High-frequency circuit and communication device

Abstract

A high-frequency circuit (1) is provided with: a power amplifier (10) capable of outputting a first maximum transmission power; a power amplifier (20) capable of outputting a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power; a filter (41) having a passband including a frequency band A; a filter (43) having a passband including a frequency band B different from the frequency band A; a switch (31) connected between the power amplifier (10) and the filter (41) and between the power amplifier (10) and the filter (43); and a switch (32) connected between the switch (31) and the filter (43) and between the power amplifier (20) and the filter (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency circuit and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 (FIG. 8) discloses a power amplifier system, which includes: a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; a first switch connected to the output end of the first power amplifier; a first signal path connected between the first switch and the first antenna; a second signal path connected between the first switch and the second antenna; and a third signal path connected to the output end of the second power amplifier and the second antenna. According to the above power amplifier system, when a signal of the first frequency band is transmitted alone, the signal of the first frequency band is amplified by the first power amplifier and transmitted in the first signal path. In addition, when a signal of the second frequency band is transmitted alone, the signal of the second frequency band is amplified by the second power amplifier and transmitted in the third signal path. In addition, when a signal of the first frequency band and a signal of the second frequency band are transmitted simultaneously, the signal of the first frequency band is amplified by the first power amplifier and transmitted in the first signal path, and the signal of the second frequency band is amplified by the second power amplifier and transmitted in the third signal path.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-13725 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the power amplifier system (high-frequency circuit) disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult to optimize the power efficiency when amplifying high-frequency signals of different frequency bands.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency circuit and a communication device capable of optimizing power efficiency when amplifying high-frequency signals in different frequency bands.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a high-frequency circuit involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first power amplifier, which can output a first maximum transmission power; a second power amplifier, which can output a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power; a first filter, whose passband includes a first frequency band; a second filter, whose passband includes a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; a first switch, which is connected between the first power amplifier and the first filter, and between the first power amplifier and the second filter; and a second switch, which is connected between the first switch and the second filter, and between the second power amplifier and the second filter.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-frequency circuit and a communication device capable of optimizing power efficiency when amplifying high-frequency signals in different frequency bands. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit and a communication device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A This is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band A is transmitted alone in the high-frequency circuit according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band B is transmitted alone in the high-frequency circuit according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2C This is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band A and a signal in frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously in the high-frequency circuit according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit and a communication device according to a comparative example.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit and a communication device according to a modification example.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a circuit state when a 2G signal is transmitted in the high-frequency circuit according to the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following drawings are used to describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail. 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 their purpose is not to limit the present invention.

[0021] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram that appropriately emphasizes, omits, or adjusts the ratio in order to illustrate the present invention, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated, 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.

[0022] In the present disclosure, "connection" includes not only direct connection via connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements. In addition, "connection between A and B" means connection with A and B on a path connecting A and B.

[0023] In addition, in the present disclosure, a "transmission path" refers to a transmission line composed of a wiring for propagation of a high-frequency transmission signal, an electrode directly connected to the wiring, and a terminal directly connected to the wiring or the electrode. In addition, a "reception path" refers to a transmission line composed of a wiring for propagation of a high-frequency reception signal, an electrode directly connected to the wiring, and a terminal directly connected to the wiring or the electrode.

[0024] In addition, in the present disclosure, the first frequency band (frequency band A) and the second frequency band (frequency band B) are each defined by a standardization organization such as 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project), IEEE (Institute of Standardization), etc. The frequency band is a frequency band predefined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for a communication system built using a radio access technology (RAT). In the present embodiment and the variant examples, as a communication system, for example, a 2G (2nd Generation) system, a 4G (4th Generation)-LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, a 5G (5th Generation)-NR (New Radio) system, and a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) system can be used, but it is not limited to these systems.

[0025] (Implementation Method)

[0026] [1 Circuit Structure of High Frequency Circuit 1 and Communication Device 4]

[0027] Reference Figure 1 The circuit configurations of the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 4 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 4 according to the embodiment.

[0028] [1.1 Circuit Configuration of Communication Device 4]

[0029] First, the circuit structure of the communication device 4 is described. Figure 1 As shown, a communication device 4 according to the present embodiment includes a high-frequency circuit 1 , antennas 2A and 2B, and an RF signal processing circuit (RFIC) 3 .

[0030] The high-frequency circuit 1 transmits a high-frequency signal between the antennas 2A and 2B and the RFIC 3. The detailed circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1 will be described later.

[0031] The antenna 2A is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 of the high frequency circuit 1 , and transmits a high frequency signal output from the high frequency circuit 1 , and receives a high frequency signal from the outside and outputs the signal to the high frequency circuit 1 .

[0032] The antenna 2B is connected to the antenna connection terminal 102 of the high frequency circuit 1 , and transmits a high frequency signal output from the high frequency circuit 1 , and receives a high frequency signal from the outside and outputs the signal to the high frequency circuit 1 .

[0033] RFIC 3 is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal. Specifically, RFIC 3 performs signal processing on a transmission signal input from a baseband signal processing circuit (BBIC: not shown) by up-conversion, etc., and outputs the high-frequency transmission signal generated after the signal processing to the transmission path of the high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, RFIC 3 performs signal processing on a high-frequency reception signal input via the reception path of the high-frequency circuit 1 by down-conversion, etc., and outputs the reception signal generated after the signal processing. In addition, RFIC 3 has a control unit that controls switches and amplifiers, etc., which are included in the high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, part or all of the functions of RFIC 3 as a control unit can also be installed outside RFIC 3, for example, it can also be installed on the BBIC or the high-frequency circuit 1.

[0034] In addition, in the communication device 4 according to the present embodiment, the antennas 2A and 2B are not essential components.

[0035] [1.2 Circuit structure of high frequency circuit 1]

[0036] Next, the circuit structure of the high frequency circuit 1 is described. Figure 1 As shown, the high-frequency circuit 1 includes power amplifiers 10 and 20 , filters 41 , 42 , 43 and 44 , switches 31 , 32 and 33 , antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 , and high-frequency input terminals 111 and 112 .

[0037] The antenna connection terminal 101 is an external connection terminal of the high frequency circuit 1, and is connected to the antenna 2A. The antenna connection terminal 102 is an external connection terminal of the high frequency circuit 1, and is connected to the antenna 2B. The high frequency input terminals 111 and 112 are external connection terminals of the high frequency circuit 1, and are terminals for receiving high frequency transmission signals from the RFIC 3. In addition, the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, the high frequency input terminals 111 and 112, and the terminals of the switches 31 to 33 described later can each be a metal conductor such as a metal electrode and a metal bump, and can also be a point (node) on a metal wiring.

[0038] The power amplifier 10 is an example of a first power amplifier, and its input end is connected to the high frequency input terminal 111, and its output end is connected to the common terminal 31a of the switch 31. The power amplifier 10 can amplify band A signals and band B signals.

[0039] The power amplifier 20 is an example of a second power amplifier, and an input end of the power amplifier 20 is connected to the high frequency input terminal 112, and an output end of the power amplifier 20 is connected to the terminal 32c of the switch 32. The power amplifier 20 can amplify a signal in the frequency band B.

[0040] Each of the power amplifiers 10 and 20 includes an amplifier transistor. The amplifier transistor is, for example, a bipolar transistor such as a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) or a field effect transistor such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0041] In addition, the power amplifier 10 may be capable of outputting a first maximum transmission power, and the power amplifier 20 may be capable of outputting a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power. More specifically, the power amplifier 10 may be capable of outputting a transmission signal of a first power level, and the power amplifier 20 may be capable of outputting a transmission signal of a second power level having a maximum output power greater than the maximum output power of the first power level.

[0042] Thus, the power amplifier 20 can support higher power than the power amplifier 10, but on the other hand, since a large current flows, a low-impedance output matching circuit is required, so there is a possibility that the circuit scale becomes larger and the power efficiency is deteriorated. In contrast, when the signals of each frequency band in the frequency band A and the frequency band B are transmitted separately, the power efficiency of the high-frequency circuit 1 can be improved when the power amplifier 10 is used instead of the power amplifier 20.

[0043] In addition, the power class refers to the classification of the output power of UE (User Equipment) defined by the maximum output power, etc. The smaller the value of the power class, the higher the output power allowed. For example, in 3GPP (registered trademark), the maximum output power allowed in power class 1 is 31dBm, the maximum output power allowed in power class 1.5 is 29dBm, the maximum output power allowed in power class 2 is 26dBm, and the maximum output power allowed in power class 3 is 23dBm.

[0044] The maximum output power of the UE is defined by the output power of the antenna end of the UE. The maximum output power of the UE is measured by, for example, a method defined by 3GPP (registered trademark) or the like. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the maximum output power is measured by measuring the radiation power at the antenna 2A or 2B. In addition, instead of measuring the radiation power, it is also possible to measure the output power of the antenna 2A or 2B by providing a terminal near the antenna 2A or 2B and connecting a measuring instrument (such as a spectrum analyzer, etc.) to the terminal.

[0045] The filter 41 is an example of a first filter and is a transmission filter whose passband includes the frequency band A. The input end of the filter 41 is connected to the terminal 31 b of the switch 31 , and the output end is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33 .

[0046] The filter 42 is a reception filter whose passband includes the frequency band A. The input end of the filter 42 is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33, and the output end is connected to a low noise amplifier (not shown).

[0047] The filter 43 is an example of a second filter and is a transmission filter whose passband includes a frequency band B different from the frequency band A. The input end of the filter 43 is connected to the common terminal 32 a of the switch 32 , and the output end is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33 .

[0048] The filter 44 is a reception filter whose passband includes the frequency band B. The input end of the filter 44 is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33 , and the output end is connected to a low noise amplifier (not shown).

[0049] The filters 41 and 42 constitute a duplexer for transmitting and receiving signals in frequency band A. The filters 43 and 44 constitute a duplexer for transmitting and receiving signals in frequency band B. In addition, the high-frequency circuit 1 according to the present embodiment may not include the filters 42 and 44 .

[0050] The switch 31 is an example of a first switch, is connected between the power amplifier 10 and the filters 41 and 43 , and switches between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41 and between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43 .

[0051] The switch 32 is an example of a second switch, is connected between the switch 31 and the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43 , and switches between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43 and between the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43 .

[0052] More specifically, the switch 31 has a common terminal 31a (first common terminal), a terminal 31b (first terminal), and a terminal 31c (second terminal). The switch 32 has a common terminal 32a (second common terminal), a terminal 32b (third terminal), and a terminal 32c (fourth terminal). The common terminal 31a is connected to the output of the power amplifier 10, the terminal 31b is connected to the input of the filter 41, the terminal 31c is connected to the terminal 32b, the terminal 32c is connected to the output of the power amplifier 20, and the common terminal 32a is connected to the input of the filter 43.

[0053] The switch 33 is an example of a fourth switch, and is connected between the filters 41 to 44 and the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 to switch the connection between the filter 41 and the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, and to switch the connection between the filter 43 and the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102. According to the switch 33, it is possible to select either the antenna 2A or 2B to transmit and receive signals in the frequency band A, and it is possible to select either the antenna 2A or 2B to transmit and receive signals in the frequency band B, depending on the antenna sensitivity and the like.

[0054] More specifically, the switch 33 has terminals 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d. The switch 33 switches the connection between the terminal 33a and the terminals 33c and 33d, and switches the connection between the terminal 33b and the terminals 33c and 33d. The terminal 33a is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, the terminal 33b is connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, the terminal 33c is connected to the output end of the filter 41 and the input end of the filter 42, and the terminal 33d is connected to the output end of the filter 43 and the input end of the filter 44.

[0055] In addition, in the high frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment, the switch 33 may not be provided, and the output end of the filter 41 and the input end of the filter 42 may be directly connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, and the output end of the filter 43 and the input end of the filter 44 may be directly connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. In this case, the antenna 2A can transmit and receive signals in the frequency band A, and the antenna 2B can transmit and receive signals in the frequency band B.

[0056] In addition, in this embodiment, frequency band A and frequency band B are, for example, frequency band B8 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n8 for 5G-NR (transmitting band: 880MHz-915MHz, receiving band 925MHz-960MHz), frequency band B20 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n20 for 5G-NR (transmitting band: 832MHz-862MHz, receiving band 791MHz-821MHz), frequency band B26 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n26 for 5G-NR (transmitting band: 814MHz-849MHz, receiving band 859MHz-894MHz), frequency band B28 for 4G-LTE or frequency band n28 for 5G-NR (transmitting band: 703MHz-748MHz, receiving band 758MHz-803MHz).

[0057] [1.3 Circuit status of each transmission mode]

[0058] Figure 2A 1 is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band A is transmitted alone in the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2A FIG. 4 shows the flow of signals when the signal of frequency band A is transmitted alone out of frequency band A and frequency band B (hereinafter referred to as mode A).

[0059] like Figure 2A As shown, in the case of execution mode A, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b are in a connected state, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31c are in a non-connected state, and the terminal 33a and the terminal 33c are in a connected state.

[0060] At this time, the transmission signal of frequency band A is transmitted in the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 111, power amplifier 10, switch 31, filter 41, switch 33, antenna connection terminal 101 and antenna 2A. In addition, in mode A, terminal 33b and terminal 33c may be connected depending on the antenna sensitivity and the like, and the transmission signal of frequency band A may be output from antenna 2B.

[0061] Figure 2B 1 is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band B is transmitted alone in the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2B FIG. 4 shows the flow of signals when the signal of frequency band B is transmitted alone out of frequency band A and frequency band B (hereinafter referred to as mode B).

[0062] like Figure 2BAs shown, in the case of execution mode B, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31c are connected, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b are disconnected, the common terminal 32a and the terminal 32b are connected, and the terminal 33a and the terminal 33d are connected.

[0063] At this time, the transmission signal of frequency band B is transmitted in the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 111, power amplifier 10, switch 31, switch 32, filter 43, switch 33, antenna connection terminal 101 and antenna 2A. In addition, in mode B, terminal 33b and terminal 33d may be connected depending on the antenna sensitivity and the like, and the transmission signal of frequency band B may be output from antenna 2B.

[0064] Figure 2C 1 is a diagram showing a circuit state when a signal in frequency band A and a signal in frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously in the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2C FIG. 4 shows the flow of signals when the signal of frequency band A and the signal of frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as mode C).

[0065] like Figure 2C As shown, in the case of execution mode C, common terminal 31a and terminal 31b are connected, common terminal 31a and terminal 31c are disconnected, common terminal 32a and terminal 32c are connected, terminal 33a and terminal 33c are connected, and terminal 33b and terminal 33d are connected.

[0066] At this time, the transmission signal of the frequency band A is transmitted through the transmission path of the high frequency input terminal 111, the power amplifier 10, the switch 31, the filter 41, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 101, and the antenna 2A. In addition, the transmission signal of the frequency band B is transmitted through the transmission path of the high frequency input terminal 112, the power amplifier 20, the switch 32, the filter 43, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 102, and the antenna 2B. In addition, in mode C, depending on the antenna sensitivity, etc., the terminal 33b and the terminal 33c are connected to output the transmission signal of the frequency band A from the antenna 2B, and the terminal 33a and the terminal 33d are connected to output the transmission signal of the frequency band B from the antenna 2A.

[0067] according to Figure 2A to Figure 2CIn the connection structure of the high frequency circuit 1 shown, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 by switching the switch 31, so that the signal of the frequency band A can be transmitted alone by using the signal path of the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41. In addition, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32, so that the signal of the frequency band B can be transmitted alone by using the signal path of the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43. In addition, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 and the power amplifier 20 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32, so that the signal of the frequency band A can be transmitted by using the signal path of the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41, and the signal of the frequency band B can be transmitted by using the signal path of the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43.

[0068] Next, for reference, a high-frequency circuit 501 according to a comparative example having a conventional structure will be described.

[0069] Figure 3 1 is a circuit diagram of a high frequency circuit 501 and a communication device 504 according to a comparative example. The high frequency circuit 501 shown in the figure includes power amplifiers 10 and 20, filters 41, 42, 43 and 44, a switch 33, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, and high frequency input terminals 111 and 112. The high frequency circuit 501 according to the comparative example is different from the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment in that the switches 31 and 32 are not added. Hereinafter, the description of the high frequency circuit 501 according to the comparative example will be omitted for the same points as the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0070] The input end of the filter 41 is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 10, and the output end of the filter 41 is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33. The input end of the filter 43 is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 20, and the output end of the filter 43 is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33.

[0071] In the high frequency circuit 501 involved in the comparative example, when the signal of the frequency band A of the frequency band A and the frequency band B is transmitted alone (mode A), the terminal 33a and the terminal 33c are in a connected state. At this time, the transmission signal of the frequency band A is transmitted in the transmission path such as the high frequency input terminal 111, the power amplifier 10, the filter 41, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 101 and the antenna 2A. In addition, in mode A, the terminal 33b and the terminal 33c may be connected, and the transmission signal of the frequency band A is output from the antenna 2B.

[0072] In addition, in the high frequency circuit 501 involved in the comparative example, when the signal of the frequency band B of the frequency band A and the frequency band B is transmitted alone (mode B), the terminal 33b and the terminal 33d are connected. At this time, the transmission signal of the frequency band B is transmitted in the transmission path such as the high frequency input terminal 112, the power amplifier 20, the filter 43, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 102 and the antenna 2B. In addition, in mode B, the terminal 33a and the terminal 33d may be connected, and the transmission signal of the frequency band B is output from the antenna 2A.

[0073] In the high frequency circuit 501 of the comparative example, when the signal of the frequency band A and the signal of the frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously (mode C), the terminal 33a and the terminal 33c are connected, and the terminal 33b and the terminal 33d are connected. At this time, the transmission signal of the frequency band A is transmitted in the transmission path such as the high frequency input terminal 111, the power amplifier 10, the filter 41, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 101 and the antenna 2A, and at the same time, the transmission signal of the frequency band B is transmitted in the transmission path such as the high frequency input terminal 112, the power amplifier 20, the filter 43, the switch 33, the antenna connection terminal 102 and the antenna 2B. In addition, in mode C, the terminal 33b and the terminal 33c are connected, and the transmission signal of the frequency band A is output from the antenna 2B, and the terminal 33a and the terminal 33d are connected, and the transmission signal of the frequency band B is output from the antenna 2A.

[0074] According to the connection structure of the high frequency circuit 501 involved in the comparative example, the signal of the frequency band A can be transmitted alone by using the signal path such as the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41, and the signal of the frequency band B can be transmitted alone by using the signal path such as the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43. In addition, the signal of the frequency band A can be transmitted by using the signal path such as the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41, and the signal of the frequency band B can be transmitted by using the signal path such as the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43 at the same time.

[0075] However, in this case, different power amplifiers 10 and 20 are used when a signal in frequency band A is sent alone and when a signal in frequency band B is sent alone, respectively. Therefore, it is assumed that there is a difference in the power efficiency of the high-frequency circuit 501 when a signal in frequency band A is sent alone and when a signal in frequency band B is sent alone.

[0076] In contrast, according to the high-frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment, since it is not desired to increase the size of the power amplifier, the power amplifier is used in both the case of transmitting the signal of the frequency band A alone and the case of transmitting the signal of the frequency band B alone. Furthermore, the maximum transmission power of the power amplifier 20 is greater than the maximum transmission power of the power amplifier 10, but the maximum transmission power does not need to be large when the signal of the frequency band B is transmitted alone, so the power amplifier 10 is used. Thus, the power efficiency of the high-frequency circuit 1 can be optimized.

[0077] More specifically, when the signal of band A is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 by switching the switch 31, and when the signal of band B is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32. In addition, when the signal of band A and the signal of band B are transmitted simultaneously, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 and the power amplifier 20 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32.

[0078] That is, the same power amplifier 10 is used when a signal in frequency band A is transmitted alone and when a signal in frequency band B is transmitted alone, so the power efficiency can be optimized in the same manner when a signal in each frequency band of frequency band A and frequency band B is transmitted alone. Therefore, the power efficiency can be optimized when high-frequency signals in different frequency bands are amplified.

[0079] [1.4 Circuit Configuration of High-Frequency Circuit 1A According to Modification Example]

[0080] Figure 4 1 is a circuit structure diagram of a high-frequency circuit 1A and a communication device 4A according to a modification. As shown in the figure, the communication device 4A includes a high-frequency circuit 1A, antennas 2A and 2B, and an RFIC 3. The communication device 4A according to this modification is different from the communication device 4 according to the embodiment only in the circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1A. The circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this modification is described below.

[0081] The high frequency circuit 1A includes power amplifiers 10 and 20, filters 41, 42, 43 and 44, switches 31, 32, 33A and 34, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, and high frequency input terminals 111 and 112. The high frequency circuit 1A according to this modification is different from the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment in that a switch 34 is added and the structure of the switch 33A. Hereinafter, the description of the high frequency circuit 1A according to this modification is omitted for the same points as the high frequency circuit 1 according to the embodiment, and the description will be mainly focused on the differences.

[0082] The power amplifier 10 is an example of a first power amplifier, and its input end is connected to the high frequency input terminal 111, and its output end is connected to the common terminal 31a. The power amplifier 10 can amplify signals of frequency band A and frequency band B used for 4G-LTE or 5G-NR.

[0083] The power amplifier 20 is an example of a second power amplifier, and its input end is connected to the high frequency input terminal 112, and its output end is connected to the common terminal 34a of the switch 34. The power amplifier 20 can amplify signals of the frequency band B used for 4G-LTE or 5G-NR and signals for 2G.

[0084] In addition, the power amplifier 10 can output a first maximum transmission power, and the power amplifier 20 can output a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power. More specifically, the power amplifier 10 can output a transmission signal of a first power level, and the power amplifier 20 can output a transmission signal of a second power level having a maximum output power greater than the maximum output power of the first power level. In addition, the maximum output power of the signal for 2G is greater than the maximum output power of the signal for 4G-LTE and the maximum output power of the signal for 5G-NR.

[0085] As a result, the power amplifier 20 can support higher power than the power amplifier 10 , but on the other hand, since a large current flows, a low-impedance output matching circuit is required, so the circuit scale becomes larger and the power efficiency may deteriorate.

[0086] The filter 41 is an example of a first filter and is a transmission filter whose passband includes the frequency band A. The input end of the filter 41 is connected to the terminal 31 b , and the output end is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33A.

[0087] The filter 43 is an example of a second filter and is a transmission filter whose passband includes the frequency band B. The input end of the filter 43 is connected to the common terminal 32a, and the output end is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33A.

[0088] The switch 31 is an example of a first switch, is connected between the power amplifier 10 and the filters 41 and 43 , and switches between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41 and between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43 .

[0089] The switch 32 is an example of a second switch, is connected between the switches 31 and 34 and the filter 43 , and switches between the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43 and between the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43 .

[0090] Switch 34 is an example of a third switch, which is connected between the power amplifier 20 and the switch 32, the antenna connection terminal 101 and the antenna connection terminal 102, and switches the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43, and the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 without passing through the switch 32 and the filter 43.

[0091] More specifically, the switch 34 has a common terminal 34a (third common terminal), a terminal 34b (fifth terminal), and a terminal 34c (sixth terminal). The common terminal 34a is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 20, the terminal 34b is connected to the terminal 32c, and the terminal 34c is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 via the switch 33A.

[0092] Switch 33A is an example of a fourth switch, which is connected between the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 and the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34, and switches the connection between the antenna connection terminal 101 and any one of the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34, and switches the connection between the antenna connection terminal 102 and any one of the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34.

[0093] More specifically, the switch 33A has terminals 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and 33e. The terminal 33a is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, the terminal 33b is connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, the terminal 33c is connected to the output end of the filter 41 and the input end of the filter 42, the terminal 33d is connected to the output end of the filter 43 and the input end of the filter 44, and the terminal 33e is directly connected to the terminal 34c. According to the switch 33A, it is possible to select either the antenna 2A or 2B to transmit and receive signals in the frequency band A, and it is possible to select either the antenna 2A or 2B to transmit and receive signals in the frequency band B, and it is possible to select either the antenna 2A or 2B to transmit signals for 2G, depending on the antenna sensitivity conditions.

[0094] [1.5 Circuit State in Each Transmission Mode in High Frequency Circuit 1A According to Modification Example]

[0095] According to the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in the modified example, the following modes can be executed: (1) sending the signal of frequency band A alone (mode A); (2) sending the signal of frequency band B alone (mode B); (3) sending the signal of frequency band A and the signal of frequency band B at the same time (mode C); and (4) sending the signal for 2G (mode D).

[0096] First, when the mode A is executed, the common terminal 31 a and the terminal 31 b are in a connected state, the common terminal 31 a and the terminal 31 c are in a non-connected state, and the terminal 33 a and the terminal 33 c are in a connected state.

[0097] At this time, the transmission signal of frequency band A is transmitted in the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 111, power amplifier 10, switch 31, filter 41, switch 33A, antenna connection terminal 101 and antenna 2A. In addition, in mode A, terminal 33b and terminal 33c may be connected depending on the antenna sensitivity and the like, and the transmission signal of frequency band A may be output from antenna 2B.

[0098] Next, when executing mode B, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31c are connected, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b are disconnected, the common terminal 32a and the terminal 32b are connected, and the terminal 33a and the terminal 33d are connected.

[0099] At this time, the transmission signal of frequency band B is transmitted in the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 111, power amplifier 10, switch 31, switch 32, filter 43, switch 33A, antenna connection terminal 101 and antenna 2A. In addition, in mode B, terminal 33b and terminal 33d may be connected depending on the antenna sensitivity and the like, and the transmission signal of frequency band B may be output from antenna 2B.

[0100] Next, when executing mode C, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b become connected, the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31c become disconnected, the common terminal 34a and the terminal 34b become connected, the common terminal 34a and the terminal 34c become disconnected, the common terminal 32a and the terminal 32c become connected, the terminal 33a and the terminal 33c become connected, and the terminal 33b and the terminal 33d become connected.

[0101] At this time, the transmission signal of frequency band A is transmitted through the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 111, power amplifier 10, switch 31, filter 41, switch 33A, antenna connection terminal 101 and antenna 2A. In addition, the transmission signal of frequency band B is transmitted through the transmission path of high frequency input terminal 112, power amplifier 20, switch 34, switch 32, filter 43, switch 33A, antenna connection terminal 102 and antenna 2B. In addition, in mode C, depending on the antenna sensitivity, etc., terminal 33b and terminal 33c are connected to output the transmission signal of frequency band A from antenna 2B, and terminal 33a and terminal 33d are connected to output the transmission signal of frequency band B from antenna 2A.

[0102] According to the above connection structure of the high frequency circuit 1A, when the signal of the frequency band A of the frequency band A and the frequency band B is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 by switching the switch 31, and when the signal of the frequency band B of the frequency band A and the frequency band B is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32. In addition, when the signal of the frequency band A and the signal of the frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously, the power amplifier 10 is connected to the filter 41 and the power amplifier 20 is connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31, 32 and 34. That is, the same power amplifier 10 is used when the signal of the frequency band A is transmitted alone and when the signal of the frequency band B is transmitted alone, so the power efficiency when the signal of each frequency band of the frequency band A and the frequency band B is transmitted alone can be optimized in the same manner.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 5 The case of executing mode D will be described below. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a circuit state when a 2G signal is transmitted in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to the modification.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, in the case of execution mode D, the common terminal 34a and the terminal 34c are in a connected state, the common terminal 34a and the terminal 34b are in a non-connected state, and the terminal 33b and the terminal 33e are in a connected state.

[0105] At this time, the transmission signal for 2G is transmitted in the transmission path of the high frequency input terminal 112, the power amplifier 20, the switch 34, the switch 33A, the antenna connection terminal 102 and the antenna 2B. In addition, in mode D, the terminal 33a and the terminal 33e may be connected to each other according to the antenna sensitivity and the like, and the transmission signal for 2G may be output from the antenna 2A.

[0106] according to Figure 5 The connection structure of the high frequency circuit 1A shown uses switch 34 to connect the power amplifier 20 to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 without passing through switch 32 and filter 43, thereby being able to use the signal path such as power amplifier 20 and antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 to send 2G signals.

[0107] According to this, the power amplifier 20 is used to amplify the 2G signal that is required to be transmitted at a higher power than the 4G signal and the 5G signal, so it is not necessary to set the power amplifier 10 to support high power. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the power efficiency of the power amplifier 10 used when transmitting a signal of the frequency band A of 4G or 5G alone and when transmitting a signal of the frequency band B of 4G or 5G alone without reducing it. In addition, the high-power transmission signal for 2G can be transmitted without passing through the switch 32 and the filter 43, so the signal for 2G can be transmitted with low loss.

[0108] [2 Effects, etc.]

[0109] As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment includes: a power amplifier 10, which is capable of outputting a first maximum transmission power; a power amplifier 20, which is capable of outputting a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power; a filter 41, whose passband includes a frequency band A; a filter 43, whose passband includes a frequency band B different from the frequency band A; a switch 31, which is connected between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41, and between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43; and a switch 32, which is connected between the switch 31 and the filter 43, and between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43.

[0110] According to this, when the signal of frequency band A is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 can be connected to the filter 41 by switching the switch 31, and when the signal of frequency band B is transmitted alone, the power amplifier 10 can be connected to the filter 43 by switching the switches 31 and 32. In addition, when the signal of frequency band A and the signal of frequency band B are transmitted simultaneously, the power amplifier 10 can be connected to the filter 41 by switching the switches 31 and 32, and the power amplifier 20 can be connected to the filter 43. That is, when the signal of frequency band A is transmitted alone and when the signal of frequency band B is transmitted alone, the same power amplifier 10 can be used, so the power efficiency when the signal of each frequency band of frequency band A and frequency band B is transmitted alone can be optimized in the same manner. Therefore, the power efficiency when high-frequency signals of different frequency bands are amplified can be optimized.

[0111] In addition, compared with the power amplifier 10, the power amplifier 20 can support high power, but on the other hand, there is a possibility that the circuit scale becomes larger and the power efficiency is deteriorated. In this regard, when the signals of each frequency band in the frequency band A and the frequency band B are transmitted separately, the power amplifier 10 is used instead of the power amplifier 20, so that the power efficiency of the high-frequency circuit 1 can be improved.

[0112] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1, when the power amplifier 10 is configured to be able to operate, the switches 31 and 32 may be configured to be able to switch the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41 and the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43; and when the power amplifiers 10 and 20 are configured to be able to operate simultaneously, the switches 31 and 32 may be configured to connect the power amplifier 10 to the filter 41 and to connect the power amplifier 20 to the filter 43.

[0113] According to this, it is possible to switch between transmitting the signal of frequency band A alone, transmitting the signal of frequency band B alone, and transmitting the signal of frequency band A and the signal of frequency band B simultaneously.

[0114] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1, the switch 31 may have a common terminal 31a, terminals 31b and 31c, the switch 32 may have a common terminal 32a, terminals 32b and 32c, the common terminal 31a is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 10, the terminal 31b is connected to the input end of the filter 41, the terminal 31c is connected to the terminal 32b, the terminal 32c is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 20, and the common terminal 32a is connected to the input end of the filter 43.

[0115] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1, when the power amplifier 10 is configured to be able to operate, the switches 31 and 32 may be configured to be able to switch the connection between the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b, the connection between the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31c, and the connection between the common terminal 32a and the terminal 32b; and when the power amplifiers 10 and 20 are configured to be able to operate simultaneously, the switches 31 and 32 may be configured to connect the common terminal 31a and the terminal 31b, and to connect the common terminal 32a and the terminal 32c.

[0116] According to this, the switch structure can realize switching between independent transmission of the band A signal, independent transmission of the band B signal, and simultaneous transmission of the band A signal and the band B signal, so the high-frequency circuit 1 can be simplified.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 , the power amplifier 10 may be capable of amplifying a signal in the frequency band A and a signal in the frequency band B, and the power amplifier 20 may be capable of amplifying a signal in the frequency band B.

[0118] In addition, for example, the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in the modified example may also include: power amplifiers 10 and 20; a filter 41 whose passband includes frequency band A; a filter 43 whose passband includes frequency band B; a switch 31, which is connected between the power amplifier 10 and the filters 41 and 43, and switches the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 41 and the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43; a switch 32, which is connected between the switch 31 and the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43, and switches the connection between the power amplifier 10 and the filter 43 and the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43; an antenna connection terminal 101, which is connected to one of the filters 41 and 43; an antenna connection terminal 102, which is connected to the other of the filters 41 and 43; and a switch 34, which is connected between the power amplifier 20 and the switch 32, the antenna connection terminal 101 and the antenna connection terminal 102, and switches the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the filter 43 and the connection between the power amplifier 20 and the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the high frequency circuit 1A may be configured to connect the power amplifier 20 to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102 without passing through the switch 32 and the filter 43 .

[0120] Accordingly, when the power amplifier 20 is used to amplify the 2G signal that is required to be transmitted at a higher power than the 4G signal and the 5G signal, it is not necessary to set the power amplifier 10 to support high power. Therefore, it is possible to optimize the power efficiency of the power amplifier 10 used when transmitting a signal of the frequency band A of 4G or 5G alone and when transmitting a signal of the frequency band B of 4G or 5G alone without reducing it. In addition, the high-power transmission signal for 2G can be transmitted without passing through the switch 32 and the filter 43, so the signal for 2G can be transmitted with low loss.

[0121] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A, the power amplifier 10 may be capable of amplifying signals for 4G-LTE and signals for 5G-NR, and the power amplifier 20 may be capable of amplifying signals for 2G, signals for 4G-LTE, and signals for 5G-NR.

[0122] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A, the switch 34 may have a common terminal 34a, terminals 34b and 34c, the common terminal 34a is connected to the output end of the power amplifier 20, the terminal 34b is connected to the switch 32, and the terminal 34c is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101 or 102.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A, the switch 34 may be configured so that the common terminal 34 a can be connected to the terminal 34 c .

[0124] According to this, since switching between the case of transmitting a signal for 2G and the case of transmitting a signal for 4G or 5G can be achieved by the switch structure, the high-frequency circuit 1A can be simplified.

[0125] In addition, for example, the high-frequency circuit 1A may also include a switch 33A, which is connected between the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 and the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34, and switches the connection between the antenna connection terminal 101 and any one of the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34, and switches the connection between the antenna connection terminal 102 and any one of the filter 41, the filter 43 and the switch 34.

[0126] Accordingly, depending on the antenna sensitivity conditions, etc., either antenna 2A or 2B can be selected to send and receive signals in frequency band A. Alternatively, either antenna 2A or 2B can be selected to send and receive signals in frequency band B. Alternatively, either antenna 2A or 2B can be selected to send signals for 2G.

[0127] In addition, for example, in the high-frequency circuits 1 and 1A, the frequency band A and the frequency band B may respectively be the frequency band B8 for 4G-LTE, the frequency band n8 for 5G-NR, the frequency band B20 for 4G-LTE, the frequency band n20 for 5G-NR, the frequency band B26 for 4G-LTE, the frequency band n26 for 5G-NR, the frequency band B28 for 4G-LTE, or the frequency band n28 for 5G-NR.

[0128] Furthermore, the communication device 4 according to the present embodiment includes an RFIC 3 that processes a high-frequency signal and a high-frequency circuit 1 that transmits the high-frequency signal between the RFIC 3 and the antennas 2A and 2B.

[0129] According to this, the communication device 4 can achieve the same effect as the above-mentioned effect of the high-frequency circuit 1 .

[0130] (Other embodiments)

[0131] The high-frequency circuit and communication device involved in the present invention are described above based on the embodiments and variations, but the high-frequency circuit and communication device involved in the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and variations. The present invention also includes other embodiments implemented by combining any constituent elements in the above embodiments and variations, variations obtained by implementing various variations that can be thought of by a person skilled in the art to the above embodiments and variations within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and various devices having the above high-frequency circuit and communication device built therein.

[0132] For example, in the circuit configurations of the high-frequency 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 shown in the drawings.

[0133] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments and variations, the frequency band for 5G-NR or 4G-LTE is used, but it is also possible to use the communication frequency band for other wireless access technologies in addition to the frequency band for 5G-NR or 4G-LTE, or to use the communication frequency band for other wireless access technologies instead of the frequency band for 5G-NR or 4G-LTE. For example, the communication frequency band for wireless local area network can also be used. In addition, for example, the millimeter wave band above 7 GHz can also be used. In this case, the high-frequency circuit 1, the antennas 2A and 2B, and the RFIC 3 constitute a millimeter wave antenna circuit, and as a filter, for example, a distributed constant filter can be used.

[0134] Next, features of the amplifier circuit and the communication device described in the above-mentioned embodiments are described.

[0135] <1>

[0136] A high frequency circuit having:

[0137] a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier;

[0138] a first filter having a passband including a first frequency band;

[0139] a second filter having a passband including a second frequency band;

[0140] A first switch connected between the first power amplifier and the first filter and the second filter; and

[0141] The second switch is connected between the first switch and the second power amplifier and the second filter.

[0142] <2>

[0143] according to <1> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0144] The first switch and the second switch are configured to switch (1) the connection between the first power amplifier and the first filter, (2) the connection between the first power amplifier and the second filter, and (3) the connection between the first power amplifier and the first filter and the connection between the second power amplifier and the second filter.

[0145] <3>

[0146] according to <1> or <2> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0147] The first switch has a first common terminal, a first terminal and a second terminal,

[0148] The second switch has a second common terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal,

[0149] The first common terminal is connected to the output end of the first power amplifier, the first terminal is connected to the input end of the first filter, the second terminal is connected to the third terminal, the fourth terminal is connected to the output end of the second power amplifier, and the second common terminal is connected to the input end of the second filter.

[0150] <4>

[0151] according to <3> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0152] The first switch and the second switch are configured to be capable of switching (1) connection between the first common terminal and the first terminal, (2) connection between the first common terminal and the second terminal and connection between the second common terminal and the third terminal, and (3) connection between the first common terminal and the first terminal and connection between the second common terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0153] <5>

[0154] according to <1> ~ <4> A high-frequency circuit as described in any one of the items , wherein:

[0155] The first power amplifier is capable of amplifying signals in the first frequency band and signals in the second frequency band.

[0156] The second power amplifier can amplify signals in the second frequency band.

[0157] <6>

[0158] according to <1> ~ <5> A high-frequency circuit as described in any one of the items , wherein:

[0159] The first power amplifier is capable of outputting a first maximum transmit power,

[0160] The second power amplifier can output a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power.

[0161] <7>

[0162] according to <1> ~ <6> The high frequency circuit described in any one of the above, further comprising:

[0163] A first antenna connection terminal connected to one of the first filter and the second filter;

[0164] a second antenna connection terminal connected to the other of the first filter and the second filter; and

[0165] a third switch connected between the second power amplifier and the second switch, the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal, for switching the connection between the second power amplifier and the second filter, and the connection between the second power amplifier and the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal.

[0166] <8>

[0167] according to <7> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0168] The high-frequency circuit is configured to be able to connect the second power amplifier to the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal without passing through the second switch and the second filter.

[0169] <9>

[0170] according to <7> or <8> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0171] The first power amplifier can amplify 4G-LTE (Long Term Evolution) signals and 5G (5th Generation)-NR (New Radio) signals.

[0172] The second power amplifier can amplify signals for 2G, signals for 4G-LTE, and signals for 5G-NR.

[0173] <10>

[0174] according to <7> ~ <9> A high-frequency circuit as described in any one of the items , wherein:

[0175] The third switch has a third common terminal, a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal,

[0176] The third common terminal is connected to the output end of the second power amplifier, the fifth terminal is connected to the second switch, and the sixth terminal is connected to the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal.

[0177] <11>

[0178] according to <10> The high frequency circuit described, wherein

[0179] The third switch is configured so that the third common terminal can be connected to the sixth terminal.

[0180] <12>

[0181] according to <7> ~ <11> A high-frequency circuit as described in any one of the items , wherein:

[0182] The present invention also includes a fourth switch, which is connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal and the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch, and switches the connection between the first antenna connection terminal and any one of the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch, and switches the connection between the second antenna connection terminal and any one of the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch.

[0183] <13>

[0184] according to <1> ~ <12> A high-frequency circuit as described in any one of the items , wherein:

[0185] The first frequency band and the second frequency band are respectively frequency band B8 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n8 for 5G-NR, frequency band B20 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n20 for 5G-NR, frequency band B26 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n26 for 5G-NR, frequency band B28 for 4G-LTE or frequency band n28 for 5G-NR.

[0186] <14>

[0187] A communication device, comprising:

[0188] A signal processing circuit that processes the high frequency signal; and

[0189] according to <1> ~ <13> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the items transmits the high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and the antenna.

[0190] Industrial Applicability

[0191] The present invention can be widely used in communication devices such as mobile phones as a high-frequency circuit disposed in a front end portion.

[0192] Description of Reference Numerals

[0193] 1, 1A, 501: high frequency circuit; 2A, 2B: antenna; 3: RF signal processing circuit (RFIC); 4, 4A, 504: communication device; 10, 20: power amplifier; 31, 32, 33, 33A, 34: switch; 31a, 32a, 34a: common terminal; 31b, 31c, 32b, 32c, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 34b, 34c: terminal; 41, 42, 43, 44: filter; 101, 102: antenna connection terminal; 111, 112: high frequency input terminal.

Claims

1. A high frequency circuit having: a first power amplifier capable of outputting a first maximum transmit power; a second power amplifier capable of outputting a second maximum transmission power higher than the first maximum transmission power; a first filter having a passband including a first frequency band; a second filter having a passband including a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; a first switch connected between the first power amplifier and the first filter, and between the first power amplifier and the second filter; and The second switch is connected between the first switch and the second filter and between the second power amplifier and the second filter.

2. The high frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein: When the first power amplifier is configured to be operable, the first switch and the second switch are configured to be able to switch the connection between the first power amplifier and the first filter and the connection between the first power amplifier and the second filter. When the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are configured to be able to operate simultaneously, the first switch and the second switch are configured to connect the first power amplifier to the first filter and to connect the second power amplifier to the second filter.

3. The high frequency circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first switch has a first common terminal, a first terminal and a second terminal, The second switch has a second common terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal, The first common terminal is connected to the output end of the first power amplifier, the first terminal is connected to the input end of the first filter, the second terminal is connected to the third terminal, the fourth terminal is connected to the output end of the second power amplifier, and the second common terminal is connected to the input end of the second filter.

4. The high frequency circuit according to claim 3, wherein: When the first power amplifier is configured to be operable, the first switch and the second switch are configured to be able to switch the connection between the first common terminal and the first terminal, the connection between the first common terminal and the second terminal, and the connection between the second common terminal and the third terminal. When the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are configured to be able to operate simultaneously, the first switch and the second switch are configured to connect the first common terminal to the first terminal and to connect the second common terminal to the fourth terminal.

5. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first power amplifier is capable of amplifying signals in the first frequency band and signals in the second frequency band. The second power amplifier can amplify signals in the second frequency band.

6. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A first antenna connection terminal connected to one of the first filter and the second filter; a second antenna connection terminal connected to the other of the first filter and the second filter; and a third switch connected between the second power amplifier and the second switch, the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal, for switching the connection between the second power amplifier and the second filter, and the connection between the second power amplifier and the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal.

7. The high frequency circuit according to claim 6, wherein: The high-frequency circuit is configured to be able to connect the second power amplifier to the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal without passing through the second switch and the second filter.

8. The high frequency circuit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The first power amplifier is capable of amplifying signals for 4G-Long Term Evolution (4G-LTE) and signals for the fifth generation new radio (5G-NR). The second power amplifier can amplify signals for 2G, signals for 4G-LTE, and signals for 5G-NR.

9. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The third switch has a third common terminal, a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal, The third common terminal is connected to the output end of the second power amplifier, the fifth terminal is connected to the second switch, and the sixth terminal is connected to the first antenna connection terminal or the second antenna connection terminal.

10. The high frequency circuit according to claim 9, wherein: The third switch is configured so that the third common terminal can be connected to the sixth terminal.

11. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The present invention also includes a fourth switch, which is connected between the first antenna connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal and the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch, and switches the connection between the first antenna connection terminal and any one of the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch, and switches the connection between the second antenna connection terminal and any one of the first filter, the second filter, and the third switch.

12. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first frequency band and the second frequency band are respectively frequency band B8 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n8 for 5G-NR, frequency band B20 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n20 for 5G-NR, frequency band B26 for 4G-LTE, frequency band n26 for 5G-NR, frequency band B28 for 4G-LTE or frequency band n28 for 5G-NR.

13. A communication device comprising: A signal processing circuit that processes the high frequency signal; and The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the high-frequency signal is transmitted between the signal processing circuit and an antenna.

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