, for example, the Sub6 signal of the cellular network, and the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2B is, for example, the Sub6 signal of the cellular network (Inter-band UL CA). In addition, the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2A is, for example, the Sub6 signal of the cellular network, and the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2B is, for example, a signal in the 28 GHz band (Inter-band UL CA). In addition, the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2A is, for example, a signal in the 28 GHz band, and the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2B is, for example, a signal in the 28 GHz band (Inter-band UL CA). In addition, the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2A is an LTE Advanced signal, and the high-frequency signal transmitted in the PA module 2B is, for example, an LTE Advanced signal (Intra-band Contiguous CA, Inter-band Non-contiguous CA, Intra-band Non-contiguous CA).

[0075] Furthermore, the APT module 1 may supply the power supply voltage to the PA modules 2A and 2B in the SPT mode.

[0076] Figure 2B FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of an APT module 1D and a communication device 5D according to Modification 1. Figure 2B As shown, the communication device 5D involved in this modification example includes an APT module 1D, PA modules 2A and 2B, antennas 3A and 3B, and RFIC 4. The communication device 5D involved in this modification example is different from the communication device 5 involved in the embodiment only in the structure of the APT module 1D. The communication device 5D involved in this modification example is described below with the structure of the APT module 1D as the center.

[0077] The APT module 1D includes a converter circuit 20D, a control circuit 10D, switches 31 and 32 , output terminals 111 and 112 , FB terminals 121 and 122 , and a control signal terminal 130 .

[0078] The converter circuit 20D receives a control signal output from the control circuit 10D, generates a power supply voltage V1 in the SPT mode, and outputs the power supply voltage V1 to the output terminals 111 and 112. The power supply voltage V1 includes a plurality of discrete voltages during one frame of the high frequency signal. The converter circuit 20D includes voltage supply circuits 201 and 202 and a switch 203.

[0079] The control circuit 10D is an example of a control unit of the APT module 1D, and is connected to the FB terminals 121, 122 and the converter circuit 20D. The control circuit 10D can control the voltage supply circuits 201, 202 and the switch 203 based on the target power supply voltage information of the PA modules 2A and 2B inputted from the RFIC4 via the control signal terminal 130 and the FB power supply voltage inputted via the FB terminals 121 and 122, so that the power supply voltage V1 is outputted from the converter circuit 20D. For example, the control circuit 10D can receive a digital control signal from the RFIC4, and provide a first voltage level control signal and a second voltage level control signal indicating a voltage level of a sign to the voltage supply circuits 201 and 202, respectively. Furthermore, the control circuit 10D can provide a switch control signal to the switch 203.

[0080] The voltage supply circuit 201 can generate the power supply voltage V1 based on the first voltage level control signal received from the control circuit 10D. At this time, the voltage supply circuit 201 can change the level of the power supply voltage V1 for each symbol corresponding to the voltage supply circuit 201 based on the first voltage level control signal.

[0081] The voltage supply circuit 202 can generate the power supply voltage V1 based on the second voltage level control signal received from the control circuit 10D. At this time, the voltage supply circuit 202 can change the level of the power supply voltage V1 for each symbol corresponding to the voltage supply circuit 202 based on the second voltage level control signal.

[0082] The switch 203 can alternately select the voltage supply circuits 201 and 202 for each symbol based on the switch control signal and connect the selected voltage supply circuits to the PA modules 2A and 2B. Thus, the switch 203 can supply the power supply voltage V1 modulated by the SPT mode to the PA modules 2A and 2B.

[0083] In addition, the converter circuit 20D may also include a magnetic regulation stage, a switched-capacitor voltage balancer stage, and at least one output switching stage, instead of the voltage supply circuits 201 and 202 and the switch 203 .

[0084] According to the above structure of the APT module 1D, when the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2A and the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2B at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT module 1D to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT module 1D does not need to supply multiple different power supply voltages at the same time, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small APT module 1D that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0085] [Power supply voltage supply method of APT module 1 according to second embodiment]

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 , a method for supplying the power supply voltage from the APT module 1 configured as above to the two PA modules 2A and 2B will be described. Figure 3A This is a flowchart showing a first example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0087] First, the APT module 1 selects the target voltage V of the PA module 2A (power amplifiers 41 to 43). TA1 and the target voltage V of the PA module 2B (power amplifiers 44-46) TA2 The higher voltage of the target voltage V is set as the power supply voltage V1 (S10). In step S10, for example, the control circuit 10 determines the target voltage V1 based on the target voltage V input from the control signal terminal 130. TA1 and V TA2 information, select the target voltage V TA1 and V TA2 The higher voltage is used as the power supply voltage V1.

[0088] Furthermore, the target voltage of the power amplifier refers to an optimal power supply voltage that should be applied in order to output a desired output power from the power amplifier.

[0089] Next, the APT module 1 supplies the same power supply voltage V1 to the PA modules 2A and 2B (power amplifiers 41 to 46) (S20). In step S20, for example, the converter circuit 20 turns on / off the switches 22 to 25 under the control of the control circuit 10, and the switches 31 and 32 are turned on, thereby outputting the power supply voltage V1 to the output terminals 111 and 112.

[0090] That is, the control circuit 10 sets the target voltage V to be supplied to the power amplifiers 41 to 43 at a predetermined time based on the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43. TA1 (first power supply voltage) and a target voltage V to be supplied to the power amplifiers 44 to 46 at the above-mentioned predetermined time based on the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 TA2 The higher one of the two voltages (the second power supply voltage) is output as the power supply voltage V1 from the converter circuit 20 at the above-mentioned predetermined timing.

[0091] Thus, the APT module 1 can supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0092] Figure 3B 1 is a flowchart showing a second example of a method for supplying power voltage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A Compared with the first example of the power supply voltage supply method shown in the figure, the difference is that a step of adjusting the power supply voltage V1 by the control circuit 10 is added. Hereinafter, for the second example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment, the description of the same points as the first example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment is omitted, and the different points are described.

[0093] Steps S10 to S20 are the same as those in the first example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0094] Next, the APT module 1 determines the target voltage V TA1 (first power supply voltage) minus the FB voltage V at the FB terminal 121 FB1 The first differential voltage is above the first threshold value (Vth1), or the target voltage V TA2 (Second power supply voltage) minus the FB voltage V at the FB terminal 122 FB2 Then, it is determined whether the obtained second differential voltage is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (Vth2) (S30).

[0095] In step S30 , when the first differential voltage is equal to or greater than Vth1 or the second differential voltage is equal to or greater than Vth2 ( S30 : Yes), the APT module 1 increases the power supply voltage V1 ( S40 ).

[0096] Step S30 and step S40 (power supply voltage V1 adjustment cycle) are performed during the specified period. In addition, the above-mentioned specified period can also be appropriately determined according to the use status of the communication device 5. For example, the specified period can also be the period during which the communication device 5 operates, or it can be the period until the first differential voltage is less than Vth1 and the second differential voltage is less than Vth2.

[0097] In addition, the larger the power supply voltage V1 consumed by each of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 is, the larger the differential voltage is. For example, in step S10, the target voltage V TA1 =5.0V, target voltage V TA2 =4.0V, thus the power supply voltage V1 is determined to be 5.0V. In step S30, the FB voltage V FB1 =4.8V, FB voltage V FB2 =3.2V. At this time, V TA1 -V FB1 =0.2V, V TA2 -V FB2 =0.8V. That is, the power supply voltage consumption of power amplifiers 44 to 46 is greater than that of power amplifiers 41 to 43. Here, if Vth1 = Vth2 = 0.5V, then (V TA2 -V FB2 ) is greater than Vth2, so the control circuit 10 increases the power supply voltage V1 (for example, V1 = 5.2V).

[0098] That is, from the target voltage V TA1 Subtract the FB voltage V of the FB terminal 121 FB1 When the obtained differential voltage is greater than Vth1, or when the target voltage V TA2 Subtract the FB voltage V of the FB terminal 122 FB2 When the obtained differential voltage is equal to or greater than Vth2, the control circuit 10 increases the power supply voltage V1.

[0099] Thus, the APT module 1 can supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations in accordance with changes in the amplification states of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 .

[0100] Furthermore, the APT module 1 may include a storage unit that stores in advance correlation data indicating the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and the output power. The storage unit may be, for example, a lookup table (hereinafter referred to as LUT).

[0101] Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of a LUT included in the APT module 1 according to the embodiment. The diagram shows a LUT showing data related to the power supply voltage Vcc (V) and the output power Pout (dBm) supplied to the power amplifiers 41 (PA1), 42 (PA2), 43 (PA3), 44 (PA4), 45 (PA5), and 46 (PA6).

[0102] In addition, the control circuit 10 may estimate the total value of the output powers of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 based on the power supply voltage V1 and the correlation data shown in the LUT, and control the power supply voltage V1 so that the total value does not exceed the third threshold value (Pth3). In addition, Pth3 is, for example, the maximum antenna power regulation. The maximum antenna power regulation is, for example, 23 dBm.

[0103] Thus, the APT module 1 can cope with the power restriction of the high-frequency signal output from the communication device 5 and supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0104] [Circuit Configuration of 3APT Modules 1A, 1A and Communication Devices 5A, 5B]

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 , an APT module 1A and a communication device 5A according to a second modification, and an APT module 1 and a communication device 5B according to a third modification are described.

[0106] Figure 5 1 is a circuit diagram of an APT module 1A and a communication device 5A according to Modification 2. As shown in the figure, the communication device 5A according to Modification 2 includes an APT module 1A, PA modules 2A and 2B, antennas 3A and 3B, and an RFIC 4. The communication device 5A according to this modification is different from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment in that an output power feedback line is provided. The communication device 5A according to this modification will be described below with the differences from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment as the focus.

[0107] The APT module 1A includes a converter circuit 20, a control circuit 10A, switches 31 and 32, output terminals 111 and 112, FB terminals 121 and 122, a control signal terminal 130, and output power feedback (hereinafter referred to as output power FB) terminals 141 and 142. The APT module 1A according to this modification is different from the APT module 1 according to the embodiment in that the output power FB terminals 141 and 142 are provided and in the control content of the control circuit 10A. Hereinafter, the APT module 1A according to this modification will be described with a focus on the differences from the APT module 1 according to the embodiment.

[0108] The output power FB terminal 141 is an example of a third feedback terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to a node on a signal path connecting the PA module 2A and the antenna 3A via an output power FB line PFB1, and is also connected to the control circuit 10A. In other words, the output power FB terminal 141 is connected to the signal output ends of the power amplifiers 41 to 43. The output power FB terminal 142 is an example of a fourth feedback terminal as an external connection terminal, and is connected to a node on a signal path connecting the PA module 2B and the antenna 3B via an output power FB line PFB2, and is also connected to the control circuit 10A. In other words, the output power FB terminal 142 is connected to the signal output ends of the power amplifiers 44 to 46.

[0109] The control circuit 10A is an example of a control unit of the APT module 1A, and is connected to the FB terminals 121 and 122, the output power FB terminals 141 and 142, and the converter circuit 20. The control circuit 10A controls the on / off timing of the switches 22 to 25 of the converter circuit 20 based on the target power supply voltage information of the PA modules 2A and 2B inputted from the RFIC 4 via the control signal terminal 130, the FB power supply voltage inputted via the FB terminals 121 and 122, and the output powers of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 inputted via the output power FB terminals 141 and 142, so that the power supply voltage V1 is outputted from the converter circuit 20.

[0110] According to the above structure of the APT module 1A, when the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2A and the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2B at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT module 1A does not need to supply a plurality of different power supply voltages, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small APT module 1A that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0111] Figure 6 1 is a circuit diagram of an APT module 1 and a communication device 5B according to a modification example 3. As shown in the figure, the communication device 5B according to the modification example 3 includes an APT module 1, PA modules 2A and 2B, antennas 3A and 3B, and an RFIC 4B. The communication device 5B according to this modification example is different from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment in that an output power feedback line is configured. The communication device 5B according to this modification example will be described below with the differences from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment as the center.

[0112] An output power FB line PFB3 is connected between a node on a signal path connecting the PA module 2A and the antenna 3A and the RFIC 4B. An output power FB line PFB4 is connected between a node on a signal path connecting the PA module 2B and the antenna 3B and the RFIC 4B.

[0113] [4. Power supply voltage supply method of APT module according to modification example]

[0114] Next, refer to Figure 7 , a method for supplying a power supply voltage from the APT module 1A to the two PA modules 2A and 2B, and a method for supplying a power supply voltage from the APT module 1 to the two PA modules 2A and 2B will be described. Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing a third example of a power supply voltage supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A Compared with the first example of the power supply voltage supply method shown in the figure, the difference is that the control circuit 10 (or 10A) adds a step of adjusting the power supply voltage V1. Hereinafter, for the third example of the power supply voltage supply method, the same points as the first example of the power supply voltage supply method are omitted, and the different points are described.

[0115] Steps S10 to S20 are the same as those in the first example of the power supply voltage supply method according to the embodiment.

[0116] Next, the APT module 1 (or 1A) determines whether the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 exceeds the fourth threshold value ( Pth4 ), or whether the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 exceeds the fifth threshold value ( Pth5 ) ( S31 ).

[0117] In step S31 , when the output powers of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 exceed Pth4 or when the output powers of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 exceed Pth5 ( S31 : YES), the APT module 1 (or 1A) reduces the power supply voltage V1 ( S41 ).

[0118] Step S31 and step S41 (power supply voltage V1 adjustment cycle) are performed during a specified period. In addition, the above-mentioned specified period can also be appropriately determined according to the use status of the communication device 5. For example, the specified period can also be a period during which the communication device 5 is operating, and it can also be a period until the first differential power obtained by subtracting the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 from Pth4 is greater than the sixth threshold value (Pth6), and the second differential power obtained by subtracting the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 from Pth5 is greater than the seventh threshold value (Pth7).

[0119] That is, in the APT module 1A according to Modification 2, when the power value detected at the output power FB terminal 141 exceeds Pth4 or when the power value detected at the output power FB terminal 142 exceeds Pth5, the control circuit 10A reduces the power supply voltage V1.

[0120] In addition, in the APT module 1 involved in variant example 3, when the output power of the high-frequency signal detected by RFIC4B via the output power FB line PFB3 exceeds Pth4, or when the output power of the high-frequency signal detected by RFIC4B via the output power FB line PFB4 exceeds Pth5, the control circuit 10 reduces the power supply voltage V1.

[0121] Assume that as the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 increases, the distortion component due to nonlinearity increases, and the quality of the high-frequency transmission signal output from the communication device 5A or 5B does not satisfy the predetermined quality.

[0122] In contrast, according to the third example of the power supply voltage supply method described above, the APT module 1 or 1A involved in the modified example can suppress signal distortion according to the magnitude of the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and supply a power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0123] [Circuit Structure of 5APT Module 1C and Communication Device 5C]

[0124] Next, refer to Figure 8 , an APT module 1C and a communication device 5C according to a fourth modification will be described.

[0125] Figure 8 1 is a circuit diagram of an APT module 1C and a communication device 5C according to Modification 4. As shown in the figure, the communication device 5C according to Modification 4 includes an APT module 1C, PA modules 2A and 2B, antennas 3A and 3B, and an RFIC 4. The communication device 5C according to this modification is different from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment in that the structure of the APT module 1C is different. The communication device 5C according to this modification will be described below, centering on the differences from the communication device 5 according to the embodiment.

[0126] The APT module 1C includes a converter circuit 20, a control circuit 10C, switches 31C and 32C, output terminals 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, and 167, FB terminals 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156, and a control signal terminal 130. The APT module 1C according to this modification is different from the APT module 1 according to the embodiment in the configuration of the output terminal and the FB terminal. Hereinafter, the APT module 1C according to this modification will be described with a focus on the differences from the APT module 1 according to the embodiment.

[0127] The output terminal 161 is an example of a first output terminal, connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 31C, and also connected to the power amplifier 41, and applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. The output terminal 162 is an example of a first output terminal, connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 31C, and also connected to the power amplifier 42, and applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. The output terminal 163 is an example of a first output terminal, connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 31C, and also connected to the power amplifier 43, and applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. The output terminal 164 is an example of a second output terminal, connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 32C, and also connected to the power amplifier 44, and applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. The output terminal 165 is an example of a second output terminal, connected to the converter circuit 20 via the switch 32C, and also connected to the power amplifier 45, and applied with the power supply voltage V1 generated by the converter circuit 20. Output terminal 166 is an example of a second output terminal, and is connected to converter circuit 20 via switch 32C, and is also connected to power amplifier 46, and is applied with power supply voltage V1 generated by converter circuit 20. Output terminal 167 is an example of a second output terminal, and is connected to converter circuit 20 via switch 31C, and is also connected to power amplifier 44, and is applied with power supply voltage V1 generated by converter circuit 20.

[0128] FB terminal 151 is an example of a first feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 41 and output terminal 161, and connected to control circuit 10C. FB terminal 152 is an example of a first feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 42 and output terminal 162, and connected to control circuit 10C. FB terminal 153 is an example of a first feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 43 and output terminal 163, and connected to control circuit 10C. FB terminal 154 is an example of a second feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 44 and output terminal 164, and connected to control circuit 10C. FB terminal 155 is an example of a second feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 45 and output terminal 165, and connected to control circuit 10C. FB terminal 156 is an example of a second feedback terminal, connected to a signal path connecting power amplifier 46 and output terminal 166, and connected to control circuit 10C.

[0129] The control signal terminal 130 is connected to the RFIC 4 and the control circuit 10C.

[0130] The control circuit 10C is an example of a control unit of the APT module 1C, and is connected to the FB terminals 151 to 156, the converter circuit 20, and the control signal terminal 130. The control circuit 10C controls the on / off timing of the switches 22 to 25 of the converter circuit 20 based on the target power supply voltage information of the PA modules 2A and 2B input from the RFIC 4 via the control signal terminal 130 and the FB power supply voltage input via the FB terminals 151 to 156, so that the power supply voltage V1 is output from the converter circuit 20.

[0131] The switch 31C is an example of a first switch, connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminals 161 to 163 and 167, and switches the connection and non-connection between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminals 161 to 163 and 167. The switch 32C is an example of a second switch, connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminals 164 to 166, and switches the connection and non-connection between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminals 164 to 166. The switch 31C is composed of, for example, four SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switches. The switch 32C is composed of, for example, three SPST switches. At least one SPST switch of the switch 31C and at least one SPST switch of the switch 32C can be turned on at the same time. When the transmission of the high-frequency transmission signal by the PA module 2A and the transmission of the high-frequency transmission signal by the PA module 2B are performed simultaneously, at least one SPST switch of the switch 31C and at least one SPST switch of the switch 32C are simultaneously connected. As a result, the power supply voltage V1 is simultaneously supplied to both the PA modules 2A and 2B.

[0132] According to the above structure of the APT module 1C, when the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2A and the high frequency transmission signal is transmitted by the PA module 2B at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT module 1C to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT module 1C does not need to supply a plurality of different power supply voltages, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small APT module 1C that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0133] [Configuration of 6APT module and communication device]

[0134] First, refer to Fig. 9 , the configuration on the mother substrate 91 of the communication device 5A involved in the modified example 2 is described. Fig. 9 2 is a top view of a communication device 5A according to Modification 2. As shown in the figure, the communication device 5A includes a motherboard 91, an RFIC 4, an APT module 1A, and PA modules 2A and 2B. The PA module 2A is an example of a first amplifier module, and the PA module 2B is an example of a second amplifier module.

[0135] The mother substrate 91 can be, for example, a printed circuit substrate, a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC: Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) substrate or a high-temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC: High Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) substrate having a stacked structure of multiple dielectric layers, a component-embedded substrate, or a substrate having a redistribution layer (RDL: Redistribution Layer), but is not limited to these.

[0136] The RFIC 4 , the APT module 1A, and the PA modules 2A and 2B are arranged on the main surface of the mother substrate 91 .

[0137] Here, when the main surface of the mother substrate 91 is viewed in plan, the APT module 1A is arranged between the PA module 2A and the PA module 2B.

[0138] This can shorten the distance between the APT module 1A and the PA module 2A, and shorten the distance between the APT module 1A and the PA module 2B. Therefore, the power supply voltage V1 can be supplied from the APT module 1A to both the PA modules 2A and 2B with low loss.

[0139] In addition, for example, power amplifiers 41 to 43 are primary amplifiers, and power amplifiers 44 to 46 are secondary amplifiers. In other words, PA module 2A is a primary module, and PA module 2B is a secondary module. In this case, the length of the wiring connecting PA module 2A and APT module 1A is shorter than the length of the wiring connecting PA module 2B and APT module 1A.

[0140] This allows the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2A to be smaller than the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2B. Therefore, the power supply voltage V1 can be supplied from the APT module 1A to the primary module with lower loss.

[0141] In addition, the wiring connecting the output terminal 111 and the PA module 2A, that is, the signal path PS1, can also be thicker than the FB wiring FB1 connecting the FB terminal 121 and the PA module 2A, and the wiring connecting the output terminal 112 and the PA module 2B, that is, the signal path PS2, can also be thicker than the FB wiring FB2 connecting the FB terminal 122 and the PA module 2B.

[0142] This makes it possible to further reduce the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2A and the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2B.

[0143] In addition, the length of the wiring refers to the length along the direction of current flow of the conductor that electrically connects two terminals. In addition, the thickness of the wiring refers to: (1) a value obtained by averaging the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring when it is cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of current flow in the wiring, (2) a value obtained by sampling and averaging the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring when it is cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of current flow at a predetermined interval along the direction of current flow in the wiring, or (3) a value obtained by sampling and averaging the cross-sectional area of ​​the wiring when it is cut in a direction perpendicular to the direction of current flow at any plurality of locations along the direction of current flow in the wiring.

[0144] Next, refer to Fig. 10A 10B, the arrangement on the module substrate 92 of the APT module 1A according to the second modification will be described. Fig. 10A 1 is a plan view of the main surface 92a of the APT module 1A according to the second modification, and is a view of the main surface 92a of the module substrate 92 as viewed from the positive side of the z-axis. Fig. 10B 1 is a plan view of the main surface 92 b of the APT module 1A according to Modification 2, and is a view showing the main surface 92 b side of the module substrate 92 as viewed from the positive z-axis side.

[0145] The module substrate 92 has main surfaces 92a and 92b facing each other. For example, an LTCC substrate or HTCC substrate having a laminated structure of a plurality of dielectric layers, a component-embedded substrate, a substrate having RDL, or a printed circuit board can be used as the module substrate 92, but it is not limited thereto.

[0146] The converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A are arranged on the main surface 92 a , and the output terminals 111 and 112 and the FB terminals 121 and 122 are arranged on the main surface 92 b .

[0147] According to this, the circuit components and terminals constituting the APT module 1A are separately arranged on the two main surfaces of the module substrate 92, so that the APT module 1A can be miniaturized.

[0148] The converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A may also be included in the semiconductor IC 80. The semiconductor IC 80 is configured using, for example, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and may be specifically manufactured using a SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process. The semiconductor IC 80 is not limited to CMOS.

[0149] According to this, since the converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A are integrated, the APT module 1A can be miniaturized.

[0150] In a plan view of the main surface 92 b , the output terminal 111 and the FB terminal 121 are adjacent to each other, and the output terminal 112 and the FB terminal 122 are adjacent to each other.

[0151] According to this, since the FB wirings FB1 and FB2 can be shortened, the FB voltage V can be detected at the FB terminals 121 and 122 with high accuracy. FB1 and V FB2 .

[0152] In addition, when the main surface 92 b is viewed in plan, a ground terminal is arranged between the output terminal 111 and the output terminal 112 .

[0153] According to this, it is possible to reduce mutual interference between the power supply voltage output from the output terminal 111 and the power supply voltage output from the output terminal 112 .

[0154] The module substrate 92 has a rectangular shape, and the output terminal 111 and the output terminal 112 are respectively arranged adjacent to two opposing outer sides of the four outer sides of the module substrate 92 in a plan view of the main surface 92 b .

[0155] According to this, since the distance between the output terminal 111 and the output terminal 112 can be ensured, the mutual interference between the power supply voltage output from the output terminal 111 and the power supply voltage output from the output terminal 112 can be reduced.

[0156] In addition, when the main surface 92b is viewed from above, a control terminal for inputting and outputting a digital control signal is arranged between the FB terminal 121 and the FB terminal 122. Fig. 10B The MIPI terminal (referred to as MIPI in FIG. 1 ) is a terminal for supplying a source synchronous digital control signal from the control circuit 10A to the switches 31 and 32 .

[0157] According to this, the FB voltage V detected at the FB terminal 121 can be reduced. FB1 and the FB voltage V detected at the FB terminal 122 FB2 mutual interference.

[0158] In addition, the switches 31 and 32 are arranged on the main surface 92 a , and the control circuit 10A is arranged between the switches 31 and 32 in a plan view of the main surface 92 a .

[0159] This can shorten the distance between the switch 31 and the control circuit 10A, and shorten the distance between the switch 32 and the control circuit 10A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of digital noise caused by the digital control signal supplied from the control circuit 10A to both the switches 31 and 32.

[0160] [7 Effects, etc.]

[0161] As described above, the APT module 1 involved in this embodiment includes: a converter circuit 20 that outputs a power supply voltage V1; output terminals 111 and 112 to which the power supply voltage V1 is applied; an FB terminal 121 that is connected to a signal path PS1 that connects the power amplifiers 41 to 43 and the output terminal 111; an FB terminal 122 that is connected to a signal path PS2 that connects the power amplifiers 44 to 46 and the output terminal 112; and a control circuit 10 that is connected to the FB terminals 121 and 122 and the converter circuit 20.

[0162] According to this, when the PA module 2A transmits a high frequency transmission signal and the PA module 2B transmits a high frequency transmission signal at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT module 1 to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT module 1 does not need to supply a plurality of different power supply voltages, so that the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small APT module 1 that supplies a power supply voltage to a power amplifier when a plurality of high frequency signals are transmitted at the same time can be provided.

[0163] In addition, for example, the APT module 1 may further include a switch 31 connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 111 , and a switch 32 connected between the converter circuit 20 and the output terminal 112 .

[0164] According to this, the output destination of the power supply voltage V1 can be selected.

[0165] In addition, for example, in the APT module 1 , the switch 31 and the switch 32 may be turned on at the same time.

[0166] According to this, by turning on the switches 31 and 32 at the same time, the power supply voltage V1 can be applied to both the output terminals 111 and 112 at the same time.

[0167] In addition, for example, in the APT module 1, the control circuit 10 may set the target voltage V based on the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 to TA1 and a target voltage V based on the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 TA2 The higher one of the two is output from the converter circuit 20 as the power supply voltage V1.

[0168] Thus, the APT module 1 can supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0169] In addition, for example, in the APT module 1, the control circuit 10 may also be configured to generate a voltage from the target voltage V TA1 Subtract the FB voltage V of the FB terminal 121 FB1When the obtained differential voltage is greater than Vth1, or when the target voltage V TA2 Subtract the FB voltage V of the FB terminal 122 FB2 When the obtained differential voltage is equal to or greater than Vth2, the power supply voltage V1 is increased.

[0170] Thus, the APT module 1 can supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations in accordance with changes in the amplification states of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 .

[0171] In addition, for example, the APT module 1 may also have a LUT that pre-stores relevant data representing the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46. The control circuit 10 estimates the total value of the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43 and the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 based on the power supply voltage V1 and the relevant data, and controls the power supply voltage V1 so that the total value does not exceed Pth3.

[0172] Thus, the APT module 1 can cope with the power restriction of the high-frequency signal output from the communication device 5 and supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0173] In addition, for example, in the APT modules 1 and 1A, the control circuits 10 and 10A may also reduce the power supply voltage V1 when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the power amplifiers 41 to 43 exceeds Pth4, or when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the power amplifiers 44 to 46 exceeds Pth5.

[0174] This makes it possible to suppress signal distortion according to the magnitude of the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0175] In addition, for example, the APT module 1A may also include an output power FB terminal 141 connected to the signal output terminals of the power amplifiers 41 to 43, and an output power FB terminal 142 connected to the signal output terminals of the power amplifiers 44 to 46. When the power value detected at the output power FB terminal 141 exceeds Pth4, or when the power value detected at the output power FB terminal 142 exceeds Pth5, the control circuit 10A reduces the power supply voltage V1.

[0176] This makes it possible to suppress signal distortion according to the magnitude of the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0177] In addition, for example, the APT module 1A may further include a module substrate 92 having main surfaces 92a and 92b facing each other, the converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A are arranged on the main surface 92a, and the output terminals 111 and 112 and the FB terminals 121 and 122 are arranged on the main surface 92b.

[0178] According to this, the circuit components and terminals constituting the APT module 1A are separately arranged on the two main surfaces of the module substrate 92, so that the APT module 1A can be miniaturized.

[0179] Furthermore, for example, in the APT module 1A, the converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A may be included in the semiconductor IC 80 .

[0180] According to this, since the converter circuit 20 and the control circuit 10A are integrated, the APT module 1A can be miniaturized.

[0181] Furthermore, for example, in the APT module 1A, when the main surface 92 b is viewed in plan, the output terminal 111 and the FB terminal 121 may be adjacent to each other, and the output terminal 112 and the FB terminal 122 may be adjacent to each other.

[0182] According to this, since the FB wirings FB1 and FB2 can be shortened, the FB voltage V can be detected at the FB terminals 121 and 122 with high accuracy. FB1 and V FB2 .

[0183] Furthermore, for example, in the APT module 1A, a control terminal for inputting and outputting a digital control signal may be arranged between the FB terminal 121 and the FB terminal 122 when the main surface 92 b is viewed in plan.

[0184] According to this, the FB voltage V detected at the FB terminal 121 can be reduced. FB1 and the FB voltage V detected at the FB terminal 122 FB2 mutual interference.

[0185] For example, in the APT module 1A, the converter circuit 20 , the control circuit 10A, and the switches 31 and 32 may be arranged on the main surface 92 a , and the control circuit 10A may be arranged between the switches 31 and 32 in a plan view of the main surface 92 a .

[0186] This can shorten the distance between the switch 31 and the control circuit 10A, and shorten the distance between the switch 32 and the control circuit 10A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of digital noise caused by the digital control signal supplied from the control circuit 10A to both the switches 31 and 32.

[0187] In addition, the communication device 5A involved in the variant example 2 of the present embodiment comprises: RFIC4; APT module 1A, transmitting high-frequency signals between RFIC4 and antennas 3A and 3B; PA module 2A, connected between the APT module 1A and the antenna 3A, including power amplifiers 41 to 43; PA module 2B, connected between the APT module 1A and the antenna 3B, including power amplifiers 44 to 46; and a mother substrate 91, on which RFIC4, APT module 1A and PA modules 2A and 2B are configured, and when looking down at the main surface of the mother substrate 91, the APT module 1A is configured between the PA module 2A and the PA module 2B.

[0188] This can shorten the distance between the APT module 1A and the PA module 2A, and shorten the distance between the APT module 1A and the PA module 2B. Therefore, the power supply voltage V1 can be supplied from the APT module 1A to both the PA modules 2A and 2B with low loss.

[0189] In communication device 5A, power amplifiers 41 to 43 may be primary amplifiers, power amplifiers 44 to 46 may be secondary amplifiers, and the length of the wiring connecting PA module 2A and APT module 1A may be shorter than the length of the wiring connecting PA module 2B and APT module 1A.

[0190] This allows the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2A to be smaller than the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2B. Therefore, the power supply voltage V1 can be supplied from the APT module 1A to the primary module with lower loss.

[0191] In addition, in the communication device 5A, the signal path PS1 connecting the output terminal 111 and the PA module 2A may be thicker than the FB wiring FB1 connecting the FB terminal 121 and the PA module 2A, and the signal path PS2 connecting the output terminal 112 and the PA module 2B may be thicker than the FB wiring FB2 connecting the FB terminal 122 and the PA module 2B.

[0192] According to this, the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2A and the voltage drop of the power supply voltage V1 supplied from the APT module 1A to the PA module 2B can be further reduced.

[0193] In addition, the APT circuit involved in this embodiment includes: a converter circuit 20, which can convert an input voltage into a power supply voltage V1; a switch 31, which is arranged in a first path connecting the converter circuit 20 and the power amplifiers 41~43 and supplies the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41~43; and a switch 32, which is arranged in a second path connecting the converter circuit 20 and the power amplifiers 44~46 and supplies the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 44~46, and the switch 31 and the switch 32 can be turned on at the same time.

[0194] According to this, when the switches 31 and 32 are turned on at the same time, the same power supply voltage V1 is supplied from the APT circuit to the PA modules 2A and 2B, respectively. That is, the APT circuit does not need to supply multiple different power supply voltages, so the circuit structure can be simplified. Therefore, a small and simplified APT circuit that can supply the power supply voltage V1 to the power amplifiers 41 to 46 at the same time can be provided.

[0195] In addition, the power supply voltage supply method according to the present embodiment selects a target voltage V based on the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 43. TA1 and a target voltage V based on the output power of the power amplifiers 44 to 46 TA2 The higher voltage among the two is used as the power supply voltage V1, and the selected power supply voltage V1 is supplied to both the power amplifiers 41 to 43 and the power amplifiers 44 to 46.

[0196] This allows supply of the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0197] In addition, the power supply voltage supply method according to the present embodiment can also be configured to supply a power supply voltage from the target voltage V TA1 When the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the power amplifiers 41 to 43 is equal to or greater than Vth1, or when the target voltage V TA2 When the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the power amplifiers 44 to 46 is equal to or greater than Vth2, the power supply voltage V1 is increased.

[0198] Thereby, it is possible to supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations in accordance with changes in the amplification states of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 .

[0199] In addition, the power supply voltage supply method involved in this embodiment can also reduce the power supply voltage V1 when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the power amplifiers 41 to 43 exceeds Pth4, or when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the power amplifiers 44 to 46 exceeds Pth5.

[0200] This makes it possible to suppress signal distortion according to the magnitude of the output power of the power amplifiers 41 to 46 and supply the power supply voltage V1 suitable for the power amplifiers 41 to 46 to perform appropriate amplification operations.

[0201] (Other Embodiments)

[0202] The APT module, APT circuit, communication device, and power supply voltage supply method involved in the present invention are described above based on the embodiments and variants, but the APT module, APT circuit, communication device, and power supply voltage supply method involved in the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and variants. Other embodiments implemented by combining any constituent elements in the above embodiments and variants, variants obtained by implementing various modifications that a person skilled in the art can think of to the above embodiments and variants within the scope of the main purpose of the present invention, and various devices in which the above APT module, APT circuit, and communication device are built-in are also included in the present invention.

[0203] For example, in the circuit configurations of the APT modules, APT circuits, and communication devices according to the above-described embodiments and modifications, other circuit elements and wirings may be inserted between paths connecting the circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings.

[0204] Features of the amplifier circuit and the communication device described in the above-mentioned embodiments are described below.

[0205] <1> An average power tracking module, comprising:

[0206] A converter circuit outputs a first voltage;

[0207] The first output terminal and the second output terminal are applied with the first voltage;

[0208] A first feedback terminal connected to a path connecting the first power amplifier and the first output terminal;

[0209] A second feedback terminal connected to a path connecting the second power amplifier and the second output terminal; and

[0210] The control circuit is connected to the first feedback terminal, the second feedback terminal and the converter circuit.

[0211] <2> The average power tracking module according to <1>, further comprising:

[0212] A first switch connected between the converter circuit and the first output terminal; and

[0213] The second switch is connected between the converter circuit and the second output terminal.

[0214] <3> The average power tracking module according to <2>, wherein:

[0215] The first switch and the second switch can be turned on at the same time.

[0216] <4> The average power tracking module according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein:

[0217] The control circuit outputs the higher of a first power supply voltage to be supplied at a specified time based on the output power of the first power amplifier and a second power supply voltage to be supplied at the specified time based on the output power of the second power amplifier as the first voltage from the converter circuit at the specified time.

[0218] <5> The average power tracking module according to <4>, wherein:

[0219] The control circuit increases the first voltage when a differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the first feedback terminal from the first power supply voltage is greater than a first threshold or when a differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the second feedback terminal from the second power supply voltage is greater than a second threshold.

[0220] <6> The average power tracking module according to <4>, wherein:

[0221] The average power tracking module further includes a storage unit that stores in advance relevant data, the relevant data indicating the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the first power amplifier and the output power of the first power amplifier, and the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the second power amplifier and the output power of the second power amplifier.

[0222] The control circuit estimates a total value of the output power of the first power amplifier and the output power of the second power amplifier based on the first voltage and the correlation data, and controls the first voltage so that the total value does not exceed a third threshold value.

[0223] <7> The average power tracking module according to <4>, wherein:

[0224] When the output power of the high frequency signal output from the first power amplifier exceeds a fourth threshold value, or when the output power of the high frequency signal output from the second power amplifier exceeds a fifth threshold value, the control circuit reduces the first voltage.

[0225] <8> The average power tracking module according to <4>, wherein:

[0226] The above average power tracking module also has:

[0227] A third feedback terminal is connected to the signal output terminal of the first power amplifier; and

[0228] a fourth feedback terminal connected to the signal output terminal of the second power amplifier;

[0229] When the power value detected at the third feedback terminal exceeds a fourth threshold value, or when the power value detected at the fourth feedback terminal exceeds a fifth threshold value, the control circuit reduces the first voltage.

[0230] <9> The average power tracking module according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein:

[0231] The average power tracking module further includes a module substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other.

[0232] The converter circuit and the control circuit are arranged on the first main surface.

[0233] The first output terminal, the second output terminal, the first feedback terminal, and the second feedback terminal are arranged on the second main surface.

[0234] <10> The average power tracking module according to <9>, wherein:

[0235] The converter circuit and the control circuit are included in a semiconductor IC.

[0236] <11> The average power tracking module according to <9> or <10>, wherein:

[0237] When looking down at the second main surface,

[0238] The first output terminal is adjacent to the first feedback terminal.

[0239] The second output terminal and the second feedback terminal are adjacent to each other.

[0240] <12> The average power tracking module according to any one of <9> to <11>, wherein:

[0241] When looking down at the second main surface,

[0242] A control terminal for inputting and outputting a digital control signal is arranged between the first feedback terminal and the second feedback terminal.

[0243] <13> The average power tracking module according to <2>, wherein:

[0244] The invention also includes a module substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other.

[0245] The converter circuit, the control circuit, the first switch, and the second switch are arranged on the first main surface.

[0246] When the first main surface is viewed from above,

[0247] The control circuit is arranged between the first switch and the second switch.

[0248] <14> A communication device comprising:

[0249] Signal processing circuit, processing high frequency signals;

[0250] An average power tracking module as described in any one of <1> to <13> for transmitting the high frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and the antenna;

[0251] A first amplification module, connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna, comprising the first power amplifier;

[0252] A second amplification module, connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna, comprising the second power amplifier; and

[0253] The mother substrate is provided with the signal processing circuit, the average power tracking module, the first amplifying module and the second amplifying module.

[0254] When looking down at the main surface of the mother substrate,

[0255] The average power tracking module is configured between the first amplifying module and the second amplifying module.

[0256] <15> The communication device according to <14>, wherein:

[0257] The first power amplifier is a primary amplifier.

[0258] The second power amplifier is a secondary amplifier.

[0259] The length of a wiring connecting the first amplifying module and the average power tracking module is shorter than the length of a wiring connecting the second amplifying module and the average power tracking module.

[0260] <16> The communication device according to <14> or <15>, wherein:

[0261] The wiring connecting the first output terminal and the first amplifying module is thicker than the wiring connecting the first feedback terminal and the first amplifying module.

[0262] A wiring connecting the second output terminal and the second amplification module is thicker than a wiring connecting the second feedback terminal and the second amplification module.

[0263] <17> An average power tracking circuit having:

[0264] A converter circuit outputs a first voltage;

[0265] a first switch disposed in a first path connecting the converter circuit and the first power amplifier and supplying the first voltage to the first power amplifier; and

[0266] The second switch is arranged in a second path connecting the converter circuit and the second power amplifier and supplies the first voltage to the second power amplifier.

[0267] The first switch and the second switch can be turned on at the same time.

[0268] <18> A method for supplying a power supply voltage to a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier capable of simultaneously transmitting a high frequency signal,

[0269] selecting a higher voltage of a first power supply voltage based on the output power of the first power amplifier and a second power supply voltage based on the output power of the second power amplifier as the first voltage,

[0270] The selected first voltage is supplied to both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier.

[0271] <19> The power supply voltage supply method according to <18>, wherein:

[0272] In the above-mentioned power supply voltage supply method, the above-mentioned first voltage is increased when the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the above-mentioned first power amplifier from the first power supply voltage to be supplied at the specified time based on the output power of the above-mentioned first power amplifier is greater than the first threshold value, or when the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the above-mentioned second power amplifier from the second power supply voltage to be supplied at the above-mentioned specified time based on the output power of the above-mentioned second power amplifier is greater than the second threshold value.

[0273] <20> The power supply voltage supply method according to <18> or <19>, wherein:

[0274] In the above-mentioned power supply voltage supply method, the above-mentioned first voltage is also reduced when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the above-mentioned first power amplifier exceeds the fourth threshold, or when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the above-mentioned second power amplifier exceeds the fifth threshold.

[0275] Industrial Application Possibility

[0276] The present invention can be widely used in communication equipment such as mobile phones as a power supply circuit or a communication device disposed in a front end portion supporting multiple frequency bands.

[0277] Description of Reference Numerals

[0278] 1, 1A, 1C, 1D…APT module; 2A, 2B…PA module; 3A, 3B…antenna; 4…RFIC; 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D…communication device; 10, 10A, 10C, 10D…control circuit; 20, 20D…converter circuit; 21…inductor; 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 31C, 32, 32C, 61, 62, 203…switch; 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46…power amplifier; 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56…filter; 80…semiconductor IC; 91…motherboard; 92…module board; 92a, 92 b…main surface; 111, 112, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167…output terminal; 121, 122, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156…FB terminal; 130…control signal terminal; 141, 142…output power FB terminal; 201, 202…voltage supply circuit; FB1, FB2, FB11, FB12, FB13, FB21, FB22, FB23…FB wiring; PFB1, PFB2, PFB3, PFB4…output power FB wiring; PS1, PS2…signal path; V1…power supply voltage.

Claims

1. An average power tracking module, comprising: A converter circuit outputs a first voltage; The first output terminal and the second output terminal are applied with the first voltage; A first feedback terminal connected to a path connecting the first power amplifier and the first output terminal; A second feedback terminal connected to a path connecting the second power amplifier and the second output terminal; as well as The control circuit is connected to the first feedback terminal, the second feedback terminal and the converter circuit.

2. The average power tracking module according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: A first switch connected between the converter circuit and the first output terminal; and The second switch is connected between the converter circuit and the second output terminal.

3. The average power tracking module according to claim 2, wherein: The first switch and the second switch can be turned on at the same time.

4. The average power tracking module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The control circuit outputs the higher of a first power supply voltage to be supplied at a specified time based on the output power of the first power amplifier and a second power supply voltage to be supplied at the specified time based on the output power of the second power amplifier as the first voltage from the converter circuit at the specified time.

5. The average power tracking module according to claim 4, wherein: The control circuit increases the first voltage when a differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the first feedback terminal from the first power supply voltage is greater than a first threshold or when a differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the second feedback terminal from the second power supply voltage is greater than a second threshold.

6. The average power tracking module according to claim 4, wherein: The average power tracking module further includes a storage unit, which stores in advance relevant data, the relevant data indicating the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the first power amplifier and the output power of the first power amplifier and the relationship between the power supply voltage supplied to the second power amplifier and the output power of the second power amplifier. The control circuit estimates a total value of the output power of the first power amplifier and the output power of the second power amplifier based on the first voltage and the correlation data, and controls the first voltage so that the total value does not exceed a third threshold value.

7. The average power tracking module according to claim 4, wherein: When the output power of the high frequency signal output from the first power amplifier exceeds a fourth threshold value, or when the output power of the high frequency signal output from the second power amplifier exceeds a fifth threshold value, the control circuit reduces the first voltage.

8. The average power tracking module according to claim 4, wherein: The above average power tracking module also has: A third feedback terminal is connected to the signal output terminal of the first power amplifier; and The fourth feedback terminal is connected to the signal output terminal of the second power amplifier. When the power value detected at the third feedback terminal exceeds a fourth threshold value, or when the power value detected at the fourth feedback terminal exceeds a fifth threshold value, the control circuit reduces the first voltage.

9. The average power tracking module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The average power tracking module further includes a module substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The converter circuit and the control circuit are arranged on the first main surface. The first output terminal, the second output terminal, the first feedback terminal, and the second feedback terminal are arranged on the second main surface.

10. The average power tracking module according to claim 9, wherein: The converter circuit and the control circuit are included in a semiconductor IC.

11. The average power tracking module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: When looking down at the second main surface, The first output terminal is adjacent to the first feedback terminal. The second output terminal and the second feedback terminal are adjacent to each other.

12. The average power tracking module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: When looking down at the second main surface, A control terminal for inputting and outputting a digital control signal is arranged between the first feedback terminal and the second feedback terminal.

13. The average power tracking module according to claim 2, wherein: The invention also includes a module substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The converter circuit, the control circuit, the first switch, and the second switch are arranged on the first main surface. When the first main surface is viewed from above, The control circuit is arranged between the first switch and the second switch.

14. A communication device comprising: Signal processing circuit, processing high frequency signals; An average power tracking module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 for transmitting the high frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and the antenna; A first amplification module, connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna, comprising the first power amplifier; A second amplification module, connected between the average power tracking module and the antenna, comprising the second power amplifier; as well as The mother substrate is provided with the signal processing circuit, the average power tracking module, the first amplifying module and the second amplifying module. When looking down at the main surface of the mother substrate, The average power tracking module is configured between the first amplifying module and the second amplifying module.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein: The first power amplifier is a primary amplifier. The second power amplifier is a secondary amplifier. The length of a wiring connecting the first amplifying module and the average power tracking module is shorter than the length of a wiring connecting the second amplifying module and the average power tracking module.

16. The communication device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The wiring connecting the first output terminal and the first amplifying module is thicker than the wiring connecting the first feedback terminal and the first amplifying module. A wiring connecting the second output terminal and the second amplification module is thicker than a wiring connecting the second feedback terminal and the second amplification module.

17. An average power tracking circuit, comprising: A converter circuit outputs a first voltage; a first switch disposed in a first path connecting the converter circuit and the first power amplifier and supplying the first voltage to the first power amplifier; and The second switch is arranged in a second path connecting the converter circuit and the second power amplifier and supplies the first voltage to the second power amplifier. The first switch and the second switch can be turned on at the same time.

18. A method for supplying power supply voltage to a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier capable of simultaneously transmitting a high frequency signal, selecting a higher voltage of a first power supply voltage based on the output power of the first power amplifier and a second power supply voltage based on the output power of the second power amplifier as the first voltage, The selected first voltage is supplied to both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier.

19. The power supply voltage supply method according to claim 18, wherein: In the above-mentioned power supply voltage supply method, the above-mentioned first voltage is increased when the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the above-mentioned first power amplifier from the first power supply voltage to be supplied at the specified time based on the output power of the above-mentioned first power amplifier is greater than the first threshold value, or when the differential voltage obtained by subtracting the voltage of the power supply voltage supply line connected to the above-mentioned second power amplifier from the second power supply voltage to be supplied at the above-mentioned specified time based on the output power of the above-mentioned second power amplifier is greater than the second threshold value.

20. The power supply voltage supply method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: In the above-mentioned power supply voltage supply method, the above-mentioned first voltage is also reduced when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the above-mentioned first power amplifier exceeds the fourth threshold, or when the output power of the high-frequency signal output from the above-mentioned second power amplifier exceeds the fifth threshold.

Images