High frequency module and communication apparatus

Abstract

To provide a high frequency module capable of achieving both of an improvement and a small size of an attenuation of an unwanted wave.SOLUTION: A high frequency module 1 comprises: a switch 6; a first filter 7; and a second filter 8. The switch 6 includes: a common terminal 6a; and select terminals 6b and 6c. In the select terminal 6b, a first communication path L1 is connected. In the select terminal 6c, a second communication path L2 is connected. The first filter 7 is provided to the first communication path L1, and includes a passing band containing a first communication band and a second communication band. The second filter 8 is provided to the second communication path L2, and includes a passing band containing a third communication band. In the third communication band, one part is overlapped with the first communication band, and is not overlapped with the second communication band. The switch 6 can be switched to a first connection and a second connection. In the first connection, the common terminal 6a and the select terminal 6b are connected. In the second connection, the common terminal 6a and the select terminal 6b are connected, and the common terminal 6a and the selection terminal 6c are connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency module and a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] The switch module described in Patent Document 1 includes an antenna switch, a first filter, a second filter, and an impedance load circuit. The antenna switch has a common terminal and first to third selection terminals. The first filter passes signals in a first frequency band. The first filter is connected between the first selection terminal of the antenna switch and a first reception signal amplifier circuit. The second filter passes signals in a second frequency band. The second filter is connected between the second selection terminal of the antenna switch and a second reception signal amplifier circuit. The impedance load circuit is connected between the third selection terminal of the antenna switch and ground.

[0003] When communication is performed using both the first frequency band and the second frequency band (i.e., during CA (carrier aggregation)), the common terminal of the antenna switch is connected to the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal. That is, the common terminal of the antenna switch is connected to a communication path provided with a first filter and a communication path provided with a second filter. On the other hand, when communication is performed using only the first frequency band (i.e., during non-CA), the common terminal of the antenna switch is connected to the first selection terminal and the third selection terminal. That is, the common terminal of the antenna switch is connected to a communication path provided with a first filter and a path provided with an impedance load circuit. In this way, during non-CA, the path provided with an impedance load circuit is connected to the communication path, thereby ensuring that the impedance characteristics of the communication path during non-CA are equivalent to the impedance characteristics during CA. This makes it possible to reduce the transmission loss of the communication path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 073509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the first filter only passes signals in a first frequency band, and therefore it is not assumed that the pass band of the first filter includes a frequency band other than the first frequency band. Therefore, when a frequency band other than the first frequency band is included in the pass band of the first filter during non-CA, it is not assumed that the attenuation of unwanted waves in the first frequency band associated with signals in the other frequency band is improved.

[0006] Furthermore, since the switch module has a dedicated path for providing the impedance load circuit, it is difficult to reduce the size of the switch module.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a high-frequency module and a communication device that can improve the amount of attenuation of unwanted waves while also being compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A high-frequency module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a switch, a first communication path, a second communication path, a first filter, and a second filter. The switch has a common terminal, a first selection terminal, and a second selection terminal. The first communication path is connected to the first selection terminal. The second communication path is connected to the second selection terminal. The first filter is provided in the first communication path and has a pass band including a first communication band and a second communication band that are different from each other. The second filter is provided in the second communication path and has a pass band including a third communication band. The third communication band at least partially overlaps with the first communication band and does not overlap with the second communication band. The switch is configured to be able to switch between a first connection and a second connection. In the first connection, the common terminal and the first selection terminal are connected, and the common terminal and the second selection terminal are not connected. In the second connection, the common terminal and the first selection terminal are connected, and the common terminal and the second selection terminal are connected. The second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0009] A communication device according to an aspect of the present invention includes the radio frequency module and a signal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit being connected to the radio frequency module and processing a radio frequency signal. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The high-frequency module and communication device according to the present invention have the advantage that they can improve the amount of attenuation of unwanted waves while also achieving miniaturization. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a high-frequency module and a communication device according to a first embodiment, and is also an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the high-frequency module when receiving signals using a first communication band. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when receiving using a second communication band in the high-frequency module. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a graph comparing the amount of attenuation of spurious waves between the high-frequency module and a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a high-frequency module and a communication device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a high-frequency module and a communication device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a high-frequency module and a communication device according to a second embodiment, and is also an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the high-frequency module when transmitting using a first communication band. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when transmitting in the second communication band in the high-frequency module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The high-frequency module 1 and the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a switch 6, a first communication path L1, a second communication path L2, a first filter 7, and a second filter 8. The switch 6 has a common terminal 6a, a first selection terminal 6b, and a second selection terminal 6c. The first communication path L1 is connected to the first selection terminal 6b. The second communication path L2 is connected to the second selection terminal 6c. The first filter 7 is provided on the first communication path L1 and has a pass band including a first communication band and a second communication band that are different from each other. The second filter 8 is provided on the second communication path L2 and has a pass band including a third communication band. The third communication band partially overlaps with the first communication band and does not overlap with the second communication band. The switch 6 is configured to be able to switch between a first connection and a second connection. In the first connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to the first selection terminal 6b, and the common terminal 6a is not connected to the second selection terminal 6c. In the second connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to the first selection terminal 6b, and the common terminal 6a is connected to the second selection terminal 6c. The second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0014] According to this configuration, when the switch 6 selects the second connection, in the case of performing communication (for example, reception) using the second communication band, a part of the unnecessary waves of the first communication band accompanying the signal of the second communication band used in the communication can be dispersed from the common terminal 6a to the second filter 8 side (second communication path L2 side). More specifically, in the case of reception, the unnecessary waves included in the reception signal coming from the external terminal 5a to the common terminal 6a can be dispersed from the common terminal 6a to the first filter 7 side (first communication path L1 side) and the second filter 8 side (second communication path L2 side). As a result, when performing communication using the second communication band, the switch 6 selects the second connection, so that the above-mentioned unnecessary waves accompanying the signal of the second communication band used in the communication can be reduced. In other words, the attenuation amount of the unnecessary waves accompanying the signal used in the communication can be sufficiently secured. Note that the unnecessary waves (also called unnecessary radio waves) are unnecessary radio waves that are radiated to the outside of the device when the device exerts its original function and performance.

[0015] Furthermore, as described above, the communication path (i.e., the second communication path L2 provided with the second filter 8) used for communication in another communication band (third communication band) different from the first communication band and the second communication band is also used as a path for ensuring the attenuation of the undesired waves, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the high-frequency module 1. As a result, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in the attenuation of undesired waves and miniaturization.

[0016] (2) Configuration of communication device As shown in Fig. 1, the communication device 100 is a communication device including a high-frequency module 1. The communication device 100 is, for example, a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone), but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a wearable terminal (for example, a smart watch). The high-frequency module 1 is, for example, a module compatible with the 4G (fourth generation mobile communication) standard and the 5G (fifth generation mobile communication) standard. The 4G standard is, for example, the 3GPP (registered trademark, Third Generation Partnership Project) LTE standard (registered trademark, Long Term Evolution). The 5G standard is, for example, 5G NR (New Radio).

[0017] In addition to the high-frequency module 1, the communication device 100 also includes a signal processing circuit 2 and an antenna 3.

[0018] The high frequency module 1 is configured to amplify a reception signal (high frequency signal) received by the antenna 3 and output the amplified signal to the signal processing circuit 2. The high frequency module 1 may also be configured to amplify a transmission signal (high frequency signal) output from the signal processing circuit 2 and transmit the amplified signal from the antenna 3. The high frequency module 1 is controlled by the signal processing circuit 2, for example.

[0019] The signal processing circuit 2 is connected to the high-frequency module 1 and configured to process a received signal output from the high-frequency module 1. The signal processing circuit 2 may be configured to process a transmission signal to be output to the high-frequency module 1. The signal processing circuit 2 includes an RF (Radio Frequency) signal processing circuit 2a and a baseband signal processing circuit 2b.

[0020] The RF signal processing circuit 2a is, for example, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit), and performs signal processing on high frequency signals (transmission signals and reception signals). The RF signal processing circuit 2a performs signal processing such as down-conversion on the reception signal output from the high frequency module 1, and outputs the signal to the baseband signal processing circuit 2b. The RF signal processing circuit 2a may also perform signal processing such as up-conversion on the transmission signal output from the baseband signal processing circuit 2b, and output the signal to the high frequency module 1.

[0021] The baseband signal processing circuit 2b is, for example, a BBIC (Baseband Integrated Circuit). The baseband signal processing circuit 2b outputs the reception signal output from the RF signal processing circuit 2a to the outside. This output signal (reception signal) is used, for example, as an image signal for image display or as an audio signal for telephone calls. The baseband signal processing circuit 2b may also generate a transmission signal from a baseband signal (for example, an audio signal and an image signal) input from the outside, and output the generated transmission signal to the RF signal processing circuit 2a.

[0022] (3) High-frequency module configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the high-frequency module 1 includes a plurality of external terminals 5a to 5d, a switch 6, a first filter 7, a second filter 8, a first low-noise amplifier 10 (first amplifier), a second low-noise amplifier 11 (second amplifier), matching circuits 13 and 14 (first matching circuit), matching circuits 15 and 16 (second matching circuit), a controller 19, a first communication path L1, and a second communication path L2.

[0023] The external terminal 5a is an antenna terminal to which the antenna 3 is connected. The external terminals 5b and 5c are connected to an input section (not shown) of the signal processing circuit 2, and are output terminals for outputting a received signal processed by the high frequency module 1 to the input section of the signal processing circuit 2. The external terminal 5d is connected to a signal output section (not shown) of the signal processing circuit 2, and is a signal input terminal for inputting a control signal for controlling the controller 19 from the signal processing circuit 2.

[0024] The switch 6 selects at least one signal path from the first communication path L1 and the second communication path L2, and connects the selected communication path to the antenna 3. The switch 6 is operated by a control signal from the controller 19. The switch 6 is, for example, a switch IC (Integrated Circuit). The switch 6 has a common terminal 6a, a first selection terminal 6b, and a second selection terminal 6c. The common terminal 6a can be selectively connected to at least one of the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c. The common terminal 6a is connected to the external terminal 5a. The first selection terminal 6b is connected to the first communication path L1. The second selection terminal 6c is connected to the second communication path L2.

[0025] More specifically, the switch 6 is configured to be able to switch between a first connection and a second connection. The first connection is a connection between the common terminal 6a and the first selection terminal 6b, and the common terminal 6a is not connected to the second selection terminal 6c. That is, in the first connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to the first selection terminal 6b, and is not connected to the second selection terminal 6c. The second connection is a connection between the common terminal 6a and the first selection terminal 6b, and a connection between the common terminal 6a and the second selection terminal 6c. That is, in the second connection, the common terminal 6a is simultaneously connected to both the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c.

[0026] The first communication path L1 is a communication path that connects the first selection terminal 6b and the external terminal 5b. In the first communication path L1, an output signal of the first selection terminal 6b is transmitted to the external terminal 5b. The second communication path L2 is a communication path that connects the second selection terminal 6c and the external terminal 5c. In the second communication path L2, an output signal of the second selection terminal 6c is transmitted to the external terminal 5c.

[0027] The first filter 7 is a receiving filter having a passband including the first communication band and the second communication band. The first communication band is, for example, Band 41. Band 41 is a communication band with a bandwidth of 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz. The second communication band is a communication band different from the first communication band, for example, Band 53. Band 53 is a communication band with a bandwidth of 2483.5 MHz to 2495 MHz. The second communication band may be adjacent to one of the blocking regions of the first communication band. The second communication band may be larger or smaller than the first communication band. The second communication band may overlap with the first communication band. Here, "the second communication band overlaps with the first communication band" means that a part of the second communication band overlaps with at least a part of the first communication band, or at least a part of the second communication band overlaps with a part of the first communication band.

[0028] The first filter 7 is provided on the first communication path L1. That is, the first filter 7 is connected between the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6 and the external terminal 5b.

[0029] The first filter 7 has an input section 7a and an output section 7b. The input section 7a is connected to a first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 13. The output section 7b is connected to an input section 10a of a first low-noise amplifier 10 via a matching circuit 14. The first filter 7 passes an input signal input to the input section 7a by restricting it to a signal in the reception band of the first communication band or the reception band of the second communication band, and outputs the passed reception signal from the output section 7b.

[0030] The second filter 8 is a receiving filter having a pass band including the third communication band. At least a part of the third communication band overlaps with the first communication band, and the third communication band does not overlap with the second communication band. The third communication band is, for example, Band7Rx (the receiving band of Band7). Band7Rx is a communication band with a bandwidth of 2620 MHz to 2690 MHz. The second filter 8 is provided on the second communication path L2. That is, the second filter 8 is connected between the second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 and the external terminal 5c.

[0031] The second filter 8 has an input section 8a and an output section 8b. The input section 8a is connected to a second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 15. The output section 8b is connected to an input section 11a of a second low-noise amplifier 11 via a matching circuit 16. The second filter 8 passes an input signal input to the input section 7a by restricting it to a signal in the reception band of the third communication band, and outputs the passed reception signal from the output section 8b.

[0032] The first low-noise amplifier 10 is connected between the output section 7b of the first filter 7 and the external terminal 5b in the first communication path L1. The first low-noise amplifier 10 has an input section 10a and an output section 10b. The input section 10a is connected to the output section 7b of the first filter 7 via a matching circuit 14. The output section 10b is connected to the external terminal 5b. The first low-noise amplifier 10 amplifies the received signal input to the input section 10a, and outputs the amplified received signal from the output section 10b to the external terminal 5b.

[0033] The second low-noise amplifier 11 is connected between the output portion 8b of the second filter 8 and the external terminal 5c in the second communication path L2. The second low-noise amplifier 11 has an input portion 11a and an output portion 11b. The input portion 11a is connected to the output portion 8b of the second filter 8 via a matching circuit 16. The output portion 11b is connected to the external terminal 5c. The second low-noise amplifier 11 amplifies the received signal input to the input portion 11a, and outputs the amplified received signal from the output portion 11b to the external terminal 5c.

[0034] The matching circuit 13 is provided in the first communication path L1 between the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6 and the first filter 7. The matching circuit 13 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the switch 6 and the first filter 7. The matching circuit 13 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the first communication path L1, or an inductor connected between the first communication path L1 and ground.

[0035] The matching circuit 14 is provided in the first communication path L1 between the first filter 7 and the first low-noise amplifier 10. The matching circuit 14 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the first filter 7 and the first low-noise amplifier 10. The matching circuit 14 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the first communication path L1, or an inductor connected between the first communication path L1 and ground.

[0036] The matching circuit 15 is provided in the second communication path L2 between the second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 and the second filter 8. The matching circuit 15 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the switch 6 and the second filter 8. The matching circuit 15 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the second communication path L2, or an inductor connected between the second communication path L2 and ground.

[0037] The matching circuit 16 is provided in the second communication path L2 between the second filter 8 and the second low-noise amplifier 11. The matching circuit 16 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the second filter 8 and the second low-noise amplifier 11. The matching circuit 16 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the second communication path L2, or an inductor connected between the second communication path L2 and ground.

[0038] The controller 19 controls electronic components (such as the switch 6, the first low-noise amplifier 10, and the second low-noise amplifier 11) included in the high-frequency module 1 in accordance with a control signal from the signal processing circuit 2. The controller 19 is electrically connected to the above electronic components. The controller 19 is also connected to a signal output unit of the signal processing circuit 2 via the external terminal 5d. The controller 19 controls each of the above electronic components in accordance with a control signal input from the signal output unit of the signal processing circuit 2 to the external terminal 5d.

[0039] (4) Operation The operation of the high-frequency module 1 will be described. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication. It is also assumed that the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0040] (4-1) Operation when communicating (i.e., receiving) using the first communication band 1, a case where reception is performed using the first communication band will be considered. In this case, as described above, the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication, so the signal used in communication (received signal) does not include a signal in the second communication band.

[0041] In this case (when reception is performed using the first communication band), the switch 6 is switched to the first connection. In the first connection, the common terminal 6a is connected only to the first selection terminal 6b among the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c. As a result, the reception signal S1 received by the antenna 3 flows from the common terminal 6a to the first selection terminal 6b, and does not flow to the second selection terminal 6c. Then, the reception signal S1 flows from the first selection terminal 6b through the first communication path L1 to the external terminal 5b. Therefore, the reception signal S1 passes through the matching circuit 13, the first filter 7, the matching circuit 14, and the first low-noise amplifier 10 in this order. At that time, the reception signal S1 is limited to signals of the first communication band and the second communication band by the first filter 7. More specifically, in this case (when communication is performed using the first communication band), the reception signal S1 is limited to signals of the first communication band because signals used in communication do not include signals of the second communication band. The received signal S1 is then amplified by the first low-noise amplifier 10. The received signal S1 is then output to the signal processing circuit 2 from the external terminal 5b.

[0042] In this operational description, it is assumed that the bandwidth of the second communication band is sufficiently smaller than the bandwidth of the first communication band. Under this assumption, spurious waves of the second communication band accompanying the signal of the first communication band used in communication are negligibly small.

[0043] In this way, when reception is performed using the first communication band, the reception signal S1 that has been restricted to a signal in the first communication band by the first filter 7 flows through the first communication path L1.

[0044] (4-2) Operation when communicating (e.g., receiving) using the second communication band With reference to Fig. 2, a case where reception is performed using the second communication band will be considered. In this case, the switch 6 is switched to the second connection. In the second connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to both the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c. This allows the reception signal S1 received by the antenna 3 to flow from the common terminal 6a via the first selection terminal 6b to the first communication path L1, and at the same time, to flow from the common terminal 6a via the second selection terminal 6c to the second communication path L2.

[0045] Meanwhile, the third communication hand at least partially overlaps with the first communication hand, but does not overlap with the second communication band. Therefore, the signal S2 of the second communication band included in the received signal S1 can pass through the first filter 7 having a pass band including the second communication band, but cannot pass through the second filter 8 having a pass band not including the second communication band. Therefore, the signal S2 of the second communication band included in the received signal S1 does not flow to the second filter 8 side (i.e., the second communication path L2), but flows to the first filter 7 side (i.e., the first communication path L1). Then, in the first communication path L1, the received signal S1 is limited by the first filter 7 to signals of the first communication band and signals of the second communication band, and is amplified by the first low-noise amplifier 10.

[0046] However, the first and second communication bands are not configured to be capable of simultaneous communication. Therefore, in this case (when communication is performed using the second communication band), the received signal S1 does not include a signal of the first communication band as a signal used in communication, but may include an unnecessary wave S3 of the first communication band. The unnecessary wave S3 of the first communication band included in the received signal S1 can pass through both the first filter 7 having a pass band including the first communication band and the second filter 8 having a pass band including a third communication band that at least partially overlaps with the first communication band. Therefore, the unnecessary wave S3 of the first communication band included in the received signal S1 flows in a distributed manner on the first filter 7 side (i.e., the first communication path L1) and the second filter 8 side (i.e., the second communication path L2). That is, a part of the unnecessary wave S3 of the first communication band included in the received signal S1 is distributed to the second communication path L2, and the unnecessary wave S3 of the first communication band included in the received signal S1 flowing through the first communication path L1 is reduced accordingly.

[0047] In this way, when communication (i.e., reception) is performed using the second communication band, the signal S2 of the second communication band included in the received signal S1 flows only through the first communication path L1 of the first communication path L1 and the second communication path L2. On the other hand, the unnecessary waves S3 of the first communication band included in the received signal S1 flow in a distributed manner through both the first communication path L1 and the second communication path L2. This makes it possible to reduce the unnecessary waves S3 of the first communication band that flow along with the signal S2 of the second communication band in the first communication path L1. That is, it is possible to sufficiently secure the attenuation amount of the unnecessary waves S3 of the first communication band that are associated with the signal S2 of the second communication band used in communication. In this way, since the unnecessary waves associated with the signal S2 of the second communication band can be reduced, it is possible to expand the passband of the first filter 7 to include the second communication band.

[0048] (5) Regarding interference in the OOB blocking range 3 of the second communication band In the high-frequency module 1, it is possible to reduce interference waves in OOB (Out Of Band) blocking Range 3 of the second communication band (Band 53) as the above-mentioned unnecessary waves. When communication is performed using the 3GPP communication standard, for example, when communication is performed using the second communication band (Band 53), it is necessary to reduce interference waves in OOB blocking Range 3 of the second communication band (Band 53) to a certain level.

[0049] Incidentally, interference waves (also called jamming waves) are weak radio waves emitted from electronic devices that disrupt and impair the operation of other electronic devices. Jamming waves are essentially the same type of radio waves as the above-mentioned unwanted waves.

[0050] Here, the OOB blocking Range3 of a certain communication band (for example, the second communication band) refers to a frequency range obtained by adding a predetermined band (+85 MHz to +12.75 GMHz) to the upper limit frequency of the certain communication band, and a frequency range obtained by adding a predetermined band (-12.75 GMHz to -85 MHz) to the lower limit frequency of the certain communication band. That is, there are two Range3s, one on the upper limit frequency side and the other on the lower limit frequency side of the certain communication band. In the first embodiment, as described later, when the first communication band (Band41) and the second communication band (Band53) are co-banded, a part of the Range3 of the second communication band (more specifically, the Range3 on the upper limit frequency side of the second communication band) is included in the first communication band, so that it is necessary to consider reducing the interference wave included in the Range3 of the second communication band. The above "co-banding" means processing signals of a plurality of communication bands on the same communication path.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the pass band of the first filter 7 is expanded on the low frequency side of the first communication band (Band 41) to include the second communication band (Band 53). A part of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band is included in the first communication band (Band 41). Therefore, the pass band of the first filter 7 includes not only the second communication band but also a part of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band. Therefore, when the first filter 7 passes a signal of the second communication band, it also passes an interference wave of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band.

[0052] In contrast, in the first embodiment, when communication (i.e., reception) is performed using the second communication band, the switch 6 is connected to the second connection as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the common terminal 6a of the switch 6 is connected to the first communication path L1 (i.e., the communication path on which the first filter 7 is provided) via the first selection terminal 6b, and is also connected to the second communication path L2 (i.e., the communication path on which the second filter 8 is provided) via the second selection terminal 6c. The second filter 8 has a pass band that includes the third communication band (Band7Rx). The third communication band is a communication band that at least partially overlaps with the first communication band (Band41) but does not overlap with the second communication band (Band53).

[0053] Therefore, when communication is performed using the second communication band, the interference waves of the above Range 3 of the second communication band are distributed and flow in both the first communication path L1 and the second communication path L2, similar to the above unwanted waves. As a result, when the signal S2 of the second communication band included in the received signal S1 flows in the first communication path L1, the interference waves of the above Range 3 of the second communication band flowing in the first communication path L1 can be reduced. In other words, the attenuation amount of the interference waves of the above Range 3 associated with the second communication band used in communication can be sufficiently secured. In this way, since the interference waves of the above Range 3 of the second communication band (Band 53) can be reduced, it becomes possible to expand the pass band of the first filter 7 to include the second communication band.

[0054] (6) Supplementary explanation of embodiment 1 The explanation of the first embodiment will be supplemented. In the first embodiment, the second communication band (Band53) is shared with the first communication band (Band41) in the first filter 7. In the first embodiment, the passband of the first filter 7 to be shared includes, as the first communication band, a communication band (Band41) having a passband bandwidth of 85 MHz or more (Supplementary Note 1). In addition, the first communication band (Band41) includes a third communication band (Band7Rx) included in the passband of the second filter 8, which is a filter different from the first filter 7 (Supplementary Note 2). In addition, the third communication band (Band7Rx) includes the band of Range3 (e.g., a band of 2581 MHz or more) of the second communication band to be shared with the first communication band (Supplementary Note 3).

[0055] According to supplementary notes 1 to 3, the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band can be included in the passbands of both the first filter 7 and the second filter 8. As a result, when communication is performed using the second communication band, by connecting the switch 6 to the second connection, the interference wave of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band can be distributed and transmitted to the first communication path L1 and the second communication path L2.

[0056] (7) Comparative Example Fig. 3 is a graph comparing the frequency characteristics of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1 when communication is performed using the second communication band in the case of the first embodiment (graph G1) and the comparative example (graph G2). The horizontal axis of Fig. 3 is the frequency [GHz] of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1, and the vertical axis of Fig. 3 is the attenuation [dB] of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1.

[0057] The high-frequency module according to the comparative example is configured similarly to the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment, except that when communication is performed using the second communication band, the switch 6 is connected to the first connection. In the comparative example, when communication is performed using the second communication band, the switch 6 is connected to the first connection, and the common terminal 6a of the switch 6 is connected only to the first selection terminal 6b. As a result, in the comparative example, in the first communication path L1, both the signal of the second communication band and the interference wave of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band pass without attenuation. Therefore, as shown in the graph G2 of FIG. 3, in the comparative example, the frequency characteristic of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1 has a high signal strength (i.e., a small amount of attenuation) over a range including both the frequency range H1 of the second communication band and the frequency range H2 of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band.

[0058] In the first embodiment, as described above, when communication is performed using the second communication band, the switch 6 is connected to the second connection. As a result, as described above, in the first communication path L1, the signal of the second communication band passes without attenuation, and the interference wave of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band passes with attenuation. For this reason, as shown in the graph G1 of Fig. 3, in the first embodiment, the frequency characteristics of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1 are such that, in the frequency range H1 of the second communication band, the signal strength is not attenuated (i.e., the amount of attenuation is small) as in the comparative example, and in the frequency range H2 of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band, the signal strength is significantly attenuated (i.e., the amount of attenuation is large) compared to the comparative example.

[0059] From graphs G1 and G2 in FIG. 3, it can be seen that in embodiment 1, compared to the comparative example, the frequency characteristics of the signal flowing through the first communication path L1 are almost unchanged in the frequency range H1 of the second communication band, and are sufficiently attenuated in the frequency range H2 of the above-mentioned Range 3 of the second communication band.

[0060] (8) Miniaturization of high-frequency modules The second communication path L2 is a communication path used to transmit a signal received by the antenna 3 from the second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 to the external terminal 5c when communication (e.g., reception) is performed using the third communication band. As described above, when the unwanted waves S3 are dispersed to a path (second communication path L2) other than the first communication path L1, the unwanted waves S3 are dispersed using the second communication path L2, which is a communication path used for communication in the third communication band different from the first communication band and the second communication band. That is, the second communication path L2 is used not only as a communication path for transmitting a signal used in communication, but also as a dispersion path for dispersing the unwanted waves S3. Therefore, in the high-frequency module 1, the dispersion path is shared by the communication path (second communication path L2), and the high-frequency module 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0061] (9) Effects As described above, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment includes the switch 6, the first communication path L1, the second communication path L2, the first filter 7, and the second filter 8. The switch 6 has a common terminal 6a, a first selection terminal 6b, and a second selection terminal 6c. The first communication path L1 is connected to the first selection terminal 6b. The second communication path L2 is connected to the second selection terminal 6c. The first filter 7 is provided in the first communication path L1 and has a pass band including a first communication band and a second communication band that are different from each other. The second filter 8 is provided in the second communication path L2 and has a pass band including a third communication band. The third communication band at least partially overlaps with the first communication band and does not overlap with the second communication band. The switch 6 is configured to be able to switch between a first connection and a second connection. In the first connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to the first selection terminal 6b, and the common terminal 6a is not connected to the second selection terminal 6c. In the second connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to the first selection terminal 6b, and the common terminal 6a is connected to the second selection terminal 6c. The second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0062] According to this configuration, when the switch 6 selects the second connection, in the case where communication (e.g., reception) is performed using the second communication band, a part of the undesired waves S3 of the first communication band associated with the signal S2 of the second communication band being used in the communication can be dispersed from the common terminal 6a to the second filter 8 side (the second communication path L2 side). As a result, when communication is performed using the second communication band, the undesired waves S3 associated with the signal S2 of the second communication band being used in the communication can be reduced by the switch 6 selecting the second connection. In other words, the attenuation of the undesired waves S3 associated with the signal being used in the communication can be sufficiently ensured.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the communication path used for communication in a third communication band different from the first and second communication bands (i.e., the second communication path L2 provided with the second filter 8) is also used as a path for ensuring the attenuation of the unwanted waves S3, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the high-frequency module 1. As described above, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in the attenuation of the unwanted waves S3 and miniaturization of the high-frequency module 1.

[0064] As described above, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment is not configured to enable simultaneous communication in the second communication band and the third communication band.

[0065] According to this configuration, when communication is performed using the second communication band, a part of the undesired waves S3 of the first communication band accompanying the signal S2 of the second communication band being used in the communication can be dispersed to the second filter 8 side that is not used in the communication. This makes it possible to reduce the undesired waves S3 dispersed to the second filter 8 side from adversely affecting the communication using the second communication band.

[0066] Moreover, in the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0067] According to this configuration, it is possible to share a filter (first filter 7) having a pass band including the first communication band and a filter (first filter 7) having a pass band including the second communication band, thereby realizing miniaturization of the high-frequency module 1. Furthermore, when communication is performed using the second communication band, even if a part of the signal of the first communication band accompanying the signal S2 of the second communication band used in the communication is dispersed to the second filter 8 side as an unwanted wave S3, it is possible to reduce adverse effects on the communication using the first communication band.

[0068] Moreover, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a first low-noise amplifier 10 (first amplifier). The first low-noise amplifier 10 is provided on the first communication path L1 on the opposite side of the first filter 7 to the switch 6. That is, a received signal passes through the switch 6, the first filter 7, and the first low-noise amplifier 10 in this order.

[0069] According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the first low-noise amplifier 10 is provided in the first communication path L1, it is possible to achieve the effects of improving the amount of attenuation of the undesired waves S3 and reducing the size.

[0070] Moreover, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a second low-noise amplifier 11 (second amplifier). The second low-noise amplifier 11 is provided on the second communication path L2 on the opposite side of the second filter 8 to the switch 6. That is, the received signal passes through the switch 6, the second filter 8, and the second low-noise amplifier 11 in this order.

[0071] According to this configuration, in the configuration in which the second low-noise amplifier 11 is provided in the second communication path L2, it is possible to achieve the effects of improving the amount of attenuation of the undesired waves S3 and reducing the size.

[0072] Moreover, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment further includes matching circuits 13, 14 (first matching circuits). The matching circuits 13, 14 are provided in the first communication path L1, at least one of between the switch 6 and the first filter 7 and between the first filter 7 and the first low-noise amplifier 10 (first amplifier) ​​(both in the first embodiment). In the first embodiment, both the matching circuits 13, 14 are provided, but it is sufficient that at least one of the matching circuits 13, 14 is provided.

[0073] According to this configuration, the impedance characteristics of the first communication path L1 can be adjusted by the matching circuits 13 and 14. As a result, when the switch 6 selects the second connection, it is possible to adjust the proportion of the undesired waves S3 in the first communication band that are dispersed toward the second filter 8.

[0074] Moreover, the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment further includes matching circuits 15 and 16 (second matching circuits). The matching circuits 15 and 16 are provided in the second communication path L2, at least one of between the switch 6 and the second filter 8 and between the second filter 8 and the second low-noise amplifier 11 (second amplifier) ​​(both in the first embodiment). In the first embodiment, both of the matching circuits 15 and 15 are provided, but it is sufficient that at least one of the matching circuits 15 and 16 is provided.

[0075] According to this configuration, the impedance characteristics of the second communication path L2 can be adjusted by the matching circuits 15 and 16. As a result, when the switch 6 selects the second connection, it is possible to adjust the proportion of the undesired waves S3 in the first communication band that are dispersed toward the second filter 8.

[0076] In the high-frequency module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first communication band is Band 41. The second communication band is Band 53. The third communication band is the reception band of Band 7.

[0077] According to this configuration, when the first communication band is Band 41, the second communication band is Band 53, and the third communication band is the reception band of Band 7, it is possible to improve the attenuation of the above-mentioned unwanted waves S3 and reduce the size of the device. In particular, since the third communication band is the reception band of Band 7, it is possible to improve the attenuation of interference waves in OOB blocking range 3 as the unwanted waves S3.

[0078] Moreover, the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a high-frequency module 1 and a signal processing circuit 2. The signal processing circuit 2 is connected to the high-frequency module 1, and processes a high-frequency signal.

[0079] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a communication device 100 that exhibits the above-mentioned effects of the high-frequency module 1.

[0080] (10) Variations Modifications of the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. Also, the following modifications may be implemented in combination.

[0081] (10-1) Variation 1 In the first embodiment, the high-frequency module 1 includes two filters (a first filter 7 and a second filter 8). In contrast, as shown in Fig. 4, in the first modification, the high-frequency module 1 includes three or more filters (for example, three filters) (first to third filters 7 to 9).

[0082] 4, Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the switch 6 further includes a third selection terminal 6d. Modification 1 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the high-frequency module 1 further includes a third communication path L3, a third filter 9, a third low-noise amplifier 12, matching circuits 17 and 18, and an external terminal 5e. Except for these points, Modification 1 is configured similarly to Embodiment 1.

[0083] The external terminal 5e is connected to an input section (not shown) of the signal processing circuit 2, and is an output terminal that outputs the received signal processed by the high-frequency module 1 to the input section of the signal processing circuit 2.

[0084] The third selection terminal 6d of the switch 6 is connected to the third communication path L3. The common terminal 6a of the switch 6 is selectively connectable to at least one of the first to third selection terminals 6b to 6d of the switch 6. More specifically, the switch 6 is further configured to be switchable to a third connection in addition to the first and second connections. The third connection is a connection between the common terminal 6a and the third selection terminal 6d. In the first embodiment, in the third connection, as an example, the common terminal 6a is not connected to the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c.

[0085] The third communication path L3 is a communication path that connects the third selection terminal 6d and the external terminal 5e.

[0086] The third filter 9 is, for example, a receiving filter having a passband including the fourth communication band. The fourth communication band is, for example, Band 40. Band 40 is a communication band with a bandwidth of 2300 MHz to 2400 MHz. The third filter 9 is provided on the third communication path L3. That is, the third filter 9 is connected between the third selection terminal 6d of the switch 6 and the external terminal 5e.

[0087] The third filter 9 has an input section 9a and an output section 9b. The input section 9a is connected to a third selection terminal 6d of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 17. The output section 9b is connected to an input section 12a of the third low-noise amplifier 12 via a matching circuit 18. The third filter 9 passes an input signal input to the input section 9a by restricting it to a signal in the reception band of the fourth communication band, and outputs the passed reception signal from the output section 12b.

[0088] The third low-noise amplifier 12 is connected between the output portion 9b of the third filter 9 and the external terminal 5e in the third communication path L3. The third low-noise amplifier 12 has an input portion 12a and an output portion 12b. The input portion 12a is connected to the output portion 9b of the third filter 9 via a matching circuit 18. The output portion 12b is connected to the external terminal 5e. The third low-noise amplifier 12 amplifies the received signal input to the input portion 12a, and outputs the amplified received signal from the output portion 12b.

[0089] The matching circuit 17 is provided in the third communication path L3 between the third selection terminal 6d of the switch 6 and the third filter 9. The matching circuit 17 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the switch 6 and the third filter 9. The matching circuit 17 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the third communication path L3, or an inductor connected between the third communication path L3 and ground.

[0090] The matching circuit 18 is provided in the third communication path L3 between the third filter 9 and the third low-noise amplifier 12. The matching circuit 18 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the third filter 9 and the second low-noise amplifier 11. The matching circuit 18 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the third communication path L3, or an inductor connected between the third communication path L3 and ground.

[0091] According to variant 1, since it has three or more (for example, three) filters (first to third filters 7 to 9), when it has three or more (i.e., a large number) communication bands, it is possible to achieve both improved attenuation of unwanted waves and compactness, as in embodiment 1.

[0092] (10-2) Variation 2 5, Modification 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the second filter 20 is an FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) filter. Modification 2 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that the high-frequency module 1 further includes a power amplifier 22, a matching circuit 21, an external terminal 5f, a fourth communication path L4, and a fifth communication path L5. Except for these points, Modification 2 is configured similarly to Embodiment 1.

[0093] The external terminal 5f is connected to an output section (not shown) of the signal processing circuit 2, and is an input terminal for inputting the transmission signal output from the output section of the signal processing circuit 2 to the high-frequency module 1.

[0094] The second communication path L2 of the second modification connects a second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 and an input / output unit 20a (to be described later) of the second filter 20. The fourth communication path L4 connects an output unit 20b (to be described later) of the second filter 20 and an external terminal 5c. The fifth communication path L5 connects an input unit 20c (to be described later) of the second filter 20 and an external terminal 5f.

[0095] The second filter 20 is an FDD filter having a third communication band which is a reception band for FDD and a fifth communication band which is a transmission band for FDD. More specifically, the second filter 20 is a transmission / reception filter having a reception filter 20A having a reception band including the third communication band and a transmission filter 20B having a transmission band including the fifth communication band. The third communication band is a reception communication band (e.g., Band 7RX) similar to the third communication band of the first embodiment. The fifth communication band is a communication band different from the third communication band (i.e., a communication band that does not overlap with the third communication band) and is a transmission communication band (e.g., Band 7Tx).

[0096] The second filter 20 has an input / output unit 20a, an output unit 20b, and an input unit 20c. The input / output unit 20a is connected to a second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 15. The output unit 20b is connected to an external terminal 5c via a fourth communication path L4. The input unit 20c is connected to an external terminal 5f via a fifth communication path L5.

[0097] The receiving filter 20A restricts an input signal (receiving signal or unwanted wave) input to the input / output unit 20a to a signal in the receiving band of the third communication band, and outputs the passed input signal from the output unit 20b. The transmitting filter 20B restricts an input signal (transmitting signal) input to the input unit 20c to a signal in the transmitting band of the fifth communication band, and outputs the passed input signal from the input / output unit 20a.

[0098] The fourth communication path L4 is provided with a second low-noise amplifier 11 and a matching circuit 16. The second low-noise amplifier 11 and the matching circuit 16 are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The input section 11a of the second low-noise amplifier 11 is connected to the output section 20b of the second filter 20 via the matching circuit 16. The output section 11b of the second low-noise amplifier 11 is connected to the external terminal 5c. The matching circuit 16 is provided between the second low-noise amplifier 11 and the receiving filter 20A in the fourth communication path L4, and performs impedance matching between the second low-noise amplifier 11 and the receiving filter 20A.

[0099] The fifth communication path L5 is provided with a power amplifier 22 and a matching circuit 21.

[0100] The power amplifier 22 has an input section 22a and an output section 22b. The input section 22a is connected to the external terminal 5f. The output section 22b is connected to the input section 20c of the second filter 20 via a matching circuit 21. The power amplifier 22 amplifies the transmission signal input to the input section 22a, and outputs the amplified transmission signal from the output section 22b.

[0101] The matching circuit 21 is provided in the fifth communication path L5 between the transmission filter 20B and the power amplifier 22. The matching circuit 21 is a circuit for achieving impedance matching between the transmission filter 20B and the power amplifier 22. The matching circuit 21 includes, for example, an inductor connected in series to the fifth communication path L5, or an inductor connected between the fifth communication path L5 and ground.

[0102] According to the second modification, when the second filter 20 is an FDD filter, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the amount of attenuation of unwanted waves and reduce the size of the filter.

[0103] (Embodiment 2) A high-frequency module 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0104] (1) Composition In the second embodiment, a case in which the first filter 30 and the second filter 31 are transmission filters will be illustrated.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6, the high-frequency module 1 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the high-frequency module 1 of the first embodiment, except that the first filter 30 and the second filter 31 are transmit filters, and the first amplifier and the second amplifier are a first power amplifier 32 and a second power amplifier 33, respectively.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the external terminals 5b and 5c are connected to an output section (not shown) of the signal processing circuit 2, and are input terminals for inputting the transmission signal output from the output section of the signal processing circuit 2 to the high-frequency module 1.

[0107] The first filter 30 is a transmission filter having a pass band including the first communication band and the second communication band. The first communication band is, for example, Band12Tx (transmission band of Band12). Band12Tx is a communication band with a bandwidth of 699 MHz to 716 MHz. The second communication band is a communication band different from the first communication band, for example, Band71Tx (transmission band of Band71). Band71Tx is a communication band with a bandwidth of 663 MHz to 698 MHz. The second communication band may be larger or smaller than the first communication band. In addition, the second communication band may overlap with the first communication band. The first filter 30 is provided in the first communication path L1. That is, the first filter 30 is connected between the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6 and the external terminal 5b.

[0108] The first filter 30 includes an input section 30a and an output section 30b. The input section 30a is connected to a first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 13. The output section 30b is connected to an output section 32b of a first power amplifier 32 via a matching circuit 14. The first filter 30 passes an input signal (transmission signal) input to the input section 30a by restricting it to a signal in the transmission band of the first communication band or a signal in the transmission band of the second communication band, and outputs the passed transmission signal from the output section 30b.

[0109] The second filter 31 is a transmission filter having a pass band including the third communication band. A part of the third communication band overlaps with the first communication band, and the third communication band does not overlap with the second communication band. The third communication band is, for example, Band28A Tx (transmission band of Band28A) or Band28B Tx (transmission band of Band28B). Band28A Tx is a communication band with a bandwidth of 703 MHz to 733 MHz. Band28B Tx is a communication band with a bandwidth of 718 MHz to 748 MHz. The second filter 31 is provided in the second communication path L2. That is, the second filter 31 is connected between the second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 and the external terminal 5c.

[0110] The second filter 31 has an input section 31a and an output section 31b. The input section 31a is connected to a second selection terminal 6c of the switch 6 via a matching circuit 15. The output section 31b is connected to an external terminal 5b via a matching circuit 16. The second filter 31 restricts an input signal (transmission signal) input to the input section 31a to a signal in the reception band of the third communication band, passes the input signal, and outputs the passed reception signal from the output section 31b.

[0111] The first power amplifier 32 is connected between the first filter 30 and the external terminal 5b in the first communication path L1. The first power amplifier 32 has an input section 32a and an output section 32b. The input section 32a is connected to the external terminal 5b. The output section 32b is connected to the input section 30a of the first filter 30 via the matching circuit 14. The first power amplifier 32 amplifies the transmission signal input to the input section 32a, and outputs the amplified transmission signal from the output section 32b.

[0112] The second power amplifier 33 is connected between the second filter 31 and the external terminal 5c in the second communication path L2. The second power amplifier 33 has an input section 33a and an output section 33b. The input section 33a is connected to the external terminal 5c. The output section 33b is connected to the input section 31a of the second filter 31 via the matching circuit 16. The second power amplifier 33 amplifies the transmission signal input to the input section 33a, and outputs the amplified transmission signal from the output section 33b.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the matching circuit 13 is connected between the switch 6 and the first filter 30, and provides impedance matching between the switch 6 and the first filter 30. The matching circuit 14 is connected between the first power amplifier 32 and the first filter 30, and provides impedance matching between the first power amplifier 32 and the first filter 30. The matching circuit 15 is connected between the switch 6 and the second filter 31, and provides impedance matching between the switch 6 and the second filter 31. The matching circuit 16 is connected between the second power amplifier 33 and the second filter 31, and provides impedance matching between the second power amplifier 33 and the second filter 31.

[0114] (2) Operation The operation of the high-frequency module 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication. It is also assumed that the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0115] (2-1) Operation when communicating (i.e., transmitting) using the first communication band 6, a case where communication (e.g., transmission) is performed using the first communication band will be considered. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication, and therefore the signal used in the communication (transmission signal) does not include a signal in the second communication band.

[0116] In this case (when transmission is performed using the first communication band), the switch 6 is switched to the first connection. In the first connection, the common terminal 6a is connected only to the first selection terminal 6b among the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c. As a result, the transmission signal S5 input from the signal processing circuit 2 to the external terminal 5b flows from the external terminal 5b through the first communication path L1 to reach the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6. At this time, the transmission signal S5 passes through the first power amplifier 32, the matching circuit 14, the first filter 30, and the matching circuit 13 in this order. At this time, the transmission signal S5 is amplified by the first power amplifier 32, and the transmission signal S5 is limited to signals of the first communication band and the second communication band by the first filter 30. More specifically, in this case (when transmission is performed using the first communication band), the transmission signal S5 is limited to signals of the first communication band because signals used in communication do not include signals of the second communication band. Then, the transmission signal S5 is transmitted from the antenna 3 to the outside via the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6, the common terminal 6a, and the external terminal 5a.

[0117] In this operational description, it is assumed that the bandwidth of the second communication band is sufficiently smaller than the bandwidth of the first communication band. Under this assumption, spurious waves of the second communication band accompanying the signal of the first communication band used in communication are negligibly small.

[0118] In this way, when transmission is performed using the first communication band, a transmission signal S5 that has been restricted to a signal in the first communication band by the first filter 30 flows through the first communication path L1.

[0119] (2-2) Operation when transmitting using the second communication band With reference to FIG. 7, a case where transmission is performed using the second communication band will be considered. In this case, the switch 6 is switched to the second connection. In the second connection, the common terminal 6a is connected to both the first selection terminal 6b and the second selection terminal 6c. As a result, the transmission signal S6 from the signal processing circuit 2 flows from the external terminal 5b through the first communication path L1 and reaches the common terminal 6a from the first selection terminal 6b of the switch 6. At this time, the transmission signal S6 passes through the first power amplifier 32, the matching circuit 14, the first filter 30, and the matching circuit 13 in this order. At this time, the transmission signal S6 is amplified by the first power amplifier 32, and is limited to signals of the first communication band and the second communication band by the first filter 30. Then, the transmission signal S6 can flow from the common terminal 6a to the external terminal 5a side (the antenna 3 side) and can also flow from the common terminal 6a to the second selection terminal 6c side (the second filter 31 side).

[0120] Meanwhile, the third communication hand at least partially overlaps with the first communication hand, but does not overlap with the second communication band. Therefore, the signal S7 of the second communication band included in the transmission signal S6 can pass through the first filter 30 having a pass band including the second communication band, but cannot pass through the second filter 31 having a pass band not including the second communication band. Therefore, the signal S7 of the second communication band included in the transmission signal S6 does not flow from the common terminal 6a of the switch 6 to the second selection terminal 6c side (i.e., the second filter 31 side), but flows from the common terminal 6a to the external terminal 5a side (i.e., the antenna 3 side).

[0121] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to be capable of simultaneous communication. Therefore, in this case (when transmission is performed using the second communication band), the transmission signal S6 does not include a signal of the first communication band as a signal used in communication, but may include an unnecessary wave S8 of the first communication band. The unnecessary wave S8 of the first communication band included in the transmission signal S6 can pass through the second filter 31 having a pass band including a third communication band that at least partially overlaps with the first communication band. Therefore, the unnecessary wave S8 of the first communication band included in the transmission signal S6 flows in a distributed manner from the common terminal 6a of the switch 6 to both the external terminal 5a side (antenna 3 side) and the second selection terminal 6c side (second filter 31 side). That is, since a portion of the undesired waves S8 of the first communication band contained in the transmission signal S6 is dispersed toward the second selection terminal 6c (the second filter 31), the undesired waves S8 of the first communication band contained in the transmission signal S6 flowing toward the external terminal 5a (the antenna 3) is reduced accordingly.

[0122] In this way, when communication (i.e., transmission) is performed using the second communication band, the signal S7 of the second communication band included in the transmission signal S6 flows only to the external terminal 5a side among the external terminal 5a side and the second selection terminal 6c side from the common terminal 6a of the switch 6. On the other hand, the unnecessary waves S8 of the first communication band included in the transmission signal S6 flow in a distributed manner from the common terminal 6a of the switch 6 to both the external terminal 5a side and the second selection terminal 6c side. This makes it possible to reduce the unnecessary waves S8 of the first communication band flowing along with the signal S7 of the second communication band at the external terminal 5a. That is, it is possible to sufficiently secure the attenuation amount of the unnecessary waves S8 of the first communication band associated with the signal of the second communication band used in communication. In this way, since the unnecessary waves associated with the signal S7 of the second communication band can be reduced, it becomes possible to expand the passband of the first filter 30 to include the second communication band.

[0123] (3) Effects According to the high-frequency module 1 of the second embodiment, even in a configuration in which the first amplifier and the second amplifier are the first power amplifier 32 and the second power amplifier 33, respectively, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in the attenuation of the undesired waves S8 and miniaturization, as in the first embodiment.

[0124] In the high-frequency module 1 according to the second embodiment, the first communication band includes the transmission band of Band 12. The second communication band includes the transmission band of Band 71. The third communication band includes the transmission band of Band .

[0125] According to this configuration, even when the first communication band includes the transmission band of Band 12, the second communication band includes the transmission band of Band 71, and the third communication band includes the transmission band of Band 28, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the attenuation of the unwanted waves S8 and miniaturization, as in embodiment 1.

[0126] (4) Variations The second embodiment may be implemented in combination with the first embodiment and its modifications 1 and 2.

[0127] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0128] The high-frequency module (1) of the first aspect includes a switch (6), a first communication path (L1), a second communication path (L2), a first filter (7; 30), and a second filter (8; 20; 31). The switch (6) has a common terminal (6a), a first selection terminal (6b), and a second selection terminal (6c). The first communication path (L1) is connected to the first selection terminal (6b). The second communication path (L2) is connected to the second selection terminal (6c). The first filter (7; 30) is provided in the first communication path (L1) and has a pass band including a first communication band and a second communication band that are different from each other. The second filter (8; 20; 31) is provided in the second communication path (L2) and has a pass band including a third communication band. The third communication band at least partially overlaps with the first communication band and does not overlap with the second communication band. The switch (6) is configured to be able to switch between a first connection and a second connection. In the first connection, the common terminal (6a) is connected to the first selection terminal (6b), and the common terminal (6a) is not connected to the second selection terminal (6c). In the second connection, the common terminal (6a) is connected to the first selection terminal (6b), and the common terminal (6a) is connected to the second selection terminal (6c). The second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0129] According to this configuration, when the switch (6) selects the second connection and communication (transmission or reception) is performed using the second communication band, a part of the unnecessary waves (S3; S8) of the first communication band accompanying the signal (S2; S7) of the second communication band used in the communication can be dispersed from the common terminal (6a) to the second filter (8; 20; 31) side (second communication path (L2) side). More specifically, in the case of reception, the unnecessary waves (S3) included in the reception signal coming from the external terminal (5a) to the common terminal (6a) can be dispersed from the common terminal (6a) to the first filter (7) side (first communication path (L1) side) and the second filter (8) side (second communication path (L2) side). In the case of transmission, the unwanted waves (S8) contained in the transmission signal that has flowed through the first communication path (L1) and arrived at the common terminal (6a) can be dispersed from the common terminal (6a) to the second filter (8) side (second communication path (L2) side) and the external terminal (5a) side. As a result, when communication is performed using the second communication band, the switch (6) selects the second connection, thereby reducing the unwanted waves (S3; S8) associated with the signals (S2; S7) of the second communication band used in communication. In other words, the attenuation of the unwanted waves (S3; S8) associated with the signals used in communication can be sufficiently ensured.

[0130] Furthermore, since the communication path used for communication in a third communication band different from the first and second communication bands (i.e., the second communication path (L2) provided with the second filter (8; 20; 31)) is also used as a path for ensuring the attenuation of the above-mentioned unwanted waves (S3; S8), as described above, the high-frequency module (1) can be made smaller. As a result, it is possible to achieve both an improvement in the attenuation of the unwanted waves (S3; S8) and miniaturization.

[0131] In the first aspect, the second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication.

[0132] According to this configuration, when communication is performed using the second communication band, a part of the unnecessary waves (S3; S8) of the first communication band accompanying the signal (S2; S7) of the second communication band being used in the communication can be dispersed to the second filter (8) side that is not used in the communication. This makes it possible to reduce the adverse effect of the unnecessary waves (S3; S8) dispersed to the second filter (8) side on the communication using the second communication band.

[0133] In the high-frequency module (1) of the second aspect, the first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication in the first aspect.

[0134] According to this configuration, a filter (first filter (7, 30)) having a pass band including the first communication band and a filter (first filter (7, 30)) having a pass band including the second communication band can be used in common, thereby realizing miniaturization of the high-frequency module (1). Furthermore, when communication is performed using the second communication band, even if a part of the signal of the first communication band accompanying the signal (S2; S7) of the second communication band used in the communication is dispersed to the second filter (8; 20; 31) side as an unwanted wave (S3; S8), adverse effects on the communication using the first communication band can be reduced.

[0135] The high-frequency module (1) of the third aspect is the same as the high-frequency module (1) of the first or second aspect, and further includes a first amplifier (10; 32). The first amplifier (10; 32) is provided on the first communication path (L1) on the opposite side of the first filter (7; 30) from the switch (6).

[0136] According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the first amplifier (10; 32) is provided in the first communication path (L1), it is possible to achieve the effects of improving the amount of attenuation of the above-mentioned unnecessary waves (S3; S8) and reducing the size.

[0137] The high-frequency module (1) of the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, further including a second amplifier (11; 33). The second amplifier (11; 33) is provided on the second communication path (L2) on the opposite side of the second filter (8; 20; 31) to the switch (6).

[0138] According to this configuration, in a configuration in which the second amplifier (11; 33) is provided in the second communication path (L2), it is possible to achieve the effects of improving the amount of attenuation of the above-mentioned unnecessary waves (S3; S8) and reducing the size.

[0139] The high-frequency module (1) of the fifth aspect is the same as the high-frequency module (1) of the third aspect, and further includes a matching circuit (13, 14). The matching circuit (13, 14) is provided in the first communication path (L1) at least one of between the switch (6) and the first filter (7; 30) and between the first filter (7; 30) and the first amplifier (10; 32).

[0140] According to this configuration, the impedance characteristics of the first communication path (L1) can be adjusted by the matching circuits (13, 14). As a result, when the switch (6) selects the second connection, it is possible to adjust the proportion of the unwanted waves (S3; S8) in the first communication band that are dispersed toward the second filter (8; 20; 31).

[0141] The high-frequency module (1) of the sixth aspect is the fourth aspect, and further includes a matching circuit (15, 16). The matching circuit (15, 16) is provided in the second communication path (L2) at least one of between the switch (6) and the second filter (8; 20; 31) and between the second filter (8; 20; 31) and the second amplifier (11; 33).

[0142] According to this configuration, the impedance characteristics of the second communication path (L2) can be adjusted by the matching circuits (15, 16), which makes it possible to adjust the proportion of the unwanted waves (S3; S8) in the first communication band that are dispersed toward the second filter (8; 20; 31) when the switch (6) selects the second connection.

[0143] In the high-frequency module (1) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the switch (6) further includes a third selection terminal (6d). The high-frequency module (1) further includes a third communication path (L3) and a third filter (9). The third communication path (L3) is connected to the third selection terminal (6d). The third filter (9) is provided in the third communication path (L3).

[0144] According to this configuration, in the configuration further including the third filter (9) in addition to the first filter (7) and the second filter (8), it is possible to simultaneously improve the amount of attenuation of the undesired waves (S3) and reduce the size.

[0145] In the high-frequency module (1) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the second filter (20) is an FDD filter.

[0146] According to this configuration, when the second filter (20) is an FDD filter, it is possible to improve the amount of attenuation of the undesired waves (S3) and reduce the size of the device.

[0147] In the high-frequency module (1) of the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first communication band is Band 41. The second communication band is Band 53. The third communication band is a reception band of Band 7.

[0148] According to this configuration, when the first communication band is Band 41, the second communication band is Band 53, and the third communication band is the reception band of Band 7, it is possible to improve the attenuation of the above-mentioned unwanted waves (S3) and achieve compactness at the same time. In particular, since the third communication band is the reception band of Band 7, it is possible to improve the attenuation of interference waves in OOB blocking range 3 as the unwanted waves (S3).

[0149] In the high-frequency module (1) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first communication band includes the transmission band of Band 12. The second communication band includes the transmission band of Band 71. The third communication band includes the transmission band of Band .

[0150] According to this configuration, when the first communication band includes the transmission band of Band 12, the second communication band includes the transmission band of Band 71, and the third communication band includes the transmission band of Band 28, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the attenuation of the above-mentioned unwanted waves (S8) and miniaturization.

[0151] A communication device (100) of an eleventh aspect includes the high-frequency module (1) of any one of the first to tenth aspects, and a signal processing circuit (2). The signal processing circuit (2) is connected to the high-frequency module (1) and processes a high-frequency signal.

[0152] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a communication device (100) that exhibits the above-mentioned effects of the high-frequency module (1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1 High frequency module 2. Signal Processing Circuit 2a RF signal processing circuit 2b Baseband signal processing circuit 3 Antennas 5a~5f External terminal 6 Switch 6a Common terminal 6b First selection terminal 6c Second selection terminal 6d 3rd selection terminal 7 First Filter 7a Input section 7b Output section 8 Second Filter 8a Input section 8b Output section 9. Third Filter 9a Input section 9b Output section 10 1st Low Noise Amplifier 10a Input section 10b Output section 11 Second low noise amplifier 11a Input section 11b Output section 12 3rd Low Noise Amplifier 12a Input section 12b Output section 13,14 1st matching circuit (matching circuit) 15,16 Second matching circuit (matching circuit) 19 Controller 20 Second Filter 20a Input / output section 20b Output section 20c Input section 20A receiving filter 20B Transmit Filter 21 Matching circuit 22 Power Amplifier 22a Input section 22b Output section 30 First Filter 30a Input section 30b Output section 31 Second Filter 31a Input section 31b Output section 32 First power amplifier 32a Input section 32b Output section 33 Second power amplifier 33a Input section 33b Output section 100 Communication equipment G1,G2 graph H1,H2 frequency range L1 First communication path L2 Second communication path L3 Third communication path L4 Fourth communication path L5 Fifth communication path S1 Received signal S2,S7 signal S3,S8 unnecessary waves S5 Transmitting signal S6 Send signal

Claims

1. a switch having a common terminal, a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal; a first communication path connected to the first selection terminal; a second communication path connected to the second selection terminal; a first filter provided in the first communication path and having a passband including a first communication band and a second communication band that are different from each other; a second filter provided in the second communication path and having a passband including a third communication band that at least partially overlaps with the first communication band and does not overlap with the second communication band; The switch is configured to be switchable between a first connection and a second connection, In the first connection, the common terminal and the first selection terminal are connected, and the common terminal and the second selection terminal are not connected; In the second connection, the common terminal and the first selection terminal are connected, and the common terminal and the second selection terminal are connected. The second communication band and the third communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication. High frequency module.

2. The first communication band and the second communication band are not configured to enable simultaneous communication. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

3. The first communication path further includes a first amplifier provided on an opposite side of the first filter from the switch. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

4. The second communication path further includes a second amplifier provided on an opposite side of the second filter from the switch. The high frequency module according to claim 3 .

5. the first communication path further includes a matching circuit provided at least one between the switch and the first filter and between the first filter and the first amplifier; The high frequency module according to claim 3 .

6. the second communication path further includes a matching circuit provided at least one of between the switch and the second filter and between the second filter and the second amplifier; The high frequency module according to claim 4.

7. the switch further has a third selection terminal; The high frequency module includes: a third communication path connected to the third selection terminal; and a third filter provided in the third communication path. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

8. The second filter is an FDD filter. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

9. the first communication band is Band 41; the second communication band is Band 53, The third communication band is a receiving band of Band 7. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

10. the first communication band includes a transmission band of Band 12, The second communication band includes a transmission band of Band 71, The third communication band includes a transmission band of Band 28. The high frequency module according to claim 1 .

11. A high-frequency module according to claim 1 or 2; a signal processing circuit connected to the high-frequency module for processing a high-frequency signal; Communications equipment.

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