Tracker module and communication device

Abstract

This tracker module (7) is provided with: a module substrate (90) which is a separate substrate from a substrate (390) on which a switch included in a pre-regulator circuit (310) configured so as to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage is disposed; a switched capacitor circuit (20) configured so as to generate a plurality of discrete voltages on the basis of the adjusted voltage; and an output switching circuit (30) configured so as to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier, a switch included in the switched capacitor circuit (20), a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit (20), and a switch included in the output switching circuit (30) being disposed on a module substrate (90).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tracker module and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a power supply modulation circuit (envelope tracking system) that supplies power supply voltage to a power amplifier circuit based on an envelope signal. The power supply modulation circuit includes a magnetic conversion circuit (Magnetic Regulation Stage: pre-regulator circuit) that converts voltage, a switched capacitor circuit (Switched-Capacitor Voltage Balancer Stage) that generates multiple voltages with different voltage levels based on the voltage, and an output switching circuit (Output Switching Stage) that selects at least one of the multiple voltages and outputs it. The magnetic conversion circuit includes a switch and a power inductor, the switched capacitor circuit includes a switch and a capacitor, and the output switching circuit includes a switch.

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 9755672

[0004] However, in the structure of the power supply modulation circuit of Patent Document 1, since the switched capacitor circuit generates a plurality of voltages having different voltage levels based on the adjustment voltage output from the pre-regulator circuit, there is a situation where the voltage output characteristics of the pre-regulator circuit and the output switch circuit deteriorate due to heat, and the efficiency of the power amplifier circuit deteriorates. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a tracker module and a communication device that suppress the efficiency degradation of a power amplifier circuit.

[0006] A tracker module of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a module substrate, which is a substrate separate from a substrate on which a switch included in a pre-regulator circuit is configured, wherein the pre-regulator circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into an adjustment voltage; a switching capacitor circuit, which is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and an output switching circuit, which is configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to an amplifier, wherein the switch included in the switching capacitor circuit, the capacitor included in the switching capacitor circuit, and the switch included in the output switching circuit are configured on the module substrate.

[0007] In addition, a tracker module of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a switched capacitor circuit, configured to generate multiple discrete voltages based on a first adjustment voltage adjusted by a first converter; an output switch circuit, configured to selectively output at least one of the multiple discrete voltages to an amplifier; a module substrate, configured with a switch included in the switched capacitor circuit, a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit, and a switch included in the output switch circuit; and a first adjustment voltage input terminal, configured on the module substrate, receiving the first adjustment voltage, and capable of external connection.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tracker module and a communication device in which efficiency degradation of a power amplifier circuit is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A This is a graph showing an example of transition of the power supply voltage in the average power tracking (APT: Average Power Tracking) mode.

[0010] Figure 1B This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the simulated ET mode.

[0011] Figure 1C This is a graph showing an example of transition of the power supply voltage in the digital ET mode.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a pre-regulator circuit, a switched capacitor circuit, an output switch circuit, and a filter circuit according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a circuit configuration diagram of a digital control circuit according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of a tracker module and peripheral circuits according to an embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 6A is a top view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6B is a top view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module according to an embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 7A 1 is a top view of a tracker module according to Modification 1.

[0020] Figure 7B1 is a top view of a tracker module according to Modification 1.

[0021] Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module according to Modification 1.

[0022] Fig. 8A It is a top view of a tracker module according to Modification 2.

[0023] Figure 8B It is a top view of a tracker module according to Modification 2.

[0024] Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module according to Modification 2.

[0025] Fig. 9 This is a circuit structure diagram of a tracker module and peripheral circuits of Modification Example 3.

[0026] Fig.10 It is a top view of a tracker module according to Modification 3.

[0027] Fig.11 It is a diagram of the installation structure of the communication device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following are detailed descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below are general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configurations of components, and connection methods shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram that appropriately emphasizes, omits, or adjusts the ratio in order to illustrate the present invention, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated, and may differ from the actual shape, positional relationship, and ratio. In each figure, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same structure, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0030] In the circuit structure of the present disclosure, the so-called "connection" includes not only the case of direct connection through connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also the case of electrical connection via other circuit elements. The so-called "connection between A and B" means connection between A and B and both A and B.

[0031] In the circuit structure of the present disclosure, the so-called "connection" includes not only the case of direct connection through a connection terminal and / or a wiring conductor, but also the case of electrical connection through other circuit elements. The so-called "direct connection" means direct connection through a connection terminal and / or a wiring conductor without passing through other circuit elements. The so-called "connection between A and B" means connection between A and B and both A and B.

[0032] In the component configuration of the present disclosure, the so-called "components are configured on the substrate" includes components configured on the main surface of the substrate and components configured inside the substrate. The so-called "components are configured on the main surface of the substrate" includes not only the case where the components are configured in contact with the main surface of the substrate, but also the case where the components are not in contact with the main surface but are configured above the main surface (for example, the components are stacked on other components configured in contact with the main surface). In addition, "components are configured on the main surface of the substrate" may also include components configured in recesses formed on the main surface. The so-called "components are configured inside the substrate" includes not only the case where the components are encapsulated in the module substrate, but also the case where although all components are configured between the two main surfaces of the substrate, part of the components are not covered by the substrate, and the case where only part of the components are configured inside the substrate.

[0033] In the following figures, the x-axis and the y-axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other on a plane parallel to the main surface of the module substrate. Specifically, when the module substrate has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the x-axis is parallel to the first side of the module substrate, and the y-axis is parallel to the second side of the module substrate, wherein the second side is orthogonal to the first side. In addition, the z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the main surface of the module substrate, and its positive direction indicates the upper side, and its negative direction indicates the lower side.

[0034] In addition, in the component configuration of the present disclosure, the so-called "a top view of the module substrate" means observing the object by orthogonally projecting it onto the xy plane from the positive side of the z-axis. The so-called "A overlaps with B when viewed from above" means that at least a part of the area of ​​A orthogonally projected onto the xy plane overlaps with at least a part of the area of ​​B orthogonally projected onto the xy plane. In addition, the so-called "A is configured between B and C" means that at least one of the multiple line segments connecting an arbitrary point in B and an arbitrary point in C passes through A.

[0035] In addition, terms such as “parallel” and “perpendicular” indicating the relationship between elements, terms such as “rectangular” indicating the shape of elements, and numerical ranges do not have strict meanings but also include substantially equivalent ranges, for example, errors of several %.

[0036] In the present disclosure, the term "terminal" refers to a point where a conductor in an element ends. In addition, when the impedance of the conductor between elements is sufficiently low, the terminal can be interpreted not only as a single point but also as an arbitrary point on the conductor between elements or the entire conductor.

[0037] First, as a technique for efficiently amplifying high-frequency signals, a tracking mode in which a variable power supply voltage that is dynamically adjusted over time based on the high-frequency signal is supplied to a power amplifier is described. The so-called tracking mode refers to a mode in which the power supply voltage applied to the amplifier circuit is dynamically adjusted. There are several types of tracking modes, but here, reference is made to the following. Figure 1A to Figure 1CThis section describes the average power tracking (APT) mode and the envelope tracking (ET) mode (including the analog ET mode and the digital ET mode). Figure 1A to Figure 1C In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents voltage. In addition, the thick solid line represents the power supply voltage and the thin solid line (waveform) represents the modulation wave.

[0038] Figure 1A This is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the APT mode. In the APT mode, the power supply voltage is changed to multiple discrete voltage levels in units of one frame. As a result, the power supply voltage signal forms a rectangular wave. In the APT mode, the voltage level of the power supply voltage is determined based on the average output power. In addition, in the APT mode, the voltage level can also be changed in units smaller than one frame (such as subframes, time slots, or symbols). APT in which the voltage level changes in units of symbols is also called symbol power tracking (SPT: Symbol Power Tracking).

[0039] A frame is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of ten milliseconds, and includes ten subframes. A subframe is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of one millisecond, and includes two slots. A slot is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 0.5 milliseconds, and includes six symbols. A symbol is a unit of a high frequency signal having a length of 71 microseconds, and includes a cyclic prefix (CP).

[0040] In the SPT mode, the power supply voltage level is modulated in units of one symbol. At this time, the voltage level is changed in the CP interval. For example, in the first symbol, the CP is changed to a higher voltage level, and in the second symbol, the CP is changed to a lower voltage level. In addition, the voltage level may not be changed in subsequent symbols. The power supply voltage level can be modulated based on the data signal in each symbol interval.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the APT mode includes the SPT mode, and the APT module includes a module that supplies a power supply voltage to the PA module in the SPT mode.

[0042] Figure 1B 1 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the simulated ET mode. The simulated ET mode is an example of a conventional ET mode. Figure 1B As shown, in the analog ET mode, the power supply voltage is continuously varied to track the envelope of the modulation wave. In the analog ET mode, the power supply voltage is determined based on the envelope signal.

[0043] The so-called envelope signal is a signal representing the envelope of the modulated wave. The envelope value is expressed, for example, by (I 2+Q 2 ). Here, (I, Q) represents a constellation point. A constellation point is a point on a constellation diagram that represents a signal modulated by digital modulation. For example, (I, Q) is determined by a BBIC (Baseband Integrated Circuit) based on the transmitted information.

[0044] Figure 1C is a graph showing an example of the transition of the power supply voltage in the digital ET mode. Figure 1C As shown in FIG. 1 , in the digital ET mode, the envelope of the modulation wave is tracked by changing the power supply voltage to a plurality of discrete voltage levels within one frame. As a result, the power supply voltage signal forms a rectangular wave. In the digital ET mode, the power supply voltage level is selected or set from a plurality of discrete voltage levels based on the envelope signal.

[0045] (Implementation Method)

[0046] Embodiment 1 is described below. The communication device 6 of this embodiment is equivalent to a user terminal (UE: User Equipment) in a cellular network, typically a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, etc. In addition, the communication device 6 may also be an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor device, a medical / health care device, a car, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (so-called drone), an unmanned guided vehicle (AGV: Automated Guided Vehicle). In addition, the communication device 6 may also function as a BS (Base Station: Base Station) in a cellular network.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 The circuit configurations of the communication device 6 , the tracker circuit 1 , and the amplifier circuit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is a circuit configuration diagram of the communication device 6 according to the present embodiment.

[0048] also, Figure 2 The circuit structures are exemplary, and the communication device 6, the tracker circuit 1, and the amplifier circuit 2 may be installed using any of a variety of circuit installations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of the communication device 6, the tracker circuit 1, and the amplifier circuit 2 provided below should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0049] [1.1 Circuit Structure of Communication Device 6]

[0050] First, refer to Figure 2The communication device 6 of this embodiment will be described. The communication device 6 includes a tracker circuit 1, an amplifier circuit 2, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 3, a BBIC 4, an antenna 5a, and an antenna 5b.

[0051] The tracker circuit 1 can supply a plurality of discrete power supply voltages V to the amplifier circuit 2 in a tracking mode. T1 As the tracking mode, a digital ET mode can be used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the tracker circuit 1 includes a pre-regulator circuit 310, a switch capacitor circuit 20, an output switch circuit 30, a filter circuit 40, a DC power supply 350 and a digital control circuit 60.

[33] The pre-regulator circuit 310 includes a power inductor and a switch. The so-called power inductor refers to an inductor used for stepping up and / or stepping down a DC voltage. The power inductor is connected in series to the DC path. In addition, the power inductor can also be connected (configured in parallel) between the series path and the ground. The pre-regulator circuit 310 can use the power inductor to convert the input voltage into a regulated voltage. Such a pre-regulator circuit 310 is also called a magnetic regulator or a converter.

[0053] The switched capacitor circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switches, and is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages each having a plurality of discrete voltage levels based on the adjustment voltage from the pre-regulator circuit 310. The switched capacitor circuit 20 is also referred to as a switched-capacitor voltage balancer. The switched capacitor circuit 20 is controlled based on a digital control signal.

[0054] The output switch circuit 30 is configured to selectively output at least one discrete voltage among a plurality of discrete voltages generated by the switched capacitor circuit 20 to the amplifier circuit 2. The output switch circuit 30 is controlled based on a digital control signal.

[0055] The filter circuit 40 can attenuate noise components from the signal (a plurality of discrete voltages) output by the output switch circuit 30 .

[0056] The DC power supply 350 can supply a DC voltage to the pre-regulator circuit 310. As the DC power supply 350, for example, a rechargeable battery can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[38] The digital control circuit 60 can control the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 based on the digital control signal from the RFIC3 and the BBIC4.

[0057] In addition, the tracker circuit 1 may not include at least one of the pre-regulator circuit 310, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, the filter circuit 40, the DC power supply 350, and the digital control circuit 60. For example, the tracker circuit 1 may not include the DC power supply 350. In addition, any combination of the switched capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40 may also be integrated into a single circuit.

[0058] The amplifier circuit 2 includes power amplifiers 81 , 82 , and 83 , filters 84 , 85 , and 86 , and a switch 71 .

[0059] The power amplifier 82 is an example of a first power amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 3 and the filter 86. In addition, the power amplifier 82 is connected to the pre-regulator circuit 310 without passing through the switch capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. The power amplifier 82 can use the power supply voltage V received from the pre-regulator circuit 310. T2 , amplifying the high frequency signal of band A received from RFIC3.

[0060] The power amplifier 83 is an example of a first power amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 3 and the filter 85. In addition, the power amplifier 83 is connected to the pre-regulator circuit 310 without passing through the switch capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40. The power amplifier 83 can use the power supply voltage V received from the pre-regulator circuit 310. T3 , amplifying the high frequency signal of band B received from RFIC3.

[0061] The power amplifier 82 can receive the power supply voltage V in the APT mode from the pre-regulator circuit 310, for example. T2 The power amplifier 83 can receive the power supply voltage V in the APT mode from the pre-regulator circuit 310, for example. T3 .

[0062] The power amplifier 81 is an example of a second power amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 3 and the filter 84. In addition, the power amplifier 81 is connected to the filter circuit 40. The power amplifier 81 can use the power supply voltage V received from the output switch circuit 30 and the filter circuit 40. T1 , amplifying the high frequency signal of band C received from RFIC3.

[0063] The power amplifier 81 can receive the power supply voltage V in the digital ET mode from the tracker circuit 1, for example. T1 .

[0064] Filter 86 is connected between power amplifier 82 and antenna 5a. Filter 86 is a bandpass filter having a passband including frequency band A. Filter 85 is connected between power amplifier 83 and antenna 5a. Filter 85 is a bandpass filter having a passband including frequency band B. Filter 84 is connected between power amplifier 81 and antenna 5b. Filter 84 is a bandpass filter having a passband including frequency band C.

[0065] Band A, Band B, and Band C are frequency bands used for communication systems constructed using radio access technology (RAT), and are predefined by standardization organizations such as 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Examples of communication systems include 5GNR (5th Generation New Radio) systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems, and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) systems.

[0066] Band A is included in the low band group (LB group: 600 MHz-1 GHz), for example. Band B is included in the mid-high band group (MHB group: 1.5-2.8 GHz), for example. Band C is included in the ultra-high band group (UHB group: 3300-5000 MHz).

[0067] The switch 71 includes a terminal connected to the filter 86, a terminal connected to the filter 85, and a terminal connected to the antenna 5a. The switch 71 can switch between the connection of the filter 86 and the antenna 5a and the connection of the filter 85 and the antenna 5a.

[0068] RFIC3 is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal. Specifically, RFIC3 performs signal processing on a transmission signal input from BBIC4 by up-conversion, etc., and supplies the high-frequency transmission signal generated by the signal processing to power amplifiers 81 to 83. In addition, RFIC3 has a control unit that controls the tracker circuit 1. In addition, part or all of the functions of the control unit of RFIC3 may be installed outside RFIC3.

[0069] BBIC4 is a circuit that performs signal processing using a baseband frequency band lower than the high-frequency signal transmitted in the amplifier circuit 2. BBIC4 also has a control unit that controls the tracker circuit 1. In addition, part or all of the functions of the control unit of BBIC4 may be installed outside BBIC4.

[0070] The antenna 5a outputs a transmission signal of frequency band A input from the power amplifier 82 via the filter 86 and a transmission signal of frequency band B input from the power amplifier 83 via the filter 85. The antenna 5b outputs a transmission signal of frequency band C input from the power amplifier 81 via the filter 84. In addition, the antenna 5a and the antenna 5b may be a single antenna connected to the filters 84 to 86 via a switch circuit. In addition, the antenna 5a and the antenna 5b may not be included in the communication device 6.

[0071] also, Figure 2 The circuit configuration of the communication device 6 shown is an example and is not limited to this.

[0072] [1.2 Circuit structure of tracker circuit 1]

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The circuit configurations of the pre-regulator circuit 310 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the output switch circuit 30 , the filter circuit 40 , and the digital control circuit 60 included in the tracker circuit 1 will be described.

[0074] Figure 3 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of the pre-regulator circuit 310 , the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the output switch circuit 30 , and the filter circuit 40 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the digital control circuit 60 according to the present embodiment.

[0075] also, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The circuit configuration is exemplary, and the pre-regulator circuit 310, the switched capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, the filter circuit 40, and the digital control circuit 60 may be implemented using any of a variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of each circuit provided below should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

[0076] [1.2.1 Circuit Structure of Switched Capacitor Circuit 20]

[0077] First, the circuit structure of the switched capacitor circuit 20 is described. The switched capacitor circuit 20 is connected to the digital control circuit 60. Figure 3As shown, the switched capacitor circuit 20 includes adjustment voltage input terminals 121, 122, 123 and 124, a control terminal 120, capacitors C11 to C16, capacitors C10, C20, C30 and C40, and switches S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34 and S41 to S44. Energy and charge are input to the switched capacitor circuit 20 from the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, and are drawn out from the switched capacitor circuit 20 to the output switch circuit 30 at nodes N1 to N4.

[0078] The adjustment voltage input terminal 121 is an external connection terminal for receiving the adjustment voltage output from the output terminal 111 of the pre-regulator circuit 310. The adjustment voltage input terminal 122 is an external connection terminal for receiving the adjustment voltage output from the output terminal 112 of the pre-regulator circuit 310. The adjustment voltage input terminal 123 is an external connection terminal for receiving the adjustment voltage output from the output terminal 113 of the pre-regulator circuit 310. The adjustment voltage input terminal 124 is an external connection terminal for receiving the adjustment voltage output from the output terminal 114 of the pre-regulator circuit 310.

[0079] The control terminal 120 is an input terminal of the control signal S2 . In other words, the control terminal 120 is a terminal for receiving the control signal S2 , wherein the control signal S2 is used to control the switched capacitor circuit 20 .

[0080] Capacitors C11 to C16 function as flying capacitors (also called cross-circuit capacitors). That is, capacitors C11 to C16 are used to step up or step down the adjustment voltage supplied from the pre-regulator circuit 310. More specifically, capacitors C11 to C16 move charges between capacitors C11 to C16 and nodes N1 to N4 so as to maintain voltages V1 to V4 (voltage relative to the ground potential) satisfying V1:V2:V3:V4=1:2:3:4 at the four nodes N1 to N4. The voltages V1 to V4 correspond to a plurality of discrete voltages each having a plurality of discrete voltage levels.

[0081] The capacitor C11 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 is connected to one end of the switch S11 and one end of the switch S12. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 is connected to one end of the switch S21 and one end of the switch S22.

[0082] The capacitor C12 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 is connected to one end of the switch S21 and one end of the switch S22. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 is connected to one end of the switch S31 and one end of the switch S32.

[0083] The capacitor C13 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 is connected to one end of the switch S31 and one end of the switch S32. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 is connected to one end of the switch S41 and one end of the switch S42.

[0084] The capacitor C14 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 is connected to one end of the switch S13 and one end of the switch S14. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 is connected to one end of the switch S23 and one end of the switch S24.

[0085] The capacitor C15 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 is connected to one end of the switch S23 and one end of the switch S24. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 is connected to one end of the switch S33 and one end of the switch S34.

[0086] The capacitor C16 has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 is connected to one end of the switch S33 and one end of the switch S34. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 is connected to one end of the switch S43 and one end of the switch S44.

[0087] The group of capacitors C11 and C14 , the group of capacitors C12 and C15 , and the group of capacitors C13 and C16 can be complementarily charged and discharged by repeating the first phase and the second phase, respectively.

[0088] Specifically, in the first stage, switches S12, S13, S22, S23, S32, S33, S42, and S43 are turned on. Thus, for example, one of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 is connected to node N3, the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 are connected to node N2, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 is connected to node N1.

[0089] On the other hand, in the second phase, switches S11, S14, S21, S24, S31, S34, S41, and S44 are turned on. Thus, for example, one of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 is connected to node N3, the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C15 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 are connected to node N2, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C12 is connected to node N1.

[0090] By repeating the first and second stages, for example, when one of capacitor C12 and capacitor C15 is charged from node N2, the other of capacitor C12 and capacitor C15 can discharge to capacitor C30. That is, capacitor C12 and capacitor C15 can be charged and discharged complementarily.

[0091] The group of capacitors C11 and C14 and the group of capacitors C13 and C16 can also be charged and discharged complementarily in the same manner as the group of capacitors C12 and C15 by repeating the first stage and the second stage.

[0092] The capacitors C10 , C20 , C30 , and C40 function as smoothing capacitors, respectively. That is, the capacitors C10 , C20 , C30 , and C40 are used to hold and smooth the voltages V1 to V4 at the nodes N1 to N4 , respectively.

[0093] The capacitor C10 is connected between the node N1 and the ground. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C10 is connected to the node N1. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C10 is connected to the ground.

[0094] The capacitor C20 is connected between the node N2 and the node N1. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C20 is connected to the node N2. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C20 is connected to the node N1.

[0095] The capacitor C30 is connected between the node N3 and the node N2. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C30 is connected to the node N3. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C30 is connected to the node N2.

[0096] The capacitor C40 is connected between the node N4 and the node N3. Specifically, one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C40 is connected to the node N4. On the other hand, the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C40 is connected to the node N3.

[0097] The switch S11 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S11 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S11 is connected to the node N3.

[0098] The switch S12 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11 and the node N4. Specifically, one end of the switch S12 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S12 is connected to the node N4.

[0099] The switch S21 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S21 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S21 is connected to the node N2.

[0100] The switch S22 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S22 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C11. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S22 is connected to the node N3.

[0101] The switch S31 is connected between the other electrode of the capacitor C12 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S31 is connected to the other electrode of the capacitor C12 and one electrode of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S31 is connected to the node N1.

[0102] The switch S32 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S32 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C12 and one electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S32 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S32 is connected to the other end of the switch S21.

[0103] The switch S41 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 and the ground. Specifically, one end of the switch S41 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S41 is connected to the ground.

[0104] The switch S42 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S42 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C13. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S42 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S42 is connected to the other end of the switch S31.

[0105] The switch S13 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S13 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S13 is connected to the node N3. That is, the other end of the switch S13 is connected to the other end of the switch S11 and the other end of the switch S22.

[0106] The switch S14 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14 and the node N4. Specifically, one end of the switch S14 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S14 is connected to the node N4. That is, the other end of the switch S14 is connected to the other end of the switch S12.

[0107] The switch S23 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S23 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S23 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S23 is connected to the other end of the switch S21 and the other end of the switch S32.

[0108] The switch S24 is connected between one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N3. Specifically, one end of the switch S24 is connected to one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C14. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S24 is connected to the node N3. That is, the other end of the switch S24 is connected to the other end of the switch S11, the other end of the switch S22, and the other end of the switch S13.

[0109] The switch S33 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S33 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and one electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S33 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S33 is connected to the other end of the switch S31 and the other end of the switch S42.

[0110] The switch S34 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and the node N2. Specifically, one end of the switch S34 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C15 and one electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S34 is connected to the node N2. That is, the other end of the switch S34 is connected to the other end of the switch S21, the other end of the switch S32, and the other end of the switch S23.

[0111] The switch S43 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 and the ground. Specifically, one end of the switch S43 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S43 is connected to the ground.

[0112] The switch S44 is connected between the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16 and the node N1. Specifically, one end of the switch S44 is connected to the other electrode of the two electrodes of the capacitor C16. On the other hand, the other end of the switch S44 is connected to the node N1. That is, the other end of the switch S44 is connected to the other end of the switch S31, the other end of the switch S42, and the other end of the switch S33.

[0113] The switches of the first group including switches S12, S13, S22, S23, S32, S33, S42 and S43 and the switches of the second group including switches S11, S14, S21, S24, S31, S34, S41 and S44 are switched on and off complementarily based on the control signal S2. Specifically, in the first stage, the switches of the first group are turned on and the switches of the second group are turned off. Conversely, in the second stage, the switches of the first group are turned off and the switches of the second group are turned on.

[0114] For example, in one of the first stage and the second stage, the capacitors C11 to C13 are charged to the capacitors C10 to C40, and in the other of the first stage and the second stage, the capacitors C14 to C16 are charged to the capacitors C10 to C40. That is, the capacitors C11 to C13 or the capacitors C14 to C16 are always charged to the capacitors C10 to C40, so even if the current flows from the nodes N1 to N4 to the output switch circuit 30 at a high speed, the nodes N1 to N4 can be replenished with charges at a high speed, so the potential fluctuation of the nodes N1 to N4 can be suppressed.

[0115] By operating in this way, the switched capacitor circuit 20 can maintain approximately equal voltages at both ends of each of the capacitors C10, C20, C30, and C40. Specifically, at the four nodes labeled V1 to V4, voltages V1 to V4 (voltages relative to the ground potential) that satisfy V1:V2:V3:V4=1:2:3:4 are maintained. The voltage levels of the voltages V1 to V4 correspond to a plurality of discrete voltage levels that can be supplied to the output switch circuit 30 through the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0116] In addition, the voltage ratio (V1:V2:V3:V4) is not limited to (1:2:3:4). For example, the voltage ratio (V1:V2:V3:V4) may be (1:2:4:8).

[0117] in addition, Figure 3 The structure of the switched capacitor circuit 20 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. Figure 3In the embodiment, the switched capacitor circuit 20 is configured to supply voltages of four discrete voltage levels, but is not limited thereto. The switched capacitor circuit 20 may also be configured to supply voltages of any number of discrete voltage levels or more. For example, in the case of supplying voltages of two discrete voltage levels, the switched capacitor circuit 20 may include at least a capacitor C12, a capacitor C15, switches S21 to S24, and switches S31 to S34.

[0118] [1.2.2 Circuit Structure of Output Switch Circuit 30]

[0119] Next, the circuit structure of the output switch circuit 30 is described. The output switch circuit 30 is connected to the digital control circuit 60. Figure 3 As shown, the output switch circuit 30 includes input terminals 131 to 134 , a control terminal 135 , switches S51 to S54 , and an output terminal 130 .

[0120] The output terminal 130 is connected to the external connection terminal 141. The output terminal 130 is a terminal for supplying a power supply voltage selected from the voltages V1 to V4 to the power amplifier 81 via the external connection terminal 141.

[0121] The input terminals 131 to 134 are respectively connected to the nodes N4 to N1 of the switched capacitor circuit 20. The input terminals 131 to 134 are terminals for receiving the voltages V4 to V1 from the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0122] The control terminal 135 is an input terminal for the control signal S3. That is, the control terminal 135 is a terminal for receiving the control signal S3 indicating one of the voltages V1 to V4. The output switch circuit 30 controls the on / off of the switches S51 to S54 to select the voltage level indicated by the control signal S3.

[0123] The switch S51 is connected between the input terminal 131 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S51 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 131 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S51 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 131 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0124] The switch S52 is connected between the input terminal 132 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S52 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 132 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S52 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 132 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0125] The switch S53 is connected between the input terminal 133 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S53 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 133 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S53 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 133 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0126] The switch S54 is connected between the input terminal 134 and the output terminal 130. Specifically, the switch S54 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 134 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 130. In this connection structure, the switch S54 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 134 and the output terminal 130 by switching on / off according to the control signal S3.

[0127] These switches S51 to S54 are controlled to be exclusively turned on. That is, only one of the switches S51 to S54 is turned on, and the rest of the switches S51 to S54 are turned off. Thus, the output switch circuit 30 can output one voltage selected from the voltages V1 to V4.

[0128] also, Figure 3 The structure of the output switch circuit 30 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. In particular, the switches S51 to S54 may have any structure as long as they can selectively connect at least one of the four input terminals 131 to 134 to the output terminal 130. For example, the output switch circuit 30 may further include a switch connected between the switches S51 to S53 and the switch S54 and the output terminal 130. For another example, the output switch circuit 30 may further include a switch connected between the switches S51 and S52 and the switches S53 and S54 and the output terminal 130.

[0129] Furthermore, when voltages of two discrete voltage levels are supplied from the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the output switch circuit 30 only needs to include at least two of the switches S51 to S54 .

[0130] [1.2.3 Circuit Structure of Pre-regulator Circuit 310]

[0131] First, the structure of the pre-regulator circuit 310 is described. Figure 3 As shown, the pre-regulator circuit 310 includes an input terminal 110, output terminals 111 to 114, a control terminal 117, inductor connection terminals 115 and 116, switches S61 to S63, S71 and S72, a power inductor L71, and capacitors C61 to C64.

[0132] The input terminal 110 is an input terminal for a DC voltage. In other words, the input terminal 110 is a terminal for receiving an input voltage from the DC power supply 350 .

[0133] The output terminal 111 is an output terminal of the voltage V4. That is, the output terminal 111 is a terminal for supplying the voltage V4 to the switched capacitor circuit 20. The output terminal 111 is connected to the node N4 of the switched capacitor circuit 20 via the adjustment voltage input terminal 121.

[0134] The output terminal 112 is an output terminal of the voltage V3. That is, the output terminal 112 is a terminal for the user to supply the voltage V3 to the switched capacitor circuit 20. The output terminal 112 is connected to the node N3 of the switched capacitor circuit 20 via the adjustment voltage input terminal 122.

[0135] The output terminal 113 is an output terminal of the voltage V2. That is, the output terminal 113 is a terminal for supplying the voltage V2 to the switched capacitor circuit 20. The output terminal 113 is connected to the node N2 of the switched capacitor circuit 20 via the adjustment voltage input terminal 123.

[0136] The output terminal 114 is an output terminal of the voltage V1. That is, the output terminal 114 is a terminal for supplying the voltage V1 to the switched capacitor circuit 20. The output terminal 114 is connected to the node N1 of the switched capacitor circuit 20 via the adjustment voltage input terminal 124.

[0137] The inductor connection terminal 115 is connected to one end of the power inductor L71 , and the inductor connection terminal 116 is connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 .

[0138] The control terminal 117 is an input terminal for the control signal S1 . In other words, the control terminal 117 is a terminal for receiving the control signal S1 , wherein the control signal S1 is used to control the pre-regulator circuit 310 .

[0139] The switch S71 is connected between the input terminal 110 and one end of the power inductor L71. Specifically, the switch S71 has a terminal connected to the input terminal 110 and a terminal connected to one end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 115. In this connection structure, the switch S71 can switch the connection and non-connection between the input terminal 110 and one end of the power inductor L71 by switching on / off based on the control signal S1.

[0140] The switch S72 is connected between one end of the power inductor L71 and the ground. Specifically, the switch S72 has a terminal connected to one end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 115 and a terminal connected to the ground. In this connection structure, the switch S72 can switch the connection and non-connection between one end of the power inductor L71 and the ground by switching on / off based on the control signal S1.

[0141] The switch S61 is connected between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 111. Specifically, the switch S61 has a terminal connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 116 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 111. In this connection structure, the switch S61 can switch the connection and non-connection between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 111 by switching on / off based on the control signal S1.

[0142] The switch S62 is connected between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 112. Specifically, the switch S62 has a terminal connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 116 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 112. In this connection structure, the switch S62 can switch the connection and non-connection between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 112 by switching on / off based on the control signal S1.

[0143] The switch S63 is connected between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 113. Specifically, the switch S63 has a terminal connected to the other end of the power inductor L71 via the inductor connection terminal 116 and a terminal connected to the output terminal 113. In this connection structure, the switch S63 can switch the connection and non-connection between the other end of the power inductor L71 and the output terminal 113 by switching on / off based on the control signal S1.

[0144] One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C61 is connected to the switch S61 and the output terminal 111. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C61 is connected to the switch S62, the output terminal 112, and one of the two electrodes of the capacitor C62.

[0145] One of the two electrodes of capacitor C62 is connected to switch S62, output terminal 112 and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C61, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C62 is connected to switch S63, output terminal 113 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C63.

[0146] One of the two electrodes of capacitor C63 is connected to switch S63, output terminal 113, and the other of the two electrodes of capacitor C62. The other of the two electrodes of capacitor C63 is connected to output terminal 114 and one of the two electrodes of capacitor C64.

[0147] One of the two electrodes of the capacitor C64 is connected to the output terminal 114 and the other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C63. The other of the two electrodes of the capacitor C64 is connected to the ground.

[0148] The switches S61 to S63 are controlled to be exclusively turned on. That is, only one of the switches S61 to S63 is turned on, and the remaining switches of the switches S61 to S63 are turned off. By turning on only one of the switches S61 to S63, the pre-regulator circuit 310 can change the voltage supplied to the switched capacitor circuit 20 to the voltage level of the voltage V2 to V4.

[0149] The pre-regulator circuit 310 configured in this manner can supply the regulated voltage to the switched capacitor circuit 20 via at least one of the output terminals 111 to 113 .

[0150] Furthermore, when the input voltage is converted into a regulated voltage, the pre-regulator circuit 310 only needs to include at least the switch S71 and the switch S72 and the power inductor L71 .

[0151] [1.2.4 Circuit Structure of Filter Circuit 40]

[0152] Next, the circuit structure of the filter circuit 40 is described. Figure 3 As shown, the filter circuit 40 includes inductors L51 , L52 , and L53 , capacitors C51 and C52 , a resistor R51 , an input terminal 140 , and an external connection terminal (output terminal) 141 .

[0153] The input terminal 140 is an input terminal for a discrete voltage selected by the output switch circuit 30. That is, the input terminal 140 is a terminal for receiving a discrete voltage selected from a plurality of voltages V1 to V4.

[0154] The external connection terminal 141 is the power supply voltage V T1 That is, the external connection terminal 141 is used to supply the power supply voltage V to the amplifier circuit 2. T1 Terminals.

[0155] The inductor L51 and the inductor L52 are connected in series with each other between the input terminal 140 and the external connection terminal 141. The series connection circuit of the inductor L53 and the resistor R51 is connected in parallel with the inductor L51. The capacitor C51 is connected between the connection point of the inductor L51 and the inductor L52 and the ground. The capacitor C52 is connected between the external connection terminal 141 and the ground.

[0156] In the above structure, the filter circuit 40 is configured as an LC low-pass filter in which an inductor is configured in a series arm path and a capacitor is configured in a parallel arm path. Thus, the filter circuit 40 can reduce the high-frequency component contained in the power supply voltage. For example, when the prescribed frequency band is a frequency band for frequency division duplex (FDD), the filter circuit 40 is configured to reduce the component of the downlink operation frequency band of the prescribed frequency band.

[0157] also, Figure 3 The structure of the filter circuit 40 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. The filter circuit 40 may be configured as a bandpass filter or a highpass filter according to the frequency band to be removed.

[0158] In addition, the filter circuit 40 may also have more than two LC filters. The above-mentioned two or more LC filters may also be connected to the output terminal 130 in common, and each LC filter has a passband or attenuation band corresponding to a different frequency band. Alternatively, a first filter group consisting of two or more LC filters may be connected to the first output terminal of the output switch circuit 30, and a second filter group consisting of other two or more LC filters may be connected to the second output terminal of the output switch circuit 30, and each LC filter has a passband or attenuation band corresponding to a different frequency band. In this case, the filter circuit 40 may also have more than two output terminals, and output more than two power supply voltages V to the amplifier circuit 2 at the same time. T1 .

[0159] [1.2.5 Circuit structure of digital control circuit 60]

[0160] Next, the circuit structure of the digital control circuit 60 is described. Figure 4 As shown, the digital control circuit 60 includes a first controller 61 , a second controller 62 , and control terminals 601 to 604 .

[0161] The first controller 61 can generate a control signal S2 by processing a source synchronous digital control signal received from the RFIC 3 via the control terminal 601 and the control terminal 602. The control signal S2 is a signal for controlling the on / off of the switches S11 to S14, S21 to S24, S31 to S34, and S41 to S44 included in the switched capacitor circuit 20.

[0162] In addition, the digital control signal processed in the first controller 61 is not limited to the source synchronous digital control signal. For example, the first controller 61 may also process the clock embedded digital control signal. In addition, the first controller 61 may also generate a control signal for controlling the output switch circuit 30.

[0163] The second controller 62 processes the digital control logic (DCL: Digital Control Logic / Line) signals (DCL1, DCL2) received from the RFIC3 via the control terminal 603 and the control terminal 604 to generate the control signal S3. The DCL signals (DCL1, DCL2) are generated based on the envelope signal of the high-frequency signal, etc., through the RFIC3. The control signal S3 is a signal for controlling the on / off of the switches S51 to S54 included in the output switch circuit 30.

[0164] The DCL signals (DCL1, DCL2) are each a one-bit signal. Voltages V1 to V4 are each represented by a combination of two one-bit signals. For example, V1, V2, V3, and V4 are represented by "00", "01", "10", and "11", respectively. Gray code can also be used to express voltage levels.

[0165] In addition, in the present embodiment, two digital control logic signals are used for the control of the output switch circuit 30, but the number of digital control logic signals is not limited thereto. For example, one or more than three digital control logic signals may be used according to the number of voltage levels that can be selected by the output switch circuit 30. In addition, the digital control signal used for the control of the output switch circuit 30 is not limited to the digital control logic signal.

[0166] Here, in the above-mentioned communication device 6, it is assumed that when the switched capacitor circuit 20 generates a plurality of discrete voltages having different voltage levels based on the adjustment voltage output from the pre-regulator circuit 310, the voltage output characteristics of the tracker circuit 1 deteriorate due to the heat generation of the pre-regulator circuit 310 and the switched capacitor circuit 20, and the efficiency (PAE: Power Added Efficiency) of the amplifier circuit 2 deteriorates.

[0167] Hereinafter, the configuration of the tracker module for suppressing the efficiency degradation of the amplifier circuit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0168] [1.3 Installation structure of tracker module 7]

[0169] Next, refer to Figure 5 to Figure 6C The configuration of a tracker module 7 and its peripheral circuits as an implementation example of the tracker circuit 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0170] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram of a tracker module 7 and peripheral circuits according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the tracker module 7 includes a module substrate 90, a switched capacitor circuit 20, an output switch circuit 30, a filter circuit 40, adjustment voltage input terminals 121, 122, 123, and 124, control terminals 601 to 604, and an external connection terminal 141.

[0171] The module substrate 90 is a substrate separate from the substrate 390. The pre-regulator circuit 310 is arranged on the substrate 390. The module substrate 90 is provided with the switched capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40.

[0172] In addition, in this embodiment, all circuit components included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, and the filter circuit 40 are arranged on the module substrate 90. Here, the so-called circuit components are defined as including active elements such as transistors and diodes and passive elements such as resistors, coils, and capacitors, and do not include wiring, electrodes, and terminals.

[0173] The adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are each an example of a first adjustment voltage input terminal, and are externally connectable terminals that receive the first adjustment voltage.

[0174] The pre-regulator circuit 310 is an example of a first converter, and is configured to convert an input voltage into a first regulated voltage.

[0175] The switched capacitor circuit 20 is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the first adjustment voltage.

[0176] The output switch circuit 30 is configured to selectively output at least one discrete voltage among the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier circuit 2 .

[0177] According to the above structure, since the circuit components of the pre-regulator circuit 310 and the circuit components of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on different substrates, the tracker module 7 including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 310 is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency degradation of the amplifier circuit 2 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0178] In addition, at least the switch included in the switched capacitor circuit 20, the capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 may be arranged on the module substrate 90. In addition, the switch included in the pre-regulator circuit 310 may be arranged on the substrate 390.

[0179] Each of the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 is an example of a first adjustment voltage input terminal, and is a terminal that can be externally connected and receives the first adjustment voltage.

[0180] Since the first adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 is supplied from the outside of the tracker module 7 through the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, the tracker module 7 including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 310 is less susceptible to the influence of the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Thus, the efficiency degradation of the amplifier circuit 2 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0181] The control terminals 601 and 602 are externally connectable digital control terminals that receive source synchronous digital control signals, and the control terminals 603 and 604 are externally connectable digital control terminals that receive DCL signals.

[0182] Fig. 6A 1 is a top view of the tracker module 7 according to the embodiment, and is a view of the main surface 90a side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis. Figure 6B 1 is a top view of the tracker module 7 according to the embodiment, and is a view taken from the main surface 90b side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive z-axis direction. Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of the tracker module 7 according to the embodiment, specifically, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Cross-sectional view on the VIC-VIC line.

[0183] like Figure 6A to Figure 6C As shown, the tracker module 7 of the present embodiment includes a module substrate 90, an integrated circuit 80, capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C51 and C52, inductors L51, L52 and L53, a resistor R51, an external connection electrode 150 and a resin component 91.

[0184] The module substrate 90 has a main surface 90a and a main surface 90b facing each other, and is a substrate on which circuit components constituting the tracker module 7 are mounted. As the module substrate 90, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate having a laminated structure of a plurality of dielectric layers, a high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) substrate, a component-embedded substrate, a substrate having a redistribution layer (RDL), or a printed circuit substrate can be used.

[0185] The integrated circuit 80 is an example of a first semiconductor IC (Integrated Circuit), and is formed using, for example, CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and is specifically manufactured by a SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process. The integrated circuit 80 may also be formed of at least one material selected from GaAs, SiGe, and GaN. In addition, the semiconductor material of the integrated circuit 80 is not limited to the above materials.

[0186] The integrated circuit 80 includes an SC switch section 20A and an OS switch section 30A.

[0187] SC switch section 20A is composed of switches included in switched capacitor circuit 20. Specifically, SC switch section 20A includes switches S11, S12, S13, S14, S21, S22, S23, S24, S31, S32, S33, S34, S41, S42, S43, and S44.

[0188] The OS switch unit 30A is composed of switches included in the output switch circuit 30. Specifically, the OS switch unit 30A includes switches S51, S52, S53, and S54.

[0189] Capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, and C16 are capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20. Capacitors C51 and C52 are capacitors included in the filter circuit 40.

[0190] In addition, the digital control circuit 60 may also be included in the integrated circuit 80 .

[0191] Thus, since the switches included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the switches included in the output switch circuit 30 are integrated by the integrated circuit 80 , the tracker module 7 can be miniaturized.

[0192] The resin member 91 is disposed on the main surface 90a, and covers the main surface 90a and a part of the circuit components constituting the tracker module 7. The resin member 91 has a function of ensuring reliability such as mechanical strength and moisture resistance of the circuit components constituting the tracker module 7. The resin member 91 is not an essential component of the tracker module 7 of the present embodiment.

[0193] In addition, the integrated circuit 80 may not be a single integrated circuit, but may be composed of two integrated circuits: an integrated circuit including the SC switch section 20A and an integrated circuit including the OS switch section 30A.

[0194] In addition, external connection electrodes 150 are arranged on the main surface 90b. The tracker module 7 exchanges electrical signals with the RFIC 3, the amplifier circuit 2, the pre-regulator circuit 310, and the mother substrate arranged on the negative side of the z-axis via the plurality of external connection electrodes 150. The external connection electrodes 150 include adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, control terminals 601 to 604, and an external connection terminal 141. In addition, some of the plurality of external connection electrodes 150 are set to a ground potential.

[0195] In addition, the external connection electrode 150 is as follows Figure 6B The electrode shown may be a planar electrode, or it may be a bump electrode formed on the main surface 90b.

[0196] In addition, although Figure 6A to Figure 6C Although not shown in the figure, wirings connecting the circuit components are formed inside the module substrate 90, on the main surface 90a and the main surface 90b. In addition, the wirings may be bonding wires whose two ends are bonded to the main surfaces 90a, 90b and any one of the circuit components, or may be terminals, electrodes or wirings formed on the surface of the circuit components.

[0197] In the tracker module 7, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are arranged on the main surface 90b. In addition, the switch (SC switch unit 20A) and capacitors (capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, and C16) included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the switch (OS switch unit 30A) included in the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on the main surface 90a.

[0198] Thus, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, the switches included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitors included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switches included in the output switch circuit 30 are distributed and configured on both surfaces of the module substrate 90, so that the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be dispersed and the tracker module 7 can be miniaturized.

[0199] In addition, when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 overlap at least a portion of the capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20. Specifically, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the adjustment voltage input terminal 121 overlaps with the capacitor C10 , the adjustment voltage input terminal 122 overlaps with the capacitor C16 , the adjustment voltage input terminal 123 overlaps with the capacitor C13 , and the adjustment voltage input terminal 124 overlaps with the capacitor C13 .

[0200] Thus, in the switched capacitor circuit 20 , since the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage to each capacitor can be shortened, the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 can be improved.

[0201] Furthermore, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0202] This can shorten the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 disposed outside the tracker module 7 to the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 , thereby reducing the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage.

[0203] Furthermore, the fact that the terminal is arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface means that no circuit component is arranged between the outer edge of the main surface and the terminal.

[0204] also, Figure 6A to Figure 6C The structure of the tracker module 7 shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the capacitor, inductor, and resistor arranged on the main surface 90 a may be formed in the module substrate 90 .

[0205] [1.4 Mounting structure of tracker module 7A according to modification 1]

[0206] Fig. 7A7A is a top view of the tracker module 7A according to the first modification, and is a view of the main surface 90a side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis. Figure 7B 1 is a top view of the tracker module 7A of the first modification, and is a view taken from the main surface 90b side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive z-axis direction. Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module 7A according to Modification 1, specifically, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Cross-sectional view along line VIIC-VIIC.

[0207] like Figure 7A to Figure 7C As shown, the tracker module 7A of this modification includes a module substrate 90, an integrated circuit 80, capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C51, and C52, inductors L51, L52, and L53, a resistor R51, an external connection electrode 150, and resin components 91 and 92. The tracker module 7A of this modification is different from the tracker module 7 of the embodiment in the arrangement structure of the integrated circuit 80. In the following, for the tracker module 7A of this modification, the description of the same structure as the tracker module 7 of the embodiment is omitted, and the description will focus on the different structure.

[0208] The integrated circuit 80 includes an SC switch section 20A and an OS switch section 30A.

[0209] Resin component 91 is disposed on main surface 90a, and covers a part of the circuit components constituting tracker module 7A and main surface 90a. Resin component 92 is disposed on main surface 90b, and covers a part of the circuit components constituting tracker module 7A and main surface 90b. Resin component 91 and resin component 92 have the function of ensuring reliability such as mechanical strength and moisture resistance of the circuit components constituting tracker module 7A. In addition, resin component 91 and resin component 92 are not essential components in tracker module 7A of this modified example.

[0210] Furthermore, external connection electrodes 150 are arranged on the main surface 90b. The external connection electrodes 150 include adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, control terminals 601 to 604, and an external connection terminal 141. Some of the plurality of external connection electrodes 150 are set to a ground potential.

[0211] In addition, the external connection electrode 150 can be Figure 7B The electrodes shown are bump electrodes, but they may also be planar electrodes formed on the main surface 90 b.

[0212] In the tracker module 7A, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 and the integrated circuit 80 are arranged on the main surface 90b. In addition, the capacitors (capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, and C16) included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 are arranged on the main surface 90a.

[0213] Thus, since the switches included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the switches (integrated circuit 80) included in the output switch circuit 30 and the capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 are distributed and arranged on both surfaces of the module substrate 90, the tracker module 7A can be miniaturized.

[0214] Furthermore, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0215] This can shorten the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 disposed outside the tracker module 7A to the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 , thereby reducing the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage.

[0216] also, Figure 7A to Figure 7C For example, a portion of the capacitor, inductor, and resistor disposed on the main surface 90 a may be formed within the module substrate 90 , and a portion of the switch disposed on the main surface 90 b may be formed outside the integrated circuit 80 .

[0217] [1.5 Mounting structure of tracker module 7B according to modification 2]

[0218] Fig. 8A 2 is a top view of the tracker module 7B according to the second modification, and is a view of the main surface 90a side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis. Figure 8B 2 is a top view of the tracker module 7B of the second modification, and is a view showing the main surface 90b side of the module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis. Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of a tracker module 7B according to a second modification, specifically, Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Cross-sectional view along line VIIIC-VIIIC.

[0219] like Figure 8A to Figure 8CAs shown, the tracker module 7B of this modification example includes a module substrate 90, integrated circuits 80 and 89, capacitors C51 and C52, inductors L51, L52 and L53, a resistor R51, an external connection electrode 150, resin components 91 and 92, and a shielding electrode layer 93. The tracker module 7B of this modification example is different from the tracker module 7A of the modification example 1 in the arrangement structure of the integrated circuit 80 and the capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit 20. In the following, for the tracker module 7B of this modification example, the description of the same structure as the tracker module 7A of the modification example 1 is omitted, and the description is mainly based on the different structure.

[0220] The integrated circuit 80 is an example of a second semiconductor IC and includes the SC switch section 20A and the OS switch section 30A.

[0221] SC switch section 20A is composed of switches included in switched capacitor circuit 20. Specifically, SC switch section 20A includes switches S11, S12, S13, S14, S21, S22, S23, S24, S31, S32, S33, S34, S41, S42, S43, and S44.

[0222] The OS switch unit 30A is composed of switches included in the output switch circuit 30. Specifically, the OS switch unit 30A includes switches S51, S52, S53, and S54.

[0223] The integrated circuit 89 is an example of an integrated passive device, such as a passive element formed on a silicon substrate, and includes capacitors C10 , C20 , C30 , C40 , C11 , C12 , C13 , C14 , C15 , and C16 constituting the switched capacitor circuit 20 .

[0224] The integrated circuit 80 is arranged on the main surface 90 a , and the integrated circuit 89 is arranged on the main surface 90 b .

[0225] Thus, since the switches included in switched capacitor circuit 20 are integrated and integrated circuit 80 and integrated circuit 88 are arranged on both surfaces of module substrate 90 , tracker module 7B can be miniaturized.

[0226] Furthermore, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0227] This can shorten the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 disposed outside the tracker module 7B to the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 , thereby reducing the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage.

[0228] The shielding electrode layer 93 covers at least a portion of the surface of the tracker module 7B and is connected to the ground. In this modification, the shielding electrode layer 93 is in contact with the integrated circuit 80, the resin component 91, the resin component 92, and the module substrate 90. Specifically, the third main surface of the third main surface and the fourth main surface of the integrated circuit 80 facing each other is opposite to the main surface 90a, and the fourth main surface is in contact with the shielding electrode layer 93. In addition, the fifth main surface of the fifth main surface and the sixth main surface of the integrated circuit 89 facing each other is opposite to the main surface 90b, and the sixth main surface is exposed.

[0229] Thus, since the integrated circuit 89 has an IPD structure, the sixth main surface side can be polished, and the integrated circuit 89 can be made thinner. In addition, the integrated circuit 80 can also expose the fourth main surface from the resin component 91 by polishing the fourth main surface side, and the exposed fourth main surface can be brought into contact with the shielding electrode layer 93. Thus, the shielding property of the integrated circuit 80 can be enhanced, the operating performance of each switch included in the integrated circuit 80 can be improved, and the tracker module 7B can be made low-profile.

[0230] Furthermore, when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 do not overlap with the integrated circuit 80 .

[0231] This can prevent the heat flowing in through the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 due to the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 from being diffused into the integrated circuit 80. This improves the operating performance of each switch included in the integrated circuit 80.

[0232] also, Figure 8A to Figure 8C The structure of the tracker module 7B shown is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the capacitor, inductor, and resistor arranged on the main surface 90a and the main surface 90b may be formed in the module substrate 90, and a part of the switch arranged on the main surface 90a may be formed outside the integrated circuit 80.

[0233] [1.6 Mounting structure of tracker module 7C according to modification 3]

[0234] Fig. 91 is a circuit diagram of a tracker module 7C and peripheral circuits of a third variant. As shown in the figure, the tracker module 7C includes a module substrate 90, a switch capacitor circuit 20, an output switch circuit 30, a filter circuit 40, a switch 70, adjustment voltage input terminals 125 and 126, control terminals 601 to 604, and an external connection terminal 141. The tracker module 7C of this variant is different from the tracker module 7 of the embodiment in that the switch 70 and the adjustment voltage input terminals 125 and 126 are added. In the following, for the tracker module 7C of this variant, the description of the same structure as the tracker module 7 of the embodiment is omitted, and the description will focus on the different structures.

[0235] The module substrate 90 is a substrate separate from the substrate 391 and the substrate 392. The pre-regulator circuit 311 is arranged on the substrate 391, and the pre-regulator circuit 312 is arranged on the substrate 392. The module substrate 90 is provided with the switched capacitor circuit 20, the output switch circuit 30, the filter circuit 40, and the switch 70.

[0236] In addition, in the present modification, all circuit components included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 , the output switch circuit 30 , and the filter circuit 40 are arranged on the module substrate 90 .

[0237] The adjustment voltage input terminal 125 is an example of a first adjustment voltage input terminal, and is an externally connectable terminal for receiving a first adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311. The adjustment voltage input terminal 126 is an example of a second adjustment voltage input terminal, and is an externally connectable terminal for receiving a second adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 312.

[0238] The pre-regulator circuit 311 is an example of a first converter, and is configured to convert an input voltage into a first regulated voltage. The pre-regulator circuit 312 is an example of a second converter, and is configured to convert an input voltage into a second regulated voltage.

[0239] The switched capacitor circuit 20 is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on either the first adjustment voltage or the second adjustment voltage.

[0240] The output switch circuit 30 is configured to selectively output at least one discrete voltage among the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier circuit 2 .

[0241] The switch 70 is an example of a first switch, and is disposed on the module substrate 90. The switch 70 switches the connection between the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the connection between the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 and the switch capacitor circuit 20. Specifically, the switch 70 has a common terminal, a first selection terminal, and a second selection terminal, and switches the connection between the common terminal and the first selection terminal, and the connection between the common terminal and the second selection terminal. The common terminal is connected to the switch capacitor circuit 20, the first selection terminal is connected to the adjustment voltage input terminal 125, and the second selection terminal is connected to the adjustment voltage input terminal 126.

[0242] The external connection terminal 141 is connected to the power amplifier 81 .

[0243] Furthermore, the power amplifiers 82 and 83 are connected to the pre-regulator circuit 311 without passing through the tracker module 7C, and the power amplifiers 87 and 88 are connected to the pre-regulator circuit 312 without passing through the tracker module 7C.

[0244] The power amplifiers 81 , 82 , 83 , 87 , and 88 constitute an amplification circuit.

[0245] According to the above configuration, since the circuit components of the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 are arranged on different substrates from the circuit components of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30, the tracker module 7C including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7C can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Thus, the degradation of the efficiency of the amplifier circuit receiving the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7C can be suppressed.

[0246] Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on the module substrate 90. It is sufficient that the switch included in the pre-regulator circuit 311 is arranged on the substrate 391, and it is sufficient that the switch included in the pre-regulator circuit 312 is arranged on the substrate 392. In addition, the substrate 391 and the substrate 392 may be one substrate.

[0247] In addition, since the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 is supplied from the outside of the tracker module 7C through the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126, the tracker module 7C including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7C can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Thus, the degradation of the efficiency of the amplifier circuit that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7C can be suppressed.

[0248] Furthermore, the tracker module 7C, the pre-regulator circuits 311 and 312 , and the power amplifiers 81 to 83 , 87 , and 88 constitute the communication device of the present modification.

[0249] The power amplifier 82 can amplify the high frequency signal of the frequency band A received from RFIC3. The power amplifier 83 can amplify the high frequency signal of the frequency band B received from RFIC3. The power amplifier 81 can amplify the high frequency signal of the frequency band C received from RFIC3. The power amplifier 87 can amplify the high frequency signal of the frequency band D received from RFIC3. The power amplifier 88 can amplify the high frequency signal of the frequency band E received from RFIC3.

[0250] In addition, one of the power amplifiers 82 and 83 may also amplify the 2G high frequency signal received from the RFIC3.

[0251] Band A and Band D are included in the LB group, for example, and Band B and Band E are included in the MHB group, for example. Band C is included in the UHB group, for example.

[0252] In the above-described configuration, the communication device of this modified example can simultaneously transmit two high-frequency signals (two uplinks) having different tracking patterns.

[0253] For example, by connecting the common terminal of switch 70 and the first selection terminal, a high frequency signal of band C can be transmitted from power amplifier 81 in digital ET mode, and a high frequency signal of band D or band E can be transmitted from power amplifier 87 or power amplifier 88 in APT mode.

[0254] For example, by connecting the common terminal of switch 70 and the second selection terminal, a high-frequency signal of band C can be transmitted from power amplifier 81 in digital ET mode, and a high-frequency signal of band A or band B can be transmitted from power amplifier 82 or power amplifier 83 in APT mode.

[0255] Fig.101 is a top view of tracker module 7C of variant example 3, and is a view of the main surface 90b side of module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis. In tracker module 7C, the top view and cross-sectional view of the main surface 90b side of module substrate 90 as viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis are substantially the same as the top view and cross-sectional view of tracker module 7 of the embodiment, and therefore are omitted from the illustration. Tracker module 7C of this variant example differs from tracker module 7 of the embodiment only in the configuration structure of adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and adjustment voltage input terminal 126. In the following, for tracker module 7C of this variant example, description of the same structure as tracker module 7 of the embodiment is omitted, and the description will focus on the different structures.

[0256] The main surface 90b is provided with external connection electrodes 150. The external connection electrodes 150 include adjustment voltage input terminals 125 and 126, control terminals 601 to 604, and an external connection terminal 141. Some of the plurality of external connection electrodes 150 are set to a ground potential.

[0257] In addition, the external connection electrode 150 can be Fig.10 The illustrated electrode is a planar electrode, but it may also be a bump electrode formed on the main surface 90b.

[0258] In the tracker module 7C, the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 are arranged on the main surface 90b. In addition, the switch (SC switch unit 20A) and capacitors (capacitors C10, C20, C30, C40, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, and C16) included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the switch (OS switch unit 30A) included in the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on the main surface 90a.

[0259] Therefore, since the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126, the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 are distributed and configured on the two surfaces of the module substrate 90, the heat of the tracker module 7C can be dispersed and the tracker module 7C can be miniaturized.

[0260] In addition, when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above, the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 overlap with at least a portion of the capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 .

[0261] Thus, in the switched capacitor circuit 20 , since the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage to each capacitor can be shortened, the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 can be improved.

[0262] Furthermore, the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 are arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0263] This shortens the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 disposed outside the tracker module 7C to the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 , thereby reducing the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage.

[0264] The structure of the tracker module 7C of this modification is merely an example and is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the capacitor, inductor, and resistor arranged on the main surface 90 a may be formed in the module substrate 90 .

[0265] [1.7 Mounting structure of communication device 6]

[0266] Next, refer to Fig.11 The mounting structure of the communication device 6 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0267] Fig.11 2 is a diagram showing the mounting structure of the communication device 6 according to the embodiment. The communication device 6 includes a motherboard 95, a tracker module 7, a pre-regulator circuit 310, power amplifiers 81, 82, and 83, an RFIC 3, a BBIC 4, and antennas 5a and 5b.

[0268] The tracker module 7 , the pre-regulator circuit 310 , the power amplifiers 81 , 82 , and 83 , the RFIC 3 , and the BBIC 4 are arranged on the mother substrate 95 .

[0269] The mother substrate 95 is a substrate on which the tracker module 7, the pre-regulator circuit 310, the power amplifiers 81, 82 and 83, the RFIC 3 and the BBIC 4 are mounted. As the mother substrate 95, for example, an LTCC substrate, an HTCC substrate, a component-embedded substrate, a substrate having an RDL or a printed circuit substrate can be used.

[0270] The pre-regulator circuit 310 is configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage.

[0271] The power amplifier 81 is an example of a second power amplifier, and is connected between the RFIC 3 and the antenna 5 b . The power amplifier 81 is also connected to the tracker module 7 .

[0272] The power amplifier 82 and the power amplifier 83 are examples of first power amplifiers, and are connected between the RFIC 3 and the antenna 5 a. The power amplifier 82 and the power amplifier 83 are connected to the pre-conditioner circuit 310 without passing through the tracker module 7 .

[0273] According to the above structure, since the circuit components of the pre-regulator circuit 310 and the circuit components of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on different substrates, the tracker module 7 including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 310 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Therefore, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency degradation of the power amplifier 81 receiving the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0274] Here, when looking down at the mother substrate 95 , the distance between the tracker module 7 and the power amplifier 81 is smaller than the distances between the tracker module 7 and the power amplifier 82 and the power amplifier 83 .

[0275] As a result, the power supply voltage V used to switch the digital ET mode to the digital ET mode can be shortened. T1 The power supply voltage V in the digital ET mode can be suppressed. T1 By reducing the degradation of the output characteristics of the tracker module 7, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the efficiency of the power amplifier 81 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7.

[0276] [1.8 Effects, etc.]

[0277] As described above, the tracker module 7 of the present embodiment comprises: a module substrate 90, which is separate from a substrate 390 on which a switch included in a pre-regulator circuit 310 is configured, wherein the pre-regulator circuit 310 is configured to convert an input voltage into an adjustment voltage; a switch capacitor circuit 20, which is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and an output switch circuit 30, which is configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to an amplifier, wherein the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 are configured on the module substrate 90.

[0278] Thus, since the circuit components of the pre-regulator circuit 310 and the circuit components of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on different substrates, the tracker module 7 including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 310 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Thus, the efficiency degradation of the amplifier circuit 2 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0279] In addition, the tracker module 7 of the present embodiment comprises: a switching capacitor circuit 20, which is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on a first adjustment voltage adjusted by a first converter; an output switching circuit 30, which is configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to a power amplifier 81; a module substrate 90, which is configured with switches included in the switching capacitor circuit 20, capacitors included in the switching capacitor circuit 20, and switches included in the output switching circuit 30; and adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, which are configured on the module substrate 90, receive the first adjustment voltage, and can be externally connected.

[0280] Thus, since the first adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 is supplied from the outside of the tracker module 7, the tracker module 7 including the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 but not including the pre-regulator circuit 310 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Thus, the degradation of the efficiency of the amplifier circuit 2 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0281] For example, the tracker module 7 may further include a control terminal 603 and a control terminal 604 which are arranged on the module substrate 90 and receive a digital control signal corresponding to one of a plurality of discrete voltages and can be externally connected.

[0282] For example, in the tracker module 7 , all circuit components included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 and all circuit components included in the output switch circuit 30 may be arranged on the module substrate 90 .

[0283] In addition, for example, in the tracker module 7, the module substrate 90 may have a main surface 90a and a main surface 90b opposite to each other, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 are arranged on the main surface 90b, and at least one of the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 is arranged on the main surface 90a.

[0284] Therefore, since the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124, the switches included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitors included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switches included in the output switch circuit 30 are distributed and configured on both surfaces of the module substrate 90, the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be dispersed and the tracker module 7 can be miniaturized.

[0285] For example, in the tracker module 7 , the capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 may be arranged on the main surface 90 a , and the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 may overlap at least a portion of the capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above.

[0286] Thus, in the switched capacitor circuit 20 , wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage to each capacitor can be shortened, so that the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 can be improved.

[0287] For example, in the tracker module 7A of the first modification, the switch included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 may be included in the integrated circuit 80 , and the integrated circuit 80 may be disposed on the main surface 90 b .

[0288] Thus, since the switches included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 and the switches (integrated circuit 80) included in the output switch circuit 30 and the capacitors included in the switched capacitor circuit 20 are distributed and arranged on both surfaces of the module substrate 90, the tracker module 7A can be miniaturized.

[0289] For example, in the tracker module 7 , the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 may be arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0290] Thus, since the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 disposed outside the tracker module 7 to the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 can be shortened, the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage can be reduced.

[0291] In addition, for example, in the tracker module 7B of variant example 2, the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 may be included in the integrated circuit 80, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 may be included in the integrated circuit 89 formed by a silicon substrate, the integrated circuit 80 may be configured on the main surface 90a, and the integrated circuit 89 may be configured on the main surface 90b.

[0292] Thus, since the switches included in switched capacitor circuit 20 are integrated and integrated circuit 80 and integrated circuit 88 are arranged on both surfaces of module substrate 90 , tracker module 7B can be miniaturized.

[0293] For example, the tracker module 7B of variant example 2 may also further include a shielding electrode layer 93, which covers at least a portion of the surface of the tracker module 7B, the integrated circuit 80 has a third main surface and a fourth main surface opposite to each other, the integrated circuit 89 has a fifth main surface and a sixth main surface opposite to each other, the third main surface is opposite to the main surface 90a, the fourth main surface is in contact with the shielding electrode layer 93, the fifth main surface is opposite to the main surface 90b, and the sixth main surface is exposed.

[0294] Thus, since the integrated circuit 89 has an IPD structure, the sixth main surface side can be polished, and the integrated circuit can be made thinner. In addition, the integrated circuit 80 can also expose the fourth main surface from the resin component 91 by polishing the fourth main surface side, and the exposed fourth main surface can be brought into contact with the shielding electrode layer 93. Thus, the shielding property of the integrated circuit 80 can be enhanced, the operating performance of each switch included in the integrated circuit 80 can be improved, and the tracker module 7B can be made low-profile.

[0295] For example, in the tracker module 7B of the second modification, the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 may not overlap with the integrated circuit 80 when the module substrate 90 is viewed from above.

[0296] This can suppress the heat that flows in through the adjustment voltage input terminals 121 to 124 due to the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310 from being diffused into the integrated circuit 80. Therefore, the operating performance of each switch included in the integrated circuit 80 is improved.

[0297] In addition, for example, the tracker module 7C of variant example 3 may also include: a switching capacitor circuit 20, which is configured to generate multiple discrete voltages based on a first adjustment voltage adjusted by a first converter or a second adjustment voltage adjusted by a second converter; an output switching circuit 30, which is configured to selectively output at least one of the multiple discrete voltages to a power amplifier 81; a module substrate 90, which is configured with a switch included in the switching capacitor circuit 20, a capacitor included in the switching capacitor circuit 20, and a switch included in the output switching circuit 30; an adjustment voltage input terminal 125, which is configured on the module substrate 90, receives the first adjustment voltage, and can be externally connected; an adjustment voltage input terminal 126, which is configured on the module substrate 90, receives the second adjustment voltage, and can be externally connected; and a switch 70, which is configured on the module substrate 90, switches the connection between the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the switching capacitor circuit 20 and the connection between the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 and the switching capacitor circuit 20.

[0298] Thus, since the first adjustment voltage and the second adjustment voltage are supplied from the outside of the tracker module 7C, the tracker module 7C is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7C can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the degradation of the efficiency of the amplifier circuit that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7C can be suppressed.

[0299] For example, in the tracker module 7C of variant example 3, the module substrate 90 may have a main surface 90a and a main surface 90b that are opposite to each other, the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and at least one of the switches included in the output switch circuit 30 are arranged on the main surface 90a, and the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 are arranged on the main surface 90b.

[0300] Therefore, since the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126, the switch included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20, and the switch included in the output switch circuit 30 are distributed and configured on the two surfaces of the module substrate 90, the heat of the tracker module 7C can be dispersed and the tracker module 7C can be miniaturized.

[0301] For example, in the tracker module 7C of variant example 3, the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20 can also be configured on the main surface 90a, and when looking down at the module substrate 90, the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 respectively overlap with at least a portion of the capacitor included in the switch capacitor circuit 20.

[0302] Thus, in the switched capacitor circuit 20 , wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage to each capacitor can be shortened, so that the voltage output characteristics of the switched capacitor circuit 20 can be improved.

[0303] For example, in the tracker module 7C of Modification 3, the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 may be disposed at the outermost peripheral portion of the main surface 90 b .

[0304] This shortens the wiring for transmitting the adjustment voltage generated by the pre-regulator circuit 311 and the pre-regulator circuit 312 disposed outside the tracker module 7C to the adjustment voltage input terminal 125 and the adjustment voltage input terminal 126 , thereby reducing the transmission loss of the adjustment voltage.

[0305] In addition, the communication device 6 of the present embodiment includes: a tracker module 7; a pre-regulator circuit 310, which is connected to the tracker module 7 and is configured to convert the input voltage into an adjustment voltage; a power amplifier 82 and a power amplifier 83, which are connected to the pre-regulator circuit 310 without passing through the tracker module 7; and a power amplifier 81, which is connected to the tracker module 7.

[0306] Thus, the tracker module 7 that does not include the pre-regulator circuit 310 is not affected by the heat generated by the pre-regulator circuit 310. Thus, since the heat generated by the tracker module 7 can be suppressed, the degradation of the voltage output characteristics of the switch capacitor circuit 20 and the output switch circuit 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency degradation of the power amplifier 81 that receives the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0307] For example, the communication device 6 may also include a mother substrate 95, which is configured with a tracker module 7, a pre-regulator circuit 310, and power amplifiers 81 to 83. When looking down at the mother substrate 95, the distance between the tracker module 7 and the power amplifier 81 is smaller than the distance between the tracker module 7 and the power amplifier 82 and the power amplifier 83.

[0308] Thus, since the wiring for supplying the power supply voltage of the digital ET mode to the power amplifier 81 can be shortened, the output characteristic degradation of the power supply voltage of the digital ET mode can be suppressed, and the efficiency degradation of the power amplifier 81 receiving the power supply voltage from the tracker module 7 can be suppressed.

[0309] (Other embodiments)

[0310] The tracker module and the communication device of the present invention are described above based on the embodiments and the variants, but the tracker module and the communication device of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments and the variants. Other embodiments implemented by combining any constituent elements in the above embodiments and the variants, variants obtained by implementing various modifications that can be conceived by a person skilled in the art to the above embodiments and the variants without departing from the gist of the present invention, and various devices having the above tracker module or the communication device built therein are also included in the present invention.

[0311] For example, in the circuit configurations of various circuits in the above-described embodiments and modifications, other circuit elements, wiring, etc. may be inserted between paths connecting the circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings.

[0312] Features of the tracker module and the communication device described based on the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples are shown below.

[0313] <1> A tracker module, comprising:

[0314] a module substrate which is separate from a substrate on which switches included in a pre-regulator circuit are arranged, wherein the pre-regulator circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage;

[0315] a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and

[0316] an output switch circuit configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier,

[0317] The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit, the capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit, and the switch included in the output switch circuit are arranged on the module substrate.

[0318] <2> A tracker module, comprising:

[0319] a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on a first adjustment voltage adjusted by a first converter;

[0320] an output switch circuit configured to selectively output at least one discrete voltage among the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier;

[0321] a module substrate configured with switches included in the switch capacitor circuit, capacitors included in the switch capacitor circuit, and switches included in the output switch circuit; and

[0322] The first adjustment voltage input terminal is disposed on the module substrate, receives the first adjustment voltage, and can be connected to the outside.

[0323] <3> The tracker module according to <1> or <2>, wherein:

[0324] A digital control terminal is further provided. The digital control terminal is arranged on the module substrate, receives a digital control signal corresponding to one of the plurality of discrete voltages, and is externally connectable.

[0325] <4> The tracker module according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein:

[0326] All circuit components included in the switched capacitor circuit and all circuit components included in the output switch circuit are arranged on the module substrate.

[0327] <5> The tracker module according to <2>, wherein:

[0328] The module substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other.

[0329] The first adjustment voltage input terminal is arranged on the second main surface.

[0330] At least one of a switch included in the switched capacitor circuit, a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit, and a switch included in the output switch circuit is arranged on the first main surface.

[0331] <6> The tracker module according to <5>, wherein:

[0332] The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is arranged on the first main surface.

[0333] When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal overlaps at least a portion of a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit.

[0334] <7> The tracker module according to <6>, wherein:

[0335] The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit and the switch included in the output switch circuit are included in a first semiconductor IC.

[0336] The first semiconductor IC is arranged on the second main surface.

[0337] <8> The tracker module according to any one of <5> to <7>, wherein:

[0338] The first adjustment voltage input terminal is arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the second main surface.

[0339] <9> The tracker module according to <6>, wherein:

[0340] The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit and the switch included in the output switch circuit are included in a second semiconductor IC.

[0341] The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is included in an integrated passive device formed by a silicon substrate.

[0342] The second semiconductor IC is arranged on the first main surface.

[0343] The integrated passive device is arranged on the second main surface.

[0344] <10> The tracker module according to <9>, wherein:

[0345] further comprising a shielding electrode layer, the shielding electrode layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the tracker module,

[0346] The second semiconductor IC has a third main surface and a fourth main surface facing each other.

[0347] The integrated passive device has a fifth main surface and a sixth main surface facing each other.

[0348] The third main surface is opposite to the first main surface.

[0349] The fourth main surface is in contact with the shielding electrode layer.

[0350] The fifth main surface is opposite to the second main surface,

[0351] The sixth main surface is exposed.

[0352] <11> The tracker module according to <9> or <10>, wherein:

[0353] When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal does not overlap with the second semiconductor IC.

[0354] <12> The tracker module according to any one of <5> to <11>, further comprising:

[0355] a second adjustment voltage input terminal, disposed on the module substrate, receiving a second adjustment voltage adjusted by the second converter, and capable of external connection; and

[0356] A first switch is disposed on the module substrate, and switches between the connection between the first adjustment voltage input terminal and the switch capacitor circuit and the connection between the second adjustment voltage input terminal and the switch capacitor circuit.

[0357] The switched capacitor circuit is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on either the first adjustment voltage or the second adjustment voltage.

[0358] <13> The tracker module according to <12>, wherein:

[0359] The module substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other.

[0360] The second adjustment voltage input terminal is disposed on the second main surface.

[0361] <14> The tracker module according to <13>, wherein:

[0362] The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is arranged on the first main surface.

[0363] When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal and the second adjustment voltage input terminal each overlap at least a portion of a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit.

[0364] <15> The tracker module according to <13> or <14>, wherein:

[0365] The first adjustment voltage input terminal and the second adjustment voltage input terminal are respectively arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the second main surface.

[0366] <16> A communication device comprising:

[0367] A tracker module as described in any one of <1> to <15>;

[0368] A pre-regulator circuit connected to the tracker module and configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage;

[0369] a first power amplifier connected to the pre-regulator circuit without passing through the tracker module; and

[0370] The second power amplifier is connected to the tracker module.

[0371] <17> The communication device according to <16>, wherein:

[0372] The invention further comprises a substrate on which the tracker module, the pre-regulator circuit, the first power amplifier, and the second power amplifier are arranged.

[0373] When the substrate is viewed from above, a distance between the tracker module and the second power amplifier is smaller than a distance between the tracker module and the first power amplifier.

[0374] The present invention can be widely used in communication equipment such as mobile phones as a tracker module that supplies voltage to a power amplifier and a communication device including the power amplifier and the tracker module.

[0375] Description of Reference Numerals

[0376] 1…tracker circuit, 2…amplifier circuit, 3…RFIC, 4…BBIC, 5a, 5b…antenna, 6…communication device, 7, 7A, 7B, 7C…tracker module, 20…switched capacitor circuit, 20A…SC switch section, 30…output switch circuit, 30A…OS switch section, 40…filter circuit, 60…digital control circuit, 61…first controller, 62…second controller, 70, 71…switch, 80, 89…integrated circuit, 81, 82, 83, 87, 88…power amplifier, 84, 85, 86…filter, 90…module substrate, 90a, 90b…main surface, 91, 92…resin component, 93…shielding electrode layer, 95…mother substrate, 110, 131, 132, 133, 134, 140…input terminal, 111, 112, 113, 114, 130…output terminal, 115, 116…inductor connection terminal, 117, 120, 135, 601, 602, 603, 604…control terminal, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126…adjustment voltage input terminal, 141…external connection terminal, 150…external connection electrode, 310, 311, 312…pre-regulator circuit, 350…DC power supply, 390, 391, 392…substrate.

Claims

1. A tracker module, comprising: The module substrate is a substrate separate from the substrate on which the switches included in the pre-regulator circuit are arranged, wherein: The pre-regulator circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage; a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage; and an output switch circuit configured to selectively output at least one of the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier, The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit, the capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit, and the switch included in the output switch circuit are arranged on the module substrate.

2. A tracker module, comprising: a switched capacitor circuit configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on a first adjustment voltage adjusted by a first converter; an output switch circuit configured to selectively output at least one discrete voltage among the plurality of discrete voltages to the amplifier; a module substrate configured with switches included in the switch capacitor circuit, capacitors included in the switch capacitor circuit, and switches included in the output switch circuit; and The first adjustment voltage input terminal is disposed on the module substrate, receives the first adjustment voltage, and can be connected to the outside.

3. The tracker module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A digital control terminal is further provided. The digital control terminal is arranged on the module substrate, receives a digital control signal corresponding to one of the plurality of discrete voltages, and is externally connectable.

4. The tracker module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: All circuit components included in the switched capacitor circuit and all circuit components included in the output switch circuit are arranged on the module substrate.

5. The tracker module of claim 2, wherein: The module substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The first adjustment voltage input terminal is arranged on the second main surface. At least one of a switch included in the switched capacitor circuit, a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit, and a switch included in the output switch circuit is arranged on the first main surface.

6. The tracker module of claim 5, wherein: The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is arranged on the first main surface. When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal overlaps at least a portion of a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit.

7. The tracker module of claim 6, wherein: The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit and the switch included in the output switch circuit are included in a first semiconductor IC. The first semiconductor IC is arranged on the second main surface.

8. The tracker module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The first adjustment voltage input terminal is arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the second main surface.

9. The tracker module of claim 6, wherein: The switch included in the switched capacitor circuit and the switch included in the output switch circuit are included in a second semiconductor IC. The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is included in an integrated passive device formed by a silicon substrate. The second semiconductor IC is arranged on the first main surface. The integrated passive device is arranged on the second main surface.

10. The tracker module of claim 9, wherein: further comprising a shielding electrode layer, the shielding electrode layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the tracker module, The second semiconductor IC has a third main surface and a fourth main surface facing each other. The integrated passive device has a fifth main surface and a sixth main surface facing each other. The third main surface is opposite to the first main surface. The fourth main surface is in contact with the shielding electrode layer. The fifth main surface is opposite to the second main surface, The sixth main surface is exposed.

11. The tracker module according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal does not overlap with the second semiconductor IC.

12. The tracker module according to any one of claims 2 and 5 to 11, wherein: Also available: a second adjustment voltage input terminal, disposed on the module substrate, receiving a second adjustment voltage adjusted by the second converter, and capable of external connection; and A first switch is disposed on the module substrate, and switches between the connection between the first adjustment voltage input terminal and the switch capacitor circuit and the connection between the second adjustment voltage input terminal and the switch capacitor circuit. The switched capacitor circuit is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on either the first adjustment voltage or the second adjustment voltage.

13. The tracker module of claim 12, wherein: The module substrate has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The second adjustment voltage input terminal is disposed on the second main surface.

14. The tracker module of claim 13, wherein: The capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit is arranged on the first main surface. When the module substrate is viewed in plan, the first adjustment voltage input terminal and the second adjustment voltage input terminal each overlap at least a portion of a capacitor included in the switched capacitor circuit.

15. The tracker module according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The first adjustment voltage input terminal and the second adjustment voltage input terminal are respectively arranged at the outermost peripheral portion of the second main surface.

16. A communication device comprising: The tracker module according to any one of claims 1 to 15; A pre-regulator circuit connected to the tracker module and configured to convert an input voltage into a regulated voltage; a first power amplifier connected to the pre-regulator circuit without passing through the tracker module; and The second power amplifier is connected to the tracker module.

17. The communication device according to claim 16, wherein: The invention further comprises a substrate on which the tracker module, the pre-regulator circuit, the first power amplifier, and the second power amplifier are arranged. When the substrate is viewed from above, a distance between the tracker module and the second power amplifier is smaller than a distance between the tracker module and the first power amplifier.

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