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

Abstract

The application discloses a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency chip and a radio frequency front-end module comprising the radio frequency switch. 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. At least two first switch units are arranged on a first side of the first connecting line along a first direction and connected with the first connecting line. At least two second switch units are arranged on a second side of the first connecting line along the first direction and connected with the first connecting line. By arranging the at least two first switch units and the at least two second switch units on the two sides of the first connecting line, on one hand, the isolation between the signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the radio frequency switch can be improved. On the other hand, the first connecting line can be shared by the plurality of switch units to reduce the layout area of the radio frequency switch and make the layout of the radio frequency switch more neat and compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This 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 Technology

[0002] Radio frequency (RF) switch chips are key components used to control the transmission path of RF signals and are widely used in wireless communication devices.

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, mobile communication, satellite communication and other communication systems have placed higher demands on the integration of radio frequency (RF) switches. As the number of switching units integrated within RF switch chips increases daily, how to rationally arrange multiple switching units to reduce the layout area of ​​the RF switch chip has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a radio frequency switch, a radio frequency chip including the radio frequency switch, and a radio frequency front-end module, with the aim of reducing the layout area of ​​the radio frequency switch chip.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency switch, characterized in that it includes:

[0006] A first switching circuit, the first switching circuit including a plurality of first switching units;

[0007] The second switching circuit includes a plurality of second switching units;

[0008] A first connecting line extends along a first direction and is used for grounding;

[0009] In this configuration, at least two of the first switch units are arranged along the first direction on the first side of the first connecting line and connected to the first connecting line; at least two of the second switch units are arranged along the first direction on the second side of the first connecting line and 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.

[0010] Optionally, the radio frequency switch further includes a first antenna terminal and a second antenna terminal, at least two of the first switching units in the first switching circuit are also connected to the first antenna terminal, and at least two of the second switching units in the second switching circuit are also connected to the second antenna terminal.

[0011] 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 being spaced apart, wherein at least two of the first switching units in the first switching circuit are connected to the second connecting line, and the second connecting line is connected to the second antenna end;

[0012] At least two of the second switching units in the second switching circuit are connected to the third connecting line, which is connected to the first antenna end.

[0013] Optionally, the second connecting line and the third connecting line are located on opposite sides of the first connecting line in the second direction; wherein:

[0014] At least a portion of the first switching unit in the first switching circuit is disposed between the first connecting line and the third connecting line;

[0015] At least a portion of the second switching unit in the second switching circuit is disposed between the first connecting line and the second connecting line.

[0016] Optionally, the radio frequency switch further includes a second connection line and a fourth connection line spaced apart from the first connection line, wherein the second connection line is connected to the second antenna end and the fourth connection line is used for grounding;

[0017] At least a portion of the second switching units in the second switching circuit are connected between the second connecting line and the fourth connecting line, and are not connected to the first connecting line.

[0018] Optionally, the second switching circuit includes M second switching units, wherein j second switching units are disposed on the first side of the second connecting line and connected to the first connecting line, and k second switching units are disposed on the second side of the second connecting line and connected to the second connecting line and the fourth connecting line; wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are all greater than or equal to 2.

[0019] Optionally, the first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the fourth connecting line are arranged at intervals in the second direction.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Optionally, the first switching unit is used to transmit radio frequency signals of the first frequency band, and the second switching unit is used to transmit radio frequency signals of the second frequency band, wherein the frequency range of the first frequency band and the frequency range of the second frequency band do not completely overlap.

[0023] Optionally, each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, at least one series switch and at least one parallel switch, wherein the series switch is connected in series between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and one end of the parallel switch is connected to the series switch and the other end is grounded;

[0024] In at least two of the first switching units and at least two of the second switching units, the second end of the parallel switch is connected to the first connecting line.

[0025] Optionally, in at least one switching unit, the number of series switches and the number of parallel switches are both one, and the second connection terminal is disposed between the series switches and the parallel switches, and is connected to the series switches and the parallel switches respectively.

[0026] According to the radio frequency switch provided in the first aspect of this application, by arranging at least two first switching units and at least two second switching units on both sides of a first connecting line, on the one hand, the first connecting line can be used to isolate the first switching units and the second switching units, thereby improving the isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the radio frequency switch; on the other hand, multiple switching units can share the first connecting line to achieve grounding, without having to set a corresponding conductive bump for each switching unit separately, thereby reducing the setting of ground terminals in the radio frequency switch, reducing the layout area of ​​the radio frequency switch, and making the layout of the radio frequency switch more neat and compact.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency switch, including multiple switching 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 of the switching units is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and the switching unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines.

[0028] Optionally, the at least two antenna connection lines are connected to the same antenna end; or, the at least two antenna connection lines are connected to different antenna ends.

[0029] Optionally, each of the antenna connection lines is parallel to and spaced apart from each of the ground connection lines.

[0030] According to the RF switch provided in the second aspect of this application, by alternately arranging at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines in the second direction, and such that at least one switching unit is provided between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and the switching unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, multiple switching units can share ground connection lines or antenna connection lines, 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.

[0031] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency chip, including a radio frequency switch as described in the first or second aspect.

[0032] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a radio frequency front-end module, including a radio frequency switch as described in the first or second aspect; or, including a radio frequency chip as described in the third aspect.

[0033] These or other aspects of this application will become more apparent in the following description of the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency switch provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0036] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A circuit diagram of a switching unit provided in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a switching unit provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency switch provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency switch provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency switch provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0041] Figure 7A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency switch provided in another embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency front-end module provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0044] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. The term "multiple" refers to two or more. The term "and / or" refers to at least one of the listed multiple objects; for example, "A and / or B" can be any of the following three cases: including A but not B, including B but not A, or including both A and B.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0046] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "connection" can be understood as electrical connection. 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 a direct connection between A and B, or an indirect connection between A and B through one or more other electrical components.

[0047] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0048] One embodiment of this application provides a radio frequency switch 100, please refer to... Figure 1The radio frequency switch 100 includes a first switching circuit 110, a second switching circuit 120, and a first connecting line 130, wherein the first connecting line 130 is a grounding line used for grounding.

[0049] Specifically, the first switching circuit 110 includes a plurality of first switching units 111, and the second switching circuit 120 includes a plurality of second switching units 121. At least two of the first switching units 111 are arranged along a first direction on a first side of a first connecting line and connected to the first connecting line; at least two of the second switching units 121 are arranged along a first direction on a second side of the first connecting line and 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 the first direction. For example, the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other.

[0050] In one implementation, the first switching circuit 110 and the second switching circuit 120 are used to transmit signals of different frequency bands. For example, the first switching unit 111 in the first switching circuit 110 is used to transmit radio frequency signals of the first frequency band, and the second switching unit 121 in the second switching circuit 120 is used to transmit radio frequency signals of the second frequency band. The frequency ranges of the first and second frequency bands do not completely overlap. For example, the first frequency band can be a low-frequency band, and the second frequency band can 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 switching circuits, the isolation between the signal transmission paths of different frequency bands can be improved.

[0051] It is understood that low-frequency band, mid-frequency band, and high-frequency band are all collective terms for multiple communication frequency bands within a specific frequency range. Each of these bands can include one or more communication frequency bands. For example, a low-frequency band may include at least one low-frequency communication frequency band such as B8, B26, and B28; a mid-frequency band and a high-frequency band may include at least one mid-to-high-frequency communication frequency band such as B1, B3, B6, B34, B39, B40, and B41. Therefore, the first and second frequency bands mentioned in this embodiment can each include one or more communication frequency bands. Different switching units 111 in the first switching circuit 110 can be used to transmit signals from different communication frequency bands in the first frequency band; different switching units 121 in the second switching circuit 120 can be used to transmit signals from different communication frequency bands in the second frequency band. By setting multiple switching units in the first switching circuit 110 and the second switching circuit 120 respectively, the radio frequency switch can support signal transmission from more communication frequency bands.

[0052] In one implementation, the radio frequency switch 100 can be integrated into a chip, which can be a silicon-based chip, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate, or a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate. Specifically, each switching unit may include one or more transistors, each of which can be a field-effect transistor, such as any one of 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).

[0053] In related technologies, multiple switching units inside the RF switch chip are arranged in an interleaved manner, resulting in poor isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands. Furthermore, each switching 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 RF switch occupies a large area.

[0054] In this embodiment, by arranging at least two first switching units 111 and at least two second switching units 121 on both sides of the first connecting line 130, the first connecting line 130 can be used to isolate the first switching units 111 and the second switching units 121, thereby improving the isolation between signal transmission paths of different frequency bands in the RF switch. On the other hand, multiple switching units can share the first connecting line 130 for grounding, without having to set a corresponding bump for each switching unit separately, thereby reducing the number of grounding terminals 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.

[0055] It should be noted that in various embodiments of this application, the number of the first switch unit and the number of the second switch unit may be the same or different, and can be set according to requirements. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0056] As one implementation method, such as Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs shown, each of the plurality of first switch units and plurality of second switch units includes a first connection terminal P1, a second connection terminal P2, at least one series switch M1, and at least one parallel switch M2. Each series switch M1 is connected in series between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2. One end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the series switch M1, and the other end is grounded. In at least two first switch units and at least two second switch units, the second end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131, thereby grounding through the first connection line 131.

[0057] 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 terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2.

[0058] For example, when the RF switch is applied in the RF receiving link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect to the antenna terminal to receive RF signals from the antenna terminal. The second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect to the 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.

[0059] For example, when the RF switch is applied in the RF transmission link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect the pre-stage circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a power amplifier or filter, and the second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect the antenna terminal to transmit the RF signal to the antenna terminal for transmission.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 2a As shown, when the switching unit includes a series switch M1 and a parallel switch M2, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to the 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 switching unit is small, which simplifies the circuit design and reduces the hardware cost of the RF switch while meeting the isolation requirements between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2.

[0061] For example, such as Figure 2bAs shown, when the switching unit includes two or more series switches M1, the number of parallel switches M2 can be one or more. One end of each parallel switch M2 can be connected to the connection node between two adjacent series switches M1 or to 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 radio frequency signal leakage from the first connection terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2 can be reduced, or the radio frequency signal leakage from the second connection terminal P2 to the first connection terminal P1 can be reduced.

[0062] In one implementation, in at least one switching 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 switching unit is both one, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the second connection terminal P2 is disposed between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, and is connected to both the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 respectively. In this embodiment, placing the second connection terminal P2 between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 not only facilitates the connection of both the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 to the second connection terminal P2, but also facilitates the connection of the parallel switch M2 to the ground wire. This also allows for a more compact layout within the switch unit, thereby further reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the radio frequency switch 100 further includes a first antenna terminal ANT1 and a second antenna terminal ANT2, at least two first switching units 111 in the first switching circuit 110 are also connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1, and at least two second switching units 121 in the second switching circuit 120 are also connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2.

[0064] As one implementation, taking the application of the RF switch 100 in an RF receiving link as an example, the first antenna terminal ANT1 is used to receive RF signals of the first frequency band and transmit the RF signals of the first frequency band to the first switching circuit 110. The first frequency band includes multiple communication frequency bands. The RF switch 100 can turn on the corresponding first switching 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 that communication frequency band through the turned-on first switching unit 111.

[0065] The second antenna terminal ANT2 is used to receive radio frequency signals in the second frequency band and transmit these signals to the second switching circuit 120. The second frequency band includes multiple communication frequency bands. The radio frequency switch 100 can activate the corresponding second switching unit 121 based on the communication frequency band corresponding to the radio frequency signal received by the second antenna terminal ANT2, thereby outputting the radio frequency signal of that communication frequency band through the activated second switching unit 121.

[0066] As one implementation method, such as Figure 4 As shown, the RF switch also includes a second connecting line 132 and a third connecting line 133, which are spaced apart from the first connecting line 131. The second connecting line 132 is connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2. At least two second switching units 121 in the second switching circuit 120 are connected to the second connecting line 132 and are connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2 via the second connecting line 132. For example, the series switch M1, which is connected to the first connecting terminal P1 among the at least two second switching units 121, is connected to the second connecting line 132.

[0067] The third connecting line 133 is connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1. At least two first switching units 111 in the first switching circuit 110 are connected to the third connecting line 133 and are connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1 through the third connecting line 133. For example, the series switch M1 of the at least two first switching units 111 that is connected to the first connecting terminal P1 is connected to the second connecting line 133.

[0068] This embodiment simplifies the connection between each antenna terminal and multiple switching units by setting a second connection line 132 and a third connection line 133, so that multiple first switching units 111 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT1 through the same connection line 133, and multiple second switching units 121 can be connected to the same antenna terminal ANT2 through the same connection line 132, making the overall layout of the RF switch 100 more concise.

[0069] As one implementation method, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second connecting line 132 and the third connecting line 133 are located on both sides of the first connecting line 131 in the second direction, and at least a portion of the first switching unit 111 in the first switching circuit 110 is disposed between the first connecting line 131 and the third connecting line 133; at least a portion of the second switching unit 121 in the second switching circuit 120 is disposed between the first connecting line 131 and the second connecting line 132.

[0070] In this embodiment, by arranging multiple first switch units 111 between the first connecting line 131 and the third connecting line 133, and multiple second switch units 121 between the first connecting line 131 and the second connecting line 132, it is convenient for the parallel switches M2 in the multiple first switch units 111 and the parallel switches M2 in the multiple second switch units 121 to be connected to the first connecting line 131, while also facilitating the connection of the series switches M1 in the multiple first switch units 111 to the third connecting line 133, and the connection of the series switches M1 in the multiple second switch units 121 to the second connecting line 132. This makes the wiring of the RF switch 100 simpler and the layout more compact.

[0071] In at least one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the number of second switch units 121 is greater than a preset number threshold. The radio frequency switch 100 also includes a fourth connection line 134 that is spaced apart from the first connection line 131. The fourth connection line 134 is used for grounding. The multiple second switch units 121 are arranged on both sides of the second connection line 132 and connected to the second connection line 132.

[0072] It is understandable that when there are a large number of second switch units 121, if all the second switch units 121 are arranged in a row and grounded through the first connection 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. However, by adding a fourth connection line 134, some of the second switch units 121 are grounded through the first connection line 131, and other second switch units 121 are grounded through the fourth connection line 134, thereby dividing the multiple second switch units 121 into at least two rows, 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.

[0073] In other embodiments, when the number of second switching units 121 is less than a preset threshold, all second switching units 121 can be arranged in a row along one side of the first connecting line 131 and all connected to the first connecting line 131. When the number of second switching units 121 is small, having all second switching units 121 share the first connecting line 131 helps to reduce the area of ​​the radio frequency switch.

[0074] As one implementation, the preset quantity threshold is less than or equal to 6. That is, when the number of 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 radio frequency switch 100 in the first direction and make the aspect ratio of the radio frequency switch 100 more balanced.

[0075] For example, the preset quantity threshold can be 4, that is, when the number of second switch units 121 exceeds 4, the multiple second switch units 121 can be divided into at least two columns.

[0076] It is 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 grounding wires and connecting wires for connecting the antenna end (hereinafter referred to as "antenna connecting wires") can be provided in the radio frequency switch. This application does not limit this.

[0077] For example, when the RF switch 100 includes multiple ground wires and multiple antenna connection lines, in the second direction, the multiple ground wires and multiple antenna connection lines can be alternately arranged so that the switch units in each adjacent row can share a ground wire or a connection line for connecting the antenna, thereby making the layout of the RF switch more compact.

[0078] In at least one embodiment, the RF switch 100 may include other grounding connection lines besides the first connection line, such as a fourth connection line 134. A portion of the second switching units 121 in the second switching circuit 120 can be grounded through the first connection line 131, while another portion of the second switching units 121 can be grounded through the fourth connection line 134. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the RF switch 100 also includes a second connecting line 132 and a fourth connecting line 134 spaced apart from the first connecting line 131. The second connecting line 132 is connected to the second antenna terminal ANT2, and the fourth connecting line 134 is used for grounding. At least a portion of the second switching unit 121 in the second switching circuit 120 is connected between the second connecting line 132 and the fourth connecting line 134.

[0079] For example, in at least two second switch units 121 located on the side of the second connection line 132 near the fourth connection line 134, a series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the second connection line 132, and a 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 near the first connection line 131, a series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the second connection line 132, and a parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131.

[0080] This embodiment sets up a second connecting line 133 and a fourth connecting line 134, so that the multiple second switching units 121 are arranged in at least two columns, making the aspect ratio of the radio frequency switch 100 more balanced. The two columns of second switching 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 multiple switching units, and makes the overall layout of the radio frequency switch 100 more concise and compact.

[0081] In one implementation, the second switching circuit 121 includes M second switching units 121, wherein j second switching units 121 are disposed on the first side of the second connecting line 132 and connected to the first connecting line 131, and k second switching units 121 are disposed on the second side of the second connecting line 132 and connected to the second connecting line 132 and the fourth connecting line 134, wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are all greater than or equal to 2.

[0082] For example, j and k may or may not be equal, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0083] In one implementation, the difference between j and k is less than or equal to 2, meaning that the number of second switch units 121 located on both sides of the second connecting line 132 is the same or close.

[0084] For example, the difference between j and k is less than or equal to 1, that is, when the number of second switch units is even, the number of second switch units 121 on both sides of the second connection line 132 is the same; when the number of second switch units is odd, the number of second switch units 121 on both sides of the second connection line 132 differs by only 1, thereby making the aspect ratio of the RF switch more balanced.

[0085] In one implementation, the first connecting line 131, the second connecting line 132, and the fourth connecting line 134 are arranged sequentially and at intervals in the second direction. Exemplarily, the first connecting line 131, the second connecting line 132, and the fourth connecting line 134 can be arranged in parallel, and the second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the individual switching units to be arranged in an array, making the layout of the RF switches neater and more compact.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the number of first switch units 111 is greater than a preset number threshold. The radio frequency switch 100 also includes a fifth connection line 135 spaced apart from the first connection line 131. The fifth connection line 135 is used for grounding. 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.

[0087] It is understandable that when there are a large number of first switch units 111, if all the first switch units 111 are arranged in a row and 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. However, by adding a fifth connecting line 135, some of the first switch units 111 are grounded through the first connecting line 131, and other first switch units 111 are grounded through the fifth connecting line 135, thereby dividing the multiple first switch units 111 into at least two rows, 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.

[0088] In other embodiments, when the number of first switching units 111 is less than a preset threshold, all first switching units 111 can be arranged in a row along one side of the first connecting line 131 and all connected to the first connecting line 131. When the number of first switching units 111 is small, having all first switching units 111 share the first connecting line 131 helps to reduce the area of ​​the radio frequency switch.

[0089] As one implementation, the preset quantity threshold is less than or equal to 6. That is, when the number of 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 radio frequency switch 100 in the first direction and make the aspect ratio of the radio frequency switch 100 more balanced.

[0090] For example, the preset quantity threshold can be 4, that is, when the number of first switch units 111 exceeds 4, the multiple first switch units 111 can be divided into at least two columns.

[0091] It is 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 grounding wires and connecting wires for connecting the antenna end (hereinafter referred to as "antenna connecting wires") can be set in the radio frequency switch. This application does not limit this.

[0092] In one embodiment, the radio frequency switch 100 further includes a third connecting line 133, which is connected to the first antenna terminal ANT1 and is disposed between the first connecting line 131 and the fifth connecting line 135. At least two first switching units 111 are connected between the fifth connecting line 135 and the third connecting line 133, and at least two other first switching units are connected between the first connecting line 131 and the third connecting line 133.

[0093] For example, in at least two first switch units 111 located on the side of the third connection line 133 near the fifth connection line 135, a series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the third connection line 133, and a 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 near the first connection line 131, a series switch M1 connected to the first connection terminal P1 is connected to the third connection line 133, and a parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131.

[0094] This embodiment sets up a third connecting line 133 and a fifth connecting line 135, so that the multiple first switching units 111 are arranged in at least two columns, making the aspect ratio of the radio frequency switch 100 more balanced. The two columns of first switching 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 switching units, and makes the overall layout of the radio frequency switch 100 more concise and compact.

[0095] This application also provides an embodiment of a radio frequency switch 700, please refer to... Figure 7 The radio frequency switch 700 includes multiple switching units, at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines, with the at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines alternately arranged in a second direction. At least one switching unit is provided between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and the switching unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines.

[0096] In one implementation, 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 arranged sequentially in a second direction. At least one switching unit is provided between the first antenna connection line 712 and the first ground connection line 721, at least one switching unit is provided between the first ground connection line 721 and the second antenna connection line 712, and at least one switching unit is also provided between the second antenna connection line 712 and the second ground connection line 722. For ease of distinction, the switching unit between the first antenna connection line 712 and the first ground connection line 721 is referred to as the first switching unit, the switching unit between the first ground connection line 721 and the second antenna connection line 712 is referred to as the second switching unit, and the switching unit between the second antenna connection line 712 and the second ground connection line 722 is referred to as the third switching unit. In this embodiment, 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.

[0097] As one implementation method, such as Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, each of the first, second, and third switch units includes a first connection terminal P1, a second connection terminal P2, at least one series switch M1, and at least one parallel switch M2. Each series switch M1 is connected in series between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2. One end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the series switch M1, and the other end is grounded. In at least two first switch units and at least two second switch units, the second end of each parallel switch M2 is connected to the first connection line 131, thereby grounding through the first connection line 131.

[0098] 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 terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2.

[0099] For example, when the RF switch is applied in the RF receiving link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect to the antenna terminal to receive RF signals from the antenna terminal. The second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect to the 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.

[0100] For example, when the RF switch is applied in the RF transmission link, the first connection terminal P1 serves as an input terminal and can be used to connect the pre-stage circuit of the RF switch in the RF receiving link, such as a power amplifier or filter, and the second connection terminal P2 serves as an output terminal and can be used to connect the antenna terminal to transmit the RF signal to the antenna terminal for transmission.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 2a As shown, when the switching unit includes a series switch M1 and a parallel switch M2, one end of the parallel switch M2 can be connected to the 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 switching unit is small, which simplifies the circuit design and reduces the hardware cost of the RF switch while meeting the isolation requirements between the first connection terminal P1 and the second connection terminal P2.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 2b As shown, when the switching unit includes two or more series switches M1, the number of parallel switches M2 can be one or more. One end of each parallel switch M2 can be connected to the connection node between two adjacent series switches M1 or to 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 radio frequency signal leakage from the first connection terminal P1 to the second connection terminal P2 can be reduced, or the radio frequency signal leakage from the second connection terminal P2 to the first connection terminal P1 can be reduced.

[0103] In one implementation, in at least one switching 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 switching unit is both one, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the second connection terminal P2 is disposed between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2, and is connected to both the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 respectively. In this embodiment, placing the second connection terminal P2 between the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 not only facilitates the connection of both the series switch M1 and the parallel switch M2 to the second connection terminal P2, but also facilitates the connection of the parallel switch M2 to the ground wire. This also allows for a more compact layout within the switch unit, thereby further reducing the layout area of ​​the RF switch.

[0104] Optionally, in this embodiment, at least two antenna connection lines can be connected to the same antenna end or to different antenna ends. The specific configuration can be determined according to design requirements, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0105] As one implementation method, when the frequencies of the communication frequency bands corresponding to the radio frequency signals transmitted by different switching units differ significantly, for example, when some switching units are used to transmit low-frequency radio frequency signals and other switching units are used to transmit mid-to-high-frequency radio frequency signals, at least two antenna connection lines can be configured to be connected to different antenna ends.

[0106] For example, when the frequencies of the communication frequency bands corresponding to the radio frequency signals transmitted by different switching units differ significantly, such as when some switching units are used to transmit low-frequency radio frequency signals and other switching units are used to transmit mid-to-high-frequency radio frequency signals, the switching units used to transmit low-frequency radio frequency signals and the switching units used to transmit mid-to-high-frequency radio frequency signals can be connected to different antenna terminals and disposed between different pairs of connecting lines.

[0107] As one implementation, when the frequencies of the communication bands corresponding to the radio frequency signals transmitted by different switching units are relatively small, for example, when all switching units are used to transmit low-frequency radio frequency signals, or when all switching units are used to transmit mid-to-high frequency radio frequency signals, at least two antenna connection lines can be configured to be connected to the same antenna end.

[0108] In one implementation, the antenna connection lines and ground connection lines are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart to make the layout of the RF switch neater and more compact. For example, the extension direction of each antenna connection line and each ground connection line can be perpendicular to a second direction, thus allowing the switch units to be arranged in an array, making the layout of the RF switch even neater and more compact.

[0109] This application provides an RF chip (not shown in the figure) configured with the above-mentioned RF switch 100 or RF switch 700. The RF 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.

[0110] Specifically, the radio frequency chip may include one or more transistors, each of which may be a field-effect transistor, such as any one of 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).

[0111] Please see Figure 8 This 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 RF switches, low-noise amplifiers, filters, duplexers, and power amplifiers (PA) into an independent module, thereby improving integration and hardware performance and miniaturizing the size.

[0112] The RF front-end module 800 in this embodiment may include the aforementioned 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, the first connecting line 130 can isolate the first switch units 111 and the second switch units 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 for grounding, without having to set a corresponding bump for each switch unit separately. This reduces the number of grounding terminals in the RF switch, reduces the layout area of ​​the RF switch 100, helps to reduce the cost of the RF switch, and makes the layout of the RF switch more neat and compact.

[0113] The RF front-end module 800 in this embodiment may include the RF switch 700 described above. By alternately arranging at least two antenna connection lines and at least two ground connection lines in the second direction, and by providing at least one switching unit between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and connecting the switching unit to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, multiple switching units can share ground connection lines or antenna connection lines, 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.

[0114] This embodiment also provides an electronic device (not shown in the figure), which can be a 4G or 5G communication device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Specifically, the electronic device may include the radio frequency front-end module 800 mentioned above to realize the reception and transmission of radio frequency signals.

[0115] Furthermore, with the development of 5G technology, the requirements for the performance of radio frequency front-end modules are becoming increasingly stringent. The technical solution of this application can be applied to 5G radio frequency front-end modules to improve the communication performance of 5G communication equipment.

[0116] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions 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 this application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency switch, characterized in that, include: A first switching circuit, the first switching circuit including a plurality of first switching units; The second switching circuit includes a plurality of second switching units; A first connecting line extends along a first direction and is used for grounding; Wherein, at least two of the first switch units are arranged along the first direction on the first side of the first connecting line and connected to the first connecting line; at least two of the second switch units are arranged along the first direction on the second side of the first connecting line and 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 the first direction; The radio frequency switch further includes a first antenna terminal and a second antenna terminal, and each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, at least one series switch and at least one parallel switch; In each of the switching units, the series switch is connected between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, one end of the parallel switch is connected to the series switch and the other end is used for grounding, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the first switching unit are respectively connected to the first antenna terminal and the front-end / back-end circuit of the RF switch, and the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the second switching unit are respectively connected to the second antenna terminal and the front-end / back-end circuit of the RF switch. Wherein, at least two first switch units in the first switch circuit are used to transmit radio frequency signals of different communication frequency bands in the first frequency band between their respective first connection terminals and second connection terminals, and at least two second switch units in the second switch circuit are used to transmit radio frequency signals of different communication frequency bands in the second frequency band between their respective first connection terminals and second connection terminals, wherein the frequency range of the first frequency band and the frequency range of the second frequency band do not completely overlap.

2. The radio frequency switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, 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 being spaced apart, wherein at least two first switching units in the first switching 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 switching units in the second switching circuit are connected to the third connecting line, which is connected to the first antenna end.

3. The radio frequency switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second connecting line and the third connecting line are respectively located on both sides of the first connecting line in the second direction; wherein: At least a portion of the first switching unit in the first switching circuit is disposed between the first connecting line and the third connecting line; At least a portion of the second switching unit in the second switching circuit is disposed between the first connecting line and the second connecting line.

4. 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 that are spaced apart from the first connection line. The second connection line is connected to the second line end, and the fourth connection line is used for grounding. At least a portion of the second switching units in the second switching circuit are connected between the second connecting line and the fourth connecting line, and are not connected to the first connecting line.

5. The radio frequency switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second switching circuit includes M second switching units, wherein j second switching units are disposed on the first side of the second connecting line and connected to the first connecting line, and k second switching units are disposed on the second side of the second connecting line and connected to the second connecting line and the fourth connecting line; wherein M≥j+k, M, j and k are all positive integers and are all greater than or equal to 2.

6. The radio frequency switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting line, the second connecting line, and the fourth connecting line are arranged sequentially at intervals in the second direction.

7. The radio frequency switch according to claim 6, 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.

8. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 2-7, 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.

9. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of first switch units and the plurality of second switch units includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, at least one series switch and at least one parallel switch. The series switch is connected in series between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. One end of the parallel switch is connected to the series switch and the other end is grounded. In at least two of the first switching units and at least two of the second switching units, the second end of the parallel switch is connected to the first connecting line.

10. The radio frequency switch according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, In at least one switching unit, the number of series switches and the number of parallel switches are both one, and the second connection terminal is disposed between the series switches and the parallel switches, and is connected to the series switches and the parallel switches respectively.

11. A radio frequency switch, characterized in that, It includes multiple switching units, at least two antenna connection lines, and at least two ground connection lines. The at least two antenna connection lines and the at least two ground connection lines are alternately arranged in a second direction. At least one of the switching units is arranged between each adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines, and the switching unit is connected to the adjacent pair of antenna connection lines and ground connection lines. The switching unit is also connected to the antenna connection lines and the pre-stage / post-stage circuit of the RF switch, and is used to transmit RF signals between the antenna connection lines and the pre-stage / post-stage circuit of the RF switch.

12. The radio frequency switch according to claim 11, 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.

13. The radio frequency switch according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the antenna connection lines is parallel to and spaced apart from each of the ground connection lines.

14. A radio frequency chip, characterized in that, Includes the radio frequency switch as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. A radio frequency front-end module, characterized in that, It includes the radio frequency switch as described in any one of claims 1-13; or, it includes the radio frequency chip as described in claim 14.

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