High-frequency circuit and communication device

Abstract

A high-frequency circuit (1) is provided with: a main module (2) including power amplifiers (11, 12) and an antenna switch (51); and a diversity module (3) including a power amplifier (13) and an antenna switch (52), the antenna switch (51) including input / output terminals (51a, 51b), antenna terminals (51c, 51d), and diversity terminals (51e, 51f), the antenna switch (52) including input / output terminals (52a), antenna terminals (52c, 52d), and main terminals (52e, 52f), the power amplifier (11, 12, 13) being connected to the input / output terminals (51a, 51b, 52a), the diversity terminals (51e, 51f) being connected to the main terminals (52e, 52f), and the antenna switch (52) being connected to the antenna terminals (51c, 51d). The input / output terminals (51a, 51b, 52a) are each selectively connectable to the antenna terminals (51c, 51d, 52c, 52d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a high-frequency circuit and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] For front-end circuits that support multi-band and multi-mode operation, the front-end circuit is required to transmit and receive multiple high-frequency signals with low loss and high isolation.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a receiver module (high frequency module) with the following structure: multiple filters with different passbands are connected to the antenna via a multiplexer (switch).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0127015 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] The frequency band combinations for simultaneous transmission (ENDC (Eutra NR Dual Connectivity) and ULCA (Uplink Carrier Aggregation)) as defined by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) have increased. This necessitates connecting multiple antennas to high-frequency circuitry with multiple power amplifiers. In this case, improved heat dissipation is required to suppress signal quality degradation; however, improving heat dissipation sometimes necessitates larger high-frequency circuitry.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a small high-frequency circuit and communication device in which signal quality degradation is suppressed during simultaneous transmission.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to a high-frequency circuit comprising: a first transmission circuit including a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a first switching circuit; and a second transmission circuit including a third power amplifier and a second switching circuit, wherein the first switching circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a second input / output terminal, a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal; the second switching circuit includes a third input / output terminal, a third antenna terminal, a fourth antenna terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; the first power amplifier is connected to the first input / output terminal; the second power amplifier is connected to the second input / output terminal; the third power amplifier is connected to the third input / output terminal; the first terminal is connected to the third terminal; the second terminal is connected to the fourth terminal; and the first input / output terminal, the second input / output terminal, and the third input / output terminal are all selectively connectable to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention relates to a communication device comprising: a high-frequency circuit as described in the above-described aspect; and a signal processing circuit configured to process a high-frequency signal transmitted in the high-frequency circuit.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a small high-frequency circuit and communication device are provided that suppresses the degradation of signal quality during simultaneous transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit and communication device involved in Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a first operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a second operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a third operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit involved in Implementation Method 2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a first operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 2.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a second operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a third operating example of the high-frequency circuit involved in Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit involved in Implementation Method 3.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a first operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 3.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a second operating example of the high-frequency circuit involved in Embodiment 3.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a third operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 3.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a fourth operating example of the high-frequency circuit according to Embodiment 3.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit involved in Implementation Method 4. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, structural elements, arrangements of structural elements, and connection methods shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the figures are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or proportionally adjusted for the purpose of illustrating the invention, and are not necessarily strictly illustrative, sometimes differing from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. In the figures, substantially identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0031] In this disclosure, "connection" includes not only direct connection using connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements. Furthermore, "connected between A and B" means connected to A and B along the path that connects A and B.

[0032] Additionally, "terminal" refers to the point where a conductor within an element ends. Furthermore, when the impedance between conductors between elements is sufficiently low, a terminal is interpreted as any point on the conductor between elements or the entire conductor, rather than just a single point.

[0033] In addition, in this disclosure, "transmission path" refers to a transmission line consisting of wiring for transmitting high-frequency transmission signals, electrodes directly connected to the wiring, and terminals directly connected to the wiring or the electrodes. Similarly, "receiver path" refers to a transmission line consisting of wiring for transmitting high-frequency reception signals, electrodes directly connected to the wiring, and terminals directly connected to the wiring or the electrodes.

[0034] In addition, unless otherwise stated, in this specification, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" do not indicate the quantity or order of structural elements, but are used to avoid confusion between similar structural elements and for the purpose of differentiation.

[0035] (Implementation Method 1)

[0036] The following describes Implementation Method 1.

[0037] [1 Circuit structure of high-frequency circuit 1 and communication device 6]

[0038] Reference Figure 1 The circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 6 involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 6 involved in this embodiment.

[0039] also, Figure 1 This is an illustrative circuit structure; the communication device 6 can be installed using any of a variety of circuit mountings and circuit techniques. Therefore, the description of the communication device 6 provided below should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0040] [1.1 Circuit structure of communication device 6]

[0041] First, the circuit structure of communication device 6 will be explained.

[0042] The communication device 6 involved in this embodiment is equivalent to a user equipment (UE) in a cellular network (also known as a mobile network), typically a portable phone, smartphone, tablet computer, wearable device, etc. Furthermore, the communication device 6 can also be an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor device, medical / healthcare equipment, automobile, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or automated guided vehicle (AGV). Additionally, the communication device 6 can also function as a base station (BS) in a cellular network.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the communication device 6 includes a high-frequency circuit 1, an RF signal processing circuit (RFIC) 4, and antennas 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d.

[0044] High-frequency circuit 1 transmits high-frequency signals between antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d and RFIC 4. High-frequency circuit 1 includes a main module 2 and a diversity module 3. The specific circuit structures of the main module 2 and the diversity module 3 will be described later.

[0045] The high-frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment supports the simultaneous transmission of three high-frequency signals (3Tx). Specifically, the high-frequency circuit 1 can select three antennas from antennas 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d, and transmit high-frequency signals simultaneously from the selected three antennas respectively.

[0046] 3Tx indicates an operating mode in which three power amplifiers operate simultaneously. In 3Tx, the three power amplifiers amplify high-frequency signals separately. The three high-frequency signals include the signal in the first frequency band (band A) and two signals in the second frequency band (band B).

[0047] In this disclosure, a frequency band refers to a frequency band predefined by standardization organizations such as 3GPP (registered trademark), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), etc., for communication systems built using Radio Access Technology (RAT). In various embodiments, the communication system can use, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems, 5G (5th Generation)-NR (New Radio) systems, and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) systems, but is not limited to them.

[0048] In addition, the uplink operating frequency band refers to the frequency range designated for uplink use within the aforementioned frequency bands. Similarly, the downlink operating frequency band refers to the frequency range designated for downlink use within the aforementioned frequency bands.

[0049] As a combination of frequency bands A and B that support 3Tx, the following combinations can be used, for example, those shown in Table 1.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051]

[0052] Furthermore, the combination of frequency bands is not limited to the examples above. For instance, the frequency bands of the three high-frequency signals can be different from each other. That is, the three power amplifiers can amplify the high-frequency signal in frequency band A, the high-frequency signal in frequency band B, and the high-frequency signal in frequency band C, respectively, and the three high-frequency signals in frequency bands A to C can be transmitted simultaneously by three antennas selected from antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

[0053] Additionally, the right column of Table 1 above shows the number of operations and power levels of the power amplifiers. Specifically, 1Tx indicates that the power amplifier amplifying the signal in the corresponding frequency band has one operation. 2Tx indicates that the power amplifier amplifying the signal in the corresponding frequency band has two operations. PC2 and PC3 represent power level 2 and power level 3, respectively. PC3 / 2 indicates either power level 3 or power level 2.

[0054] For example, "PC3@n28 1Tx" means: the signal in band n28 is amplified using one power amplifier so that the signal is output at power level 3. "Pc2@n41 2Tx" means: the signal in band n41 is amplified using two power amplifiers so that the signal is output at power level 2. "CA power class" and "EN-DC power class" both indicate the total power level when transmitting signals from the corresponding group of frequency bands simultaneously.

[0055] Power ratings are classifications of a terminal's output power based on its maximum output power. A lower power rating value indicates a higher permissible maximum output power. For example, in 3GPP (registered trademark), power rating 1 (PC1) has a maximum output power of 31 dBm, power rating 1.5 (PC1.5) has a maximum output power of 29 dBm, power rating 2 (PC2) has a maximum output power of 26 dBm, and power rating 3 (PC3) has a maximum output power of 23 dBm.

[0056] The maximum output power of a terminal is defined as the maximum output power at the antenna end. The maximum output power of the user terminal (UE) is measured using methods defined by 3GPP (registered trademark), etc. For example, in... Figure 1 In this method, the maximum output power is determined by measuring the radiated power at antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, or 5d. Alternatively, instead of measuring the radiated power, a terminal can be placed near antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, or 5d, and a measuring instrument (such as a spectrum analyzer) can be connected to that terminal to determine the maximum output power of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, or 5d.

[0057] RFIC 4 is an example of a signal processing circuit configured to process high-frequency signals. Specifically, RFIC 4 processes the high-frequency received signal input via the receiving path of high-frequency circuit 1 using down-conversion or the like, and outputs the resulting received signal to the baseband signal processing circuit (BBIC, not shown). Additionally, RFIC 4 processes the transmitted signal input from the BBIC using up-conversion or the like, and outputs the resulting high-frequency transmitted signal to the transmitting path of high-frequency circuit 1. Furthermore, RFIC 4 has a control unit that controls the switches and amplifiers in high-frequency circuit 1. Moreover, some or all of the functions of the control unit in RFIC 4 can be installed externally, for example, in high-frequency circuit 1 or the BBIC.

[0058] Furthermore, the BBIC is a baseband signal processing circuit that uses an intermediate frequency band (IF) with a frequency lower than that of the high-frequency signal transmitted by the high-frequency circuit 1 for signal processing. Signals processed by the BBIC are used, for example, as image signals to display images and / or as sound signals to enable communication via a speaker.

[0059] Antenna 5a is connected to antenna connection terminal 101 of high-frequency circuit 1. Antenna 5a transmits high-frequency signals output from high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, antenna 5a receives high-frequency signals from the outside and outputs them to high-frequency circuit 1.

[0060] Antenna 5b is connected to antenna connection terminal 102 of high-frequency circuit 1. Antenna 5b transmits high-frequency signals output from high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, antenna 5b receives high-frequency signals from the outside and outputs them to high-frequency circuit 1.

[0061] Antenna 5c is connected to antenna connection terminal 103 of high-frequency circuit 1. Antenna 5c transmits high-frequency signals output from high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, antenna 5c receives high-frequency signals from the outside and outputs them to high-frequency circuit 1.

[0062] Antenna 5d is connected to antenna connection terminal 104 of high-frequency circuit 1. Antenna 5d transmits high-frequency signals output from high-frequency circuit 1. In addition, antenna 5d receives high-frequency signals from the outside and outputs them to high-frequency circuit 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the structure of the communication device 6 is not limited to Figure 1 Examples are shown below. For example, communication device 6 may also have BBIC. Alternatively, communication device 6 may not have antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

[0064] [1.2 Circuit Structure of Main Module 2]

[0065] Next, the circuit structure of main module 2 will be explained.

[0066] Main module 2 is an example of the first transmission circuit. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the main module 2 includes power amplifiers 11 and 12, low-noise amplifiers 21 and 22, switches 31a, 31b and 32, filters 41a, 41b and 42, antenna switch 51, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, high-frequency input terminals 111 and 112, high-frequency output terminals 121 and 122, and diversity connection terminals 131 and 132.

[0067] Antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, high-frequency input terminals 111 and 112, high-frequency output terminals 121 and 122, and diversity connection terminals 131 and 132 are external connection terminals of the main module 2.

[0068] Antenna connection terminal 101 is connected to antenna 5a externally in the main module 2 and to antenna terminal 51c of antenna switch 51 internally in the main module 2. Antenna connection terminal 102 is connected to antenna 5b externally in the main module 2 and to antenna terminal 51d of antenna switch 51 internally in the main module 2.

[0069] The high-frequency input terminal 111 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the main module 2 and to the input terminal of the power amplifier 11 internally in the main module 2. The high-frequency input terminal 112 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the main module 2 and to the input terminal of the power amplifier 12 internally in the main module 2.

[0070] The high-frequency output terminal 121 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the main module 2 and to the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 21 internally in the main module 2. The high-frequency output terminal 122 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the main module 2 and to the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 22 internally in the main module 2.

[0071] Diversity connection terminal 131 is connected to the main connection terminal 141 of diversity module 3 on the outside of main module 2, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51e of antenna switch 51 inside main module 2. Diversity connection terminal 132 is connected to the main connection terminal 142 of diversity module 3 on the outside of main module 2, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51f of antenna switch 51 inside main module 2.

[0072] Power amplifier 11 is an example of a first power amplifier, configured to amplify the high-frequency transmission signal (hereinafter referred to as the transmission signal) of the first frequency band (band A) output from RFIC 4. The input terminal of power amplifier 11 is connected to high-frequency input terminal 111. The output terminal of power amplifier 11 is connected to the input / output terminal 51a of antenna switch 51 via switch 31a and filter 41a.

[0073] Power amplifier 12 is an example of a second power amplifier configured to amplify the transmitted signal in the second frequency band (band B) output from RFIC 4. The input terminal of power amplifier 12 is connected to high-frequency input terminal 112. The output terminal of power amplifier 12 is connected to the input / output terminal 51b of antenna switch 51 via switch 32 and filter 42.

[0074] The low-noise amplifier 21 is configured to amplify the high-frequency received signal (hereinafter referred to as the received signal) of the first frequency band received by any one of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 21 is connected to the input / output terminal 51a of the antenna switch 51 via a switch 31b and a filter 41b. The output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 21 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 121.

[0075] The low-noise amplifier 22 is configured to amplify the received signal in the second frequency band received using any one of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The input of the low-noise amplifier 22 is connected to the input / output terminal 51b of the antenna switch 51 via switch 32 and filter 42. The output of the low-noise amplifier 22 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 122.

[0076] Switch 31a is a switch used to switch the transmission destination of the transmitted signal output from power amplifier 11. Specifically, switch 31a is an SPDT (Single-Pole Double-Throw) type switch with a common terminal and two selection terminals. The common terminal of switch 31a is connected to the output terminal of power amplifier 11. One of the two selection terminals of switch 31a is connected to the input terminal of filter 41a. The other of the two selection terminals of switch 31a is connected, for example, to the input terminal of a filter (not shown). Furthermore, switch 31a may have three or more selection terminals.

[0077] Switch 31b is a switch used to switch the transmission source of the received signal input to low-noise amplifier 21. Specifically, switch 31b is an SPDT type switch with a common terminal and two selection terminals. The common terminal of switch 31b is connected to the input terminal of low-noise amplifier 21. One of the two selection terminals of switch 31b is connected to the output terminal of filter 41b. The other of the two selection terminals of switch 31b is connected, for example, to the output terminal of a filter (not shown). Furthermore, switch 31b may have three or more selection terminals.

[0078] Switch 32 is a switch used to switch the signal that passes through filter 42 between a transmit signal and a receive signal. That is, switch 32 is a transmit-receive switching switch (TDD switch) that switches between transmit and receive frequencies within the passband of filter 42. Specifically, switch 32 is an SPDT type switch with a common terminal and two select terminals. The common terminal of switch 32 is connected to one end of filter 42. One of the two select terminals of switch 32 is connected to the output terminal of power amplifier 12. The other of the two select terminals of switch 32 is connected to the input terminal of low-noise amplifier 22. Furthermore, switch 32 may have three or more select terminals.

[0079] Filter 41a is an example of the first filter, connected between the power amplifier 11 and the input / output terminal 51a of the antenna switch 51. Specifically, the input terminal of filter 41a is connected to the power amplifier 11 via switch 31a. The output terminal of filter 41a is connected to the input / output terminal 51a of the antenna switch 51.

[0080] Filter 41b is connected between the input / output terminal 51a of the low-noise amplifier 21 and the antenna switch 51. Specifically, the input terminal of filter 41b is connected to the input / output terminal 51a of the antenna switch 51. The output terminal of filter 41b is connected to the low-noise amplifier 21 via switch 31b.

[0081] Filters 41a and 41b constitute a duplexer. Filters 41a and 41b each have a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band A (the first frequency band). Specifically, filter 41a has a passband that includes the uplink operating frequency band of frequency band A. Filter 41b has a passband that includes the downlink operating frequency band of frequency band A. Frequency band A is a frequency band used for frequency division duplex (FDD), but is not limited to this; it can also be a frequency band used for time division duplex (TDD). In this case, instead of filters 41a and 41b, a TDD filter and a transmit / receive switch are provided between the input / output terminal 51a and the power amplifier 11 and the low-noise amplifier 21. Alternatively, switches 31a and 31b may not be provided, or they may be integrated with the transmit / receive switch.

[0082] Filter 42 is an example of a second filter, connected between the power amplifier 12 and the input / output terminal 51b of the antenna switch 51. Specifically, one end of filter 42 is connected to the power amplifier 12 and the low-noise amplifier 22 via switch 32. The other end of filter 42 is connected to the input / output terminal 51b of the antenna switch 51.

[0083] Filter 42 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band B (the second frequency band). Frequency band B is a frequency band used for TDD, but is not limited to it; it can also be a frequency band used for FDD. In this case, instead of filter 42 and switch 32, a duplexer is provided between input / output terminal 51b and power amplifier 12 and low-noise amplifier 22. This duplexer consists of a filter having a passband that includes the uplink operating frequency band used for FDD and a filter having a passband that includes the downlink operating frequency band used for FDD.

[0084] Antenna switch 51 is an example of a first switching circuit, including input / output terminals 51a and 51b, antenna terminals 51c and 51d, and diversity terminals 51e and 51f.

[0085] Input / output terminal 51a is an example of the first input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 11. Specifically, input / output terminal 51a is connected to the output of power amplifier 11 via filter 41a and switch 31a.

[0086] Input / output terminal 51b is an example of a second input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 12. Specifically, input / output terminal 51b is connected to the output of power amplifier 12 via filter 42 and switch 32.

[0087] Antenna terminal 51c is an example of a first antenna terminal, which is connected to antenna 5a via antenna connection terminal 101. Antenna terminal 51d is an example of a second antenna terminal, which is connected to antenna 5b via antenna connection terminal 102.

[0088] Diversity terminal 51e is an example of the first terminal (first diversity terminal) and is connected to the main terminal 52e of the antenna switch 52 of the diversity module 3. Specifically, diversity terminal 51e is connected to the main terminal 52e via diversity connection terminal 131 and main connection terminal 141.

[0089] Diversity terminal 51f is an example of a second terminal (second diversity terminal) and is connected to the main terminal 52f of the antenna switch 52 of the diversity module 3. Specifically, diversity terminal 51f is connected to main terminal 52f via diversity connection terminal 132 and main connection terminal 142.

[0090] Antenna switch 51 is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminals 51a and 51b can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51c and 51d and diversity terminal 51e, respectively. Input / output terminals 51a and 51b can also be selectively connected to diversity terminal 51f. Furthermore, diversity terminal 51f can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51c and 51d. Diversity terminal 51e can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51c and 51d. Switching of the connection relationships of antenna switch 51 is performed by a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0091] In this embodiment, the main module 2 is mounted on a module substrate (not shown). The module substrate of the main module 2 is a different substrate from the substrate on which the diversity module 3 is mounted. The main module 2 may also be a single-unit module, in which case it may include multiple substrates.

[0092] The module substrate of main module 2 is a substrate on which the circuit components of main module 2 are mounted. Specifically, power amplifiers 11 and 12, low-noise amplifiers 21 and 22, switches 31a, 31b and 32, filters 41a, 41b and 42, and antenna switch 51 are mounted on the module substrate of main module 2. These circuit components can be mounted on only one side of the two main surfaces of the module substrate, or on both sides of the two main surfaces. In addition, the external connection terminals of main module 2 (specifically, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, high-frequency input terminals 111 and 112, high-frequency output terminals 121 and 122, and diversity connection terminals 131 and 132) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or solder pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the module substrate.

[0093] The module substrate for the main module 2 may be, for example, a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate, a high-temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) substrate, a component-embedded substrate, a substrate with a redistribution layer (RDL) (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, but is not limited to these.

[0094] Furthermore, the circuit structure of main module 2 is not limited to Figure 1 Examples are shown in the figure. For example, the main module 2 may also not include low-noise amplifiers 21 and 22, switches 31a, 31b and 32, filters 41a, 41b and 42, and high-frequency output terminals 121 and 122.

[0095] [1.3 Circuit Structure of Diversity Module 3]

[0096] Next, the circuit structure of diversity module 3 will be explained.

[0097] Diversity module 3 is an example of a second transmission circuit. For example... Figure 1 As shown, diversity module 3 includes a power amplifier 13, a low-noise amplifier 23, a switch 33, a filter 43, an antenna switch 52, antenna connection terminals 103 and 104, a high-frequency input terminal 113, a high-frequency output terminal 123, and main connection terminals 141 and 142.

[0098] Antenna connection terminals 103 and 104, high-frequency input terminal 113, high-frequency output terminal 123, and main connection terminals 141 and 142 are external connection terminals of diversity module 3.

[0099] Antenna connection terminal 103 is connected to antenna 5c externally in diversity module 3 and to antenna terminal 52c of antenna switch 52 internally in diversity module 3. Antenna connection terminal 104 is connected to antenna 5d externally in diversity module 3 and to antenna terminal 52d of antenna switch 52 internally in diversity module 3.

[0100] The high-frequency input terminal 113 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the diversity module 3 and to the input terminal of the power amplifier 13 internally in the diversity module 3. The high-frequency output terminal 123 is connected to the RFIC 4 externally in the diversity module 3 and to the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 23 internally in the diversity module 3.

[0101] Main connection terminal 141 is connected externally to diversity connection terminal 131 of main module 2 and internally to main terminal 52e of antenna switch 52 in diversity module 3. Main connection terminal 142 is connected externally to diversity connection terminal 132 of main module 2 and internally to main terminal 52f of antenna switch 52 in diversity module 3.

[0102] Power amplifier 13 is an example of a third power amplifier, configured to amplify the transmitted signal in the second frequency band output from RFIC 4. The input terminal of power amplifier 13 is connected to high-frequency input terminal 113. The output terminal of power amplifier 13 is connected to the input / output terminal 52a of antenna switch 52 via switch 33 and filter 43.

[0103] The low-noise amplifier 23 is configured to amplify the received signal in the second frequency band received using any one of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The input of the low-noise amplifier 23 is connected to the input / output terminal 52a of the antenna switch 52 via switch 33 and filter 43. The output of the low-noise amplifier 23 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 123.

[0104] Switch 33 is a switch used to switch the signal that passes through filter 43 between a transmit signal and a receive signal. That is, switch 33 is a transmit-receive switching switch (TDD switch) that switches between transmit and receive frequencies within the passband of filter 43. Specifically, switch 33 is an SPDT type switch with a common terminal and two select terminals. The common terminal of switch 33 is connected to one end of filter 43. One of the two select terminals of switch 33 is connected to the output terminal of power amplifier 13. The other of the two select terminals of switch 33 is connected to the input terminal of low-noise amplifier 23. Furthermore, switch 33 may have three or more select terminals.

[0105] Filter 43 is an example of a third filter, connected between the power amplifier 13 and the input / output terminal 52a of the antenna switch 52. Specifically, one end of filter 43 is connected to the power amplifier 13 and the low-noise amplifier 23 via switch 33. The other end of filter 43 is connected to the input / output terminal 52a of the antenna switch 52.

[0106] Filter 43 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band B (the second frequency band). Frequency band B is a frequency band used for TDD, but is not limited to it; it can also be a frequency band used for FDD. In this case, instead of filter 43 and switch 33, a duplexer is provided between input / output terminal 52a and power amplifier 13 and low-noise amplifier 23. This duplexer consists of a filter having a passband that includes the uplink operating frequency band used for FDD and a filter having a passband that includes the downlink operating frequency band used for FDD.

[0107] Antenna switch 52 is an example of a second switching circuit, including input / output terminals 52a, antenna terminals 52c and 52d, and main terminals 52e and 52f.

[0108] Input / output terminal 52a is an example of a third input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 13. Specifically, input / output terminal 52a is connected to the output of power amplifier 13 via filter 43 and switch 33.

[0109] Antenna terminal 52c is an example of a third antenna terminal, which is connected to antenna 5c via antenna connection terminal 103. Antenna terminal 52d is an example of a fourth antenna terminal, which is connected to antenna 5d via antenna connection terminal 104.

[0110] The main terminal 52e is an example of the third terminal (the first main terminal) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51e of the antenna switch 51 of the main module 2. Specifically, the main terminal 52e is connected to the diversity terminal 51e via the main connection terminal 141 and the diversity connection terminal 131.

[0111] The main terminal 52f is an example of the fourth terminal (the second main terminal) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51f of the antenna switch 51 of the main module 2. Specifically, the main terminal 52f is connected to the diversity terminal 51f via the main connection terminal 142 and the diversity connection terminal 132.

[0112] Antenna switch 52 is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminal 52a can be selectively connected to at least antenna terminals 52c and 52d and main terminal 52f. Input / output terminal 52a can also be selectively connected to main terminal 52e. Furthermore, main terminal 52e can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52c and 52d. Main terminal 52f can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52c and 52d. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 52 is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0113] In this embodiment, the diversity module 3 is mounted on a different module substrate than the substrate on which the main module 2 is mounted. Alternatively, the diversity module 3 may be a single-unit module, in which case it may include multiple substrates.

[0114] The module substrate of diversity module 3 is a substrate on which the circuit components of diversity module 3 are mounted. Specifically, a power amplifier 13, a low-noise amplifier 23, a switch 33, a filter 43, and an antenna switch 52 are mounted on the module substrate of diversity module 3. These circuit components can be mounted on only one side of the two main surfaces of the module substrate, or on both sides of the two main surfaces. In addition, the external connection terminals of diversity module 3 (specifically, antenna connection terminals 103 and 104, high-frequency input terminal 113, high-frequency output terminal 123, and main connection terminals 141 and 142) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or solder pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the module substrate.

[0115] The module substrate for diversity module 3 may be, for example, an LTCC substrate with a multilayer dielectric structure, an HTCC substrate, a component-integrated substrate, a substrate with an RDL (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, but is not limited to these.

[0116] Furthermore, the circuit structure of diversity module 3 is not limited to Figure 1 Examples are shown below. For instance, diversity module 3 may also lack the low-noise amplifier 23, switch 33, filter 43, and high-frequency output terminal 123.

[0117] [1.4 Action Examples]

[0118] The following describes a specific example of the operation of the high-frequency circuit 1 described above.

[0119] In high-frequency circuit 1, the three input / output terminals 51a, 51b, and 52a can be selectively connected to the four antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c, and 52d. The combination of connections between the three input / output terminals 51a, 51b, and 52a and the four antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c, and 52d is controlled by a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4. For example, the connections can be switched based on the communication conditions or antenna characteristics (sensitivity, radiation quality), etc., of each of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. High-frequency circuit 1 offers a high degree of freedom in antenna selection. Specifically, when transmitting three signals, each of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d can be selected. Therefore, an appropriate antenna can be selected according to the situation, thereby improving the quality of the transmitted signal.

[0120] Furthermore, the following example illustrates a combination where band A is band n28 used for 5G-NR and band B is band n41 used for 5G-NR (the topmost combination in Table 1). However, the combination of bands A and B is not limited to this. The combination of bands A and B can also be the combination shown in Table 1 or other combinations.

[0121] [1.4.1 First Action Example]

[0122] First, use Figure 2 Let's illustrate the first action example. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a first operating example (case 1) of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment.

[0123] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1 outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28 to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, outputs one of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the other of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, and outputs the other of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3.

[0124] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to input / output terminal 51a, and antenna terminal 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b. In this case, in antenna switch 52, antenna terminal 52c is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0125] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5a via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiates from antenna 5a. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, antenna terminal 51d, and antenna connection terminal 102, and radiates from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5c via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiates from antenna 5c.

[0126] Alternatively, instead of antenna terminal 52c, antenna terminal 52d can be connected to input / output terminal 52a. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5d. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51c can be connected to input / output terminal 51b, and antenna terminal 51d can be connected to input / output terminal 51a. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0127] [1.4.2 Example of the second action]

[0128] Next, use Figure 3 Let's illustrate the second action example. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a second operating example (case 2) of the high-frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment.

[0129] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1 outputs the transmit signal of band n28 to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3, and outputs the two transmit signals of band n41 to the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, respectively.

[0130] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to diversity terminal 51f, antenna terminal 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51a. In this case, in antenna switch 52, antenna terminal 52c is connected to main terminal 52e, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0131] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5c via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, diversity terminal 51e, diversity connection terminal 131, main connection terminal 141, main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiates from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, antenna terminal 51d, and antenna connection terminal 102, and radiates from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5a via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, main terminal 52f, main connection terminal 142, diversity connection terminal 132, diversity terminal 51f, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiates from antenna 5a.

[0132] Alternatively, antenna terminal 52d can be connected to main terminal 52e instead of antenna terminal 52c. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5d. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51c can be connected to input / output terminal 51b, and antenna terminal 51d can be connected to diversity terminal 51f. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0133] [1.4.3 Example of the third action]

[0134] Next, use Figure 4 Let's illustrate the third action example. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a third operating example (case 3) of the high-frequency circuit 1 involved in this embodiment.

[0135] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1 outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28 to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3, respectively.

[0136] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to input / output terminal 51a, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51b. In this case, in antenna switch 52, antenna terminal 52c is connected to main terminal 52e, and antenna terminal 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0137] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5a via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiates from antenna 5a. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5c via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, diversity terminal 51e, diversity connection terminal 131, main connection terminal 141, main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiates from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5d via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, antenna terminal 52d, and antenna connection terminal 104, and radiates from antenna 5d.

[0138] Alternatively, instead of antenna terminal 51c, antenna terminal 51d can be connected to input / output terminal 51a. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5b. Alternatively, antenna terminal 52c can be connected to input / output terminal 52a, and antenna terminal 52d can be connected to main terminal 52e. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5c.

[0139] [1.5 Effects, etc.]

[0140] As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1 of this embodiment includes: a main module 2 (first transmission circuit), which includes power amplifiers 11 and 12 and an antenna switch 51; and a diversity module 3 (second transmission circuit), which includes a power amplifier 13 and an antenna switch 52. The antenna switch 51 includes input and output terminals 51a and 51b, antenna terminals 51c and 51d, and diversity terminals 51e and 51e. The antenna switch 52 includes input and output terminals 52a, antenna terminals 52c and 52d, and main terminals 52e and 52f. The power amplifier 11 is connected to the input and output terminal 51a, the power amplifier 12 is connected to the input and output terminal 51b, the power amplifier 13 is connected to the input and output terminal 52a, the diversity terminal 51e is connected to the main terminal 52e, and the diversity terminal 51f is connected to the main terminal 52f. The input and output terminals 51a, 51b, and 52a can all be selectively connected to the antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c, and 52d.

[0141] Thus, a compact high-frequency circuit 1 is achieved, suppressing signal quality degradation during simultaneous transmission. Specifically, the three power amplifiers 11, 12, and 13 are separately configured in two modules, thereby dissipating heat generated during signal amplification. Compared to a single module, heat concentration is suppressed, resulting in improved heat dissipation, thus enabling miniaturization of each module. Furthermore, four antennas are provided for use in high-frequency signal transmission, allowing for antenna switching based on factors such as communication conditions or antenna characteristics. By utilizing appropriate antennas according to the situation, signal quality degradation can be suppressed.

[0142] Additionally, for example, the main module 2 further includes: a filter 41a connected between the power amplifier 11 and the input / output terminal 51a, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and a filter 42 connected between the power amplifier 12 and the input / output terminal 51b, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a second frequency band. The diversity module 3 further includes a filter 43 connected between the power amplifier 13 and the input / output terminal 52a, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a second frequency band.

[0143] Therefore, the two power amplifiers 12 and 13 amplify the signal in the second frequency band and output it. Thus, even when the maximum output power (power level) of the signal in the second frequency band is high (e.g., PC2 or PC1.5), the gain of each of the power amplifiers 12 and 13 can be suppressed. Therefore, the heat generated by the power amplifiers 12 and 13 can be suppressed while also suppressing signal distortion.

[0144] In addition, for example, as in the first example, if one of the antenna terminals 51c and 51d in the antenna switch 51 is connected to the input / output terminal 51a and the other of the antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to the input / output terminal 51b, then in the antenna switch 52, one of the antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to the input / output terminal 52a.

[0145] Therefore, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifiers 11 and 12 in the main module 2 are radiated from antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2. For example, by arranging the main module 2 close to antennas 5a and 5b, the wiring distance for transmitting the transmitted signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation. Additionally, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifier 13 in the diversity module 3 are radiated from antennas 5c or 5d connected to the diversity module 3. For example, by arranging the diversity module 3 close to antennas 5c or 5d, the wiring distance for transmitting the transmitted signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation.

[0146] In addition, for example, as in the second operating example, in antenna switch 51, if one of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to diversity terminal 51f, and the other of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51a, in antenna switch 52, one of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to main terminal 52e, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0147] Therefore, the transmitted signal amplified by the power amplifier 11 of the main module 2 is radiated from antenna 5c or 5d connected to the diversity module 3. Additionally, the transmitted signal amplified by the power amplifier 13 of the diversity module 3 is radiated from antenna 5a or 5b connected to the main module 2. For example, when the communication conditions of antennas 5a and 5b are good, and frequency band n41 is prioritized over frequency band n28 (requiring improved quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41), this requirement can be met. Alternatively, when the antenna characteristics of antennas 5a and 5b are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5c and 5d, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved.

[0148] In addition, for example, as in the third operation example, when one of the antenna terminals 51c and 51d in the antenna switch 51 is connected to the input / output terminal 51a and the diversity terminal 51e is connected to the input / output terminal 51b, in the antenna switch 52, one of the antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to the input / output terminal 52a, and the other of the antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to the main terminal 52e.

[0149] Therefore, the transmitted signal amplified by the power amplifier 12 of the main module 2 is radiated from one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3. Conversely, the transmitted signal amplified by the power amplifier 13 of the diversity module 3 is radiated from the other of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3. For example, this requirement can be met when the communication conditions of antennas 5c and 5d are good, and frequency band n41 is preferred over frequency band n28 (requiring improved quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41). Alternatively, if the antenna characteristics of antennas 5c and 5d are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5a and 5b, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved.

[0150] Alternatively, for example, the main module 2 and the diversity module 3 are mounted on different substrates.

[0151] In addition, the communication device 6 according to this embodiment includes: a high-frequency circuit 1; and an RFIC 4, which is configured to process the high-frequency signal transmitted in the high-frequency circuit 1.

[0152] Thus, a small communication device 6 is achieved, which suppresses the degradation of signal quality during simultaneous transmission.

[0153] (Implementation Method 2)

[0154] Next, implementation method 2 will be described.

[0155] In Embodiment 2, the main differences from Embodiment 1 are as follows: the diversity module includes a low-noise amplifier, and the antenna switch of the diversity module includes input / output terminals connected to the low-noise amplifier. The following description focuses on the differences from Embodiment 1, omitting or simplifying the description of commonalities.

[0156] [2.1 Circuit structure of high-frequency circuit 1A]

[0157] Reference Figure 5 The circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in this embodiment.

[0158] also, Figure 5 This is an illustrative circuit structure; the high-frequency circuit 1A can be installed using any of a wide variety of circuit mounting and circuit techniques. Therefore, the description of the high-frequency circuit 1A provided below should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0159] In addition, the communication device according to this embodiment is the same as the communication device 6 according to embodiment 1, except that it has a high-frequency circuit 1A instead of a high-frequency circuit 1, so its illustration and description are omitted.

[0160] like Figure 5 As shown, the high-frequency circuit 1A is the same as the high-frequency circuit 1 in Embodiment 1, except that it has a diversity module 3A instead of a diversity module 3.

[0161] [2.2 Circuit Structure of Diversity Module 3A]

[0162] Next, the circuit structure of diversity module 3A will be explained.

[0163] Diversity module 3A is an example of a second transmission circuit. For example... Figure 5 As shown, diversity module 3A differs from diversity module 3 in that it has an antenna switch 52A instead of antenna switch 52. Additionally, diversity module 3A includes a low-noise amplifier 24, a switch 34, a filter 44, and a high-frequency output terminal 124.

[0164] The high-frequency output terminal 124 is connected externally to RFIC 4 (not shown) in diversity module 3A and internally to the output of low-noise amplifier 24 in diversity module 3A.

[0165] The low-noise amplifier 24 is an example of a low-noise amplifier included in the second transmission circuit. In this embodiment, the low-noise amplifier 24 is configured to amplify the received signal of the first frequency band received using any one of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 24 is connected to the input / output terminal 52b of the antenna switch 52A via switch 34 and filter 44. The output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 24 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 124.

[0166] Switch 34 is a switch that toggles the transmission source of the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24. Specifically, switch 34 is an SP3T (Single-Pole Triple-Throw) type switch with a common terminal and three selection terminals. The common terminal of switch 34 is connected to the input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 24. One of the three selection terminals of switch 34 is connected to the output terminal of filter 44. Two of the three selection terminals of switch 34 are connected, for example, to the output terminal of a filter (not shown). Furthermore, switch 34 may have two or more selection terminals.

[0167] Filter 44, an example of a fourth filter, is connected between the low-noise amplifier 24 and the input / output terminal 52b of the antenna switch 52A. Specifically, the input of filter 44 is connected to the input / output terminal 52b of the antenna switch 52A. The output of filter 44 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 24 via switch 34.

[0168] Filter 44 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band A (first frequency band). Specifically, filter 44 has a passband that includes the downlink operating frequency band of frequency band A.

[0169] Antenna switch 52A is an example of a second switching circuit, which, in addition to the structure of antenna switch 52, also includes input / output terminals 52b.

[0170] Input / output terminal 52b is an example of a fourth input / output terminal and is connected to low-noise amplifier 24. Specifically, input / output terminal 52b is connected to the input of low-noise amplifier 24 via filter 44 and switch 34.

[0171] Antenna switch 52A is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminals 52a and 52b can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52c and 52d and main terminal 52f, respectively. Input / output terminals 52a and 52b can also be selectively connected to main terminal 52e. Furthermore, main terminal 52e can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52c and 52d. Main terminal 52f can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52c and 52d. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 52A is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0172] In this embodiment, the diversity module 3A is mounted on a module substrate different from the substrate on which the main module 2 is mounted. Alternatively, the diversity module 3A may be a single-unit module, in which case it may include multiple substrates.

[0173] Furthermore, the circuit structure of diversity module 3A is not limited to Figure 5 The example shown is shown below. For example, diversity module 3A may also lack the low-noise amplifier 23, switch 33, filter 43, and high-frequency output terminal 123.

[0174] [2.3 Example of an action]

[0175] The following describes a specific example of the operation of the aforementioned high-frequency circuit 1A.

[0176] In the high-frequency circuit 1A, the four input / output terminals 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b can be selectively connected to the four antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c, and 52d. The combination of connections between the four input / output terminals 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b and the four antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c, and 52d is controlled by a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4. For example, the connections can be switched based on the communication characteristics (sensitivity, radiation quality, etc.) of each of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The high-frequency circuit 1A offers a high degree of freedom in antenna selection. Specifically, when receiving one received signal, each of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d can be selected. For example, the antenna can be selected with priority given to receiving the received signal, and three transmit signals can be transmitted using the remaining three antennas. Alternatively, the transmission of at least one of the three transmit signals can be prioritized. This allows for the selection of an appropriate antenna based on the situation, thereby improving the quality of received and / or transmitted signals.

[0177] Furthermore, the following example illustrates a combination where band A is band n28 used for 5G-NR and band B is band n41 used for 5G-NR (the topmost combination in Table 1). However, the combination of bands A and B is not limited to this. The combination of bands A and B can also be the combination shown in Table 1 or other combinations.

[0178] [2.3.1 First Action Example]

[0179] First, use Figure 6 Let's illustrate the first action example. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a first operating example (case 1) of the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in this embodiment.

[0180] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1A outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28 to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, outputs one of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the other of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, outputs the other of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3A, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28 from the other of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3A.

[0181] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to input / output terminal 51a, and antenna terminal 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b. In this case, in antenna switch 52A, antenna terminal 52c is connected to input / output terminal 52a, and antenna terminal 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52b.

[0182] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5a via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiated from antenna 5a. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, antenna terminal 51d, and antenna connection terminal 102, and radiated from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5c via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiated from antenna 5c. The received signal received by antenna 5d is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via antenna connection terminal 104, antenna terminal 52d, input / output terminal 52b, filter 44, and switch 34.

[0183] Alternatively, antenna terminal 52d can be connected to input / output terminal 52a, and antenna terminal 52c can be connected to input / output terminal 52b. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the received signal of frequency band n28, received by antenna 5c, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51c can be connected to input / output terminal 51b, and antenna terminal 51d can be connected to input / output terminal 51a. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0184] [2.3.2 Example of the second action]

[0185] Next, use Figure 7 Let's illustrate the second action example. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a second operating example (case 2) of the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in this embodiment.

[0186] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1A outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28 to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3A, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, respectively, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28 from the other of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3A.

[0187] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to diversity terminal 51f, antenna terminal 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51a. In this case, in antenna switch 52A, antenna terminal 52c is connected to main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52b, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0188] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5c via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, diversity terminal 51e, diversity connection terminal 131, main connection terminal 141, main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiates from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, antenna terminal 51d, and antenna connection terminal 102, and radiates from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5a via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, main terminal 52f, main connection terminal 142, diversity connection terminal 132, diversity terminal 51f, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiates from antenna 5a. The received signal received by antenna 5d is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via antenna connection terminal 104, antenna terminal 52d, input / output terminal 52b, filter 44 and switch 34.

[0189] Alternatively, antenna terminal 52d can be connected to main terminal 52e, and antenna terminal 52c can be connected to input / output terminal 52b. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the received signal of frequency band n28, received by antenna 5c, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51c can be connected to input / output terminal 51b, and antenna terminal 51d can be connected to diversity terminal 51f. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0190] [2.3.3 Example of the third action]

[0191] Next, use Figure 8 Let's illustrate the third action example. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a third operating example (case 3) of the high-frequency circuit 1A involved in this embodiment.

[0192] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1A outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28 to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the diversity module 3A, respectively, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28 from the other of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2.

[0193] Specifically, such as Figure 8As shown, in antenna switch 51, antenna terminal 51c is connected to input / output terminal 51a, antenna terminal 51d is connected to diversity terminal 51f, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51b. In this case, in antenna switch 52A, antenna terminal 52c is connected to main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52a, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52b.

[0194] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5a via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51a, antenna terminal 51c, and antenna connection terminal 101, and radiates from antenna 5a. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5c via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51b, diversity terminal 51e, diversity connection terminal 131, main connection terminal 141, main terminal 52e, antenna terminal 52c, and antenna connection terminal 103, and radiates from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5d via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52a, antenna terminal 52d, and antenna connection terminal 104, and radiates from antenna 5d. The received signal received by antenna 5b is input to low noise amplifier 24 via antenna connection terminal 102, antenna terminal 51d, diversity terminal 51f, diversity connection terminal 132, main connection terminal 142, main terminal 52f, input / output terminal 52b, filter 44 and switch 34.

[0195] Alternatively, antenna terminal 51d can be connected to input / output terminal 51a, and antenna terminal 51c can be connected to diversity terminal 51f. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5b, and the received signal of frequency band n28, received by antenna 5a, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 52c can be connected to input / output terminal 52a, and antenna terminal 52d can be connected to main terminal 52e. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5c.

[0196] [2.4 Effects, etc.]

[0197] As described above, in the high-frequency circuit 1A of this embodiment, the diversity module 3A (second transmission circuit) further includes a low-noise amplifier 24, and the antenna switch 52A includes an input / output terminal 52b connected to the low-noise amplifier 24. The input / output terminal 52b can be connected to the antenna terminals 51c, 51d, 52c and 52d.

[0198] Thus, a compact high-frequency circuit 1A is achieved, suppressing signal quality degradation during simultaneous transmission and reception. Specifically, the three power amplifiers 11, 12, and 13, and the low-noise amplifier 24 are separately configured in two modules, thereby dissipating heat generated during signal amplification. Compared to a single module, heat concentration is suppressed, resulting in improved heat dissipation, thus enabling miniaturization of each module. Furthermore, four antennas are provided for use in both high-frequency signal transmission and reception, allowing for antenna switching based on factors such as communication conditions. Utilizing appropriate antennas according to the situation suppresses signal quality degradation. For example, prioritizing signal reception allows for the use of the most suitable antenna for receiving, thus improving the quality of the received signal while simultaneously transmitting the signal.

[0199] Additionally, for example, the main module 2 further includes: a filter 41a connected between the power amplifier 11 and the input / output terminal 51a, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and a filter 42 connected between the power amplifier 12 and the input / output terminal 51b, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a second frequency band. The diversity module 3A further includes: a filter 43 connected between the power amplifier 13 and the input / output terminal 52a, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a second frequency band; and a filter 44 connected between the low-noise amplifier 24 and the input / output terminal 52b, having a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band.

[0200] Therefore, the two power amplifiers 12 and 13 amplify the signal in the second frequency band and output it. Thus, even when the maximum output power (power level) of the signal in the second frequency band is high (e.g., PC2 or PC1.5), the gain of each of the power amplifiers 12 and 13 can be suppressed. Therefore, the heat generated by the power amplifiers 12 and 13 can be suppressed while also suppressing signal distortion.

[0201] Additionally, for example, as in the first operating example, in antenna switch 51, if one of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51a and the other of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b, in antenna switch 52A, one of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52a, and the other of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52b.

[0202] Therefore, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifiers 11 and 12 of the main module 2 are radiated from antennas 5a and 5b connected to the main module 2. For example, by arranging the main module 2 close to antennas 5a and 5b, the wiring distance for transmitting the transmitted signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation. Additionally, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifier 13 of the diversity module 3A are radiated from antennas 5c or 5d connected to the diversity module 3A. Furthermore, the received signals received by antennas 5c or 5d connected to the diversity module 3A are amplified by the low-noise amplifier 24 of the diversity module 3A. For example, by arranging the diversity module 3A close to antennas 5c and 5d, the wiring distance for transmitting and receiving signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation for both the transmitted and received signals.

[0203] Additionally, for example, as in the second operational example, in antenna switch 51, if one of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to diversity terminal 51f, and the other of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51b, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51a, in antenna switch 52A, one of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to main terminal 52e, the other of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52b, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52a.

[0204] Therefore, the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24 of the diversity module 3A is received by the antenna 5c or 5d of the diversity module 3A. For example, this requirement can be met when the communication condition of antenna 5c or 5d is good and the quality of the received signal is prioritized over the quality of the transmitted signal. Alternatively, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved when the antenna characteristics of antennas 5a and 5b are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5c and 5d.

[0205] Additionally, for example, as in the third operational example, in antenna switch 51, if one of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to input / output terminal 51a, and the other of antenna terminals 51c and 51d is connected to diversity terminal 51f, and diversity terminal 51e is connected to input / output terminal 51b, then in antenna switch 52A, one of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to input / output terminal 52a, the other of antenna terminals 52c and 52d is connected to main terminal 52e, and main terminal 52f is connected to input / output terminal 52b.

[0206] Therefore, the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24 of the diversity module 3A is received by the antenna 5a or 5b of the main module 2. For example, this requirement can be met when the communication conditions of antennas 5a and 5b are good and the quality of the received signal is prioritized over the quality of the transmitted signal. Alternatively, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved when the antenna characteristics of antennas 5c and 5d are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5a and 5b.

[0207] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following is used Figures 6-8 Three operational examples are shown, but the operational examples of the high-frequency circuit 1A are not limited to these. For example, the antenna used to receive the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24 of the diversity module 3A can also be the same as the antenna used to transmit the transmitted signal amplified by any of the power amplifiers 11, 12, and 13. In other words, one of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d can also be used for simultaneous transmission and reception.

[0208] (Implementation Method 3)

[0209] Next, implementation method 3 will be described.

[0210] In Implementation 3, the main differences from Implementation 2 are as follows: the main module and the diversity module are each composed of two modules; and multiple diplexers are provided. The following description focuses on the differences from Implementation 2, omitting or simplifying the description of the commonalities.

[0211] [3.1 Circuit Structure of High-Frequency Circuit 1B]

[0212] Reference Figure 9 The circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1B involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 9 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1B involved in this embodiment.

[0213] also, Figure 9This is an illustrative circuit structure; the high-frequency circuit 1B can be installed using any of a wide variety of circuit mounting and circuit techniques. Therefore, the description of the high-frequency circuit 1B provided below should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0214] In addition, the communication device according to this embodiment is the same as the communication device 6 according to embodiment 1, except that it has a high-frequency circuit 1B instead of a high-frequency circuit 1, so its illustration and description are omitted.

[0215] like Figure 9 As shown, the high-frequency circuit 1B includes a first main module 2Ba, a second main module 2Bb, a first diversity module 3Ba, and a second diversity module 3Bb. Additionally, the high-frequency circuit 1B includes dual transmitters 61, 62, 63, and 64, and couplers 71 and 72.

[0216] The first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb are each part of an example of the first transmission circuit. Specifically, an example of the first transmission circuit is composed of the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb. The specific circuit structures of the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb will be described later.

[0217] The first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb are each part of an example of the second transmission circuit. Specifically, an example of the second transmission circuit is composed of the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb. The specific circuit structures of the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb will be described later.

[0218] The dual-signaler 61 is an example of a first multiplexer, connected to the antenna terminal 51Bac of the antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba, the antenna terminal 51Bbc of the antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb, and the antenna 5a. Specifically, the dual-signaler 61 includes filters 61a and 61b.

[0219] Filter 61a is connected between antenna terminal 51Bac of antenna switch 51Ba and antenna 5a. Specifically, one end of filter 61a is connected to antenna terminal 51Bac via antenna connection terminal 101a. The other end of filter 61a is connected to antenna 5a via coupler 71.

[0220] Filter 61b is connected between antenna terminal 51Bbc of antenna switch 51Bb and antenna 5a. Specifically, one end of filter 61b is connected to antenna terminal 51Bbc via antenna connection terminal 101b. The other end of filter 61b is connected to antenna 5a via coupler 71.

[0221] Dual-signaler 62 is an example of a second multiplexer, connected to the antenna terminal 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba, the antenna terminal 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb, and the antenna 5b. Specifically, dual-signaler 62 includes filters 62a and 62b.

[0222] Filter 62a is connected between antenna terminal 51Bad of antenna switch 51Ba and antenna 5b. Specifically, one end of filter 62a is connected to antenna terminal 51Bad via antenna connection terminal 102a. The other end of filter 62a is connected to antenna 5b via coupler 71.

[0223] Filter 62b is connected between antenna terminal 51Bbd of antenna switch 51Bb and antenna 5b. Specifically, one end of filter 62b is connected to antenna terminal 51Bbd via antenna connection terminal 102b. The other end of filter 62b is connected to antenna 5b via coupler 71.

[0224] Dual-signaler 63 is an example of a third multiplexer, connected to antenna terminal 52Bac of antenna switch 52Ba of first diversity module 3Ba, antenna terminal 52Bbc of antenna switch 52Bb of second diversity module 3Bb, and antenna 5c. Specifically, dual-signaler 63 includes filters 63a and 63b.

[0225] Filter 63a is connected between antenna terminal 52Bac of antenna switch 52Ba and antenna 5c. Specifically, one end of filter 63a is connected to antenna terminal 52Bac via antenna connection terminal 103a. The other end of filter 63a is connected to antenna 5c via coupler 72.

[0226] Filter 63b is connected between antenna terminal 52Bbc of antenna switch 52Bb and antenna 5c. Specifically, one end of filter 63b is connected to antenna terminal 52Bbc via antenna connection terminal 103b. The other end of filter 63b is connected to antenna 5c via coupler 72.

[0227] Dual-signaler 64 is an example of a fourth multiplexer, connected to antenna terminal 52Bad of antenna switch 52Ba of first diversity module 3Ba, antenna terminal 52Bbd of antenna switch 52Bb of second diversity module 3Bb, and antenna 5d. Specifically, dual-signaler 64 includes filters 64a and 64b.

[0228] Filter 64a is connected between antenna terminal 52Bad of antenna switch 52Ba and antenna 5d. Specifically, one end of filter 64a is connected to antenna terminal 52Bad via antenna connection terminal 104a. The other end of filter 64a is connected to antenna 5d via coupler 72.

[0229] Filter 64b is connected between antenna terminal 52Bbd of antenna switch 52Bb and antenna 5d. Specifically, one end of filter 64b is connected to antenna terminal 52Bbd via antenna connection terminal 104b. The other end of filter 64b is connected to antenna 5d via coupler 72.

[0230] Filters 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a each have, for example, at least a portion of a low-frequency band as a passband. The low-frequency band is a group of frequency bands consisting of multiple communication bands supporting LTE or 5G-NR, for example, having a frequency range of 600MHz-1000MHz. Filters 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a are low-pass filters, but they can also be band-pass filters.

[0231] Filters 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b each have at least a portion of a high-frequency band as a passband. The high-frequency band is a group of frequency bands consisting of multiple communication bands supporting LTE or 5G-NR, for example, having a frequency range of 2.4GHz-2.8GHz. Filters 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b are high-pass filters, but they can also be band-pass filters.

[0232] Filters 61a, 62a, 63a, and 64a may each have at least a portion of a mid-band as a passband. Alternatively, filters 61b, 62b, 63b, and 64b may each have at least a portion of a mid-band as a passband. The mid-band is a frequency band group consisting of multiple communication frequency bands supporting LTE or 5G-NR, for example, having a frequency range of 1.5GHz to 2.2GHz.

[0233] Couplers 71 and 72 are configured for detection. Coupler 71 is configured to detect signals transmitted or received using antennas 5a or 5b. Coupler 72 is configured to detect signals transmitted or received using antennas 5c or 5d.

[0234] Coupler 71 includes two main lines and two secondary lines coupled to each of the two main lines. One of the two main lines of coupler 71 is connected between antenna 5a and dual transducer 61. The other of the two main lines of coupler 71 is connected between antenna 5b and dual transducer 62. Detectors (not shown) are connected to each of the two secondary lines of coupler 71. Furthermore, the two main lines of coupler 71 are not coupled to each other.

[0235] Coupler 72 includes two main lines and two secondary lines coupled to each of the two main lines. One of the two main lines of coupler 72 is connected between antenna 5c and dual transducer 63. The other of the two main lines of coupler 72 is connected between antenna 5d and dual transducer 64. Detectors (not shown) are connected to each of the two secondary lines of coupler 72. Furthermore, the two main lines of coupler 72 are not coupled to each other.

[0236] Furthermore, the structure of the high-frequency circuit 1B is not limited to Figure 9 Examples are shown below. For example, the high-frequency circuit 1B may not have couplers 71 and 72. In addition, the high-frequency circuit 1B may not have dual connectors 61, 62, 63 and 64.

[0237] [3.2 Circuit Structure of the First Main Module 2Ba]

[0238] Next, the circuit structure of the first main module 2Ba will be explained.

[0239] like Figure 9 As shown, the first main module 2Ba includes a power amplifier 11, a low-noise amplifier 21, switches 31a and 31b, filters 41a, 41b, 45a and 45b, an antenna switch 51Ba, antenna connection terminals 101a and 102a, a high-frequency input terminal 111, a high-frequency output terminal 121, and diversity connection terminals 131a and 132a.

[0240] Antenna connection terminal 101a is connected to antenna 5a externally to the first main module 2Ba, and internally to antenna terminal 51Bac of antenna switch 51Ba. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 101a is connected to antenna 5a via filter 61a and coupler 71.

[0241] Antenna connection terminal 102a is connected to antenna 5b externally to the first main module 2Ba, and internally to antenna terminal 51Bad of antenna switch 51Ba. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 102a is connected to antenna 5b via filter 62a and coupler 71.

[0242] Diversity connection terminal 131a is connected to the main connection terminal 141a of the first diversity module 3Ba outside the first main module 2Ba, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bae of the antenna switch 51Ba inside the first main module 2Ba.

[0243] Diversity connection terminal 132a is connected to the main connection terminal 142a of the first diversity module 3Ba outside the first main module 2Ba, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Baf of the antenna switch 51Ba inside the first main module 2Ba.

[0244] Filter 45a is connected, for example, between a power amplifier (not shown) and the input / output terminal 51Bab of antenna switch 51Ba. Filter 45b is connected, for example, between a low-noise amplifier (not shown) and the input / output terminal 51Bab of antenna switch 51Ba.

[0245] Filters 45a and 45b constitute a duplexer. Filters 45a and 45b each have a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band C (the third frequency band). For example, filter 45a has a passband that includes the uplink operating frequency band of frequency band C. Filter 45b has a passband that includes the downlink operating frequency band of frequency band C. Frequency band A is the frequency band used for FDD, but it is not limited to this; it can also be the frequency band used for TDD.

[0246] Antenna switch 51Ba is an example of a first switch included in the first switching circuit, including input / output terminals 51Baa and 51Bab, antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad, and diversity terminals 51Bae and 51Baf. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first switching circuit includes at least two first antenna terminals, at least two second antenna terminals, at least two first terminals (first diversity terminals), and at least two second terminals (second diversity terminals).

[0247] Input / output terminal 51Baa is an example of the first input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 11. Specifically, input / output terminal 51Baa is connected to the output of power amplifier 11 via filter 41a and switch 31a.

[0248] Input / output terminal 51Bab is connected to filters 45a and 45b. Alternatively, input / output terminal 51Bab may not be provided.

[0249] Antenna terminal 51Bac is one of the two first antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5a. Specifically, antenna terminal 51Bac is connected to antenna 5a via antenna connection terminal 101a, filter 61a, and coupler 71.

[0250] Antenna terminal 51Bad is one of two second antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5b. Specifically, antenna terminal 51Bad is connected to antenna 5b via antenna connection terminal 102a, filter 62a, and coupler 71.

[0251] Diversity terminal 51Bae is one of two first terminals (first diversity terminals) and is connected to the main terminal 52Bae of the antenna switch 52Ba of the first diversity module 3Ba. Specifically, diversity terminal 51Bae is connected to main terminal 52Bae via diversity connection terminal 131a and main connection terminal 141a.

[0252] Diversity terminal 51Baf is one of two second terminals (second diversity terminals) and is connected to the main terminal 52Baf of the antenna switch 52Ba of the first diversity module 3Ba. Specifically, diversity terminal 51Baf is connected to main terminal 52Baf via diversity connection terminal 132a and main connection terminal 142a.

[0253] Antenna switch 51Ba is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminals 51Baa and 51Bab can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad, and diversity terminal 51Bae, respectively. Input / output terminals 51Baa and 51Bab can also be selectively connected to diversity terminal 51Baf. Furthermore, diversity terminal 51Baf can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad. Diversity terminal 51Bae can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 51Ba is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0254] In this embodiment, the first main module 2Ba is mounted on a first module substrate (not shown). The first main module 2Ba may also be a module packaged as a single unit, in which case it may also include multiple substrates.

[0255] The first module substrate is a substrate on which the circuit elements of the first main module 2Ba are mounted. Specifically, a power amplifier 11 and an antenna switch 51Ba are mounted on the first module substrate. In addition, a low-noise amplifier 21, switches 31a and 31b, and filters 41a, 41b, 45a, and 45b are mounted on the first module substrate. These circuit elements can be mounted on only one side of the two main surfaces of the first module substrate, or on both sides of the two main surfaces. Furthermore, the external connection terminals of the first main module 2Ba (specifically, antenna connection terminals 101a and 102a, high-frequency input terminal 111, high-frequency output terminal 121, and diversity connection terminals 131a and 132a) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the first module substrate.

[0256] The first module substrate may be an LTCC substrate, an HTCC substrate, a component-integrated substrate, a substrate with an RDL (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, but is not limited to these.

[0257] Furthermore, the circuit structure of the first main module 2Ba is not limited to Figure 9 Examples are shown in the figure. For example, the first main module 2Ba may also not include the low-noise amplifier 21, switches 31a and 31b, filters 41a, 41b, 45a and 45b, and high-frequency output terminal 121.

[0258] [3.3 Circuit structure of the second main module 2Bb]

[0259] Next, the circuit structure of the second main module 2Bb will be explained.

[0260] like Figure 9 As shown, the second main module 2Bb includes a power amplifier 12, a low-noise amplifier 22, a switch 32, filters 42 and 46, an antenna switch 51Bb, antenna connection terminals 101b and 102b, a high-frequency input terminal 112, a high-frequency output terminal 122, and diversity connection terminals 131b and 132b.

[0261] Antenna connection terminal 101b is connected to antenna 5a externally to the second main module 2Bb, and internally to antenna terminal 51Bbc of antenna switch 51Bb. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 101b is connected to antenna 5a via filter 61b and coupler 71.

[0262] Antenna connection terminal 102b is connected to antenna 5b externally to the second main module 2Bb, and internally to antenna terminal 51Bbd of antenna switch 51Bb. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 102b is connected to antenna 5b via filter 62b and coupler 71.

[0263] Diversity connection terminal 131b is connected to the main connection terminal 141b of the second diversity module 3Bb outside the second main module 2Bb, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbe of the antenna switch 51Bb inside the second main module 2Bb.

[0264] Diversity connection terminal 132b is connected to the main connection terminal 142b of the second diversity module 3Bb outside the second main module 2Bb, and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbf of the antenna switch 51Bb inside the second main module 2Bb.

[0265] Filter 46 is connected, for example, between a power amplifier and / or low-noise amplifier (not shown) and the input / output terminal 51Bbb of antenna switch 51Bb. Filter 46 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band D (fourth frequency band). Frequency band D is a frequency band used for TDD, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a frequency band used for FDD.

[0266] Antenna switch 51Bb is an example of a second switch included in the first switching circuit, including input / output terminals 51Bba and 51Bbb, antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd, and diversity terminals 51Bbe and 51Bbf. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first switching circuit is constituted by antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb and antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba.

[0267] Input / output terminal 51Bba is an example of a second input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 12. Specifically, input / output terminal 51Bba is connected to the output of power amplifier 12 via filter 42 and switch 32.

[0268] The input / output terminal 51Bbb is connected to the filter 46. Alternatively, the input / output terminal 51Bbb may not be provided.

[0269] Antenna terminal 51Bbc is one of the two first antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5a. Specifically, antenna terminal 51Bbc is connected to antenna 5a via antenna connection terminal 101b, filter 61b, and coupler 71.

[0270] Antenna terminal 51Bbd is one of two second antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5b. Specifically, antenna terminal 51Bbd is connected to antenna 5b via antenna connection terminal 102b, filter 62b, and coupler 71.

[0271] Diversity terminal 51Bbe is one of two first terminals (first diversity terminals) and is connected to the main terminal 52Bbe of the antenna switch 52Bb of the second diversity module 3Bb. Specifically, diversity terminal 51Bbe is connected to main terminal 52Bbe via diversity connection terminal 131b and main connection terminal 141b.

[0272] Diversity terminal 51Bbf is one of two second terminals (second diversity terminals) and is connected to the main terminal 52Bbf of the antenna switch 52Bb of the second diversity module 3Bb. Specifically, diversity terminal 51Bbf is connected to main terminal 52Bbf via diversity connection terminal 132b and main connection terminal 142b.

[0273] Antenna switch 51Bb is a multi-connection switching circuit. Input / output terminals 51Bba and 51Bbb can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd, and diversity terminal 51Bbe, respectively. Input / output terminals 51Bba and 51Bbb can also be selectively connected to diversity terminal 51Bbf. Furthermore, diversity terminal 51Bbf can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd. Diversity terminal 51Bbe can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 51Bb is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0274] In this embodiment, the second main module 2Bb is mounted on a second module substrate (not shown). The second main module 2Bb can also be a module packaged as a single unit, in which case it can also include multiple substrates.

[0275] The second module substrate is a substrate on which the circuit components of the second main module 2Bb are mounted. Specifically, a power amplifier 12 and an antenna switch 51Bb are mounted on the second module substrate. In addition, a low-noise amplifier 22, a switch 32, and filters 42 and 46 are mounted on the second module substrate. These circuit components can be mounted on only one side of the two main surfaces of the second module substrate, or on both sides of the two main surfaces. Furthermore, the external connection terminals of the second main module 2Bb (specifically, antenna connection terminals 101b and 102b, high-frequency input terminal 112, high-frequency output terminal 122, and diversity connection terminals 131b and 132b) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the second module substrate.

[0276] As a second module substrate, for example, an LTCC substrate with a multilayer dielectric structure, an HTCC substrate, a component-integrated substrate, a substrate with an RDL (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, etc., but not limited to these.

[0277] Furthermore, the circuit structure of the second main module 2Bb is not limited to Figure 9 The example shown is as follows. For example, the second main module 2Bb may also lack the low-noise amplifier 22, switch 32, filters 42 and 46, and high-frequency output terminal 122.

[0278] [3.4 Circuit structure of the first diversity module 3Ba]

[0279] Next, the circuit structure of the first diversity module 3Ba will be explained.

[0280] like Figure 9 As shown, the first diversity module 3Ba includes a low-noise amplifier 24, a switch 34, filters 44 and 48, an antenna switch 52Ba, antenna connection terminals 103a and 104a, a high-frequency output terminal 124, and main connection terminals 141a and 142a.

[0281] Antenna connection terminal 103a is connected to antenna 5c externally to the first diversity module 3Ba, and internally to antenna terminal 52Bac of antenna switch 52Ba. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 103a is connected to antenna 5c via filter 63a and coupler 72.

[0282] Antenna connection terminal 104a is connected to antenna 5d externally to the first diversity module 3Ba, and internally to antenna terminal 52Bad of antenna switch 52Ba. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 104a is connected to antenna 5d via filter 64a and coupler 72.

[0283] The main connection terminal 141a is connected to the diversity connection terminal 131a of the first main module 2Ba outside the first diversity module 3Ba, and is connected to the main terminal 52Bae of the antenna switch 52Ba inside the first diversity module 3Ba.

[0284] The main connection terminal 142a is connected to the diversity connection terminal 132a of the first main module 2Ba outside the first diversity module 3Ba, and is connected to the main terminal 52Baf of the antenna switch 52Ba inside the first diversity module 3Ba.

[0285] Filter 48 is connected, for example, between a power amplifier and / or low-noise amplifier (not shown) and the input / output terminal 52Baa of antenna switch 52Ba. Filter 48 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band C (third frequency band). Frequency band C is a frequency band used for FDD, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a frequency band used for TDD.

[0286] Antenna switch 52Ba is an example of a fourth switch included in the second switching circuit, including input / output terminals 52Baa and 52Bab, antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad, and main terminals 52Bae and 52Baf. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second switching circuit includes at least two third antenna terminals, at least two fourth antenna terminals, at least two third terminals (first main terminals), and at least two fourth terminals (second main terminals).

[0287] The input / output terminal 52Baa is connected to the filter 48. Alternatively, the input / output terminal 52Baa may not be provided.

[0288] Input / output terminal 52Bab is an example of the fourth input / output terminal and is connected to low-noise amplifier 24. Specifically, input / output terminal 52Bab is connected to the input of low-noise amplifier 24 via filter 44 and switch 34.

[0289] Antenna terminal 52Bac is one of two third antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5c. Specifically, antenna terminal 52Bac is connected to antenna 5c via antenna connection terminal 103a, filter 63a, and coupler 72.

[0290] Antenna terminal 52Bad is one of two fourth antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5d. Specifically, antenna terminal 52Bad is connected to antenna 5d via antenna connection terminal 104a, filter 64a, and coupler 72.

[0291] The main terminal 52Bae is one of two third terminals (first main terminals) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bae of the antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba. Specifically, the main terminal 52Bae is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bae via the main connection terminal 141a and the diversity connection terminal 131a.

[0292] The main terminal 52Baf is one of two fourth terminals (second main terminals) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Baf of the antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba. Specifically, the main terminal 52Baf is connected to the diversity terminal 51Baf via the main connection terminal 142a and the diversity connection terminal 132a.

[0293] Antenna switch 52Ba is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminals 52Baa and 52Bab can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad, and main terminal 52Baf, respectively. Input / output terminals 52Baa and 52Bab can also be selectively connected to main terminal 52Bae. Furthermore, main terminal 52Bae can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad. Main terminal 52Baf can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 52Ba is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0294] In this embodiment, the first diversity module 3Ba is mounted on the fourth module substrate (not shown). The first diversity module 3Ba can also be a module packaged as a single unit, in which case it can also include multiple substrates.

[0295] The fourth module substrate is a substrate on which the circuit elements of the first diversity module 3Ba are mounted. Specifically, a low-noise amplifier 24 and an antenna switch 52Ba are mounted on the fourth module substrate. In addition, a switch 34 and filters 44 and 48 are mounted on the fourth module substrate. These circuit elements can be mounted on one side of the two main surfaces of the fourth module substrate, or on both sides of the two main surfaces. Furthermore, the external connection terminals of the first diversity module 3Ba (specifically, antenna connection terminals 103a and 104a, high-frequency output terminal 124, and main connection terminals 141a and 142a) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or solder pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the fourth module substrate.

[0296] As a fourth module substrate, for example, an LTCC substrate with a multilayer dielectric structure, an HTCC substrate, a component-integrated substrate, a substrate with an RDL (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, etc., but not limited to these.

[0297] Furthermore, the circuit structure of the first diversity module 3Ba is not limited to Figure 9 Examples are shown below. For instance, the first diversity module 3Ba may also omit the switch 34 and filters 44 and 48. Additionally, for example, the first diversity module 3Ba may also omit the low-noise amplifier 24 and the high-frequency output terminal 124. In this case, the antenna switch 52Ba may also omit the input / output terminal 52Bab. The first diversity module 3Ba may also include one or more power amplifiers and one or more high-frequency input terminals connected to the input terminals of the one or more power amplifiers.

[0298] [3.5 Circuit structure of the second diversity module 3Bb]

[0299] Next, the circuit structure of the second diversity module 3Bb will be explained.

[0300] like Figure 9 As shown, the second diversity module 3Bb includes a power amplifier 13, a low-noise amplifier 23, a switch 33, filters 43 and 47, an antenna switch 52Bb, antenna connection terminals 103b and 104b, a high-frequency input terminal 113, a high-frequency output terminal 123, and main connection terminals 141b and 142b.

[0301] Antenna connection terminal 103b is connected to antenna 5c externally to the second diversity module 3Bb, and internally to antenna terminal 52Bbc of antenna switch 52Bb. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 103b is connected to antenna 5c via filter 63b and coupler 72.

[0302] Antenna connection terminal 104b is connected to antenna 5d externally to the second diversity module 3Bb, and internally to antenna terminal 52Bbd of antenna switch 52Bb. Specifically, antenna connection terminal 104b is connected to antenna 5d via filter 64b and coupler 72.

[0303] The main connection terminal 141b is connected to the diversity connection terminal 131b of the second main module 2Bb outside the second diversity module 3Bb, and is connected to the main terminal 52Bbe of the antenna switch 52Bb inside the second diversity module 3Bb.

[0304] The main connection terminal 142b is connected to the diversity connection terminal 132b of the second main module 2Bb outside the second diversity module 3Bb, and is connected to the main terminal 52Bbf of the antenna switch 52Bb inside the second diversity module 3Bb.

[0305] Filter 47 is connected, for example, between a power amplifier and / or low-noise amplifier (not shown) and the input / output terminal 52Bba of antenna switch 52Bb. Filter 47 has a passband that includes at least a portion of frequency band D (fourth frequency band). Frequency band D is a frequency band used for TDD, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a frequency band used for FDD.

[0306] Antenna switch 52Bb is an example of a third switch included in the second switching circuit, including input / output terminals 52Bba and 52Bbb, antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd, and main terminals 52Bbe and 52Bbf. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second switching circuit is constituted by antenna switch 52Bb of the second diversity module 3Bb and antenna switch 52Ba of the first diversity module 3Ba.

[0307] The input / output terminal 52Bba is connected to the filter 47. Alternatively, the input / output terminal 52Bba may not be provided.

[0308] Input / output terminal 52Bbb is an example of a third input / output terminal and is connected to power amplifier 13. Specifically, input / output terminal 52Bbb is connected to the output of power amplifier 13 via filter 43 and switch 33.

[0309] Antenna terminal 52Bbc is one of two third antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5c. Specifically, antenna terminal 52Bbc is connected to antenna 5c via antenna connection terminal 103b, filter 63b, and coupler 72.

[0310] Antenna terminal 52Bbd is one of two fourth antenna terminals and is connected to antenna 5d. Specifically, antenna terminal 52Bbd is connected to antenna 5d via antenna connection terminal 104b, filter 64b, and coupler 72.

[0311] The main terminal 52Bbe is one of two third terminals (first main terminals) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbe of the antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb. Specifically, the main terminal 52Bbe is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbe via the main connection terminal 141b and the diversity connection terminal 131b.

[0312] The main terminal 52Bbf is one of two fourth terminals (second main terminals) and is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbf of the antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb. Specifically, the main terminal 52Bbf is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbf via the main connection terminal 142b and the diversity connection terminal 132b.

[0313] Antenna switch 52Bb is a multi-connection type switching circuit. Input / output terminals 52Bba and 52Bbb can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd, and main terminal 52Bbf, respectively. Input / output terminals 52Bba and 52Bbb can also be selectively connected to main terminal 52Bbe. Furthermore, main terminal 52Bbe can be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd. Main terminal 52Bbf can also be selectively connected to antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd. Switching the connection relationships of antenna switch 52Bb is performed via a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4, etc.

[0314] In this embodiment, the second diversity module 3Bb is mounted on the third module substrate (not shown). The second diversity module 3Bb can also be a module packaged as a single unit, in which case it can also include multiple substrates.

[0315] The third module substrate is the substrate on which the circuit elements of the second diversity module 3Bb are mounted. Specifically, a power amplifier 13 and an antenna switch 52Bb are mounted on the third module substrate. In addition, a low-noise amplifier 23, a switch 33, and filters 43 and 47 are mounted on the third module substrate. These circuit elements can be mounted on one side of the two main surfaces of the third module substrate or on both sides of the two main surfaces. Furthermore, the external connection terminals of the second diversity module 3Bb (specifically, antenna connection terminals 103b and 104b, high-frequency input terminal 113, high-frequency output terminal 123, and main connection terminals 141b and 142b) are implemented by bump electrodes, planar electrodes or pillar electrodes, or solder pads for connecting bonding lines provided on the third module substrate.

[0316] As a third module substrate, it may be an LTCC substrate with a multilayer dielectric structure, an HTCC substrate, a component-integrated substrate, a substrate with an RDL (e.g., an LTCC substrate with an RDL), or a printed circuit board, but is not limited to these.

[0317] Furthermore, the circuit structure of the second diversity module 3Bb is not limited to Figure 9 Examples are shown in the figure. For example, the second diversity module 3Bb may also lack the low-noise amplifier 23, switch 33, filters 43 and 47, and high-frequency output terminal 123.

[0318] [3.6 Action Examples]

[0319] The following describes a specific example of the operation of the high-frequency circuit 1B described above.

[0320] In the high-frequency circuit 1B, two antenna terminals are provided for each of the antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. In this case, each of the four input / output terminals 51Baa, 51Bba, 52Bbb, and 52Bab can be connected to at least one of the two antenna terminals connected to the same antenna. Specifically, each of the four input / output terminals 51Baa, 51Bba, 52Bbb, and 52Bab can be selectively connected to at least one of antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bbc, at least one of antenna terminals 51Bad and 51Bbd, at least one of antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bbc, and at least one of antenna terminals 52Bad and 52Bbd. Additionally, for example, other input / output terminals 51Bab, 51Bbb, 52Bba, and 52Baa can also be selectively connected to at least one of antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bbc, at least one of antenna terminals 51Bad and 51Bbd, at least one of antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bbc, and at least one of antenna terminals 52Bad and 52Bbd.

[0321] The combination of input / output terminals and antenna terminals is controlled by a control unit (not shown) or RFIC 4. For example, the connection can be switched according to the communication conditions (sensitivity, radiation quality, etc.) of each of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. In the high-frequency circuit 1B, the selection of antennas is highly flexible. Specifically, when receiving one received signal, each of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d can be selected. For example, an antenna can be selected with priority given to receiving the received signal, and three transmit signals can be transmitted using the remaining three antennas. Alternatively, transmission of at least one of the three transmit signals can be prioritized. In this way, an appropriate antenna can be selected according to the situation, thereby improving the quality of the received and / or transmitted signals.

[0322] Furthermore, as an example, the following illustrates a combination where band A is band n28A used for 5G-NR and band B is band n41 used for 5G-NR (the top-level combination in Table 1). However, the combination of bands A and B is not limited to this. The combination of bands A and B can also be the combination shown in Table 1 or other combinations. Additionally, examples are shown where bands C and D are n28B and n40 used for 5G-NR, respectively; however, the combination of bands C and D is not particularly limited.

[0323] [3.6.1 First Action Example]

[0324] First, use Figure 10 Let's illustrate the first action example. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a first operating example (case 1) of the high-frequency circuit 1B according to this embodiment.

[0325] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1B outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28A to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb, outputs one of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the other of the antennas 5a and 5b, outputs the other of the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28A from the other of the antennas 5c and 5d.

[0326] Specifically, such as Figure 10As shown, antenna terminal 51Bac of antenna switch 51Ba is connected to input / output terminal 51Baa, and antenna terminal 51Bbd of antenna switch 51Bb is connected to input / output terminal 51Bba. In this case, antenna terminal 52Bbc of antenna switch 52Bb is connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb, and antenna terminal 52Bad of antenna switch 52Ba is connected to input / output terminal 52Bab.

[0327] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5a via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51Baa, antenna terminal 51Bac, antenna connection terminal 101a, filter 61a, and coupler 71, and radiates from antenna 5a. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51Bba, antenna terminal 51Bbd, antenna connection terminal 102b, filter 62b, and coupler 71, and radiates from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5c via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52Bbb, antenna terminal 52Bbc, antenna connection terminal 103b, filter 63b, and coupler 72, and radiates from antenna 5c. The received signal received by antenna 5d is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via coupler 72, filter 64a, antenna connection terminal 104a, antenna terminal 52Bad, input / output terminal 52Bab, filter 44 and switch 34.

[0328] Alternatively, antenna terminal 52Bbd can be connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb, and antenna terminal 52Bac can be connected to input / output terminal 52Bab. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the received signal of frequency band n28A, received by antenna 5c, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51Bbc can be connected to input / output terminal 51Bba, and antenna terminal 51Bad can be connected to input / output terminal 51Baa. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0329] [3.6.2 Example of the second action]

[0330] Next, use Figure 11 Let's illustrate the second action example. Figure 11This is a diagram showing a second operating example (case 2) of the high-frequency circuit 1B involved in this embodiment.

[0331] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1B outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28A to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb, respectively, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb, respectively, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28 from the other of the antennas 5c and 5d.

[0332] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, antenna terminal 51Bbc of antenna switch 51Bb is connected to diversity terminal 51Bbf, and antenna terminal 51Bbd is connected to input / output terminal 51Bba. Similarly, diversity terminal 51Bae of antenna switch 51Ba is connected to input / output terminal 51Baa. In this case, antenna terminal 52Bac of antenna switch 52Ba is connected to main terminal 52Bae, and antenna terminal 52Bad is connected to input / output terminal 52Bab. Furthermore, main terminal 52Bbf of antenna switch 52Bb is connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb.

[0333] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5c via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51Baa, diversity terminal 51Bae, diversity connection terminal 131a, main connection terminal 141a, main terminal 52Bae, antenna terminal 52Bac, antenna connection terminal 103a, filter 63a, and coupler 72, and radiated from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51Bba, antenna terminal 51Bbd, antenna connection terminal 102b, filter 62b, and coupler 71, and radiated from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5a via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52Bbb, main terminal 52Bbf, main connection terminal 142b, diversity connection terminal 132b, diversity terminal 51Bbf, antenna terminal 51Bbc, antenna connection terminal 101b, filter 61b, and coupler 71, and radiated from antenna 5a. The received signal received by antenna 5d is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via coupler 72, filter 64a, antenna connection terminal 104a, antenna terminal 52Bad, input / output terminal 52Bab, filter 44, and switch 34.

[0334] Alternatively, antenna terminal 52Bad can be connected to main terminal 52Bae, and antenna terminal 52Bac can be connected to input / output terminal 52Bab. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the received signal of frequency band n28A, received by antenna 5c, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 51Bbc can be connected to input / output terminal 51Bba, and antenna terminal 51Bbd can be connected to diversity terminal 51Bbf. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5b.

[0335] [3.6.3 Example of the third action]

[0336] Next, use Figure 12 Let's illustrate the third action example. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a third operating example (case 3) of the high-frequency circuit 1B involved in this embodiment.

[0337] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1B outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28A to one of the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb, respectively, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28A from the other of the antennas 5a and 5b.

[0338] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, antenna terminal 51Bad of antenna switch 51Ba is connected to input / output terminal 51Baa, and antenna terminal 51Bac is connected to diversity terminal 51Baf. Similarly, diversity terminal 51Bbe of antenna switch 51Bb is connected to input / output terminal 51Bba. In this case, antenna terminal 52Bbc of antenna switch 52Bb is connected to main terminal 52Bbe, and antenna terminal 52Bbd is connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb. Furthermore, main terminal 52Baf of antenna switch 52Ba is connected to input / output terminal 52Bab.

[0339] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5b via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51Baa, antenna terminal 51Bad, antenna connection terminal 102a, filter 62a, and coupler 71, and radiated from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5c via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51Bba, diversity terminal 51Bbe, diversity connection terminal 131b, main connection terminal 141b, main terminal 52Bbe, antenna terminal 52Bbc, antenna connection terminal 103b, filter 63b, and coupler 72, and radiated from antenna 5c. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5d via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52Bbb, antenna terminal 52Bbd, antenna connection terminal 104b, filter 64b, and coupler 72, and radiated from antenna 5d. The received signal received by antenna 5a is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via coupler 71, filter 61a, antenna connection terminal 101a, antenna terminal 51Bac, diversity terminal 51Baf, diversity connection terminal 132a, main connection terminal 142a, main terminal 52Baf, input / output terminal 52Bab, filter 44, and switch 34.

[0340] Alternatively, antenna terminal 51Bac can be connected to input / output terminal 51Baa, and antenna terminal 51Bad can be connected to diversity terminal 51Baf. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is radiated from antenna 5a, and the received signal of frequency band n28A, received by antenna 5b, is input to low-noise amplifier 24. Alternatively, antenna terminal 52Bbc can be connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb, and antenna terminal 52Bbd can be connected to main terminal 52Bbe. In this case, the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is radiated from antenna 5d, and the transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is radiated from antenna 5c.

[0341] [3.6.4 Example of the fourth action]

[0342] Next, use Figure 13 Let's illustrate the fourth action example. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a fourth operating example (case 4) of the high-frequency circuit 1B involved in this embodiment.

[0343] In this example, the high-frequency circuit 1B outputs the transmit signal of frequency band n28A to one of the antennas 5c and 5d connected to the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb, and outputs the two transmit signals of frequency band n41 to the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb, respectively, and receives the receive signal of frequency band n28 from either of the antennas 5a and 5b.

[0344] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, antenna terminal 51Bbc of antenna switch 51Bb is connected to diversity terminal 51Bbf, and antenna terminal 51Bbd is connected to input / output terminal 51Bba. Antenna terminal 51Ba's diversity terminal 51Bae is connected to input / output terminal 51Baa, and antenna terminal 51Bac is connected to diversity terminal 51Baf. In this case, antenna terminal 52Bad of antenna switch 52Ba is connected to main terminal 52Bae, and main terminal 52Baf is connected to input / output terminal 52Bab. Antenna switch 52Bb's main terminal 52Bbf is connected to input / output terminal 52Bbb.

[0345] Therefore, the transmitted signal of frequency band n28A, amplified by power amplifier 11, is output to antenna 5d via switch 31a, filter 41a, input / output terminal 51Baa, diversity terminal 51Bae, diversity connection terminal 131a, main connection terminal 141a, main terminal 52Bae, antenna terminal 52Bad, antenna connection terminal 104a, filter 64a, and coupler 72, and radiated from antenna 5d. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 12, is output to antenna 5b via switch 32, filter 42, input / output terminal 51Bba, antenna terminal 51Bbd, antenna connection terminal 102b, filter 62b, and coupler 71, and radiated from antenna 5b. The transmitted signal of frequency band n41, amplified by power amplifier 13, is output to antenna 5a via switch 33, filter 43, input / output terminal 52Bbb, main terminal 52Bbf, main connection terminal 142b, diversity connection terminal 132b, diversity terminal 51Bbf, antenna terminal 51Bbc, antenna connection terminal 101b, filter 61b, and coupler 71, and radiated from antenna 5a. The received signal received by antenna 5a is input to low-noise amplifier 24 via coupler 71, filter 61a, antenna connection terminal 101a, antenna terminal 51Bac, diversity terminal 51Baf, diversity connection terminal 132a, main connection terminal 142a, main terminal 52Baf, input / output terminal 52Bab, filter 44, and switch 34. Thus, antenna 5a can also be used for transmitting signals in frequency band n41 and receiving signals in frequency band n28A.

[0346] Furthermore, the input / output terminal 52Bab, connected to the low-noise amplifier 24, can also be connected to the antenna terminal 52Bad. In this case, the antenna 5d is used for transmitting and receiving signals in band n28A. Alternatively, the diversity terminal 51Baf of the antenna switch 51Ba can be connected to the antenna terminal 51Bad. In this case, the antenna 5b is used for both transmitting signals in band n41 and receiving signals in band n28A. The antenna used for both transmitting and receiving can be any of antennas 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

[0347] [3.7 Effects, etc.]

[0348] As described above, in the high-frequency circuit 1B of this embodiment, the first switching circuit includes at least two first antenna terminals, at least two second antenna terminals, at least two first terminals (first diversity terminals), and at least two second terminals (second diversity terminals). The first switching circuit includes: an antenna switch 51Ba, which has input / output terminals 51Baa, antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad, and diversity terminals 51Bae and 51Baf; and an antenna switch 51Bb, which has input / output terminals 51Bba, and antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bb. d. and diversity terminals 51Bbe and 51Bbf, the second switching circuit includes at least two third antenna terminals, at least two fourth antenna terminals, at least two third terminals (first main terminals), and at least two fourth terminals (second main terminals). The second switching circuit includes: antenna switch 52Bb, which has input / output terminals 52Bbb, antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd, and main terminals 52Bbe and 52Bbf; and antenna switch 52Ba, which has antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad, and main terminals 52Bae and 52Baf.

[0349] Thus, a compact high-frequency circuit 1B is achieved, suppressing signal quality degradation during simultaneous transmission. For example, it is equipped with four antennas that can be used in high-frequency signal transmission, allowing for antenna switching based on communication conditions. By utilizing appropriate antennas according to the situation, signal quality degradation can be suppressed. Furthermore, the first switching circuit includes antenna switches 51Ba and 51Bb, and the second switching circuit includes antenna switches 52Bb and 52Ba, thereby enabling the first transmission circuit and the second transmission circuit to be distributed across the two module substrates.

[0350] For example, antenna switch 51Ba and power amplifier 11 are mounted on a first substrate, antenna switch 51Bb and power amplifier 12 are mounted on a second substrate, antenna switch 52Bb and power amplifier 13 are mounted on a third substrate, and antenna switch 52Ba and low-noise amplifier 24 are mounted on a fourth substrate.

[0351] Therefore, the three power amplifiers 11, 12, and 13 and the low-noise amplifier 24 are separately configured in four modules, thus enabling heat dissipation during signal amplification. Compared to the case consisting of a single module, heat concentration is suppressed, thereby improving heat dissipation and enabling miniaturization of each module.

[0352] Additionally, for example, the second transmission circuit also includes a low-noise amplifier 24, and the antenna switch 52Ba also includes an input / output terminal 52Bab connected to the low-noise amplifier 24. The input / output terminal 52Bab can be connected to the antenna terminals 51Bac, 51Bad, 52Bac and 52Bad.

[0353] Thus, a small high-frequency circuit 1B is achieved, which suppresses signal quality degradation during simultaneous transmission and reception. For example, the most suitable antenna can be used for receiving with priority, thereby enabling the transmission of signals while improving the quality of the received signals.

[0354] Furthermore, for example, as in the first operating example, in the first switching circuit, if one of the antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 51Baa, and the other of the antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 51Bba, in the second switching circuit, if one of the antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd of the antenna switch 52Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bbb, and the other of the antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad of the antenna switch 52Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bab.

[0355] Therefore, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifiers 11 and 12 of the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb are radiated from the antennas 5a and 5b connected to the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb. For example, by arranging the first main module 2Ba and the second main module 2Bb close to the antennas 5a and 5b, the wiring distance for transmitting the transmitted signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation. Additionally, the transmitted signals amplified by the power amplifier 13 of the second diversity module 3Bb are radiated from the antennas 5c or 5d connected to the second diversity module 3Bb. Furthermore, the received signals received by the antennas 5c or 5d connected to the first diversity module 3Ba are amplified by the low-noise amplifier 24 of the first diversity module 3Ba. For example, by arranging the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb close to the antennas 5c and 5d, the wiring distance for transmitting and receiving signals is shortened, thus suppressing signal loss and degradation for both the transmitted and received signals.

[0356] Furthermore, for example, as in the second operating example, in the first switching circuit, if one of the antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb is connected to the diversity terminal 51Bbf of the antenna switch 51Bb, and the other of the antenna terminals 51Bbc and 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 51Bba, and the diversity terminal 51Bae of the antenna switch 51Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 51Baa, then in the second switching circuit, one of the antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad of the antenna switch 52Ba is connected to the main terminal 52Bae of the antenna switch 52Ba, and the other of the antenna terminals 52Bac and 52Bad of the antenna switch 52Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bab, and the main terminal 52Bbf of the antenna switch 52Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bbb.

[0357] Therefore, the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24 of the first diversity module 3Ba is received by the antenna 5c or 5d of the first diversity module 3Ba. For example, this requirement can be met when the communication condition of antenna 5c or 5d is good and the quality of the received signal is prioritized over the quality of the transmitted signal. Alternatively, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved when the antenna characteristics of antennas 5a and 5b are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5c and 5d.

[0358] Furthermore, for example, as in the third operating example, in the first switching circuit, if one of the antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 51Baa, and the other of the antenna terminals 51Bac and 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba is connected to the diversity terminal 51Baf of the antenna switch 51Ba, and the diversity terminal 51Bbe of the antenna switch 51Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 51Bba, then in the second switching circuit, one of the antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd of the antenna switch 52Bb is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bbb, the other of the antenna terminals 52Bbc and 52Bbd of the antenna switch 52Bb is connected to the main terminal 52Bbe of the antenna switch 52Bb, and the main terminal 52Baf of the antenna switch 52Ba is connected to the input / output terminal 52Bab.

[0359] Therefore, the received signal input to the low-noise amplifier 24 of the first diversity module 3Ba is received by the antenna 5a or 5b of the first main module 2Ba. For example, this requirement can be met when the communication conditions of antennas 5a and 5b are good and the quality of the received signal is prioritized over the quality of the transmitted signal. Alternatively, the quality of the transmitted signal in frequency band n41 can be improved when the antenna characteristics of antennas 5c and 5d are more suitable for frequency band n41 than those of antennas 5a and 5b.

[0360] Additionally, for example, the high-frequency circuit 1B includes: a dual-signaler 61 connected to the antenna terminal 51Bac of the antenna switch 51Ba, the antenna terminal 51Bbc of the antenna switch 51Bb, and the antenna 5a; a dual-signaler 62 connected to the antenna terminal 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba, the antenna terminal 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb, and the antenna 5b; a dual-signaler 63 connected to the antenna terminal 52Bbc of the antenna switch 52Bb, the antenna terminal 52Bac of the antenna switch 52Ba, and the antenna 5c; and a dual-signaler 64 connected to the antenna terminal 52Bbd of the antenna switch 52Bb, the antenna terminal 52Bad of the antenna switch 52Ba, and the antenna 5d.

[0361] Therefore, for example, it is possible to separate the modules that process low-frequency signals (first main module 2Ba and first diversity module 3Ba) from the modules that process high-frequency signals (second main module 2Bb and second diversity module 3Bb). This improves the isolation between low-frequency and high-frequency signals, thereby improving the signal quality of each frequency band.

[0362] (Implementation Method 4)

[0363] Next, implementation method 4 will be described.

[0364] In Embodiment 4, the main differences from Embodiment 3 are as follows: instead of a dual-signaler, a tripod including a filter is provided, which has a passband covering the WLAN 2.4GHz band. The following description focuses on the differences from Embodiment 3, omitting or simplifying the description of commonalities.

[0365] [4.1 Circuit Structure of High-Frequency Circuit 1C]

[0366] Reference Figure 14 The circuit structure of the high-frequency circuit 1C involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 14 This is a circuit structure diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1C involved in this embodiment.

[0367] also, Figure 14 This is an illustrative circuit structure; the high-frequency circuit 1C can be installed using any of a wide variety of circuit mountings and circuit techniques. Therefore, the following description of the high-frequency circuit 1C should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0368] In addition, the communication device according to this embodiment is the same as the communication device 6 according to embodiment 1, except that it has a high-frequency circuit 1C to replace the high-frequency circuit 1, so its illustration and description are omitted.

[0369] like Figure 14 As shown, high-frequency circuit 1C and Figure 9 The high-frequency circuit 1B shown in the figure differs from the previous one in the following aspects: it has a tripod 80 instead of a dual signaler 62; and it has a coupler 71C instead of a coupler 71.

[0370] Triplexer 80 is an example of a second multiplexer, connected to the antenna terminal 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba of the first main module 2Ba, the antenna terminal 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb of the second main module 2Bb, and the antenna 5b. Specifically, tripplexer 80 includes filters 80a, 80b, and 80c.

[0371] Filter 80a is connected between antenna terminal 51Bad of antenna switch 51Ba and antenna 5b. Specifically, one end of filter 80a is connected to antenna terminal 51Bad via coupler 71C and antenna connection terminal 102a. The other end of filter 80a is connected to antenna 5b.

[0372] Filter 80a may have at least a portion of the low-frequency band as a passband. Filter 80a is a low-pass filter, but it may also be a band-pass filter. Filter 80a may also have at least a portion of the mid-frequency band as a passband.

[0373] Filter 80b is connected between antenna terminal 51Bbd of antenna switch 51Bb and antenna 5b. Specifically, one end of filter 80b is connected to antenna terminal 51Bbd via coupler 71C and antenna connection terminal 102b. The other end of filter 80b is connected to antenna 5b.

[0374] Filter 80b may have at least a portion of a high-frequency band as its passband. Filter 80b is a high-pass filter, but it may also be a band-pass filter. Filter 80b may also have at least a portion of a mid-frequency band as its passband.

[0375] Filter 80c is connected between a transmission circuit (not shown) and antenna 5b. This transmission circuit processes signals used in a WLAN system. Filter 80c has a passband that includes the WLAN 2.4GHz band. Filter 80c is, for example, a bandpass filter. However, the passband of filter 80c is not limited to this and may also include the WLAN 5GHz band.

[0376] Coupler 71C is configured for detection. Coupler 71C is configured to detect signals transmitted or received using antennas 5a or 5b.

[0377] Coupler 71C includes three main lines and three secondary lines (not shown) coupled to each of the three main lines. One of the three main lines of coupler 71C is connected between antenna 5a and dual signaler 61. Another of the three main lines of coupler 71C is connected between filter 80a of tripper 80 and antenna connection terminal 102a of first main module 2Ba. The remaining one of the three main lines of coupler 71C is connected between filter 80b of tripper 80 and antenna connection terminal 102b of second main module 2Bb. Detectors (not shown) are connected to each of the three secondary lines of coupler 71C. Furthermore, the three main lines of coupler 71C are not coupled to each other.

[0378] Furthermore, the structure of the high-frequency circuit 1C is not limited to Figure 14 Examples are shown below. For example, the high-frequency circuit 1C may also be without couplers 71C and 72. In addition, the high-frequency circuit 1C may also be without dual connectors 61, 62 and 63.

[0379] Alternatively, the tripeller 80 can be used in place of the dual transmitter 63, or it can be positioned between the antenna 5c and the first diversity module 3Ba and the second diversity module 3Bb. Alternatively, the tripeller 80 can be used in place of the dual transmitters 61 or 64.

[0380] The operation of the high-frequency circuit 1C in this embodiment is the same as that of the high-frequency circuit 1B in embodiment 3. By controlling the connection relationship between the terminals of antenna switches 51Ba, 51Bb, 52Ba and 52Bb, signals can be transmitted and received using four antennas 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d.

[0381] [4.2 Effects, etc.]

[0382] As described above, in the high-frequency circuit 1C of this embodiment, the second multiplexer is a tripartite 80 including filters 80a, 80b and 80c. Filter 80a is connected to the antenna terminal 51Bad of the antenna switch 51Ba, filter 80b is connected to the antenna terminal 51Bbd of the antenna switch 51Bb, and filter 80c has a passband that includes the WLAN 2.4GHz band.

[0383] Therefore, antenna 5b can be used in both WLAN systems and LTE or 5G-NR systems. This reduces the number of antennas installed in the communication device 6, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the communication device 6.

[0384] (other)

[0385] The above description addresses the high-frequency circuits and communication devices according to embodiments of the present invention, citing examples of various embodiments. However, the high-frequency circuits and communication devices according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments implemented by combining any structural elements from the above embodiments, variations of the above embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and various devices incorporating the above-described high-frequency modules are also included in the present invention.

[0386] For example, in the high-frequency module described in the above embodiments and variations, other circuit elements and wiring may be inserted between the paths that connect the circuit elements and signal paths as disclosed in the drawings.

[0387] In addition, the present invention also includes various modifications to the embodiments as conceived by those skilled in the art, and the implementation of the embodiments by arbitrarily combining the structural elements and functions of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0388] The features of the high-frequency circuit described below based on the above embodiments are shown below.

[0389] <1>

[0390] A high-frequency circuit, comprising:

[0391] A first transmission circuit includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a first switching circuit; and

[0392] The second transmission circuit includes a third power amplifier and a second switching circuit.

[0393] The first switching circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a second input / output terminal, a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal.

[0394] The second switching circuit includes a third input / output terminal, a third antenna terminal, a fourth antenna terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal.

[0395] The first power amplifier is connected to the first input / output terminal.

[0396] The second power amplifier is connected to the second input / output terminal.

[0397] The third power amplifier is connected to the third input / output terminal.

[0398] The first terminal is connected to the third terminal.

[0399] The second terminal is connected to the fourth terminal.

[0400] The first input / output terminal, the second input / output terminal, and the third input / output terminal can all be selectively connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

[0401] <2>

[0402] according to <1> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0403] The first transmission circuit further includes:

[0404] A first filter, connected between the first power amplifier and the first input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and

[0405] A second filter, connected between the second power amplifier and the second input / output terminals, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band.

[0406] The second transmission circuit further includes a third filter connected between the third power amplifier and the third input / output terminal, having a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band.

[0407] <3>

[0408] according to <2> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0409] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal...

[0410] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

[0411] <4>

[0412] according to <2> or <3> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0413] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal...

[0414] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

[0415] <5>

[0416] according to <2> ~ <4> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the above, wherein,

[0417] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, then...

[0418] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal.

[0419] <6>

[0420] according to <1> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0421] The second transmission circuit also includes a low-noise amplifier.

[0422] The second switching circuit also includes a fourth input / output terminal connected to the low-noise amplifier.

[0423] The fourth input / output terminal can be connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

[0424] <7>

[0425] according to <6> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0426] The first transmission circuit further includes:

[0427] A first filter, connected between the first power amplifier and the first input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and

[0428] A second filter, connected between the second power amplifier and the second input / output terminals, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band.

[0429] The second transmission circuit further includes:

[0430] A third filter, connected between the third power amplifier and the third input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band; and

[0431] A fourth filter, connected between the low-noise amplifier and the fourth input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the first frequency band.

[0432] <8>

[0433] according to <7> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0434] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal...

[0435] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

[0436] <9>

[0437] according to <7> or <8> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0438] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal...

[0439] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

[0440] <10>

[0441] according to <7> ~ <9> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the above, wherein,

[0442] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal...

[0443] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

[0444] <11>

[0445] according to <1> ~ <10> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the above, wherein,

[0446] The first transmission circuit and the second transmission circuit are mounted on different substrates.

[0447] <12>

[0448] according to <2> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0449] The first switching circuit includes at least two first antenna terminals, at least two second antenna terminals, at least two first terminals, and at least two second terminals.

[0450] The first switching circuit includes:

[0451] A first switch having a first input / output terminal, and one of the first antenna terminals, one of the second antenna terminals, one of the first terminals, and one of the second terminals; and

[0452] The second switch has the second input / output terminal, and one of the first antenna terminals, another of the second antenna terminals, another of the first terminal, and another of the second terminal.

[0453] The second switching circuit includes at least two of the third antenna terminals, at least two of the fourth antenna terminals, at least two of the third terminals, and at least two of the fourth terminals.

[0454] The second switching circuit includes:

[0455] A third switch, comprising the third input / output terminal, one of the third antenna terminals, one of the fourth antenna terminals, one of the third terminals, and one of the fourth terminals; and

[0456] A fourth switch having another of the third antenna terminals, another of the fourth antenna terminals, another of the third terminals, and another of the fourth terminals.

[0457] <13>

[0458] according to <12> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0459] The second transmission circuit also includes a low-noise amplifier.

[0460] The fourth switch also includes a fourth input / output terminal connected to the low-noise amplifier.

[0461] The fourth input / output terminal can be connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

[0462] <14>

[0463] according to <13> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0464] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, then...

[0465] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

[0466] <15>

[0467] according to <13> or <14> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0468] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the second switch, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, then...

[0469] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the third terminal of the fourth switch, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal, and the fourth terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal.

[0470] <16>

[0471] according to <13> ~ <15> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the above, wherein,

[0472] In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the first terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, then...

[0473] In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third terminal of the third switch, and the fourth terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

[0474] <17>

[0475] according to <13> ~ <16> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of the above, wherein it further comprises:

[0476] A first multiplexer is connected to the first antenna terminal of the first switch, the first antenna terminal of the second switch, and the first antenna.

[0477] The second multiplexer is connected to the second antenna terminal of the first switch, the second antenna terminal of the second switch, and the second antenna.

[0478] A third multiplexer is connected to the third antenna terminal of the third switch, the third antenna terminal of the fourth switch, and the third antenna; and

[0479] A fourth multiplexer is connected to the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch, the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch, and the fourth antenna.

[0480] <18>

[0481] according to <17> The high-frequency circuit, wherein,

[0482] The second multiplexer is a tripartite converter that includes a first filter, a second filter, and a third filter.

[0483] The first filter is connected to the second antenna terminal of the first switch.

[0484] The second filter is connected to the second antenna terminal of the second switch.

[0485] The third filter has a passband that includes the WLAN 2.4GHz band.

[0486] <19>

[0487] according to <13> ~ <18> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the above, wherein,

[0488] The first switch and the first power amplifier are mounted on the first substrate.

[0489] The second switch and the second power amplifier are mounted on the second substrate.

[0490] The third switch and the third power amplifier are mounted on the third substrate.

[0491] The fourth switch and the low-noise amplifier are mounted on the fourth substrate.

[0492] <20>

[0493] A communication device comprising:

[0494] according to <1> ~ <19> The high-frequency circuit described in any one of the following; and

[0495] The signal processing circuit is configured to process the high-frequency signal transmitted in the high-frequency circuit.

[0496] Industrial availability

[0497] As a high-frequency circuit configured in the front end, this invention can be widely used in communication devices such as portable telephones.

[0498] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0499] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C: High-frequency circuit; 2: Main module; 2Ba: First main module; 2Bb: Second main module; 3, 3A: Diversity module; 3Ba: First diversity module; 3Bb: Second diversity module; 4: RFIC; 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d: Antenna; 6: Communication device; 11, 12, 13: Power amplifier; 21, 22, 23, 24: Low-noise amplifier; 31a, 31b, 32, 33, 34: Switch; 41a, 41b, 42, 43, 44 45a, 45b, 46, 47, 48, 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, 64a, 64b, 80a, 80b, 80c: Filters; 51, 51Ba, 51Bb, 52, 52A, 52Ba, 52Bb: Antenna switches; 51a, 51b, 51Baa, 51Bab, 51Bba, 51Bbb, 52a, 52b, 52Baa, 52Bab, 52Bba, 52Bbb: Input / output terminals; 51c, 51d, 51Bac, 51Bad, 51Bbc, 51Bbd, 52c, 52d, 52Bac, 52Bad, 52Bbc, 52Bbd: Antenna terminals; 51e, 51f, 51Bae, 51Baf, 51Bbe, 51Bbf: Diversity terminals; 52e, 52f, 52Bae, 52Baf, 52Bbe, 52Bbf: Main terminals; 61, 62, 63, 64: Dual-signalers; 71, 71C, 72: Couplers; 80: Triplexer ; 101, 101a, 101b, 102, 102a, 102b, 103, 103a, 103b, 104, 104a, 104b: Antenna connection terminals; 111, 112, 113: High-frequency input terminals; 121, 122, 123, 124: High-frequency output terminals; 131, 131a, 131b, 132, 132a, 132b: Diversity connection terminals; 141, 141a, 141b, 142, 142a, 142b: Main connection terminals.

Claims

1. A high-frequency circuit, comprising: A first transmission circuit includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, and a first switching circuit; and The second transmission circuit includes a third power amplifier and a second switching circuit. in, The first switching circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a second input / output terminal, a first antenna terminal, a second antenna terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The second switching circuit includes a third input / output terminal, a third antenna terminal, a fourth antenna terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first power amplifier is connected to the first input / output terminal. The second power amplifier is connected to the second input / output terminal. The third power amplifier is connected to the third input / output terminal. The first terminal is connected to the third terminal. The second terminal is connected to the fourth terminal. The first input / output terminal, the second input / output terminal, and the third input / output terminal can all be selectively connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

2. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The first transmission circuit further includes: A first filter, connected between the first power amplifier and the first input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and A second filter, connected between the second power amplifier and the second input / output terminals, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band. The second transmission circuit further includes a third filter connected between the third power amplifier and the third input / output terminal, having a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band.

3. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 2, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

4. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

5. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, then... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal.

6. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein, The second transmission circuit also includes a low-noise amplifier. The second switching circuit also includes a fourth input / output terminal connected to the low-noise amplifier. The fourth input / output terminal can be connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

7. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 6, wherein, The first transmission circuit further includes: A first filter, connected between the first power amplifier and the first input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of a first frequency band; and A second filter, connected between the second power amplifier and the second input / output terminals, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band. The second transmission circuit further includes: A third filter, connected between the third power amplifier and the third input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the second frequency band; and A fourth filter, connected between the low-noise amplifier and the fourth input / output terminal, has a passband that includes at least a portion of the first frequency band.

8. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 7, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

9. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal.

10. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal is connected to the second terminal, and the first terminal is connected to the second input / output terminal... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third input / output terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal is connected to the third terminal, and the fourth terminal is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

11. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The first transmission circuit and the second transmission circuit are mounted on different substrates.

12. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 2, wherein, The first switching circuit includes at least two first antenna terminals, at least two second antenna terminals, at least two first terminals, and at least two second terminals. The first switching circuit includes: A first switch having a first input / output terminal, and one of the first antenna terminals, one of the second antenna terminals, one of the first terminals, and one of the second terminals; and The second switch has the second input / output terminal, and one of the first antenna terminals, another of the second antenna terminals, another of the first terminal, and another of the second terminal. The second switching circuit includes at least two of the third antenna terminals, at least two of the fourth antenna terminals, at least two of the third terminals, and at least two of the fourth terminals. The second switching circuit includes: A third switch, comprising the third input / output terminal, one of the third antenna terminals, one of the fourth antenna terminals, one of the third terminals, and one of the fourth terminals; and A fourth switch having another of the third antenna terminals, another of the fourth antenna terminals, another of the third terminals, and another of the fourth terminals.

13. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 12, wherein, The second transmission circuit also includes a low-noise amplifier. The fourth switch also includes a fourth input / output terminal connected to the low-noise amplifier. The fourth input / output terminal can be connected to the first antenna terminal, the second antenna terminal, the third antenna terminal, and the fourth antenna terminal.

14. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 13, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, then... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

15. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second terminal of the second switch, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, and the first terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, then... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the third terminal of the fourth switch, and the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal, and the fourth terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal.

16. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, In the first switching circuit, if one of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the first input / output terminal, and the other of the first antenna terminal and the second antenna terminal of the first switch is connected to the second terminal of the first switch, and the first terminal of the second switch is connected to the second input / output terminal, then... In the second switching circuit, one of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third input / output terminal, the other of the third antenna terminal and the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch is connected to the third terminal of the third switch, and the fourth terminal of the fourth switch is connected to the fourth input / output terminal.

17. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, It also has: A first multiplexer is connected to the first antenna terminal of the first switch, the first antenna terminal of the second switch, and the first antenna. The second multiplexer is connected to the second antenna terminal of the first switch, the second antenna terminal of the second switch, and the second antenna. The third multiplexer is connected to the third antenna terminal of the third switch, the third antenna terminal of the fourth switch, and the third antenna. as well as A fourth multiplexer is connected to the fourth antenna terminal of the third switch, the fourth antenna terminal of the fourth switch, and the fourth antenna.

18. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 17, wherein, The second multiplexer is a tripartite converter that includes a first filter, a second filter, and a third filter. The first filter is connected to the second antenna terminal of the first switch. The second filter is connected to the second antenna terminal of the second switch. The third filter has a passband that includes the WLAN 2.4GHz band.

19. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, The first switch and the first power amplifier are mounted on the first substrate. The second switch and the second power amplifier are mounted on the second substrate. The third switch and the third power amplifier are mounted on the third substrate. The fourth switch and the low-noise amplifier are mounted on the fourth substrate.

20. A communication device comprising: The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and The signal processing circuit is configured to process the high-frequency signal transmitted in the high-frequency circuit.

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