Radio frequency switch, radio frequency chip and radio frequency front-end module

Abstract

The invention discloses a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency chip comprising the radio frequency switch and a radio frequency front end module, the radio frequency switch comprises a first switch circuit, a second switch circuit and a first connecting line, the first switch circuit comprises a plurality of first switch units, the second switch circuit comprises a plurality of second switch units, and the first connecting line is connected with the first switch circuit. Wherein the at least two first switch units are arranged on the first side of the first connecting line along a first direction and are connected with the first connecting line; the at least two second switch units are arranged on the second side of the first connecting line along the first direction and are connected with the first connecting line. The at least two first switch units and the at least two second switch units are arranged on the two sides of the first connecting line respectively, so that on one hand, the isolation degree between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the radio frequency switch can be improved; and on the other hand, the plurality of switch units can share the first connecting line to be grounded, so that the layout area of the radio frequency switch is reduced, and the layout of the radio frequency switch is more tidy and compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of radio frequency technology, and in particular to a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency chip and a radio frequency front-end module. Background Art

[0002] RF switch chips are key devices used to control the transmission path of RF signals and are widely used in wireless communication equipment.

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, communication systems such as mobile communication and satellite communication have put forward higher requirements on the integration of RF switches. With the increasing number of switch units integrated in RF switch chips, how to reasonably layout multiple switch units to reduce the layout area of ​​RF switch chips has become a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application proposes a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency chip including the radio frequency switch, and a radio frequency front-end module, aiming to reduce the layout area of ​​the radio frequency switch chip.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency switch, characterized in that it includes: A first switch circuit, wherein the first switch circuit comprises a plurality of first switch units; a second switch circuit, wherein the second switch circuit comprises a plurality of second switch units; A first connecting line extending along a first direction and used for grounding; Among them, at least two of the first switch units are arranged on the first side of the first connecting line along the first direction and are connected to the first connecting line; at least two second switch units are arranged on the second side of the first connecting line along the first direction and are connected to the first connecting line, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides in the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0006] Optionally, the RF switch further includes a first antenna terminal and a second antenna terminal, at least two of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are also connected to the first antenna terminal, and at least two of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are also connected to the second antenna terminal.

[0007] Optionally, the radio frequency switch further includes a second connecting line and a third connecting line, the second connecting line, the third connecting line and the first connecting line are arranged at intervals, wherein at least two of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are connected to the second connecting line, and the second connecting line is connected to the second antenna end; At least two of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are connected to the third connection line, and the third connection line is connected to the first antenna end.

[0008] Optionally, the second connection line and the third connection line are respectively located on two sides of the first connection line in the second direction; wherein: At least part of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are arranged between the first connection line and the third connection line; At least part of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are arranged between the first connection line and the second connection line.

[0009] Optionally, the radio frequency switch further includes a second connection line and a fourth connection line spaced apart from the first connection line, the second connection line is connected to the second antenna end, and the fourth connection line is used for grounding; At least part of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are connected between the second connection line and the fourth connection line, and are not connected to the first connection line.

[0010] Optionally, the second switch circuit includes M second switch units, wherein j second switch units are arranged on the first side of the second connection line and connected to the first connection line, and k second switch units are arranged on the second side of the second connection line and connected to the second connection line and the fourth connection line; wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are greater than or equal to 2.

[0011] Optionally, the first connection line, the second connection line and the fourth connection line are sequentially spaced apart in the second direction.

[0012] Optionally, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second connecting line, the fourth connecting line and the first connecting line are parallel.

[0013] Optionally, the number of the second switch units is greater than or equal to the number of the first switch units, and the plurality of second switch units are arranged on both sides of the second connecting line.

[0014] Optionally, the first switch unit is used to transmit a radio frequency signal in a first frequency band, and the second switch unit is used to transmit a radio frequency signal in a second frequency band, wherein a frequency range of the first frequency band does not completely overlap with a frequency range of the second frequency band.

[0015] Optionally, each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units respectively comprises a first connection end, a second connection end, at least one series switch and at least one parallel switch, the series switch is connected in series between the first connection end and the second connection end, one end of the parallel switch is connected to the series switch, and the other end is grounded; Among them, in at least two of the first switch units and at least two of the second switch units, the second end of the parallel switch is connected to the first connecting line.

[0016] Optionally, in at least one switch unit, the number of the series switches and the number of the parallel switches are both one, and the second connection end is arranged between the series switch and the parallel switch and is connected to the series switch and the parallel switch respectively.

[0017] According to the RF switch provided in the first aspect of the present application, by arranging at least two first switch units and at least two second switch units on both sides of the first connecting line, on the one hand, the first connecting line can be used to isolate the first switch unit and the second switch unit, thereby improving the isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the RF switch; on the other hand, multiple switch units can share the first connecting line to achieve grounding without separately setting a corresponding conductive bump for each switch unit, thereby reducing the setting of the grounding terminal in the RF switch, reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch, and making the layout layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0018] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency switch, comprising a plurality of switch units, at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines, wherein the at least two antenna connection lines and the at least two ground connection lines are alternately arranged in a second direction, wherein at least one switch unit is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection lines, and the switch unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection lines.

[0019] Optionally, the at least two antenna connection lines are connected to the same antenna end; or, at least two antenna connection lines are connected to different antenna ends.

[0020] Optionally, each of the antenna connection lines is parallel to each of the ground connection lines and is arranged at intervals.

[0021] According to the RF switch provided in the second aspect of the present application, at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines are alternately arranged in the second direction, and at least one switch unit is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection line, and the switch unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection line, so that multiple switch units can share the ground connection line or the antenna connection line, thereby making the wiring of the RF switch simpler and the layout more compact, which helps to reduce the layout area of ​​the RF switch.

[0022] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency chip, comprising a radio frequency switch as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency front-end module, comprising the radio frequency switch as described in the first aspect or the second aspect; or, comprising the radio frequency chip as described in the third aspect.

[0024] These and other aspects of the present application will become more clearly understood in the description of the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency switch provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A circuit diagram of a switch unit provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a switch unit provided in another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency switch provided in another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency switch provided in yet another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency switch provided in yet another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0032] Figure 7A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency switch provided in yet another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency front-end module provided in one embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0035] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The term "plurality" refers to two or more. The term "and / or" refers to at least one of the multiple objects listed. For example, "A and / or B" can be any of the following three situations: including A but not B, including B but not A, and including both A and B.

[0036] In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0037] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, "connection" can be understood as electrical connection, and the connection between two electrical components can be a direct or indirect connection between the two electrical components. For example, the connection between A and B can be either a direct connection between A and B or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components.

[0038] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0039] An embodiment of the present application provides a radio frequency switch 100, please refer to Figure 1The radio frequency switch 100 includes a first switch circuit 110, a second switch circuit 120 and a first connection line 130, wherein the first connection line 130 is a ground line for grounding.

[0040] Specifically, the first switch circuit 110 includes a plurality of first switch units 111, and the second switch circuit 120 includes a plurality of second switch units 121, at least two of the plurality of first switch units 111 are arranged on a first side of a first connection line along a first direction and are connected to the first connection line; at least two of the plurality of second switch units 121 are arranged on a second side of the first connection line along a first direction and are connected to the first connection line, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides in the second direction, and the second direction intersects the first direction. Exemplarily, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0041] As an implementation mode, the first switch circuit 110 and the second switch circuit 120 are used to transmit signals of different frequency bands. For example, the first switch unit 111 in the first switch circuit 110 is used to transmit radio frequency signals of a first frequency band, and the second switch unit 121 in the second switch circuit 120 is used to transmit radio frequency signals of a second frequency band, wherein the frequency range of the first frequency band does not completely overlap with the frequency range of the second frequency band. For example, the first frequency band may be a low frequency band, and the second frequency band may be a mid-frequency band or a high frequency band (hereinafter referred to as "mid-high frequency band"). By setting the signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in different switch circuits, the isolation between the signal transmission paths of different frequency bands can be improved.

[0042] It can be understood that the low frequency band, the medium frequency band and the high frequency band are collectively referred to as multiple communication frequency bands within a specific frequency range. The low frequency band, the medium frequency band and the high frequency band can respectively include one or more communication frequency bands. For example, the low frequency band can include at least one low frequency communication frequency band such as B8, B26, B28, and the medium frequency band and the high frequency band can include at least one medium and high frequency communication frequency band such as B1, B3, B6, B34, B39, B40, B41, etc. Therefore, the first frequency band and the second frequency band mentioned in this embodiment can respectively include one or more communication frequency bands. Different switch units 111 in the first switch circuit 110 can be used to transmit signals of different communication frequency bands in the first frequency band; different switch units 121 in the second switch circuit 120 can be used to transmit signals of different communication frequency bands in the second frequency band. By respectively setting multiple switch units in the first switch circuit 110 and the second switch circuit 120, the radio frequency switch can support signal transmission of more communication frequency bands.

[0043] As an implementation method, the RF switch 100 can be integrated in a chip, which can be a chip based on a silicon substrate, or a chip based on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, or a chip based on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate or a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate. Specifically, each switch unit can include one or more transistors, each of which can be a field effect transistor, such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, MOSFET), a metal semiconductor field effect transistor (Metal semiconductor field effect transistor, MESFET), a high electron mobility transistor (High electron mobility transistor, HEMT), and a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor, pHEMT).

[0044] In the related art, multiple switch units inside the RF switch chip are staggered, resulting in poor isolation between signal transmission paths in different frequency bands, and each switch unit is connected to the substrate through its corresponding conductive bump. Since the minimum area of ​​the conductive bump and the minimum distance between different conductive bumps need to meet specific design requirements, the area occupied by the RF switch is relatively large.

[0045] In the embodiment of the present application, by arranging at least two first switch units 111 and at least two second switch units 121 on both sides of the first connecting line 130, on the one hand, the first connecting line 130 can be used to isolate the first switch unit 111 and the second switch unit 121, thereby improving the isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the RF switch; on the other hand, multiple switch units can share the first connecting line 130 to achieve grounding without setting a corresponding bump for each switch unit separately, thereby reducing the setting of the grounding terminal in the RF switch, reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch 100, and making the layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0046] It should be noted that, in various embodiments of the present application, the number of first switch units and the number of second switch units may be the same or different, and may be specifically set according to requirements, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0047] As an implementation method, Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs shown, each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units respectively comprises a first connection terminal P1, a second connection terminal P2, at least one series switch M1 and at least one parallel switch M2, wherein each series switch M1 is connected in series between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2, and one end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the series switch M1, and the other end is grounded. Among them, in at least two first switch units and at least two second switch units, the second end of the parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131, and thus grounded through the first connection line 131.

[0048] Specifically, when each series switch M1 is turned on, each parallel switch M2 is turned off, and the radio frequency signal is transmitted from the first connection end P1 to the second connection end P2.

[0049] Exemplarily, when the RF switch is applied to an RF receiving link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect to an antenna terminal to receive an RF signal from the antenna terminal. The second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect to a subsequent circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a filter or a low-noise amplifier, so as to transmit the received RF signal to the filter for filtering or to the low-noise amplifier for amplification.

[0050] Exemplarily, when the RF switch is applied to an RF transmission link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal, which can be used to connect to the front-stage circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a power amplifier or a filter, and the second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal, which can be used to connect to the antenna terminal to transmit the RF signal to the antenna terminal for transmission.

[0051] For example, Figure 2a As shown, when the switch unit includes a series switch M1 and a parallel switch M2, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to one end of the series switch M1 connected to the second connection terminal P2, that is, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to the second connection terminal P2, and the other end of the parallel switch M2 is grounded. In this example, the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2 in the switch unit is small, which can simplify the circuit design and reduce the hardware cost of the RF switch while meeting the isolation requirement between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2.

[0052] For example, Figure 2bAs shown, when the switch unit includes two or more series switches M1, the number of parallel switches M2 can be one or more, and one end of each parallel switch M2 can be connected to the connection node between two adjacent series switches M1 or the second connection terminal P2, and the other end of the parallel switch M2 is grounded. In this example, by increasing the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2, the isolation between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2 can be improved, that is, when the series switch between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2 is turned off, the RF signal leaking from the first connection terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2 can be reduced, or the RF signal leaking from the second connection terminal P2 to the first connection terminal P1 can be reduced.

[0053] As an implementation manner, in at least one switch unit, the number of series switches and the number of parallel switches are both one. For example, when the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2 in the switch unit is both one, Figure 3 As shown, the second connection terminal P2 is arranged between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, and is connected to the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 respectively. In this embodiment, the second connection terminal P2 is arranged between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, which not only facilitates the connection of the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 to the second connection terminal P2 respectively and facilitates the connection of the parallel switch M2 to the ground line, but also makes the layout inside the switch unit more compact, thereby further reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the RF switch 100 further includes a first antenna terminal ANT1 and a second antenna terminal ANT2, at least two first switch units 111 in the first switch circuit 110 are further connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1, and at least two second switch units 121 in the second switch circuit 120 are further connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2.

[0055] As an implementation mode, taking the application of the RF switch 100 in the RF receiving link as an example, the first antenna terminal ANT1 is used to receive the RF signal of the first frequency band, and transmit the RF signal of the first frequency band to the first switch circuit 110. The first frequency band includes a plurality of communication frequency bands, and the RF switch 100 can turn on the corresponding first switch unit 111 according to the communication frequency band corresponding to the RF signal received by the first antenna terminal ANT1, so as to output the RF signal of the communication frequency band through the turned-on first switch unit 111.

[0056] The second antenna terminal ANT2 is used to receive a radio frequency signal of a second frequency band, and transmit the radio frequency signal of the second frequency band to the second switch circuit 120. The second frequency band includes a plurality of communication frequency bands, and the radio frequency switch 100 can turn on the corresponding second switch unit 121 according to the communication frequency band corresponding to the radio frequency signal received by the second antenna terminal ANT2, so as to output the radio frequency signal of the communication frequency band through the turned-on second switch unit 121.

[0057] As an implementation method, Figure 4 As shown, the RF switch further includes a second connection line 132 and a third connection line 133, and the second connection line 132, the third connection line 133 and the first connection line 131 are arranged at intervals, wherein the second connection line 132 is connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2, and at least two second switch units 121 in the second switch circuit 120 are connected to the second connection line 132, and are connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2 through the second connection line 132. Exemplarily, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 in at least two second switch units 121 is connected to the second connection line 132.

[0058] The third connection line 133 is connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1, and at least two first switch units 111 in the first switch circuit 110 are connected to the third connection line 133, and are connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1 through the third connection line 133. Exemplarily, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 in the at least two first switch units 111 is connected to the second connection line 133.

[0059] In this embodiment, by setting the second connecting line 132 and the third connecting line 133, multiple first switch units 111 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT1 through the same connecting line 133, and multiple second switch units 121 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT2 through the same connecting line 132, thereby simplifying the connection between each antenna terminal and multiple switch units and making the overall layout of the RF switch 100 more concise.

[0060] As an implementation method, Figure 4 As shown, the second connection line 132 and the third connection line 133 are respectively located on both sides of the first connection line 131 in the second direction, and at least part of the first switch unit 111 in the first switch circuit 110 is arranged between the first connection line 131 and the third connection line 133; at least part of the second switch unit 121 in the second switch circuit 120 is arranged between the first connection line 131 and the second connection line 132.

[0061] In the present embodiment, by arranging a plurality of first switch units 111 between the first connection line 131 and the third connection line 133, and arranging a plurality of second switch units 121 between the first connection line 131 and the second connection line 132, while facilitating the connection of the parallel switches M2 in the plurality of first switch units 111 and the parallel switches M2 in the plurality of second switch units 121 to the first connection line 131, it is also convenient for the series switches M1 in the plurality of first switch units 111 to be connected to the third connection line 133, and for the series switches M1 in the plurality of second switch units 121 to be connected to the second connection line 132, thereby making the wiring of the RF switch 100 simpler and the layout more compact.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the number of the second switch units 121 is greater than a preset number threshold, and the RF switch 100 also includes a fourth connection line 134 spaced apart from the first connection line 131, wherein the fourth connection line 134 is used for grounding, and the plurality of second switch units 121 are arranged on both sides of the second connection line 132 and connected to the second connection line 132.

[0063] It can be understood that when the number of second switch units 121 is large, if all the second switch units 121 are arranged in a row and are grounded through the first connecting line 131, the size of the RF switch in the first direction will be too large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the RF switch. By adding the fourth connecting line 134, some of the second switch units 121 are grounded through the first connecting line 131, and other parts of the second switch units 121 are grounded through the fourth connecting line 134, thereby dividing the multiple second switch units 121 into at least two columns, which helps to reduce the size of the RF switch 100 in the first direction and make the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 more balanced.

[0064] In some other embodiments, when the number of the second switch units 121 is less than a preset number threshold, all the second switch units 121 may be arranged in a row along one side of the first connection line 131 and connected to the first connection line 131. When the number of the second switch units 121 is small, all the second switch units 121 share the first connection line 131, which helps to reduce the area of ​​the RF switch.

[0065] As an implementation manner, the preset quantity threshold is less than or equal to 6, that is, when the number of the second switch units 121 exceeds 6, the multiple second switch units 121 can be divided into at least two columns to reduce the size of the RF switch 100 in the first direction, so that the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 is more balanced.

[0066] Exemplarily, the preset quantity threshold may be 4, that is, when the number of the second switch units 121 exceeds 4, the plurality of second switch units 121 may be divided into at least two columns.

[0067] It can be understood that if the number of second switch units 121 continues to increase, multiple second switch units 121 can be divided into more columns, and more ground wires and connecting wires for connecting the antenna end (hereinafter referred to as "antenna connecting wires") can be set in the RF switch, and this application does not limit this.

[0068] Exemplarily, when the RF switch 100 includes multiple ground wires and multiple antenna connection wires, in the second direction, the multiple ground wires and the multiple antenna connection wires can be alternately arranged so that the switch units in each two adjacent columns can share the ground wire or the connection wire for connecting the antenna, thereby making the layout of the RF switch more compact.

[0069] In at least one embodiment, in addition to the first connection line, the RF switch 100 may also include other connection lines for grounding, such as a fourth connection line 134. Some of the second switch units 121 in the second switch circuit 120 may be grounded through the first connection line 131, and other parts of the second switch units 121 may be grounded through the fourth connection line 134. Specifically, Figure 5 As shown, the RF switch 100 also includes a second connection line 132 and a fourth connection line 134 spaced apart from the first connection line 131, the second connection line 132 is connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2, and the fourth connection line 134 is used for grounding; at least part of the second switch unit 121 in the second switch circuit 120 is connected between the second connection line 132 and the fourth connection line 134.

[0070] Exemplarily, in at least two second switch units 121 located on the side of the second connection line 132 close to the fourth connection line 134, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the second connection line 132, and the parallel switch M2 is connected to the fourth connection line 134; in at least two second switch units 121 located on the side of the second connection line 132 close to the first connection line 131, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the second connection line 132, and the parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131.

[0071] In this embodiment, by setting the second connecting line 133 and the fourth connecting line 134, the plurality of second switch units 121 are arranged in at least two columns, so that the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 is more balanced, and the two columns of second switch units 121 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT2 through the same connecting line 132, which simplifies the connection between the antenna terminal ANT2 and the plurality of switch units, making the overall layout of the RF switch 100 more concise and compact.

[0072] As an embodiment, the second switch circuit 121 includes M second switch units 121, wherein j second switch units 121 are arranged on the first side of the second connection line 132 and connected to the first connection line 131, and k second switch units 121 are arranged on the second side of the second connection line 132 and connected to the second connection line 132 and the fourth connection line 134, wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are all greater than or equal to 2.

[0073] Exemplarily, j and k may be equal or not equal, and this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0074] As an implementation manner, the difference between j and k is less than or equal to 2, that is, the number of the second switch units 121 located on both sides of the second connection line 132 is the same or close.

[0075] Exemplarily, the difference between j and k is less than or equal to 1, that is, when the number of second switch units is an even number, the number of second switch units 121 located on both sides of the second connecting line 132 is the same; when the number of second switch units is an odd number, the number of second switch units 121 located on both sides of the second connecting line 132 differs by only 1, thereby making the aspect ratio of the RF switch more balanced.

[0076] As an implementation, the first connection line 131, the second connection line 132 and the fourth connection line 134 are sequentially and spaced apart in the second direction. Exemplarily, the first connection line 131, the second connection line 132 and the fourth connection line 134 can be arranged in parallel, and the second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, the switch units can be arranged in an array, making the layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0077] In at least one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the number of the first switch units 111 is greater than a preset number threshold, and the RF switch 100 also includes a fifth connection line 135 spaced apart from the first connection line 131, wherein the fifth connection line 135 is used for grounding, and at least two first switch units 111 are connected to the fifth connection line 135; in addition, at least two first switch units 111 are connected between the first connection lines 131.

[0078] It can be understood that when the number of first switch units 111 is large, if all the first switch units 111 are arranged in a row and are grounded through the first connecting line 131, the size of the RF switch in the first direction will be too large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the RF switch. By adding the fifth connecting line 135, some of the first switch units 111 are grounded through the first connecting line 131, and other parts of the first switch units 111 are grounded through the fifth connecting line 135, thereby dividing the multiple first switch units 111 into at least two columns, which helps to reduce the size of the RF switch 100 in the first direction and make the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 more balanced.

[0079] In some other embodiments, when the number of the first switch units 111 is less than a preset number threshold, all the first switch units 111 may be arranged in a row along one side of the first connection line 131 and connected to the first connection line 131. When the number of the first switch units 111 is small, all the first switch units 111 share the first connection line 131, which helps to reduce the area of ​​the RF switch.

[0080] As an implementation manner, the preset quantity threshold is less than or equal to 6, that is, when the number of the first switch units 111 exceeds 6, the multiple first switch units 111 can be divided into at least two columns to reduce the size of the RF switch 100 in the first direction, so that the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 is more balanced.

[0081] Exemplarily, the preset quantity threshold may be 4, that is, when the quantity of the first switch units 111 exceeds 4, the plurality of first switch units 111 may be divided into at least two columns.

[0082] It can be understood that if the number of first switch units 111 continues to increase, multiple first switch units 111 can be divided into more columns, and more ground wires and connecting wires for connecting to the antenna end (hereinafter referred to as "antenna connecting wires") can be set in the RF switch, and this application does not limit this.

[0083] As an embodiment, the RF switch 100 also includes a third connection line 133, the third connection line 133 is connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1, and the third connection line 133 is arranged between the first connection line 131 and the fifth connection line 135, wherein at least two first switch units 111 are connected between the fifth connection line 135 and the third connection line 133, and at least two other first switch units are connected between the first connection line 131 and the third connection line 133.

[0084] Exemplarily, in at least two first switch units 111 located on the side of the third connection line 133 close to the fifth connection line 135, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the third connection line 133, and the parallel switch M2 is connected to the fifth connection line 135; in the other two switch units 111 located on the side of the third connection line 133 close to the first connection line 131, the series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the third connection line 133, and the parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131.

[0085] In this embodiment, by setting the third connecting line 133 and the fifth connecting line 135, the multiple first switch units 111 are arranged in at least two columns, so that the aspect ratio of the RF switch 100 is more balanced, and the two columns of first switch units 111 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT1 through the same connecting line 133, which simplifies the connection between the antenna terminal ANT1 and the multiple switch units, making the overall layout of the RF switch 100 more concise and compact.

[0086] The present application also provides a radio frequency switch 700, please refer to Figure 7 The RF switch 700 includes a plurality of switch units, at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines, wherein the at least two antenna connection lines and the at least two ground connection lines are alternately arranged in the second direction, wherein at least one switch unit is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection lines, and the switch unit is connected to an adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection lines.

[0087] As an implementation mode, at least two antenna connection lines may include a first antenna connection line 711 and a second antenna connection line 712, and at least two ground connection lines may include a first ground connection line 721 and a second ground connection line 722. The first antenna connection line 711, the first ground connection line 721, the second antenna connection line 712 and the second ground connection line 722 are sequentially arranged in the second direction. Among them, at least one switch unit is arranged between the first antenna connection line 712 and the first ground connection line 721, at least one switch unit is arranged between the first ground connection line 721 and the second antenna connection line 712, and at least one switch unit is also arranged between the second antenna connection line 712 and the second ground connection line 722. For the convenience of distinction, the switch unit between the first antenna connection line 712 and the first ground connection line 721 is referred to as the first switch unit, the switch unit between the first ground connection line 721 and the second antenna connection line 712 is referred to as the second switch unit, and the switch unit between the second antenna connection line 712 and the second ground connection line 722 is referred to as the third switch unit. In an embodiment of the present application, the first switch unit and the second switch unit can share the same ground connection line, and the second switch unit and the third switch unit can share the same antenna connection line, thereby making the wiring of the RF switch 700 simpler and the layout more compact, which helps to reduce the layout area of ​​the RF switch 700.

[0088] As an implementation method, Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, each of the first switch unit, the second switch unit, and the third switch unit includes a first connection terminal P1, a second connection terminal P2, at least one series switch M1, and at least one parallel switch M2, wherein each series switch M1 is connected in series between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2, and one end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the series switch M1, and the other end is grounded. Among them, in at least two first switch units and at least two second switch units, the second end of the parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131, and is thus grounded through the first connection line 131.

[0089] Specifically, when each series switch M1 is turned on, each parallel switch M2 is turned off, and the radio frequency signal is transmitted from the first connection end P1 to the second connection end P2.

[0090] Exemplarily, when the RF switch is applied to an RF receiving link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect to an antenna terminal to receive an RF signal from the antenna terminal. The second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect to a subsequent circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a filter or a low-noise amplifier, so as to transmit the received RF signal to the filter for filtering or to the low-noise amplifier for amplification.

[0091] Exemplarily, when the RF switch is applied to an RF transmission link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal, which can be used to connect to the front-stage circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a power amplifier or a filter, and the second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal, which can be used to connect to the antenna terminal to transmit the RF signal to the antenna terminal for transmission.

[0092] For example, Figure 2a As shown, when the switch unit includes a series switch M1 and a parallel switch M2, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to one end of the series switch M1 connected to the second connection terminal P2, that is, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to the second connection terminal P2, and the other end of the parallel switch M2 is grounded. In this example, the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2 in the switch unit is small, which can simplify the circuit design and reduce the hardware cost of the RF switch while meeting the isolation requirement between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2.

[0093] For example, Figure 2b As shown, when the switch unit includes two or more series switches M1, the number of parallel switches M2 can be one or more, and one end of each parallel switch M2 can be connected to the connection node between two adjacent series switches M1 or the second connection terminal P2, and the other end of the parallel switch M2 is grounded. In this example, by increasing the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2, the isolation between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2 can be improved, that is, when the series switch between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2 is turned off, the RF signal leaking from the first connection terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2 can be reduced, or the RF signal leaking from the second connection terminal P2 to the first connection terminal P1 can be reduced.

[0094] As an implementation manner, in at least one switch unit, the number of series switches and the number of parallel switches are both one. For example, when the number of series switches M1 and parallel switches M2 in the switch unit is both one, Figure 3 As shown, the second connection terminal P2 is arranged between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, and is connected to the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 respectively. In this embodiment, the second connection terminal P2 is arranged between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, which not only facilitates the connection of the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 to the second connection terminal P2 respectively and facilitates the connection of the parallel switch M2 to the ground line, but also makes the layout inside the switch unit more compact, thereby further reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch.

[0095] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, at least two antenna connection lines may be connected to the same antenna terminal or to different antenna terminals, which may be specifically configured according to design requirements and is not limited in the present application.

[0096] As an implementation method, when the frequencies of the communication frequency bands corresponding to the RF signals transmitted by different switch units differ greatly, for example, some switch units are used to transmit RF signals in the low frequency band, while other switch units are used to transmit RF signals in the medium and high frequency bands, at least two antenna connecting lines can be configured to be connected to different antenna ends.

[0097] Exemplarily, when the frequencies of the communication frequency bands corresponding to the RF signals transmitted by different switch units differ greatly, for example, some switch units are used to transmit low-frequency band RF signals, while other switch units are used to transmit medium- and high-frequency band RF signals, the switch units used to transmit low-frequency band RF signals and the switch units used to transmit medium- and high-frequency band RF signals can be connected to different antenna ends and arranged between different pairs of connecting lines.

[0098] As an implementation mode, when the frequencies of the communication frequency bands corresponding to the RF signals transmitted by different switch units are slightly different, for example, all switch units are used to transmit RF signals in the low frequency band, or all switch units are used to transmit RF signals in the medium and high frequency bands, at least two antenna connecting lines can be configured to be connected to the same antenna end.

[0099] As an implementation mode, each antenna connection line is parallel to each ground connection line and is arranged at intervals, so that the layout of the RF switch is more neat and compact. Exemplarily, the extension direction of each antenna connection line and each ground connection line can be perpendicular to the second direction, so that each switch unit can be arranged in an array, making the layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0100] The present application provides a radio frequency chip (not shown in the figure) configured with the above-mentioned radio frequency switch 100 or radio frequency switch 700. The radio frequency chip can be a chip based on a silicon substrate, or a chip based on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, or a chip based on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate or a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate.

[0101] Specifically, the RF chip may include one or more transistors, each of which may be a field effect transistor, such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET), a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), or a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT).

[0102] See also Figure 8 The present application also provides an RF front-end module 800 configured with the above-mentioned RF switch 100 or RF switch 700. The RF front-end module 800 is a component that integrates two or more discrete devices such as an RF switch, a low-noise amplifier, a filter, a duplexer, a power amplifier (PA), etc. into an independent module, thereby improving the integration and hardware performance and miniaturizing the volume.

[0103] The RF front-end module 800 in this embodiment may include the above-mentioned RF switch 100. By arranging at least two first switch units 111 and at least two second switch units 121 on both sides of the first connecting line 130, on the one hand, the first connecting line 130 can be used to isolate the first switch unit 111 and the second switch unit 121, thereby improving the isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the RF switch; on the other hand, multiple switch units can share the first connecting line 130 to achieve grounding without setting a corresponding bump for each switch unit separately, thereby reducing the setting of the grounding terminal in the RF switch and reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch 100, which is beneficial to reducing the cost of the RF switch and making the layout layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0104] The RF front-end module 800 in this embodiment may include the above-mentioned RF switch 700, by alternately arranging at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines in the second direction, and providing at least one switch unit between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection line, and connecting the switch unit to an adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection line, so that a plurality of switch units can share the ground connection line or the antenna connection line, thereby making the wiring of the RF switch 700 simpler and the layout more compact, which helps to reduce the layout area of ​​the RF switch 700.

[0105] This embodiment also provides an electronic device (not shown in the figure), wherein the electronic device can be a 4G or 5G communication device such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, etc. Specifically, the electronic device can include the RF front-end module 800 mentioned above to realize the reception and transmission of RF signals.

[0106] In addition, with the development of 5G technology, the requirements for the performance of RF front-end modules are getting higher and higher. The technical solution of this application can be applied to 5G RF front-end modules to improve the communication performance of 5G communication equipment.

[0107] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments can still be modified, or some of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency switch, characterized in that: include: A first switch circuit, wherein the first switch circuit comprises a plurality of first switch units; a second switch circuit, wherein the second switch circuit comprises a plurality of second switch units; A first connecting line extending along a first direction and used for grounding; Among them, at least two of the first switch units are arranged on the first side of the first connecting line along the first direction and are connected to the first connecting line; at least two second switch units are arranged on the second side of the first connecting line along the first direction and are connected to the first connecting line, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides in the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

2. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The RF switch also includes a first antenna end and a second antenna end, at least two of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are also connected to the first antenna end, and at least two of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are also connected to the second antenna end.

3. The radio frequency switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The radio frequency switch further includes a second connection line and a third connection line, wherein the second connection line, the third connection line and the first connection line are arranged at intervals, wherein at least two of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are connected to the second connection line, and the second connection line is connected to the second antenna end; At least two of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are connected to the third connection line, and the third connection line is connected to the first antenna end.

4. The radio frequency switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second connection line and the third connection line are respectively located on both sides of the first connection line in the second direction; wherein: At least part of the first switch units in the first switch circuit are arranged between the first connection line and the third connection line; At least part of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are arranged between the first connection line and the second connection line.

5. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radio frequency switch further includes a second connection line and a fourth connection line spaced apart from the first connection line, the second connection line is connected to the second antenna end, and the fourth connection line is used for grounding; At least part of the second switch units in the second switch circuit are connected between the second connection line and the fourth connection line, and are not connected to the first connection line.

6. The radio frequency switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second switch circuit includes M second switch units, wherein j second switch units are arranged on the first side of the second connection line and connected to the first connection line, and k second switch units are arranged on the second side of the second connection line and connected to the second connection line and the fourth connection line; wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are all greater than or equal to 2.

7. The radio frequency switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first connection line, the second connection line and the fourth connection line are sequentially arranged in intervals in the second direction.

8. The radio frequency switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second connecting line, the fourth connecting line and the first connecting line are parallel.

9. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that: The number of the second switch units is greater than or equal to the number of the first switch units, and the plurality of second switch units are arranged on both sides of the second connecting line.

10. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first switch unit is used to transmit a radio frequency signal in a first frequency band, and the second switch unit is used to transmit a radio frequency signal in a second frequency band, wherein a frequency range of the first frequency band does not completely overlap with a frequency range of the second frequency band.

11. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units comprises a first connection end, a second connection end, at least one series switch and at least one parallel switch, wherein the series switch is connected in series between the first connection end and the second connection end, and one end of the parallel switch is connected to the series switch and the other end is grounded; Among them, in at least two of the first switch units and at least two of the second switch units, the second end of the parallel switch is connected to the first connecting line.

12. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: In at least one switch unit, the number of the series switches and the number of the parallel switches are both one, and the second connection end is arranged between the series switch and the parallel switch and is connected to the series switch and the parallel switch respectively.

13. A radio frequency switch, characterized in that: It includes multiple switch units, at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines, wherein the at least two antenna connection lines and the at least two ground connection lines are alternately arranged in a second direction, wherein at least one switch unit is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and the switch unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and the ground connection line.

14. The radio frequency switch according to claim 13, characterized in that: The at least two antenna connection lines are connected to the same antenna end; Alternatively, at least two of the antenna connection lines are connected to different antenna ends.

15. The radio frequency switch according to claim 13, characterized in that: Each of the antenna connection lines is parallel to each of the ground connection lines and is arranged at intervals.

16. A radio frequency chip, characterized in that: Comprising the radio frequency switch as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that: Includes the radio frequency switch as described in any one of claims 1 to 15; or includes the radio frequency chip as described in claim 16.

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