Front-end module for carrier aggregation operation

Description

[0001] In order to increase the data transmission rate in mobile radio systems, operating procedures are defined in which a call connection or data transmission takes place synchronously within at least two different frequency bands.

[0002] Such operating procedures are also known in mobile communications as Carrier Aggregation Mode. These utilize at least three FDD frequency bands, at least two of which are receive bands (RX bands), which may be combined with one or more transmit bands (TX bands). In TDD systems, carrier aggregation is possible with just two TDD bands. For this purpose, the corresponding signal paths, in which filters and, in particular, duplexers assigned to the bands are arranged, are connected in parallel to one or more antennas.

[0003] Single-antenna solutions, in particular, require good signal separation with suitable multiplexers. The quality of frequency separation during parallel operation in multiple bands increases with the frequency spacing of the bands to be separated. Signal separation is negatively affected by narrow band spacings and also by high multiplexing stages, i.e., multiplexers that separate more than two bands. This can usually only be achieved with high-frequency precision filters and duplexers and a complex matching circuit. Examples are shown in the publications US 2014 / 368401 A1 and JP 2006 108824 A.

[0004] A two-antenna solution for a carrier aggregation mode with three reception bands requires at least one cellular quadplexer. The disadvantage of this solution is that metallic housings are problematic for mobile devices with multiple antennas.

[0005] The single-antenna solution requires a front-end module that includes at least a cellular hexaplexer. However, a hexaplexer has a complex design and is associated with high costs.

[0006] Another solution for carrier aggregation operation with a single antenna requires a triplexer that separates, for example, the LB (low band), MB (mid band), and HB (high band) bands. However, this solution is problematic due to the narrow gap between the mid band, which ends at 2200 MHz, and the high band, which begins at 2300 MHz. Cost-effective solutions using highly integrated triplexers, such as those implemented in LTCC, are therefore difficult to implement for this task.

[0007] In carrier aggregation mode, where multiple receive channels are connected, it is important that the signal paths do not block each other or that signals do not leak into the other band, which would result in higher power losses and thus higher insertion loss. The same applies to carrier aggregation mode, where multiple transmit bands are operated in parallel for a communication link.

[0008] A further problem is that a multitude of band combinations are being discussed for Carrier Aggregation Mode, which may need to be implemented in parallel in corresponding front-end modules. This further complicates band separation.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a front-end module which is capable of carrier aggregation operation and with which band separation is possible using simpler means and with lower losses.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a front-end module according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. Phrases such as "may" and "for example," used in the description in connection with features of the independent claim, should not be interpreted as implying that these features are merely optional.

[0011] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to provide a diplexer (or higher multiplexer) in a first signal path coupled to an antenna connection. This diplexer separates a first and a second frequency range from each other and assigns them to a first and a second sub-path on the output side, respectively. Due to its design, the diplexer has a first diplexer spacing. Diplexer spacing is understood to be the minimum distance between two signals applied to the diplexer input, which can be separated from each other with low attenuation at the diplexer output and thus assigned to different sub-paths.

[0012] Furthermore, a notch filter is provided, which is coupled to the diplexer and has a first stopband. The notch filter is coupled between the antenna connection and the diplexer. According to the invention, the notch filter is designed such that its stopband is located between the first and second frequency ranges, but does not overlap with either of the two adjacent frequency ranges. In this way, it is possible to make the diplexer impermeable to signals within the stopband. The mutually facing edges of the two passbands of the diplexer are steepened, thus obtaining more sharply defined passband boundaries.

[0013] A first extractor path is coupled to a node located in the signal path between the antenna connector and the first notch filter. Signals within the stopband can thus be extracted from the signal line via the first extractor path.

[0014] A bandpass filter is also arranged in the extractor path, which is permeable to the extractor band but attenuates other frequencies. According to the invention, the stopband of the notch filter at least partially overlaps with the extractor band. The notch filter and extractor path together form an extractor arrangement, which can be used to extract signals within the extractor band from the signal path.

[0015] The proposed front-end module has the advantage that the diplexer can be implemented with a relatively large diplexer spacing, which is technically easier than with a smaller diplexer spacing. However, signals lying between the first and second frequency ranges are not lost, as they can be extracted via the extractor path. Together, the diplexer and extractor arrangement form a triplexer that can separate an extractor band, a first frequency range, and a second frequency range.

[0016] The diplexer of the front-end module according to the invention can therefore be easily implemented as a combination of a high-pass and a low-pass filter in LTCC or in a laminate. It is also possible, of course, to design it as a discrete filter consisting of SMD inductors and SMD capacitors.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a second diplexer or a higher-order multiplexer is arranged in the first signal path between the first antenna connection and the notch filter. This diplexer separates at least a third frequency range from the first signal path and routes it into a third or even further sub-path. This allows the front-end module to cleanly separate three frequency ranges via the three sub-paths and an extractor band via the extractor path. This makes it possible to operate the three frequency ranges and the extractor band independently of one another and also in parallel without mutual interference. Furthermore, the frequency ranges and the extractor band can be isolated from one another with minimal losses.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the stopband of the notch filter or the extractor band is positioned such that it completely overlaps with the RX band of band 1 and / or band 4 and / or band 66. Since the Rx band of band 66 occupies exactly the same frequency range as band 65, the Rx band of band 66 is naturally also located in the stopband of the notch filter according to this embodiment. A filter for band 4 Rx can be designed here and in all other embodiments such that it also includes the wider bands band 1 Rx or also band 65 / 66 Rx. All four bands are located in the same narrow frequency band between 2110 MHz and 2200 MHz. Accordingly, the bandpass filter in the extractor path is designed for the RX band of band 1 and / or band 4 and / or band 65 / 66.In the following, any reference to the Rx band of band 66 shall also include the Rx band of band 65 and a filter usable for band 66 RX shall always also be usable for band 65 RX.

[0019] For the first diplexer, it is sufficient if the first frequency range covers frequencies up to 1995 MHz or, alternatively, up to 2025 MHz, including band 34. Accordingly, the second frequency range can then cover frequencies > 2300 MHz.

[0020] For a front-end module without an extractor arrangement, which encompasses the RX bands of band 1 and / or band 4 and / or band 66, a diplexer with a diplexer spacing of 100 MHz extending from 2200 MHz to 2300 MHz would be required without the invention. Since the aforementioned frequencies of RX bands 1, 4, and 66 are extracted via the extractor path, a diplexer spacing of 305 MHz (or 275 MHz) is sufficient for the diplexer, namely from 1995 MHz to 2300 MHz (or from 2025 MHz to 2300 MHz). This facilitates the technical implementation of the diplexer using LTCC or laminate technology. Implementation using any other technology, for example, including discrete filters using SMD components, is also possible.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the extractor band is designed to extract the frequencies of band 30 (Rx and Tx) and / or band 40, which is a TDD band. Accordingly, the stopband of the notch filter is positioned such that it completely overlaps the two narrow RX and Tx bands of band 30 and / or the wider band 40. All of these bands partially overlap in the frequency range between 2300 and 2400 MHz. Accordingly, the bandpass filter in the extractor path can be designed for the RX band of band 30 and / or band 40. For all further embodiments, a filter for band 40 is also simultaneously designed for the frequencies of band 30 Rx and Tx. Conversely, a band 30 filter can additionally be designed for band 40 using a correspondingly wider band.By assigning the frequencies for the RX bands of Band 30 and / or Band 40 to the extractor path, it is possible to extend the diplexer spacing to a range from 2200 MHz to 2496 MHz. Without extracting the RX frequencies of Band 30 and / or Band 40, a diplexer with a diplexer spacing of only 100 MHz would be required, which would be located in the range from 2200 MHz to 2300 MHz. Here, too, the large diplexer spacing enables the technologically simple implementation of the diplexer.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, a second notch filter is arranged in the first signal path or in one of the subpaths selected from the first, second, and third subpaths. This second notch filter has a second stopband and, together with a second extractor path in which a second bandpass filter is arranged, forms a second extractor arrangement. The passband of the second bandpass filter corresponds to a second extractor band. The second stopband and the second extractor band overlap at least partially. In this way, it is possible to extract two possibly narrowband frequency bands independently of the diplexers, so that the remaining bands can be better separated and isolated from one another.

[0023] Advantageously, the second extractor band corresponds to a pure Rx signal, which can be filtered particularly well using an extractor arrangement. This is due to the high reflection of the notch filter for frequencies within the stopband. These frequencies can only pass through the extractor arrangement via the extractor path and not via the path in which the notch filter is located. Extraction is therefore achieved with high efficiency and low attenuation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the front-end module contains two extractor arrangements, each configured to extract a separate extractor band. The first extractor band comprises the RX band of band 66 and / or band 1. The second extractor band is designed for frequencies selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, band 40, band 30 RX, band 32 RX, and LMB. LMB stands for "Lower Mid Band" and covers frequencies from 1425 MHz to 1511 MHz. Such a front-end module makes it possible to extract the frequencies of the two extractor bands from the entire frequency spectrum.

[0025] An extractor array arranged in a signal path only increases the insertion loss in the signal path insignificantly. It is therefore possible to provide a larger number of extractor arrays without unduly increasing the insertion loss in the remaining frequency ranges.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, three extractor arrangements are provided, each configured to extract three different extractor bands. The first extractor band comprises the RX band of band 66 and / or the RX band of band 1. The second and third extractor bands are designed for frequencies independently selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, band 40 RX, band 30 RX, band 32 RX, and LMB.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filters used for the extractor arrangements—i.e., each notch filter and each bandpass filter arranged in one of the extractor paths—compensate for microacoustic resonators that implement a SAW filter, a temperature-compensated SAW filter, or a BAW filter. A temperature-compensated SAW filter is understood to be a SAW filter that has a reduced temperature coefficient of frequency with the aid of a compensation layer.

[0028] A temperature-compensated SAW filter, for example, has a SiO2 layer over the electrode structures, the thickness of which is approximately 20 to 30% of the acoustic wavelength X that can propagate in the respective material.

[0029] The bandpass filter in the extractor paths can, for example, comprise a ladder-type arrangement of microacoustic resonators or DMS tracks.

[0030] The notch filter can also be designed as a ladder-type arrangement, where the parallel or series resonators can be partially or completely replaced by coils. However, it is also possible to use a single resonator as a notch filter, with the stopband of such a notch filter formed from a microacoustic resonator lying in the range of the resonator's antifrequency.

[0031] The diplexers used in the front-end module according to the invention each comprise a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter. It is also possible to implement one or two of the diplexer filters as bandpass filters. The filters can each be implemented as L- and C-elements. It is possible to integrate the L- and C-elements into an LTCC ceramic or into a laminate, for example, in the form of conductor tracks and structured metallizations. However, it is also possible to implement the diplexer filters from discrete L- and C-elements mounted together on a carrier, thus again representing an independently manageable component.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, at least one of the extractor arrangements is bridged by a bridging path in which a switch for opening or closing the bridging path is arranged. This makes it possible to prevent extraction of the extraction band by opening the switch in the bridging path. Since the notch filter is also bridged in this way, signals in the extraction band region can pass through the signal path unreflected or unattenuated. In this way, the impedance increase in the signal path that must be accepted by the extractor arrangement can be avoided whenever the extraction band does not need to be accessed. The bridging path can then be opened.

[0033] It is possible to provide each of the extractor arrangements of the front-end module with such a bridging path, which can be enabled or disabled via a respective switch.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, each of the subpaths is connected to the input of an antenna switch. A separate antenna switch can be provided for each subpath. However, it is also possible to connect all subpaths to a common antenna switch.

[0035] By setting the antenna switch to the appropriate position, the antenna switch output is connected to a band channel in which a filter element is located for the band assigned to that band channel. Such a filter element typically includes a duplexer, i.e., whenever the band uses an FDD method and is not a pure reception band.

[0036] One embodiment uses a novel mixed duplexer that combines an RX filter for any first band and a TX filter for any different second band. This makes it possible to route RX and TX frequencies of one band through different filter elements arranged in different paths or band channels.

[0037] For example, if the extractor band contains the RX frequencies of the second band, it is possible to extract the RX frequencies of the second band via the extractor path, while the Tx frequencies are extracted via a mixed duplexer connected to the output of the antenna switch. A pure duplexer is then provided at another output of the antenna switch, comprising a TX filter and a corresponding RX filter for the first band. This makes it possible to filter the RX frequencies of the first band either via the mixed duplexer or the pure duplexer. The RX signal of the second band is received exclusively via the extractor path. This means that the Rx bands of the first and second bands are always available simultaneously, as required for downlink carrier aggregation. In the following, carrier aggregation always refers to downlink carrier aggregation, unless an example explicitly refers to uplink carrier aggregation.

[0038] In a special embodiment, a mixed duplexer combines a TX filter for band 1 with an RX filter for band 3, or a TX filter for band 4 with an RX filter for band 2. In parallel, an extractor band is provided with a band 4 RX filter, a band 1 RX filter, or a band 65 / 66 RX filter as a bandpass filter. Another possible design for a mixed duplexer combines band 3 Rx and band 65 Tx.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a mixed duplexer is provided which combines a TX filter for band 1 with an RX filter of band 3, or a TX filter of band 65 with an RX filter of band 3, or a TX filter of band 4 with an RX filter of band 2, or a TX filter of band 4 with an RX filter of band 25, or a TX filter of band 66 with an RX filter of band 2, or a TX filter of band 66 with an RX filter of band 25. Such a mixed duplexer is combined with an extractor arrangement in which the extractor band is designed for RX frequencies of band 4 or for RX frequencies of band 1 or for RX frequencies of band 65 / 66. In addition, pure duplexers are provided that combine the Rx band of the mixed duplexers listed above with the corresponding Tx band and can be selected from the duplexers for B3-Tx / B3-Rx, B2-Tx / B2-Rx and B25-Tx and B25-Rx.

[0040] In a special embodiment, the output of the antenna switch can be connected either to a triplexer or a duplexer via appropriate switch positions. The first triplexer is designed as a mixed triplexer and includes a TX filter for band 1, an RX filter for band 3, and an RX filter for band 4. Alternatively, the first triplexer includes a TX filter for band 65, an RX filter for band 3, and an RX filter for band 32. Another triplexer includes a TX filter for band 3, an RX filter for band 3, and an RX filter for band 32. The RX bands still missing in the mixed triplexer, which are assigned to the Tx filters already present there, are filtered out or extracted via the extractor arrangements or the corresponding extractor paths. Accordingly, an extractor arrangement comprises an RX filter for band 4 or an RX filter for band 1 or an RX filter for band 65 / 66.

[0041] Such a mixed triplexer is advantageously combined with a mixed duplexer connected to another output of the antenna switch. This filter comprises a TX filter for band 1 and an RX filter for band 11 or the band 21 Rx filter directly adjacent to band 11. It is therefore advisable to design all corresponding Rx filters for band 11 or band 21 with the appropriate width to serve both bands. Alternatively, a TX filter for band 1 is combined with an RX filter for band 11.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the mixed duplexer can comprise a TX filter for band 1 or 65 and an RX filter for band 21. Band 1 Tx is entirely contained within the wider band 65 Tx, so that band 1 Tx can always be served by a band 65 Tx filter. Accordingly, RX filters in an extractor band are assigned to this mixed duplexer, for example, an RX filter for band 4, band 1, or band 65. Furthermore, in this case, a pure duplexer for band 11 or band 21 is provided in the front-end module. This makes it possible to filter RX bands for band 11 or band 21 either via the pure duplexer or the mixed duplexer.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the output of the antenna switch can be connected to a triplexer or a duplexer via a corresponding switch position. The triplexer can, for example, comprise a filter combination of a TX filter for band 1 or 65 / 66, a TX filter for band 3, and an RX filter for band 3. Alternatively, the triplexer can comprise a filter combination of a TX filter for band 2 or band 25, both of which have virtually identical bands, an RX filter for band 4 or band 65 / 66, and an RX filter for band 2 or band 25. For this embodiment, an extractor band is assigned to the RX band of band 4, the RX band of band 1, or the RX band of band 66. In this version, duplex operation for the respective band (Band 1, Band 4, or Band 66) also occurs via two separate filters and thus via two separate paths, one of which is the extractor path. This version can also be used for uplink carrier aggregation.In general, for this and other embodiments, RX and Tx filters for band 25 automatically include band 2, or that a band 2 filter can also be designed for band 25 in a simple manner.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the output of the antenna switch can be connected to a triplexer and / or a duplexer and / or a quadplexer via a corresponding switch position. The quadplexer can comprise a filter combination for band 1 TX or 65 TX, band 3 TX, band 3 RX, and band 32 RX. Accordingly, an extractor band is assigned to the RX band of band 4, band 1, or band 65 / 66. Duplex operation for band 1, band 4, or band 66 can then occur via different paths, with one of the paths being an extractor path. This design also supports uplink carrier aggregation.

[0045] In further embodiments, the front-end module can include a pure receive path that can be connected to a diversity antenna. Furthermore, an extractor arrangement is also provided in the pure receive path, which branches off an extractor path. The corresponding extractor band is assigned to the RX band of band 4, band 1, or band 66. Furthermore, a diplexer is arranged in the pure receive path, which divides the pure receive path into two pure receive subpaths, each assigned to a mid-band and a high-band range.

[0046] In the mid-band receive path, a mixed diversity diplexer is arranged, which has a filter combination for band 3 RX / band 21 RX or for band 3 RX / band 32 RX. This makes it possible to easily separate a multitude of different receive bands even in a pure diversity receive path. The required diversity diplexer can be easily implemented with a relatively large diplexer spacing without compromising band separation.

[0047] A further diplexer, triplexer, or quadplexer can be arranged between the diversity antenna and the extractor array, branching off a second sub-path for the low-band range from the pure receive path. This allows up to five sub-paths to be separated, covering the low-band, mid-band, high-band, ultra-high-band, and 5 GHz ranges.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the diversity path, a pure receive path is connected to the diversity antenna. An extractor arrangement branches off from the pure receive path, whose extractor band is assigned to the RX band of band 4, band 1, or band 65 / 66. Furthermore, a diplexer is arranged in the pure receive path, which divides the pure receive path into two pure receive sub-paths, each assigned to a mid-band and a high-band range. A mixed diversity triplexer is arranged in the receive sub-path for the mid-band, which has a filter combination for the RX band of band 32, the RX band of band 21, and the RX band of band 3.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, two extractor arrangements are provided, each configured to extract one extractor band. The first extractor band comprises band 30 RX and / or band 40. The second extractor band is designed for frequencies selected from Galileo, Beidou, Glonass or GPS (GNSS), WLAN 2.4, band 40, band 65 / 66 RX, band 32 RX, and LMB. LMB comprises frequencies from 1425 MHz to 1511 MHz.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the associated figures. Some of the figures are schematic and, in most cases, only depict partial structures of significantly more extensive arrangements or front-end circuits.

[0051] They show: Figure 1A shows a first front-end module according to the invention in a schematic representation, Figure 1B which are in the arrangement of Figure 1Acertain passband curves between the antenna connection and the various sub-paths, Figure 2A a second embodiment of a frontend module, Figure 2B which are in the arrangement of Figure 2A Pass-through curves between antenna connection and the various sub-paths, Figure 3 an extractor arrangement as used in the front-end module according to the invention, Figure 4 various arrangement possibilities A to H of an extractor arrangement in a front-end module according to the invention, Figure 5A a simple embodiment in schematic representation, Figure 5B the transmission curves for the two partial paths and the extraction path of the Figure 5A arrangement shown, Figure 6 a table with combinations of two bands each, which can be extracted from the signal path of a front-end module according to the invention by means of different extractor arrangements, Figure 7gives an example of how the two extraction arrangements are assigned to the different positions A to G within a frontend module according to Figure 4 can be distributed, Figure 8 indicates possible passbands for two diplexers that can be used in a front-end module according to the invention, Figure 9 shows possible combinations of three bands, each of which can be extracted from the signal path by means of different extractor arrangements in a module according to the invention, Figure 10A shows another simple embodiment in a schematic representation, Figure 10B shows the transmission curves for the two partial paths and the extraction path of the Figure 10A arrangement shown, Figure 11A indicates how three extractor arrangements that can be used in the front-end module according to the invention can be arranged over the different extractor arrangement positions according to Figure 4 can be distributed, Figure 11Bshows further positioning options for a combination of three extractor arrangements in a front-end module, Figure 11C shows the embodiment of a new type of hexaplexer, the passband curves between the antenna connection and the various sub-paths, Figure 12 shows an extractor arrangement with a switchable bridging path, Figure 13 shows an embodiment with novel duplexer combinations, Figure 14 shows an embodiment with one mixed duplexer and two mixed triplexers, Figure 15A shows another embodiment with mixed duplexers and triplexers, Figure 15B shows another embodiment, which is located at the first antenna switch of Figure 15A distinguishes, Figure 15C shows another embodiment, which also only applies to the first antenna switch of Figure 15A differs, Figure 16 shows another embodiment with two mixed triplexers, Figure 17shows another embodiment with a mixed triplexer and a mixed quadplexer, Figure 18A shows an embodiment of the invention for a front-end module connectable to a diversity antenna with a mixed diversity diplexer, Figure 18B shows an embodiment of the invention for a front-end module connectable to a diversity antenna with two mixed diversity diplexers, Figure 19 shows a further front-end module according to the invention, which can be connected to a diversity antenna and has a mixed diversity triplexer on an antenna switch, Figure 20 shows possible combinations that can be realized with two extractor arrangements in a front-end module according to the invention, wherein at least one extractor arrangement is designed for band 30 (Tx and Rx) and / or band 40, Figure 21shows a possible combination of two extractor arrangements and their arrangement in a front-end module according to the invention, Figure 22 shows various possibilities for arranging three extractor arrangements in a front-end module according to the invention, Figure 23 shows various ways of setting the frequencies of the passbands for two diplexers that can be used in a front-end module according to the invention, Figure 24 shows how three different extractor arrangements can be positioned in a frontend module, Figure 25 shows a front-end module according to the invention with two mixed triplexers and one mixed duplexer on an antenna switch in combination with a second antenna, Figure 26 shows another variation of a front-end module with two antennas and mixed triplexers on an antenna switch, Figure 27 shows a front-end module with two extractor arrangements and two mixed duplexers on an antenna switch, Figure 28 shows another frontend module with two extractor arrangements, which differ from the version according to Figure 27 have a changed positioning, as well as two mixed duplexers on an antenna switch.

[0052] Figure 1A shows a simple front-end module according to the invention, which can separate three sub-paths TP1 to TP3 from each other using two diplexers DPX1 and DPX2, each of which is assigned to a frequency sub-range. A further frequency band, located between two of the frequency sub-ranges, is extracted from the signal path SP using an extractor arrangement EA1.

[0053] A first diplexer DPX1 is connected to an antenna connector AT via a signal path SP. The antenna connector AT can be connected to an antenna and is capable of transmitting an RF signal between 699 MHz and 2690 MHz. The first diplexer DPX1 comprises a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter, each of which assigns a frequency sub-range to a sub-path TP at the output of the diplexer DPX. The first sub-path TP1 begins at the output of the low-pass filter and is designed, for example, for a low-band range with frequencies between 699 MHz and 960 MHz. At the output of the high-pass filter, however, frequencies from 1425 MHz to 2690 MHz and 1710 MHz to 2690 MHz can be transmitted.

[0054] A first extractor arrangement EA1 is arranged in the signal path SP and can be connected to the first diplexer DPX1. The extractor arrangement EA1 can be arranged between the antenna connection AT and the first diplexer or in the signal path at the output of the first diplexer.

[0055] The first extractor arrangement is designed for an extractor band that is permeable to the RX bands of band 1, band 4, and / or band 65 / 66. These frequencies are extracted from the signal path via an extraction path EP1. The notch filter contained in the extractor arrangement EA1 has a stopband, so that frequencies within the stopband cannot pass through the signal path. Instead, they are extracted from the signal path SP via the extraction path EP1 and the bandpass filter located therein in a separate path, the aforementioned extraction path EP1.

[0056] A second diplexer DPX2 is arranged in the signal path downstream of the extraction arrangement EA1. This diplexer further divides the remaining frequency range into a mid-band, which covers a frequency range between 1425 MHz and 2025 MHz, or alternatively between 1710 MHz and 2025 MHz, and a high-band range, which covers frequencies from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz. Signals with frequencies in the mid-band and high-band are assigned at the diplexer output to a second sub-path TP2 and a third sub-path TP3, respectively.

[0057] By filtering out a range between 2110 MHz and 2200 MHz from the signal path via the extraction path EP1, the second diplexer DPX2 can be designed with a larger diplexer spacing, which is technically feasible. It is sufficient to position the diplexer spacing to the frequency range between the upper limit of the low-pass filter at 2025 MHz and the beginning of the high band, corresponding to the lower limit of the pass at 2300 MHz, which corresponds to a diplexer spacing of 275 MHz. Without the extractor arrangement EA1, a diplexer would be required to separate the mid-band and high-band, whose diplexer spacing must be set between 2200 MHz and 2300 MHz, thus to a value of only 100 MHz. The extractor arrangement greatly simplifies the technical design of the diplexer, and even allows for the implementation of an integrated diplexer in LTCC or laminate.Of course, the diplexer can also be designed as a discrete filter made of SMD inductors and SMD capacitors.

[0058] If the second frequency range assigned to the second sub-path TP2 at the output of the low-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2 does not have to include band 34 frequencies, the upper limit of the low-pass filter can be further lowered to a value of 1995 MHz, thereby increasing the diplexer spacing to a possible 305 MHz.

[0059] With the front-end module shown, three frequency ranges and one extraction band can be cleanly separated and operated independently in parallel. This can be achieved with diplexers that feature an easily achievable high diplexer spacing of at least 275 MHz, up to 305 MHz for the second diplexer, and from 465 MHz to 750 MHz for the first diplexer DPX1.

[0060] Figure 1Bshows four passband curves determined between the antenna connection AT and the output for the first partial path TP1 at the low-pass output of the first diplexer DPX1, between the antenna connection AT and the low-pass output of the second diplexer DPX2 and between the antenna connection AT and the output of the high-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2.

[0061] It can be seen that in the first sub-path TP1, low-band frequencies are obtained with low insertion loss, while the stopband with high attenuation is cleanly separated. In the second sub-path TP2, signals in the mid-band range, here between 1710 MHz and 1990 MHz, are transmitted. Since the extractor arrangement EA1 prevents frequencies in the stopband of the extractor arrangement's notch filter from passing through, and the stopband is located at the upper edge of the low-pass filter, the right flank of the passband curve for the mid-band drops steeply, which is advantageous for good separation of the frequency sub-ranges.

[0062] The frequencies extracted at the extractor path EP1 have passed the bandpass filter of the extractor arrangement and also have a passband with steeply falling edges.

[0063] The left flank of the high band assigned to the third sub-path TP3 also shows a steep rise and is therefore cleanly separated from the mid band assigned to the second sub-path TP2.

[0064] Figure 2A shows another frontend module, which is similar in principle to the one in Figure 1A The first diplexer, which can be connected to the antenna connector AT, is designed for the same frequency ranges as the one from Figure 1A Connected to the output of the high-pass filter of the first diplexer is a first extractor arrangement EA1, which in this embodiment is designed to extract frequencies in the range of band 30 and / or band 40. Thus, frequencies between 2300 MHz and 2400 MHz can be extracted in the first extraction path EP1. Accordingly, the stopband of the extractor arrangement EA1 is designed to encompass at least the frequencies of the extraction path EP1.

[0065] A second diplexer DPX2 is provided downstream of the first extractor array EA1, whose passbands are positioned on either side of the stopband of the first extractor array EA1. Accordingly, a frequency range between 1425 MHz and 2200 MHz is transmitted at the output of the low-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2 in the second subpath TP2, while frequencies from 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz are assigned to the third subpath TP3 at the output of the high-pass filter.

[0066] Here, too, the spacing between the mid-band of the second sub-path TP2 and the high-band assigned to the third sub-path TP3 is increased to 296 MHz, since the frequencies of the first extraction path EP1, which lie at the lower limit of the high-band range, no longer need to be assigned to the third sub-path TP3 via the second diplexer DPX2. With the help of the first extractor arrangement, the diplexer spacing is increased from 100 MHz to 296 MHz. This also makes it possible to integrate the diplexer using simple technology, such as an LTCC substrate or a laminate. Of course, it is also possible to implement the diplexer using SMD inductors and SMD capacitors.

[0067] Figure 2B shows transmission curves that are obtained when arranged according to Figure 2Abetween the antenna connection AT and the respective sub-paths TP1, TP2, and TP3, or signals that can reach the first extraction path EP1 from the antenna connection AT. Here, too, it can be seen that the low band, which is located farther away from the other frequency sub-ranges, is separated from higher frequency sub-ranges by high attenuation, corresponding to the first sub-path TP1. The curve for the mid-band range, which is assigned to the second sub-path TP2 at the output of the low-pass filter of the second diplexer, drops steeply on the right edge.

[0068] The left edge of the high-band range assigned to the third sub-path TP3 rises sharply. Precisely between the high-band and low-band ranges, which correspond to the frequency sub-ranges of the second diplexer, lie the frequencies that can reach the first extraction path EP1, thus cleanly isolating them from the other bands or frequency ranges. At the critical boundaries between the frequencies of the third sub-path and the extraction path, as well as between the frequencies of the second sub-path and the extraction path, the passband curves slope steeply downwards. This also ensures a clean separation of three frequency sub-ranges, which in turn are cleanly separated from frequencies of the first extraction path EP1.

[0069] Figure 3shows a schematic representation of a possible structure of an extractor arrangement used according to the invention. Such an extractor arrangement is known in principle from European patent application EP 1,683,275A. The extractor arrangement EA can be integrated into any signal path SP and then branches off an extraction path EP from it. A notch filter NF arranged in the signal path SP serves to reflect frequencies in the stopband with high efficiency, preventing them from passing through the notch filter NF. Instead, signals with frequencies in the stopband are routed to an extraction path EP, which is connected to a node between the antenna connection and the notch filter NF.

[0070] A bandpass filter BP arranged in the extraction path EP serves to further filter the frequencies in the stopband, allowing a narrow frequency band with clean slopes to be extracted in the further extraction path EP. Preferably, the extractor arrangement can be used to extract weak RX signals from the signal path.

[0071] However, the invention additionally uses the extractor arrangement to increase the distance between the adjacent frequency ranges to be separated into partial paths via the stopband of the notch filter and thus to facilitate the realization of the diplexers required to separate the frequency ranges.

[0072] Figure 4shows a highly schematic representation of a front-end module with a first diplexer DPX1 and a second diplexer DPX2 connected in series. This allows three sub-paths TP1, TP2, and TP3 to be separated from each other in the front-end module. The numbering of the sub-paths is individual for each embodiment and may differ from this in another embodiment. Accordingly, the frequency ranges assigned to a specific sub-path or a sub-path with a specific numbering may also differ.

[0073] Different positions for extractor arrangements can now be provided between the antenna connection AT and the various sub-paths TP1 to TP3. For example, up to three extractor arrangements can be provided at positions F, G, and H between the antenna connection and the first diplexer. Independently, up to three extractor arrangements can be provided at positions A, B, and C between the first diplexer DPX1 and the second diplexer DPX2. The different extractor arrangements serve to extract different extractor bands. Preferably, the first of the three extractor arrangements covers bands 30 and / or B40.

[0074] Additional extractor arrays can be connected to the output of the second diplexer DPX2, for example, at position D at the low-pass output of the second diplexer or at position E at the high-pass output of the second diplexer DPX2. The different positioning options for one or more extractor arrays allow the passbands of the diplexers to be combined in different ways, and different bands can be filtered out or separated as needed.

[0075] The substructure outlined by a dashed line is optional. This means that a front-end module without the first diplexer DPX1 and any upstream extractor arrangements is also considered to be in accordance with the invention.

[0076] Figure 5Ashows a section of an arrangement that is part of a front-end module according to the invention. Here, a first extractor arrangement EA1 is arranged between an antenna connection AT and a first diplexer DPX2. This does not preclude the possibility of additional elements being arranged between the antenna connection and the first extractor arrangement or between the first diplexer and the transceiver section of the front-end module or the mobile radio device.

[0077] In this embodiment, signals between 1425 MHz and 2690 MHz or between 1710 MHz and 2690 MHz are transported via the antenna connection AT, depending on whether frequencies from 1559 MHz to 1605 MHz for Galileo, Beidou, Glonass or GPS (GNSS) or bands 11, 21 and 32 are to be transported or filtered out.

[0078] A filter for band 32 Rx automatically includes band 11 Rx, while the narrow band 21 Rx adjoins band 11 directly above, so that correspondingly wider filters can also include band 21 Rx, which is always an option. The first extractor arrangement EA1 assigns an extraction band between 2110 MHz and 2200 MHz to the extraction path. Accordingly, the bandpass filter in the first extraction path EP1 is designed for this frequency range and has a corresponding passband.

[0079] The stopband of the first extractor array EA1 allows the first diplexer DPX2 to be configured so that the right edge of the low-pass filter ends at 2025 MHz. Accordingly, the high-pass filter begins transmitting at 2300 MHz and can assign a frequency range up to 2690 MHz to the second subpath TP2. The extractor band assigned to the first extraction path EP1 encompasses the RX bands of band 1, band 4, and band 65 / 66, all of which lie between 2110 MHz and 2200 MHz.

[0080] Figure 5B shows the transmission curves for signals that are transmitted between antenna connection AT and first sub-path TP1, between antenna connection AT and second sub-path TP2 or between antenna connection AT and extraction path EP1 in an arrangement according to Figure 5Acan be transmitted. Here, too, the good separation between the first sub-path TP2 for the low and mid bands and the high band transmitted in the second sub-path TP3 is evident. Completely separate from this is the extractor band, which can be extracted in the first extraction path EP1. The transmission curve for the extractor band exhibits a bandpass characteristic due to the bandpass filter of the extractor arrangement.

[0081] Figure 6A table shows which frequency ranges or bands can be easily separated from the signal path using extractor arrangements. Shown are combinations of two bands that can be extracted together in a front-end module using the extractor arrangements. One of the extractor arrangements covers the frequency range from 2110 MHz to 2200 MHz. This includes the RX bands of bands 1, 4, and 66. The second extractor arrangement can cover a frequency range for Glonass (GNSS), WLAN 2.4, frequencies of band 30 and / or band 40, RX frequencies of band 32, or the lower mid-band LMB, which includes frequencies from 1425 MHz to 1511 MHz.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a table that indicates how two exemplary extractor arrangements, here for the RX frequencies of Band 1 / 4 / 65 / 66 and for frequencies from 1559 MHz to 1605 MHz (GNSS), are mapped to the different possible positions in the front-end module of Figure 4can be distributed. It is shown that the extractor arrangement can be arranged between the antenna connection and the first diplexer at positions F and G, between the first diplexer and the second diplexer at positions A and B, and at the output of the low-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2 at position D.

[0083] Figure 8 gives four possible configurations for the passbands of the first and second diplexers DPX1 and DPX2, as they are for selected extractor combinations according to the Figures 6 and 7 in a schematic in Figure 4shown frontend module can be used. For all four variants a, b, c and d the low band ends at the low pass filter LP of the first diplexer DPX1 at 960 MHz. The signal present at the high pass output of the first diplexer starts at 1425 MHz in case a, 1450 MHz in case b, 1559 MHz in case c and 1710 MHz in case d. The low pass filter LP of the second diplexer ends in all cases a to d at an upper limit of 1995 MHz or 2025 MHz. Signals with frequencies > 2300 MHz can pass the high pass filter HP of the second diplexer DPX2 in all four diplexer constellations a to d.

[0084] Figure 9shows possible combinations of how three different extractor arrangements for three different bands can be positioned at different positions in a front-end module according to the invention. One of the extractor arrangements is used to extract the Rx frequencies of band 66. Two additional extractor arrangements are used to extract two additional bands, which are independently selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, band 30 / band 40, band 32, and LMB. Ten different options result for selecting two additional bands.

[0085] Figure 10A shows a section of an arrangement that is part of a front-end module according to the invention. Here, similar to Figure 5AA first extractor arrangement EA1 is arranged between an antenna connection AT and a first diplexer DPX2. This does not preclude the placement of further elements between the antenna connection and the first extractor arrangement, or between the first diplexer and the transceiver section of the front-end module or the mobile radio device.

[0086] In this exemplary embodiment, signals between 1425 MHz and 2690 MHz or between 1425 MHz (1710 MHz) and 2690 MHz are transported via the antenna connection AT, depending on whether frequencies for Galileo, Beidou, Glonass, or GPS (GNSS), or at least one of bands 11, 21, and 32, are to be transported or filtered out. The first extractor arrangement EA1 assigns an extraction band between 2300 MHz and 2400 MHz to the extraction path. Accordingly, the bandpass filter in the first extraction path EP1 is designed for this frequency range and has a corresponding passband.

[0087] The stopband of the first extractor array EA1 allows the first diplexer DPX2 to be configured so that the right edge of the low-pass filter ends at 2200 MHz. Accordingly, the high-pass filter begins transmitting at 2496 MHz and can assign a frequency range up to 2690 MHz to the second subpath TP3. The extractor band assigned to the first extraction path EP1 includes the frequencies of band 30 and / or band 40, both of which lie between 2300 MHz and 2400 MHz.

[0088] Figure 10B shows the transmission curves for signals that are transmitted between antenna connection AT and first sub-path TP2, between antenna connection AT and second sub-path TP3 or between antenna connection AT and extraction path EP1 in an arrangement according to Figure 5Acan be transmitted. Here, too, the good separation between the first sub-path TP2 for the low and mid bands and the high band transmitted in the second sub-path TP3 is evident. Completely separate from this is the extractor band, which can be extracted in the first extraction path EP1. The transmission curve for the extractor band exhibits a bandpass characteristic due to the bandpass filter of the extractor arrangement.

[0089] Figure 11A shows a table showing eight different possibilities for the three extractor arrangements for the exemplary three-band combination No. 7 according to Figure 9 in a frontend module, as in Figure 4 shown schematically. What all eight different arrangements have in common is that the always present extractor arrangement for the Rx band 65 / 66 remains at position A, which is located between the first and second diplexers.

[0090] For this distribution of the extractor arrangements via the front-end module, the diplexers are also used, as in Figure 8 specified, configured

[0091] Figure 11B shows, in a table, eight further arrangement possibilities for the combination of three extractor arrangements according to combination no. 7. What all these eight variants have in common is that the extractor arrangement for band 66 Rx is assigned to position F, i.e. between antenna connection AT and first duplexer DPX2.

[0092] For these positions of the extractor arrangements, the diplexers are also used as in Figure 8 configured as specified.

[0093] Figure 11Cshows, using simulated passband curves, how a hexaplexer can be obtained in a front-end module with the help of three extractor arrangements for GNSS, Band 1 Rx and WLAN 2.4, which can be arranged, for example, between two diplexers, which cleanly separates six different frequency ranges: 1. A low band between 699 and 960 MHz 2. GNSS around 1575 MHz 3. the Rx band of band 66 (band 1) 4. a mid-band range MB between 1710 MHz (or 1425 MHz) and 1990 MHz 5. WLAN 2.4 MHz 6. a high-band range HB between 2300 MHz and 2380 MHz or between 2510 MHz and 2690 MHz

[0094] Here, too, the requirement for the diplexer that separates midband MB and highband HB is simplified by increasing the diplexer spacing and allowing it to be set between 1995 MHz (or 2025 MHz) and 2300 MHz.

[0095] Figure 12shows a possibility of equipping a front-end module with any number of extractor arrangements without having to accept unnecessary losses if one or more extractor arrangements are not required for a particular operating mode. For this purpose, a bridging path UEP is provided which short-circuits a node in the signal line upstream of the extractor arrangement with a node downstream of the extractor arrangement, thus bridging the notch filter. A switch SW is arranged in the bridging path UEP, which can activate or deactivate the bridging path. When the switch SW is closed, the extractor arrangement is inactive, whereas when the switch SW is open, it is active and extracts the corresponding extractor band via the extraction path EP. In all exemplary embodiments, the extractor arrangements can therefore optionally be bridged with such a bridging path UEP, even if this is not shown in the corresponding figures.

[0096] In this way, it is possible to activate exactly the extractor arrangement required for the respective operating mode, in particular for the special Carrier Aggregation Mode.

[0097] Figure 13shows a front-end module according to a further embodiment of the invention using a schematic block diagram. In this module, an antenna connection AT is connected to a first diplexer DPX1. The antenna is designed at least for frequencies from 699 MHz to 2690 MHz. The first diplexer comprises a high-pass / low-pass combination, with the low-pass filter separating a frequency range from 699 MHz to 960 MHz. The high-pass filter separates frequencies from 1710 MHz to 2690 MHz and assigns them to a second sub-path. In this second sub-path, a first extractor arrangement EA1 is inserted, which is designed for the extraction of band 65 / 66 Rx or frequencies between 2110 and 2200 MHz. The extractor arrangement EA1 can be provided with a bridging path as in Figure 12 be provided (not shown).

[0098] Further downstream of the extractor array EA1 in the second subpath is a second diplexer DPX2, which in turn comprises a high-pass / low-pass combination for separating two frequency subranges. The low-pass filter separates signals from 1425 MHz to 2025 MHz and assigns them to a first antenna switch AS1. At the output of the high-pass filter, frequencies from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz are extracted and routed to a second antenna switch AS2.

[0099] The output of the low-pass filter on the first diplexer DPX1 is connected to a third antenna switch AS3, which separates these signals into the different bands of the low-band range.

[0100] The overall arrangement can be regarded as a quadplexer, which can separate signals from four different band ranges independently of each other, namely the low-band range, the mid-band range and the high-band range, with a fourth range being separated as a single band via the extractor arrangement.

[0101] In a variant of this front-end module, the first diplexer DPX1 can be omitted, so that the antenna connector AT is directly connected to the first extractor array EA1. The remaining units then represent a triplexer for mid-band, high-band, and band 66. This corresponds to the Figure 13 shown arrangement without the optional elements within the closed dashed line.

[0102] The antenna switches AS1, AS2, and AS3 serve to connect the respective signal path or sub-path to at least one band channel, each of which can be used bidirectionally for transmit and receive signals. A filter device is provided in each band channel.

[0103] In the present embodiment, four duplexers are provided, each arranged in a band channel. A first duplexer is used for RX / TX separation of band 2. Another duplexer is used to separate RX / TX from band 3. Furthermore, two innovative mixed duplexers are provided, in which TX and RX filters belong to different bands. A first mixed duplexer combines, for example, a TX filter for band 1 with an RX filter for band 3. A second mixed duplexer combines an RX filter from band 2 with a TX filter from band 4. This makes it possible, for example, to filter out RX signals from band 2 via the pure band 2 duplexer or via the mixed duplexer. The same applies to RX signals from band 3, which can be filtered out via the first mixed duplexer or the pure band 3 duplexer. Duplexing in band 4 is not performed via a duplexer.While TX signals for Band 4 are routed to the first antenna switch AS1 in the second mixed duplexer, the RX signals from Band 4 are routed via the first extraction path, which also covers the frequencies of Band 4 RX. Duplexing for Band 1 works analogously.

[0104] Additional band channels are connected to the second antenna switch AS2 for the high-band range and can be optionally switched on, for example duplexers for band 7 and band 30.

[0105] It is of course also possible to connect additional band channels and the corresponding filter elements to the respective antenna switch for low band (antenna switch AS3), for mid band (antenna switch AS1) and for high band (antenna switch AS2).

[0106] With the Figure 13The front-end module shown enables downlink carrier aggregation operation for RX signals from Band 1 and Band 3, even though both are located in the same band range (mid-band). Since the low-band and high-band ranges are routed via different paths, carrier aggregation modes are also possible in which a low band and a high band are combined with Band 1 and Band 3. Such a quadruple carrier aggregation can, for example, operate in parallel in the B20, B1, B3, and B7 bands.

[0107] Since a filter designed for band 25 or a duplexer designed for band 25 simultaneously covers the frequencies of band 2, just as an RX filter for band 66 also covers the RX frequencies of band 4 and band 1, duplexers can be implemented with the specified arrangements that combine further RX and TX filters from different bands, for example band 4 TX with band 2 RX, band 4 TX with band 25 RX, band 66 TX with band 2 RX or band 66 TX with band 25 RX. Together with the pure band 2 or band 25 duplexer, RX carrier aggregation operating methods are possible in which band 2 and band 4, band 2 and band 66, band 25 and band 4 or band 25 and band 66 are operated simultaneously or in parallel.

[0108] Since the low-band and high-band ranges are separated, four bands can also be operated in parallel, for example, one band in the low band, one band in the high band range, and one band in the low band range. A special version supports a downlink carrier aggregation mode for bands 5, 25, 66, and 30.

[0109] Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a front-end module which, with regard to the diplexers, the extractor arrangement and the provision of three antenna switches AS1, AS2 and AS3, is similar to the one shown in Figure 13 The only difference is the band channels connected to the first antenna switch AS1.

[0110] For this embodiment, it is proposed to connect mixed microacoustic triplexers to the antenna switch AS2 to enable triplexing in the respective band channel. A first triplexer comprises, for example, filters for band 1 TX / band 3 RX / band 32 RX. Another microacoustic triplexer comprises filters for band 1 TX / band 3 RX / band 32 RX. With these two triplexers and an extractor arrangement for band 66 (or band 1 or band 4), a carrier aggregation operating method for three receive bands is possible, which can operate in parallel in band 1, band 3, and band 32.

[0111] Since the module presented here separates low-band and high-band ranges, downlink carrier aggregation modes are also possible in at least five RX bands. For example, a low-band band, band 1, band 3, band 32, and a high-band band can be combined and operated in parallel in RX. For example, carrier aggregation operation is possible in band 20, band 1, band 3, band 32, and band 7.

[0112] The embodiment according to Figure 15A With the exception of the band channels connected to the first antenna switch AS1 and the filter elements contained therein, does not differ from the designs according to the Figure 13 and 14 In addition to the Figure 14 For the band channels shown, three novel microacoustic mixed duplexers for Japanese bands or for bands used in Japan are provided here.

[0113] A first mixed duplexer serves Band 1 TX and the combination of Band 11 plus Band 21 RX. The latter RX filter encompasses the contiguous and non-overlapping narrow frequency ranges for Band 11 RX and Band 21 RX. A second novel mixed duplexer encompasses Band 1 TX and Band 11 RX. A third novel mixed duplexer encompasses Band 1 TX and Band 21 RX. Each of the three mixed duplexers mentioned above, in conjunction with a pure Band 11 or Band 21 duplexer and the extractor arrangement for Band 66, can enable carrier aggregation operation for Band 1 and Band 11, or for Band 1 and Band 21 with respect to RX.

[0114] Since the low-band and high-band ranges are separated by separate signal paths from the first antenna switch AS1, carrier aggregation methods are also possible, combining a low-band band plus Band 1 plus Band 11 (Band 21) and a high band from the high-band range. For example, a downlink carrier aggregation mode is supported, allowing operation in Band 18, Band 1, Band 11 (and / or Band 21), and Band 7. Of course, other bands from the high-band and low-band ranges can also be combined, for example, Band 30 for the high-band range.

[0115] The embodiment according to Figure 15B With the exception of the band channels connected to the first antenna switch AS1 and the filter elements contained therein, does not differ from the designs according to the Figure 13 , 14 and 15A .

[0116] A new mixed duplexer is connected to the antenna switch AS1, combining the B1 or B65 Tx band with a very wide Rx band (1427.9 - 1510.9 MHz) covering the Rx bands of Band 11, Band 21, and B32. This allows the B1 or B65 Tx / B3 Rx / B32 Rx triplexer to be replaced by a simpler mixed B1 or B65 Tx / B3 Rx duplexer. Nevertheless, at least the following downlink carrier aggregation cases, which involve combinations of two bands from the "Cellular Mid Band" (plus other bands from the Low Band and / or High Band), are still covered: a.) Bl / B65 + B3 CA b.) Bl / B65 + B32 CA c.) B3 + B32 CA d.) Bl / B65 + B11 CA e.) Bl / B65 + B21 CA f.) B2 / B25 + B4 / B66 CA

[0117] It is also possible to replace the Bl-(or B65-)Tx / B(11+21+32)-Rx duplexer with a Bl-(or B65-)Tx / B3-Rx / B(11+21+32)-Rx triplexer. This eliminates the need for the mixed Bl- or B65-Tx / B3-Rx duplexer.

[0118] In addition to the above-mentioned CA combinations of two bands from the Mid Band, the following combination of three bands from the "Cellular Mid Band" is also possible, to which, of course, other bands from the Low Band and / or High Band can be combined: g.) B1 + B3 + B32 CA

[0119] The embodiment according to Figure 15C With the exception of the band channels connected to the first antenna switch AS1 and the filter elements contained therein, does not differ from the designs according to the Figure 13 , 14 , 15A and 15B . There are the following differences compared to the example according to Fig. 15B: The B3-Tx / B3-Rx / B32-Rx triplexer is split into a normal B3-Tx / B3-Rx duplexer and a B32-Rx single filter, or the triplexer is replaced by these filter elements, each preceded by a phase-shifter circuit. The B3 duplexer and the B32 filter are only interconnected when necessary. In this case, the antenna switch AS1 must support a state in which the B3 duplexer and the B32 filter are simultaneously connected to the input of the antenna switch AS1. In this state, the phase shifters serve to adjust the opposite band impedances (i.e., the impedance of the respective filter / duplexer in the respective opposite band) in such a way that interconnection with low insertion loss is possible.

[0120] In addition, the antenna switch AS1 can connect the B3 duplexer and the B32 filter individually to its input.

[0121] In this configuration, only duplexers plus a single filter are required to handle the CA cases a. to f. (as in Fig. 15B described).

[0122] The example of another frontend module is shown in Figure 16 This version also does not differ from the versions according to the Figures 13 to 15 This design features two innovative microacoustic triplexers. The first combines Band 1 TX with Band 3 TX and Band 3 RX. A second new triplexer combines Band 2 Tx (or Band 25 Tx) with Band 4 Tx (or Band 66 Tx) with Band 2 Rx (or Band 25 RX).

[0123] Together with the extractor arrangement, which extracts the Rx band of Band 1, Band 4, or Band 66 from the signal path, these two triplexers enable uplink and downlink carrier aggregation operation for the CA combination of Band 1 (or Band 66) plus Band 3, as well as for the CA combinations of Band 2 (or Band 25) plus Band 4 (or Band 66). Furthermore, since low-band and high-band ranges are extracted via different signal paths, it is possible to combine one band each from these two ranges.

[0124] For example, it is possible to combine a low-band with Band 1 (Band 65), Band 3, and a high-band band, or alternatively, to operate a low-band with Band 4 (Band 66) and Band 2 (Band 25) together with a band from the high-band range. Examples of band combinations include Band 20 / Band 1 / Band 3 / Band 7 or Band 12 / Band 4 (Band 66) / Band 2 (Band 25) / Band 30. All cases are suitable for uplink and downlink carrier aggregation operation.

[0125] Also in Figure 17The illustrated embodiment differs only in the band channels connected to the first antenna switch AS1 and the filter elements contained therein. A new microacoustic quadplexer is arranged in one band channel, which includes filter elements for Band 1 TX / Band 3 TX / Band 3 RX and Band 32 RX. If this quadplexer is operated together with the extractor arrangement for Band 66, Band 1, or Band 4, uplink and downlink carrier aggregation operation is possible for Band 1, Band 3, and Band 32, with Band 32 being a pure Rx band.

[0126] Since the low and high band ranges are separated, the proposed front-end module can additionally combine one band each from the low band and the high band range, for example a band combination of band 20 / band 1 / band 3 / band 32 / band 7. As in Figure 17 In addition to the new quadplexer, the already used Figure 16described triplexer with Band 2 TX / Band 4 TX and Band 2 RX is required.

[0127] Figure 18A shows an embodiment in which a front-end module according to the invention can be connected to a diversity antenna DAT and, together with it, configured for pure reception operation. For the hardware components, including the antenna switches, the same arrangement can be used as already described in the embodiments based on the Figures 13 to 17described. In contrast to previous versions, however, only pure receive filter elements are now connected to the antenna switches. This embodiment is characterized by innovative diplexers arranged behind the antenna switch of a diversity module that combine the receive filters of two different bands. With the first antenna switch AS1 for the mid-band range, a diplexed diversity receive filter is proposed, which combines filters for band 1 RX and band 32 RX. This diplexed diversity receive filter, together with the extractor arrangement for band 66 / band 4 / band 1, enables pure receive carrier aggregation for band 1 with band 3 and band 32, which can be operated on the diversity antenna.

[0128] Since the low-band and high-band ranges are separated by separate signal paths, the diversity antenna DAT can operate two additional bands in parallel, one each from the low-band and the high-band range. An example band combination for diversity operation includes bands 20, 1, 3, 32, and 7.

[0129] Another in Figure 18BThe front-end module shown with an antenna connection for a diversity antenna DAT features a new microacoustic diplexed diversity receive filter on the first antenna switch AS1, which combines filter elements for band 3 RX and band 21 RX. Together with an extractor arrangement capable of extracting band 66 / band 1 / band 4, this diplexed diversity receive filter enables pure receive carrier aggregation operation for bands 21, B3, and B1 at the diversity antenna. Due to the separate low-band and high-band ranges, a receive band in each of the low-band and high-band ranges can also be combined. It is then possible, for example, to upgrade the presented front-end module on the diversity antenna for carrier aggregation reception operation, which supports bands 19, 21, 3, 1 and 7 simultaneously.

[0130] Another example of a front-end module that can be connected to the diversity antenna DAT is shown in Figure 19 which in turn differs from the designs according to the Figure 18A and 18B For this purpose, a microacoustically triplexed diversity receive filter is connected to the first antenna switch AS1. This comprises diversity receive filters for band 32 / band 21 / band 3. Together with an extractor arrangement for band 66 / band 1 / band 4, pure receive carrier aggregation is enabled at the diversity antenna, so that joint receive operation is possible in bands 21 and 3 and 1 or in bands 32 and 1 or in bands 1 and 11. In addition, with one receive filter each from the low-band and the high-band range, for example, DAT carrier aggregation modes are possible on the diversity antenna for simultaneous operation of bands 20, 32, 3, 1 and 7 or alternatively B19, B21, B3, B1 and B7.

[0131] While the previous embodiments according to the Figures 13 to 19 The frontend modules shown each have an extractor arrangement for band 66, 4 or 1, respectively, the following will deal with frontend modules which comprise an extractor arrangement for extracting band 40 (or band 30).

[0132] Figure 20 shows a table with various combination options of a Band 40 extractor arrangement with at least one further extractor arrangement, which is optionally designed for GNSS, WLAN 2.4, Band 66, Band 32 or a band from LMB.

[0133] Figure 21 shows, by way of example, how the Figure 20 said combination 17 of extractor arrangements for Band 40 and GNSS via the extractor positions according to the schematic front-end module of Figure 4can be divided. While for the extractor arrangement for band 40, only one position A in front of the first diplexer DPX1 and one position F between the first diplexer and the second diplexer DPX2 is possible, the extractor arrangement for GNSS can be arranged at almost any extractor position.

[0134] Figure 22 shows eight possibilities how three different extractor arrangements for Band 40, GNSS and WLAN 2.4 can be configured using the extractor positions according to Figure 4 can be distributed in a front-end module. For such triple combinations, it is advantageous to position the Band 40 extractor between the first and second diplexer DPX1 / DPX2, for example, at position A.

[0135] With extractor combinations that include Band 40, the frequency ranges of the diplexers must be reconfigured depending on the Band 40 extractor

[0136] Figure 23shows four ways of setting the passbands of the high-pass and low-pass filters of diplexers 1 and 2. For all four options a, b, c, and d, the low-pass filter of the first diplexer blocks frequencies above 960 MHz. The high-pass filter of the first diplexer DPX1 can have a passband that begins at 1425 MHz (version a), 1447 MHz (version b), 1559 MHz (version c), or 1710 MHz (version d). In all versions a to d, the low-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2 blocks frequencies above 2170 MHz, while its high-pass filter is permeable to frequencies above 2496 MHz.

[0137] Figure 24 shows further different arrangement options for the extractor combination GNSS / WLAN 2.4 / Band 40 via the extractor positions according to Figure 4 .

[0138] A common feature of these proposed arrangements is that the extractor for band 40 is ideally positioned between the antenna connection and the first diplexer. The two remaining extractor arrangements can be distributed almost freely across the remaining extractor positions. For this distribution, the diplexers are also arranged with respect to the frequency ranges according to Figure 23 configured.

[0139] Figure 25shows a front-end module with a diplexer and an extractor arrangement. A first antenna connection AT1 is connected to the first diplexer DPX1, which separates a low-band range up to 960 MHz via a low-pass filter. The high-pass filter of the first diplexer is specifically designed to separate a mid-band range from 1425 MHz to 2200 MHz. An extractor arrangement is provided between the high-pass filter and the first antenna switch AS1, with which an extractor band corresponding to band 66 Rx or bands 1, 4, and 65 Rx can be extracted from the signal path.

[0140] The extractor assembly EA1 is optionally provided with a bridging path that can be used to deactivate the extractor assembly.

[0141] Behind the extractor array is the first antenna switch AS1, whose outputs can be connected to two special triplexers. The first triplexer combines a TX filter for band 66 (band 1), an RX filter for band 3, and an RX filter for band 32. A second triplexer combines a TX filter for band 3 with an RX filter for band 32 and an RX filter for band 3.

[0142] Furthermore, a mixed duplexer is connected to the output of antenna switch AS1, which combines a TX filter for band 66 / 4 with an RX filter for band 2 (band 25). With this combination of a diplexer and the triplexers and duplexers connected to the first antenna switch AS1, the proposed front-end module can support quad downlink carrier aggregation mode, in which bands B1 / B65, B3, B7, and B32 are active in parallel. Another supported carrier aggregation mode for four bands includes band 12 (or band 5 or band 29), band 2 (or band 25), band 66 / 4, and band 30, without the need for quadplexers or hexaplexers.

[0143] In addition to the first antenna connection AT1, which can be connected to a first antenna, the module also has a second antenna connection AT2, which can be connected to a second antenna. The second antenna is designed for a frequency range from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz and can optionally receive up to the 5 GHz range. Connected to the second antenna is a second diplexer DPX2, which separates a high-band range via a low-pass filter and feeds it to a second antenna switch AS2. This high band is designed for a frequency range from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz. It is also possible to connect a triplexer to the second antenna instead of a second diplexer. This triplexer can then be designed to separate the ultra-high band and the 5 GHz range in addition to the aforementioned high-band frequency range.

[0144] Conventional pure duplexers for band 30 and band 7 are also connected to the output of the second antenna switch AS2.

[0145] A 3 GHz frequency range (optionally up to 5 GHz) is separated at the high-pass filter of the second diplexer DPX2. If this frequency range is not required, the second antenna switch can be connected directly to the second antenna connector AT2, omitting the second diplexer DPX2, just as the dashed line encloses these optional components.

[0146] Figure 26shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the front-end module comprises two antenna ports AT1 and AT2, which can be connected to two different antennas. The first antenna or the first antenna port AT1 is designed to feed signals from 699 MHz to 2170 MHz. The low-pass filter of a first diplexer DPX1 separates a low-band range between 699 MHz and 966 MHz and feeds it to a third antenna switch AS3.

[0147] The high pass of the first diplexer DPX1 separates a frequency range from 1425 MHz to 2025 MHz and feeds it to a first antenna switch AS1.

[0148] A second antenna connector, which can be connected to the second antenna, is designed to feed frequencies from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz. An extractor arrangement designed to extract band 1 / 4 / 65 / 66 Rx is provided between the second antenna connector AT2 and a second antenna switch AS2. Pure duplexers for high-band bands, such as duplexers for band 30 and band 7, are connected to the second antenna switch AS2.

[0149] Two special triplexers are connected to the output of the first antenna switch AS1. The first triplexer combines the following filter elements: a TX filter for band 1 / 65 with an RX filter for band 3 and an RX filter for band 32. The second triplexer combines a TX filter for band 3 with an RX filter for band 3 and an RX filter for band 32.

[0150] A mixed duplexer on the first antenna switch AS1 combines a TX filter for band 4 (band 66) with an RX filter for band 2 (band 25). Also attached to the first antenna switch AS1 is a pure band 2 (band 25) duplexer. These special triplexers and the special duplexer enable a quad downlink carrier aggregation mode, allowing bands 1, 3, 7, and 32 to operate in parallel. Alternatively, bands 12 (or 5 or 29), 2, 4, and 30 can be operated in parallel without the need for a cellular quadplexer or hexaplexer.

[0151] In an optional extension, a diplexer is provided between the second antenna connection AT2 and the first extractor arrangement EA1, which separates the frequency range between 3 GHz and 5 GHz

[0152] The frontend module according to Figure 27It has two extractor arrays designed to extract RX frequencies from band 66 and band 32. The front-end module connects an antenna connector AT, through which frequencies from 699 MHz to 2690 MHz can be fed, to a first diplexer DPX1, which separates a low band from 699 MHz to 960 MHz at the low-pass filter. Frequencies from 1425 MHz to 2690 MHz are output at the high-pass filter of the first diplexer DPX1. The two extractor arrays EA1 and EA2 are arranged within this signal path, which is connected to the high-pass filter of the first diplexer DPX1. This is followed by the second diplexer, DPX2, which uses the low-pass filter to separate mid-band frequencies from 1425 MHz to 2025 MHz and assigns them to a first antenna switch, AS1. The high-pass filter of the second diplexer, DPX2, extracts a high band from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz and feeds them to a second antenna switch, AS2.

[0153] Two novel mixed duplexers are connected to the output of the first antenna switch AS1. The first combines a TX filter for band 1 / 65 with an RX filter for band 3. A second mixed duplexer combines a TX filter for band 4 / 66 with an RX filter for band 2 (band 25). Pure duplexers for band 2 (band 25) and band 3 are also connected to the first antenna switch AS1.

[0154] This design is particularly characterized by the fact that no cellular quad or hexaplexers are required.

[0155] If no low-band bands are required in the front-end module or if the low-band range is served via a second antenna, the first diplexer DPX1 can be omitted and the first antenna connection AT can be connected directly to the two extractor arrangements.

[0156] Figure 28 shows an embodiment in which, similar to Figure 27Two different extractor arrangements are provided for extracting band 66 (4 / 1 / 65) RX and band 32 RX, but in a different arrangement than in the example according to Figure 27 .

[0157] The antenna connector AT is connected to a first diplexer DPX1, which extracts a low band down to 960 MHz at the low-pass filter. Frequencies from 1425 MHz to 2690 MHz are extracted at the high-pass filter and fed to a second diplexer DPX2 via a first extractor array EA1. The first extractor array, in turn, is designed for RX frequencies of band 66 (band 4 / band 1 / band 65).

[0158] In the second diplexer, a mid-band frequency range from 1425 MHz to 2025 MHz is separated at the low-pass filter and assigned to a first antenna switch AS1 via a second, but optional extractor arrangement EA2 for frequencies between 1452 and 1496 MHz.

[0159] At the high pass of the second duplexer DPX2, frequencies from 2300 MHz to 2690 MHz are fed to a second antenna switch AS2.

[0160] At the output of the first antenna switch AS1, pure duplexers for bands 2 and 3, as well as a mixed duplexer for band 1 TX / band 3 RX and band 4 TX / band 2 RX, are provided. This arrangement enables a quadruple downlink carrier aggregation mode of bands 1, 3, 7, and 32. Furthermore, a similar quadruple carrier aggregation mode is possible for bands 12 (or 5 or 29), 2 (or 25), 4, and 30.

[0161] In neither case is a cellular quad- or hexaplexer required for this quad-carrier aggregation mode. Since the second proposed quad-downlink carrier aggregation mode does not need to serve Band 32, the extractor arrangement for Band 32 can be omitted. Likewise, the first diplexer DPX1 can optionally be omitted if low-band frequencies are not required or are served via an additional antenna.

[0162] Although the invention has been described with reference to only a few specific embodiments, it is not limited to these. Front-end modules according to the invention may contain additional elements that are not listed separately here. The number of extractor arrangements may, for example, be Figure 4It is proposed to increase the number of extractable bands accordingly. The number of operable bands can be increased as desired by connecting appropriate filter elements. Naturally, an antenna switch for a given frequency range can only be assigned filter elements for this frequency range or for bands that lie within this frequency range.

[0163] Each extractor array can optionally be provided with a bypass path, allowing it to be activated or deactivated depending on the operating mode. The filter elements at the output of the antenna switches, as well as the notch filters and bandpass filters in the extractor arrays, comprise microacoustic resonators. The diplexers can be implemented using different technologies, preferably integrated into an LTCC ceramic or a laminate. The inventive architecture allows for a large diplexer spacing, which can be realized using simpler means.

[0164] Although only front-end modules according to the invention have been discussed, individual elements of such modules can also constitute inventions in their own right. In particular, these include the special mixed duplexers or triplexers for downlink and uplink carrier aggregation operation. Even an extractor arrangement, which can be activated or deactivated with an optional bypass path using a switch located therein, can be used in other architectures and produce advantageous effects.

[0165] It is also possible to divide the elements of the described front-end modules into several substrates or carriers, so that strictly speaking there are no longer modules but rather arrangements, which are, however, also to be regarded as inventive and therefore protected objects.

[0166] Furthermore, the invention also encompasses more complex arrangements, insofar as these comprise the structures described, but are provided with further functions by interconnecting them with other elements and arrangements. List of reference symbols

[0167] SPirst signal path, connects ATantenna connector and DPX diplexer TPpartial paths at the diplexer output EA1first extractor arrangement with an NF1first notch filter with EP1first extractor path and arranged therein BP1first bandpass filter with an LMBlower midband UEBbridging path with arranged therein SWswitch ASantenna switch on a partial or signal path LBLowband MBMidband HBHighband DATdiversity antenna, connectable with DRXdiversity RX filter

Claims

1. Front-end module, which is configured for a carrier aggregation operation, the front-end module comprising: - a first diplexer (DPX2) or a higher multiplexer, - a first antenna terminal (AT), - a first signal path (SP) connecting the first antenna terminal (AT) to the first diplexer (DPX2) or the higher multiplexer, respectively, - a notch filter (NF) coupled between the first antenna terminal (AT) and the first diplexer (DPX2) or higher multiplexer in the first signal path (SP), wherein the notch filter (NF) comprises a first stopband, - a first extractor path (EP1) coupled to a node arranged in the signal path (SP) between antenna terminal (AT) and the first notch filter (NF), - a bandpass filter (BP) for a first extractor band arranged in the first extractor path (EP), wherein the notch filter (NF) and the bandpass filter (BP) form an extractor arrangement (EA), - wherein the diplexer (DPX2) or the higher multiplexer, respectively, separates a first and a second frequency band, which are spaced by a first diplexer spacing or multiplexer spacing, respectively, and respectively assigns them to a first partial path (TP2) or a second partial path (TP3), - wherein the stopband of the notch filter (NF) and the first extractor band overlap at least partially, - wherein the stopband of the notch filter (NF) is arranged between the first and the second frequency band such that it does not overlap with any of the frequency bands.

2. Front-end module according to claim 1, wherein a second diplexer (DPX1) or a second higher multiplexer is arranged in the first signal path (SP) between the first antenna terminal (AT) and the notch filter (NF), and separates at least a third frequency range from the first signal path (SP) and provides it at a third partial path (TP1).

3. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stopband completely overlaps the Rx band of band 66, or band 1, or band 4, wherein the bandpass filter (BP) is designed for the Rx band of band 66, or band 1, or band 4, or band 65, wherein the first frequency range comprises frequencies up to 1995 MHz or up to 2025 MHz, wherein the second frequency range comprises frequencies of greater than or equal to 2300 MHz, such that the extractor path (EP) is designed to isolate the Rx frequencies of band 66, or band 1, or band 4, or band 65.

4. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stopband completely overlaps the band 30 Rx and Tx and / or band 40, wherein the bandpass filter (BP) is designed for band 30 Rx and Tx and / or band 40, wherein the first frequency range comprises frequencies of up to 2170 MHz or up to 2200 MHz, wherein the second frequency range comprises frequencies of greater than or equal to 2496 MHz, in which the extractor path (EP) is designed to isolate the Rx frequencies of band 30 and / or band 40.

5. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second notch filter (NF) is arranged in the first signal path (SP) or a partial path (TP) selected from the first, second and third partial path (TP2, TP3, TP1), the notch filter (NF) comprising a second blocking region, wherein an extractor path (EP) branches off between the antenna terminal (AT) and the at least one further notch filter (NF) from the first signal path (SP) or the respective partial path (TP) in which a bandpass filter (BP) is arranged, the passband of which is a second extractor band, wherein the second stopband and the second extractor band being at least partly overlapping.

6. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two extractor arrangements (EA1, EA2) are provided, which are designed for extracting one extractor band each, wherein the first extractor band comprises the Rx band of band 66, or band 1, or band 4, or band 65, wherein the second extractor band is designed for frequencies selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, band 40, band 30, band 32, and LMB, wherein LMB comprises frequencies of 1425 to 1511 MHz.

7. Front-end module according to the preceding claim, wherein three extractor arrangements (EA1, EA2, EA3) are provided, which are designed for extracting together three different extractor bands, wherein the first extractor band comprises the Rx band of band 66, or band 1, or band 4, or band 65, wherein the second and third extractor bands are designed for different frequencies which are independently selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, band 40, band 30, band 32, and LMB.

8. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said notch filters (NF) and each of said bandpass filters (BP) arranged in one of said extractor paths (EP) comprises micro-acoustic resonators realizing an SAW filter, a temperature-compensated SAW filter or a BAW filter.

9. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or the more diplexers (DPX1, DPX2) comprise lowpass, highpass or bandpass filters realized from L and C elements integrated into an LTCC ceramic or a laminate or realized as discrete L and C elements mounted on a carrier.

10. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the extractor arrangements (EA) can be bypassed with a bypassing path (UEP), wherein a switch (SW) is arranged in each bypassing pass (UEP) for opening or closing the bypassing path (UEP).

11. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the partial paths (TP) is connected to the input of an antenna switch (AS), wherein an output of the antenna switch (AS) can optionally be connected via a corresponding switch position to a series of duplexers, wherein the duplexers comprise a mixed duplexer combining an Rx filter for a first band and a Tx filter for a second band different therefrom, wherein an extractor band comprises Rx frequencies of the second band, wherein another duplexer is a pure duplexer comprising a Tx filter and a corresponding Rx filter for the first band.

12. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, with a pure receiving path which can be connected to a diversity antenna (DAT), with an extractor arrangement (EA) which branches off an extractor path (EP) from the pure receiving path, the extractor band being assigned to B4-Rx, B1-Rx, B65-Rx or B66-Rx, wherein a diplexer (DPX) is arranged in the pure reception path dividing the pure reception path into two pure reception partial paths, which are respectively assigned to a mid-band (MB) and a high-band (HB) range, wherein a mixed diversity triplexer is arranged in the reception partial path for mid-band (MB) and comprising a filter combination for B32-Rx / B21-Rx / B3-Rx.

13. Front-end module according to the preceding claim, wherein a further diplexer (DPX) or higher multiplexer, which branches off a further partial path (TP) for a frequency range from the pure reception path, is arranged between the diversity antenna (DAT) and the extractor arrangement (EA).

14. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two extractor arrangements (EA) are provided, which are designed for extracting one extractor band each, wherein the first extractor band comprises the band 30_Rx and Tx and / or band 40, wherein the second extractor band is designed for frequencies selected from GNSS, WLAN 2.4, Band 66-Rx, Band 32-Rx and LMB, wherein LMB comprises frequencies of 1425 to 1511 MHz.

15. Front-end module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mixed duplexer is provided with a filter combination for the bands B1- or B65-Tx / B(11+21+32)-Rx.