High frequency circuit and communication device

Abstract

A high-frequency circuit (1) comprises: a switch circuit (51) including common terminals (51a and 51b) respectively connected to antenna connection terminals (101 and 102), and selection terminals (51c and 51d) respectively connected to the antenna connection terminals (101 and 102); a switch circuit (52) including a common terminal (52a) connected to the selection terminal (51c) and selection terminals (52i and 52b); a switch circuit (53) including a common terminal (53a), a selection terminal (53b) connected to a low-noise amplifier (20), and a selection terminal (53c) connected to a power amplifier (21); a filter (37) connected between the selection terminal (52i) and a low-noise amplifier (17) and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a filter (40) connected between the selection terminal (51d) and the common terminal (53a) and having a passband including the first band; and a filter (30) connected between the selection terminal (52b) and a low-noise amplifier (10) and having a passband including at least a portion of a second band.

Description

High frequency circuits and communication devices

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

[0002] In order to improve the data rate of wireless links, mobile communication devices such as mobile phones are increasingly supporting carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC), which simultaneously use multiple frequency bands or multiple channels within the same frequency band, and are also increasingly supporting multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), which realizes multipath transmission using multiple antennas.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a radio frequency module (radio frequency circuit) and a communication device that are capable of simultaneously receiving a plurality of reception signals and transmitting a single transmission signal in a TDD band.

[0004] Special Publication No. 2022-19182

[0005] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, signal loss in the transmission path is large, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the high-frequency circuit and communication device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a high-frequency circuit and a communication device that can suppress signal loss in the transmission path and reduce the size of the high-frequency circuit and / or the communication device.

[0007] A high-frequency circuit according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, a third selection terminal and a fourth selection terminal; a third switch circuit including the fourth common terminal, a fifth selection terminal connected to a second low-noise amplifier, and a sixth selection terminal connected to a power amplifier; a first filter connected between the third selection terminal and the first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and the fourth common terminal and having a passband including the first band; and a third filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and the third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0008] A high-frequency circuit according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal, a second selection terminal, and a third selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, and a fourth selection terminal and a fifth selection terminal; a first filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and the first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and the second low-noise amplifier and having a passband including the first band; a third filter connected between the third selection terminal and the power amplifier and having a passband including the first band; and a fourth filter connected between the fifth selection terminal and the third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0009] According to the high-frequency circuit and communication device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress signal loss in the transmission path and to reduce the size of the high-frequency circuit and / or communication device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit and a communication device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of a first switch circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of a second switch circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of a third switch circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a first communication mode of the communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a second communication mode of the communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a third communication mode of the communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth communication mode of the communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a fifth communication mode of the communication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit and a communication device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of a first switch circuit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the first communication mode of the communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the second communication mode of the communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third communication mode of the communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the fourth communication mode of the communication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the fifth communication mode of the communication device according to the second embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0012] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams in which emphasis, omission, or adjustment of proportions has been appropriately made to illustrate the present invention, and are not necessarily strictly illustrated, and may differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote substantially the same components, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] In the present disclosure, "connected" includes not only direct connection by connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements.

[0014] "A is connected between B and C" means that one end of A is connected to B and the other end of A is connected to C, and A is connected in series to the path connecting B and C.

[0015] "Terminal" means a point where a conductor within an element terminates. Note that terminal can be interpreted as any point on the conductor between elements or the entire conductor, not just a single point, if the impedance of the conductor between elements is sufficiently low.

[0016] The "passband of a filter" is defined as the portion of the frequency spectrum transmitted by the filter over which the output power is not attenuated by more than 3 dB below the maximum output power. The upper and lower ends of the passband of a bandpass filter are therefore identified as the higher and lower frequencies of the two points at which the output power is attenuated by 3 dB below the maximum output power.

[0017] A "band combination capable of simultaneous transmission / reception" refers to a plurality of bands that are predefined as a combination that allows signals to be transmitted / received simultaneously. The definition of a "band combination capable of simultaneous communication" is provided by a standardization organization (e.g., 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)). A "band combination capable of simultaneous transmission / reception" is defined as a band combination for, for example, Carrier Aggregation (CA), E-UTRAN - New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC), New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC), or New Radio - E-UTRAN Dual Connectivity (NE-DC).

[0018] The term "reception band" refers to a frequency band used for reception in a communication device, and the term "transmission band" refers to a frequency band used for transmission in a communication device. For example, in a band for frequency division duplex (FDD), different frequency bands (uplink band and downlink band) are used as the transmission band and the reception band. For example, in a band for time division duplex (TDD), the same frequency band is used as the transmission band and the reception band.

[0019] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment will be described. A communication device 5 according to this embodiment can be used to provide wireless connectivity. For example, the communication device 5 can be implemented in user equipment (UE) in a cellular network (also referred to as a mobile network), such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a wearable device. In another example, the communication device 5 can be implemented to provide wireless connectivity to Internet of Things (IoT) sensor devices, medical / healthcare devices, cars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (so-called drones), and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). In yet another example, the communication device 5 can be implemented to provide wireless connectivity in a wireless access point or a wireless hotspot.

[0020] The circuit configuration of a communication device 5 and a high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a high-frequency circuit 1 and a communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0021] 1 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 5 can be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of the high-frequency circuit 1 and the communication device 5 provided below should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0022] [1.1 Circuit Configuration of Communication Device 5] First, the circuit configuration of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The communication device 5 is implemented in a UE, and includes a high-frequency circuit 1, antennas 2a and 2b, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 3, and a BBIC (Baseband Integrated Circuit) 4.

[0023] The high-frequency circuit 1 can transmit high-frequency signals between the antennas 2a and 2b and the RFIC 3. The circuit configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1 will be described later.

[0024] The antennas 2a and 2b are connected to antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, respectively, of the high-frequency circuit 1. Each of the antennas 2a and 2b can receive a high-frequency signal from outside the communication device 5 and supply it to the high-frequency circuit 1. Furthermore, each of the antennas 2a and 2b can transmit a high-frequency signal supplied from the high-frequency circuit 1 to outside the communication device 5. Note that the antennas 2a and / or 2b do not need to be included in the communication device 5. Furthermore, the communication device 5 may further include one or more antennas in addition to the antennas 2a and 2b.

[0025] The RFIC 3 is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes high-frequency signals. Specifically, the RFIC 3 can signal-process a high-frequency received signal input via the receive path of the high-frequency circuit 1 by down-conversion or the like, and supply the received signal generated by the signal processing to the BBIC 4. Furthermore, the RFIC 3 can signal-process a transmit signal input from the BBIC 4 by up-conversion or the like, and supply the high-frequency transmit signal generated by the signal processing to the high-frequency circuit 1. The RFIC 3 may also include a control unit for controlling switches, amplifiers, and the like included in the high-frequency circuit 1. Note that part or all of the control unit may be provided outside the RFIC 3, and may be included in the BBIC 4 or the high-frequency circuit 1, for example.

[0026] The BBIC 4 is a baseband signal processing circuit that processes signals using a frequency band lower than the high-frequency signal transmitted by the high-frequency circuit 1. The signals processed by the BBIC 4 include, for example, image signals for image display and / or audio signals for calls via a speaker. The BBIC 4 does not necessarily have to be included in the communication device 5.

[0027] [1.2 Circuit Configuration of High-Frequency Circuit 1] Next, the circuit configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The high-frequency circuit 1 includes low-noise amplifiers 10-20, a power amplifier 21, filters 30-40, switch circuits 51-53, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, high-frequency output terminals 110-120, and a high-frequency input terminal 121.

[0028] The antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 are examples of a first antenna connection terminal and a second antenna connection terminal, respectively, and are external connection terminals of the high-frequency circuit 1. Specifically, the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 are connected to the antennas 2a and 2b, respectively, outside the high-frequency circuit 1, and are connected to the switch circuit 51 within the high-frequency circuit 1. This allows the high-frequency circuit 1 to supply a transmission signal to the antenna 2a and receive a reception signal from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 101. Furthermore, the high-frequency circuit 1 can supply a transmission signal to the antenna 2b and receive a reception signal from the antenna 2b via the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0029] Each of the radio frequency output terminals 110 to 120 is an external connection terminal of the radio frequency circuit 1. Specifically, the radio frequency output terminals 110 to 120 are connected to the RFIC 3 outside the radio frequency circuit 1, and are connected to the low noise amplifiers 10 to 20 inside the radio frequency circuit 1, respectively.

[0030] The radio frequency input terminal 121 is an external connection terminal of the radio frequency circuit 1. Specifically, the radio frequency input terminal 121 is connected to the RFIC 3 outside the radio frequency circuit 1, and is connected to the power amplifier 21 inside the radio frequency circuit 1.

[0031] Each of the low-noise amplifiers 10-20 can amplify a received signal using power supplied from a power supply (not shown). The low-noise amplifier 17 is an example of a first low-noise amplifier. The low-noise amplifier 20 is an example of a second low-noise amplifier. Each of the low-noise amplifiers 10-16, 18, and 19 is an example of a third low-noise amplifier. The input terminals of the low-noise amplifiers 10-19 are connected to filters 30-39, respectively, and the output terminals of the low-noise amplifiers 10-19 are connected to high-frequency output terminals 110-119, respectively. The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 20 is connected to a filter 40 via a switch circuit 53, and the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 20 is connected to a high-frequency output terminal 120.

[0032] The low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 can be configured with field-effect transistors (FETs) and can be manufactured using semiconductor materials. Examples of semiconductor materials that can be used include single crystal silicon, gallium nitride (GaN), and silicon carbide (SiC). The amplifying transistors of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 are not limited to FETs. For example, some or all of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 may be configured with bipolar transistors.

[0033] Note that some or all of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 may not be included in the high-frequency circuit 1. In this case, some or all of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 may be connected between the high-frequency output terminal and the RFIC 3, or may be included in the RFIC 3.

[0034] The power amplifier 21 can amplify a transmission signal using power supplied from a power supply (not shown). The input end of the power amplifier 21 is connected to the radio frequency input terminal 121, and the output end of the power amplifier 21 is connected to the filter 40 via the switch circuit 53.

[0035] The power amplifier 21 may be configured with a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) and may be manufactured using a semiconductor material. Examples of the semiconductor material that may be used include silicon germanium (SiGe) and gallium arsenide (GaAs). The amplifying transistor of the power amplifier 21 is not limited to an HBT. For example, the power amplifier 21 may be configured with a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) or a metal-semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET). In this case, gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC) may be used as the semiconductor material.

[0036] The power amplifier 21 does not have to be included in the high-frequency circuit 1. In this case, the power amplifier 21 may be connected between the RFIC 3 and the high-frequency input terminal 121, or may be included in the RFIC 3.

[0037] The filter 30 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 1 for LTE or n1 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B1" without distinguishing between "Band 1" and "n1"). The filter 30 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 10. Specifically, one end of the filter 30 is connected to the selection terminal 52b of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 30 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 10.

[0038] The filter 31 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 3 for LTE or n3 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B3" without distinguishing between "Band 3" and "n3"). The filter 31 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 11. Specifically, one end of the filter 31 is connected to a selection terminal 52c of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 31 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 11.

[0039] The filter 32 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 40 for LTE or n40 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B40" without distinguishing between "Band 40" and "n40"). The filter 32 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 12. Specifically, one end of the filter 32 is connected to a selection terminal 52d of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 32 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 12.

[0040] The filter 33 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 25 for LTE or n25 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B25" without distinguishing between "Band 25" and "n25"). The filter 33 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 13. Specifically, one end of the filter 33 is connected to the selection terminal 52e of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 33 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 13.

[0041] The filter 34 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 66 for LTE or n66 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B66" without distinguishing between "Band 66" and "n66"). The filter 34 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 14. Specifically, one end of the filter 34 is connected to a selection terminal 52f of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 34 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 14.

[0042] The filter 35 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 30 for LTE or n30 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B30" without distinguishing between "Band 30" and "n30"). The filter 35 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 15. Specifically, one end of the filter 35 is connected to a selection terminal 52g of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 35 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 15.

[0043] The filter 36 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 7 for LTE or n7 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B7" without distinguishing between "Band 7" and "n7"). The filter 36 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 16. Specifically, one end of the filter 36 is connected to a selection terminal 52h of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 36 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 16.

[0044] The filter 37 is an example of a first filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B41" without distinguishing between "Band 41" and "n41"). The filter 37 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 17. Specifically, one end of the filter 37 is connected to a selection terminal 52i of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 37 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 17.

[0045] The filter 38 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 34 for LTE or n34 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B34" without distinguishing between "Band 34" and "n34"). The filter 38 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 18. Specifically, one end of the filter 38 is connected to a selection terminal 52j of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 38 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 18.

[0046] The filter 39 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of Band 39 for LTE or n39 for 5GNR (sometimes referred to as "B39" without distinguishing between "Band 39" and "n39"). The filter 39 is connected between the switch circuit 52 and the low-noise amplifier 19. Specifically, one end of the filter 39 is connected to the selection terminal 52k of the switch circuit 52, and the other end of the filter 39 is connected to the input end of the low-noise amplifier 19.

[0047] The filter 40 is an example of a second filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband including the transmission band and reception band of Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5GNR. The filter 40 is connected between the switch circuit 51 and the switch circuit 53. Specifically, one end of the filter 40 is connected to a selection terminal 51d of the switch circuit 51, and the other end of the filter 40 is switchably connected to the low-noise amplifier 20 and the power amplifier 21 via the switch circuit 53.

[0048] Such filters 30 to 40 may be, but are not limited to, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter, a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter, an LC resonant filter, a dielectric resonant filter, or any combination thereof.

[0049] B41 (5150 to 5925 MHz) is an example of the first band and is a band for TDD. B1 (DL: 2110 to 2170 MHz, UL: 1920 to 1980 MHz), B3 (DL: 1805 to 1880 MHz, UL: 1710 to 1785 MHz), B40 (2300 to 2400 MHz), B25 (DL: 1930 to 1995 MHz, UL: 1850 to 1915 MHz), B66 (DL: 2110 to 2200 MHz, UL: 1710 to 1785 MHz), Each of B30 (DL: 2350-2360 MHz, UL: 2305-2315 MHz), B7 (DL: 2620-2690 MHz, UL: 2500-2570 MHz), B34 (2010-2025 MHz) and B39 (1880-1920 MHz) is an example of the second band, and is a band for FDD or TDD.

[0050] A combination of B41 with any one of B1, B3, B40, B25, B66, B30, B34, and B39 is a band combination (2 bands) that allows simultaneous reception. A combination of B41 with any two of B1, B3, and B40 is a band combination (3 bands) that allows simultaneous reception. A combination of B41 with any two of B25, B66, and B30 is a band combination (3 bands) that allows simultaneous reception. A combination of B41 with B34 and B39 is a band combination (3 bands) that allows simultaneous reception. A combination of B41 with B1, B3, and B40 is a band combination (4 bands) that allows simultaneous reception. A combination of B41 with B25, B66, and B30 is a band combination (4 bands) that allows simultaneous reception.

[0051] Note that some of the filters 30 to 36, 38, and 39 may not be included in the high-frequency circuit 1. In this case, some of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 16, 18, and 19 connected to some of the filters 30 to 36, 38, and 39, and some of the high-frequency output terminals 110 to 116, 118, and 119 may not be included in the high-frequency circuit 1 either.

[0052] The switch circuit 51 is an example of a first switch circuit, and is connected between the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, the switch circuit 52, and the filter 40. Specifically, the switch circuit 51 includes common terminals 51a and 51b and selection terminals 51c and 51d. The common terminal 51a is an example of a first common terminal, and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. The common terminal 51b is an example of a second common terminal, and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. The selection terminal 51c is an example of a first selection terminal, and is connected to the common terminal 52a of the switch circuit 52. The selection terminal 51d is an example of a second selection terminal, and is connected to the filter 40.

[0053] In this configuration, the switch circuit 51 can connect the common terminals 51a and 51b to the selection terminals 51c and 51d based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The internal configuration of the switch circuit 51 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0054] The switch circuit 52 is an example of a second switch circuit and is connected between the switch circuit 51 and the filters 30 to 39. Specifically, the switch circuit 52 includes a common terminal 52a and selection terminals 52b to 52k. The common terminal 52a is an example of a third common terminal and is connected to the selection terminal 51c of the switch circuit 51. The selection terminal 52i is an example of a third selection terminal and is connected to the filter 37. The selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k are each an example of a fourth selection terminal and are connected to the filters 30 to 36, 38, and 39, respectively.

[0055] In such a configuration, the switch circuit 52 can simultaneously connect the common terminal 52a to any combination of the selection terminals 52b to 52k based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The internal configuration of the switch circuit 52 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0056] The switch circuit 53 is an example of a third switch circuit, and is connected between the filter 40 and the low-noise amplifier 20 and power amplifier 21. Specifically, the switch circuit 53 includes a common terminal 53a and selection terminals 53b and 53c. The common terminal 53a is an example of a fourth common terminal, and is connected to the filter 40. The selection terminal 53b is an example of a fifth selection terminal, and is connected to the low-noise amplifier 20. The selection terminal 53c is an example of a sixth selection terminal, and is connected to the power amplifier 21.

[0057] In this configuration, the switch circuit 53 can connect the common terminal 53a to the selection terminals 53b and 53c based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The internal configuration of the switch circuit 53 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0058] These switch circuits 51 to 53 may be implemented using, for example, a plurality of discrete components. Also, for example, the switch circuits 51 to 53 may be implemented using one or a plurality of integrated circuits. In this case, any combination of the switch circuits 51 to 53 may be included in a single integrated circuit.

[0059] [1.3 Circuit Configuration of Switch Circuit 51] Next, the circuit configuration of the switch circuit 51 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the switch circuit 51 according to this embodiment.

[0060] 2 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the switch circuit 51 may be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies, and therefore the description of the switch circuit 51 provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0061] The switch circuit 51 is a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) type switch circuit, and includes switches S10a to S13a, switches S10b to S13b, common terminals 51a and 51b, and selection terminals 51c and 51d.

[0062] The switch S10a is an example of a first switch and is connected between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51c. The switch S10a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51c.

[0063] The switch S11a is connected between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51d, and can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51d.

[0064] The switch S12a is connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51c, and can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51c.

[0065] The switch S13a is an example of a second switch and is connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51d. The switch S13a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51d.

[0066] The switch S10b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51c. Specifically, the switch S10b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S10a. The switch S10b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0067] The switch S11b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51d. Specifically, the switch S11b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S11a. The switch S11b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0068] The switch S12b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51c. Specifically, the switch S12b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S12a. The switch S12b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0069] The switch S13b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51d. Specifically, the switch S13b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S13a. The switch S13b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0070] Each of the switches S10a to S13a is a so-called series-type SPST (Single-Pole Single-Throw) switch, and each of the switches S10b to S13b is a so-called shunt-type SPST switch. Each of the switches S10a to S13a and S10b to S13b is configured with one or more semiconductor elements connected in series. Each of the one or more semiconductor elements is, for example, a field effect transistor (FET). In each of the switches S10a to S13a and S10b to S13b, the number of one or more semiconductor elements connected in series is defined as the stack number.

[0071] In this configuration, the switch circuit 51 can connect the common terminals 51a and 51b to the selection terminals 51c and 51d, for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC 3. For example, when the common terminal 51a is connected to the selection terminal 51c and the common terminal 51b is connected to the selection terminal 51d, the switches S10a and S13a and the switches S11b and S12b are closed, and the switches S11a and S12a and the switches S10b and S13b are opened. Also, for example, when the common terminal 51a is connected to the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 51b is connected to the selection terminal 51c, the switches S11a and S12a and the switches S10b and S13b are closed, and the switches S10a and S13a and the switches S11b and S12b are opened.

[0072] In the switch circuit 51, the common terminal 51a may not be connectable to the selection terminal 51d, and the common terminal 51b may not be connectable to the selection terminal 51c. In this case, the switch circuit 51 does not need to include the switches S11a, S11b, S12a, and S12b.

[0073] [1.4 Circuit Configuration of Switch Circuit 52] Next, the circuit configuration of the switch circuit 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the switch circuit 52 according to this embodiment.

[0074] 3 is an example circuit configuration, and the switch circuit 52 may be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit techniques, and therefore the description of the switch circuit 52 provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0075] The switch circuit 52 is a multi-connection type switch circuit, and includes switches S20a to S29a, switches S20b to S29b, a common terminal 52a, and selection terminals 52b to 52k.

[0076] The switch S20a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52b. The switch S20a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52b.

[0077] The switch S21a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52c. The switch S21a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52c.

[0078] The switch S22a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52d. The switch S22a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52d.

[0079] The switch S23a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52e. The switch S23a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52e.

[0080] The switch S24a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52f. The switch S24a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52f.

[0081] The switch S25a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52g. The switch S25a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52g.

[0082] The switch S26a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52h. The switch S26a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52h.

[0083] The switch S27a is an example of a third switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52i. The switch S27a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52i.

[0084] The switch S28a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52j. The switch S28a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52j.

[0085] The switch S29a is an example of a fourth switch and is connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52k. The switch S29a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52k.

[0086] The switch S20b is connected between the path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52b and ground. Specifically, the switch S20b is connected between the path between the switch S20a and the selection terminal 52b and ground. The switch S20b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and ground.

[0087] The switch S21b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52c. Specifically, the switch S21b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S21a and the selection terminal 52c. The switch S21b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0088] The switch S22b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52d. Specifically, the switch S22b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S22a and the selection terminal 52d. The switch S22b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0089] The switch S23b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52e. Specifically, the switch S23b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S23a and the selection terminal 52e. The switch S23b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0090] The switch S24b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52f. Specifically, the switch S24b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S24a and the selection terminal 52f. The switch S24b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0091] The switch S25b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52g. Specifically, the switch S25b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S25a and the selection terminal 52g. The switch S25b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0092] The switch S26b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52h. Specifically, the switch S26b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S26a and the selection terminal 52h. The switch S26b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0093] The switch S27b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52i. Specifically, the switch S27b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S27a and the selection terminal 52i. The switch S27b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0094] The switch S28b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52j. Specifically, the switch S28b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S28a and the selection terminal 52j. The switch S28b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0095] The switch S29b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52k. Specifically, the switch S29b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S29a and the selection terminal 52k. The switch S29b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0096] Each of the switches S20a to S29a is a so-called series-type SPST switch, and each of the switches S20b to S29b is a so-called shunt-type SPST switch. Each of the switches S20a to S29a and S20b to S29b is configured with one or more semiconductor elements connected in series. Each of the one or more semiconductor elements is, for example, an FET. In each of the switches S20a to S29a and S20b to S29b, the number of one or more semiconductor elements connected in series is defined as the stack number.

[0097] In this case, the number of stacks of each of switches S20a to S29a may be smaller than the number of stacks of each of switches S10a to S13a. In other words, the number of stacks of each of series-type SPST switches included in switch circuit 52 may be smaller than the number of stacks of each of series-type SPST switches included in switch circuit 51. This is because switch circuit 51 includes a transmission path, but switch circuit 52 does not include a transmission path, and therefore switch circuit 52 may have a lower withstand voltage than switch circuit 51.

[0098] In this configuration, the switch circuit 52 can simultaneously connect the common terminal 52a to any combination of the selection terminals 52b to 52k, for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC 3. For example, when the common terminal 52a is simultaneously connected to the selection terminals 52b, 52c, and 52i, the switches S20a, S21a, and S27a and the switches S22b to S26b, S28b, and S29b are closed, and the switches S22a to S26a, S28a, and S29a and the switches S20b, S21b, and S27b are opened. The switch circuit 52 can also connect the common terminal 52a to only one of the selection terminals 52b to 52k. For example, when the common terminal 52a is connected only to the selection terminal 52i, the switch S27a and the switches S20b to S26b, S28b and S29b are closed, and the switches S20a to S26a, S28a and S29a and the switch S27b are opened.

[0099] [1.5 Circuit Configuration of Switch Circuit 53] Next, the circuit configuration of the switch circuit 53 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram of the switch circuit 53 according to this embodiment.

[0100] 4 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the switch circuit 53 may be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit techniques, and therefore the description of the switch circuit 53 provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0101] The switch circuit 53 is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) type switch circuit, and includes switches S30a and S31a, switches S30b and S31b, a common terminal 53a, and selection terminals 53b and 53c.

[0102] The switch S30a is connected between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53b, and can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53b.

[0103] The switch S31a is connected between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53c, and can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53c.

[0104] The switch S30b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53b. Specifically, the switch S30b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S30a and the selection terminal 53b. The switch S30b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0105] The switch S31b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53c. Specifically, the switch S31b is connected between the ground and a path between the switch S31a and the selection terminal 53c. The switch S31b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0106] Each of the switches S30a and S31a is a so-called series type SPST switch, and each of the switches S30b and S31b is a so-called shunt type SPST switch. Each of the switches S30a, S31a, S30b, and S31b is configured with one or more semiconductor elements connected in series. Each of the one or more semiconductor elements is, for example, an FET.

[0107] In this configuration, the switch circuit 53 can exclusively connect the common terminal 53a to the selection terminals 53b and 53c, for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC 3. For example, when the common terminal 53a is connected to the selection terminal 53b, the switches S30a and S31b are closed and the switches S31a and S30b are opened. Also, for example, when the common terminal 53a is connected to the selection terminal 53c, the switches S31a and S30b are closed and the switches S30a and S31b are opened.

[0108] [1.6 Communication Modes of Communication Device 5] Next, a plurality of communication modes available in the communication device 5 will be described.

[0109] [1.6.1 First Communication Mode] First, the first communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the first communication mode of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment. In the following figures, dashed arrows indicate the flow of high-frequency signals.

[0110] In the first communication mode, the communication device 5 can simultaneously receive two reception signals of B41 using different antennas 2a and 2b, thereby realizing multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) of B41.

[0111] 5, in the first communication mode, the switch circuit 51 connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminal 51d, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d but not to the selection terminal 51c. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i but not to the selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k. The switch circuit 53 connects the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53b but not to the selection terminal 53c. As a result, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 40 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0112] As a result, one of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117. Furthermore, the other of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2b to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 102, the switch circuit 51, the filter 40, the switch circuit 53, the low-noise amplifier 20, and the high-frequency output terminal 120.

[0113] In the first communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 40 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0114] [1.6.2 Second Communication Mode] Next, the second communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the second communication mode of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0115] In the second communication mode, the communication device 5 can transmit one transmission signal B41. As shown in Fig. 6, in the second communication mode, the switch circuit 51 does not connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminals 51c and 51d, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d but not to the selection terminal 51c. In addition, the switch circuit 53 connects the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53c but not to the selection terminal 53b. As a result, the power amplifier 21 and the filter 40 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0116] As a result, the transmission signal B41 is transmitted from the RFIC 3 via the high frequency input terminal 121, the power amplifier 21, the switch circuit 53, the filter 40, the switch circuit 51, and the antenna connection terminal 102 to the antenna 2b.

[0117] In the second communication mode, the power amplifier 21 and the filter 40 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51d.

[0118] [1.6.3 Third Communication Mode] Next, the third communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the third communication mode of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0119] In the third communication mode, the communication device 5 can simultaneously receive two reception signals of B41 and reception signals of B1 and B3 using two antennas 2a and 2b, thereby simultaneously realizing MIMO of B41 and CA, EN-DC, NR-DC, or NE-DC of B1, B3, and B41.

[0120] 7, in the third communication mode, the switch circuit 51 connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminal 51d, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d but not to the selection terminal 51c. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52b, 52c, and 52i but not to the selection terminals 52d to 52h, 52j, and 52k. The switch circuit 53 connects the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53b but not to the selection terminal 53c. As a result, the low-noise amplifier 10 and filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and filter 37 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and filter 40 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0121] As a result, one of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117. Furthermore, the other of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2b to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 102, the switch circuit 51, the filter 40, the switch circuit 53, the low-noise amplifier 20, and the high-frequency output terminal 120. The received signal B1 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51, the switch circuit 52, the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 10, and the high-frequency output terminal 110. The received signal B3 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51, the switch circuit 52, the filter 31, the low-noise amplifier 11, and the high-frequency output terminal 111.

[0122] In the third communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 10 and the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and the filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 40 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0123] In the third communication mode, the bands of the received signals simultaneously received with the two received signals of B41 are not limited to B1 and B3. For example, the bands of the received signals simultaneously received with the two received signals of B41 may be one or any combination of B1, B3, and B40, one or any combination of B25, B66, and B30, or one or both of B34 and B39.

[0124] [1.6.4 Fourth Communication Mode] Next, the fourth communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the fourth communication mode of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0125] In the fourth communication mode, the communication device 5 can simultaneously receive the reception signal of B41 and the reception signals of B1 and B3, thereby realizing CA, EN-DC, NR-DC, or NE-DC of B1, B3, and B41.

[0126] 8 , in the fourth communication mode, the switch circuit 51 connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminal 51d, and the common terminal 51b is not connected to the selection terminals 51c and 51d. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52b, 52c, and 52i but not to the selection terminals 52d to 52h, 52j, and 52k. This connects the low-noise amplifier 10 and filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and filter 37 to the antenna connection terminal 101.

[0127] As a result, the received signal of B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51, switch circuit 52, filter 37, low-noise amplifier 17, and high-frequency output terminal 117. The received signal of B1 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51, switch circuit 52, filter 30, low-noise amplifier 10, and high-frequency output terminal 110. The received signal of B3 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51, switch circuit 52, filter 31, low-noise amplifier 11, and high-frequency output terminal 111.

[0128] In the fourth communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 10 and the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and the filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. In this case, the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0129] In the fourth communication mode, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the received signal of B41 is not limited to B1 and B3. For example, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the received signal of B41 may be one or any combination of B1, B3, and B40, one or any combination of B25, B66, and B30, or one or both of B34 and B39.

[0130] [1.6.5 Fifth Communication Mode] Next, the fifth communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the fifth communication mode of the communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0131] In the fifth communication mode, the communication device 5 can receive the reception signal of B41. As shown in FIG. 9 , in the fifth communication mode, the switch circuit 51 connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminal 51d, and the common terminal 51b is not connected to the selection terminals 51c and 51d. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i but not to the selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k. This connects the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 to the antenna connection terminal 101.

[0132] As a result, the received signal of B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117.

[0133] In the fifth communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. In this case, the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0134] 1.7 Effects, etc. As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment includes the power amplifier 21, the low-noise amplifiers 17, 20, and 10, the switch circuit 51 including the common terminal 51a connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, the common terminal 51b connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the selection terminals 51c and 51d, the switch circuit 52 including the common terminal 52a connected to the selection terminal 51c and the selection terminals 52i and 52b, the switch circuit 53 including the common terminal 53a and the selection terminal 53b connected to the low-noise amplifier 20, and the selection terminal 53c connected to the power amplifier 21, the filter 37 connected between the selection terminal 52i and the low-noise amplifier 17 and having a passband including a first band for TDD, the filter 40 connected between the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 53a and having a passband including the first band, and the filter 30 connected between the selection terminal 52b and the low-noise amplifier 10 and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0135] This configuration includes a filter 37 for receiving signals in the first band and a filter 40 for transmitting and receiving signals in the first band, allowing the high-frequency circuit 1 to simultaneously receive two reception signals in the first band and transmit a transmission signal in the first band. In this high-frequency circuit 1, multiple reception filters 37 and 30 are connected to the switch circuit 51 via the switch circuit 52, reducing the number of selection terminals of the switch circuit 51 to which the transmission and reception filters 40 are connected. This reduces signal loss in the transmission path of the switch circuit 51. Furthermore, if the switch circuit 52 does not include a transmission path, the withstand voltage of the switch circuit 52 can be made lower than the withstand voltage of the switch circuit 51, thereby reducing the size of the switch circuit 52. This reduces the overall size of the switch circuits 51 and 52, thereby reducing the size of the high-frequency circuit 1. This miniaturization effect is particularly significant when a larger number of reception filters are connected to the switch circuit 52. Furthermore, since the filter 40 can be shared between transmission and reception, reducing the number of filters also contributes to a smaller size of the high-frequency circuit 1.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in the first communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d, (ii) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i, and (iii) the switch circuit 53 may connect the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53b.

[0137] This allows two first band reception signals to be received simultaneously via the two antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, respectively.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in the second communication mode in which a transmission signal of the first band is transmitted, (iv) the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d, and (v) the switch circuit 53 may connect the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53c.

[0139] This makes it possible to transmit a transmission signal in the first band.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in the third communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band and a reception signal of the second band are simultaneously received, (vi) the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d, (vii) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52i and 52b, and (viii) the switch circuit 53 may connect the common terminal 53a to the selection terminal 53b.

[0141] This makes it possible to simultaneously receive two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band.

[0142] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in the fourth communication mode in which a first band reception signal and a second band reception signal are simultaneously received, (ix) the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c, and (x) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52i and 52b.

[0143] This allows simultaneous reception of first-band and second-band signals. In this case, the receive-only filter 37 can be used for receiving the first-band signals, which improves the quality of the first-band received signals compared to when the transmit-receive filter 40 is used.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in the fifth communication mode in which a reception signal of the first band is received, (xi) the switch circuit 51 may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c, and (xii) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i.

[0145] This allows for independent reception of the first band signal. In this case, the filter 37 dedicated to reception can be used for reception of the first band, which improves the quality of the first band signal compared to when the filter 40 for both transmission and reception is used.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the switch circuit 51 may include a switch S10a connected between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51c, and a switch S13a connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51d, and the switch circuit 52 may include a switch S27a connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52i, and a switch S20a connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52b, and the number of stacks of each of the switches S27a and S20a may be smaller than the number of stacks of each of the switches S10a and S13a.

[0147] As a result, the number of stacks of each of the switches S27a and S20a included in the switch circuit 52 is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the switches S10a and S13a included in the switch circuit 51, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the switch circuit 52.

[0148] Also, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the first band may be Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band may be Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34 or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34 or n39 for 5G NR.

[0149] This allows the high-frequency circuit 1 to be compatible with LTE and / or 5G NR.

[0150] The communication device 5 according to this embodiment also includes an RFIC 3 that processes high-frequency signals, and a high-frequency circuit 1 that transmits high-frequency signals between the RFIC 3 and the antennas 2a and 2b.

[0151] This allows the communication device 5 to achieve the same effects as the high-frequency circuit 1 .

[0152] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the filter 40 for transmitting and receiving signals in the first band (B41) is mainly divided into a filter for transmission and a filter for reception. The following describes this embodiment with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0153] The communication device 5A according to this embodiment is similar to the communication device 5 according to the first embodiment except that it includes a high-frequency circuit 1A instead of the high-frequency circuit 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] [2.1 Circuit Configuration of High-Frequency Circuit 1A] The circuit configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a circuit configuration diagram of the high-frequency circuit 1A and communication device 5A according to this embodiment.

[0155] 10 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the high-frequency circuit 1A can be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of the high-frequency circuit 1A provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0156] The high-frequency circuit 1A includes low-noise amplifiers 10-20, a power amplifier 21, filters 30-39, 41 and 42, switch circuits 51A and 52, antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, high-frequency output terminals 110-120, and a high-frequency input terminal 121.

[0157] The filter 41 is an example of a second filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the reception band of B41. The filter 41 is connected between the switch circuit 51A and the low-noise amplifier 20. Specifically, one end of the filter 41 is connected to the selection terminal 51d of the switch circuit 51A, and the other end of the filter 41 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 20.

[0158] The filter 42 is an example of a third filter, and is a band-pass filter having a passband that includes the transmission band of B41. The filter 42 is connected between the switch circuit 51A and the power amplifier 21. Specifically, one end of the filter 42 is connected to the selection terminal 51e of the switch circuit 51A, and the other end of the filter 42 is connected to the power amplifier 21.

[0159] Such filters 41 and 42 may be, but are not limited to, a SAW filter, a BAW filter, an LC resonator filter, a dielectric resonator filter, or any combination thereof.

[0160] In this embodiment, the filters 30 to 36, 38 and 39 are examples of the fourth filter.

[0161] The switch circuit 51A is an example of a first switch circuit and is connected between the antenna connection terminals 101 and 102 and the switch circuit 52 and the filters 41 and 42. Specifically, the switch circuit 51A includes common terminals 51a and 51b and selection terminals 51c to 51e. The common terminal 51a is an example of a first common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. The common terminal 51b is an example of a second common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. The selection terminal 51c is an example of a first selection terminal and is connected to the common terminal 52a of the switch circuit 52. The selection terminal 51d is an example of a second selection terminal and is connected to the filter 41. The selection terminal 51e is an example of a third selection terminal and is connected to the filter 42.

[0162] In this configuration, the switch circuit 51A can connect the common terminals 51a and 51b to the selection terminals 51c to 51e based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The internal configuration of the switch circuit 51A will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0163] The switch circuit 52 is an example of a second switch circuit and is connected between the switch circuit 51A and the filters 30 to 39. Specifically, the switch circuit 52 includes a common terminal 52a and selection terminals 52b to 52k. The common terminal 52a is an example of a third common terminal and is connected to the selection terminal 51c of the switch circuit 51A. The selection terminal 52i is an example of a fourth selection terminal and is connected to the filter 37. The selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k are each an example of a fifth selection terminal and are connected to the filters 30 to 36, 38, and 39, respectively.

[0164] In this configuration, the switch circuit 52 can simultaneously connect the common terminal 52a to any combination of the selection terminals 52b to 52k based on a control signal from the RFIC 3, for example.

[0165] These switch circuits 51A and 52 may be implemented using, for example, a plurality of discrete components. Also, for example, the switch circuits 51A and 52 may be implemented using one or a plurality of integrated circuits. In this case, the switch circuits 51A and 52 may be included in a single integrated circuit.

[0166] [2.2 Circuit Configuration of Switch Circuit 51A] Next, the circuit configuration of the switch circuit 51A will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of the switch circuit 51A according to this embodiment.

[0167] 11 is an example circuit configuration, and the switch circuit 51A may be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies, and therefore the description of the switch circuit 51A provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0168] The switch circuit 51A is a DP3T (Double-Pole Triple-Throw) type switch circuit, and includes switches S10a to S15a, switches S10b to S15b, common terminals 51a and 51b, and selection terminals 51c to 51e.

[0169] The switch S14a is connected between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51e, and can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51e.

[0170] The switch S15a is an example of a fifth switch and is connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51e. The switch S15a can switch between connection and disconnection between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51e.

[0171] The switch S14b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51e. Specifically, the switch S14b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S14a. The switch S14b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0172] The switch S15b is connected between the ground and a path between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51e. Specifically, the switch S15b is connected between the ground and a path between the two series-connected semiconductor elements included in the switch S15a. The switch S15b can switch between connection and disconnection between the path and the ground.

[0173] Each of the switches S10a to S15a is a so-called series-type SPST switch, and each of the switches S10b to S15b is a so-called shunt-type SPST switch. Each of the switches S10a to S15a and S10b to S15b is configured with one or more semiconductor elements connected in series. Each of the one or more semiconductor elements is, for example, an FET. In each of the switches S10a to S15a and S10b to S15b, the number of one or more semiconductor elements connected in series is defined as the stack number.

[0174] In this configuration, the switch circuit 51A can connect the common terminals 51a and 51b to the selection terminals 51c to 51e based on a control signal from the RFIC 3, for example.

[0175] In the switch circuit 51A, the common terminal 51a may not be connectable to the selection terminals 51d and 51e, and the common terminal 51b may not be connectable to the selection terminal 51c. In this case, the switch circuit 51A does not need to include the switches S11a, S11b, S12a, S12b, S13a, and S13b.

[0176] In the present embodiment, switch S27a is an example of a fourth switch, and switches S20a to S26a, S28a, and S29a are each an example of a fifth switch. The number of stacks for each of switches S20a to S29a may be smaller than the number of stacks for each of switches S10a to S15a. In other words, the number of stacks for each of the series-type SPST switches included in switch circuit 52 may be smaller than the number of stacks for each of the series-type SPST switches included in switch circuit 51A. This is because switch circuit 51A includes a transmission path, but switch circuit 52 does not include a transmission path, and therefore the withstand voltage of switch circuit 52 can be lower than the withstand voltage of switch circuit 51A.

[0177] [2.3 Communication Modes of Communication Device 5A] Next, a plurality of communication modes available to the communication device 5A will be described.

[0178] [2.3.1 First Communication Mode] First, the first communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the first communication mode of the communication device 5A according to this embodiment.

[0179] In the first communication mode, the communication device 5A can simultaneously receive two reception signals of B41 using different antennas 2a and 2b, thereby realizing MIMO of B41.

[0180] 12 , in the first communication mode, the switch circuit 51A connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminals 51d and 51e, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d but not to the selection terminals 51c and 51e. The switch circuit 52 also connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i but not to the selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k. As a result, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 41 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0181] As a result, one of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51A, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117. Furthermore, the other of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2b to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 102, the switch circuit 51A, the filter 41, the low-noise amplifier 20, and the high-frequency output terminal 120.

[0182] In the first communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 41 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0183] [2.3.2 Second Communication Mode] Next, the second communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the second communication mode of the communication device 5A according to this embodiment.

[0184] In the second communication mode, the communication device 5A can transmit one transmission signal B41. As shown in Fig. 13, in the second communication mode, the switch circuit 51A does not connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminals 51c to 51e, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51e but does not connect it to the selection terminals 51c and 51d. This connects the power amplifier 21 and the filter 42 to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0185] As a result, the transmission signal B41 is transmitted from the RFIC 3 via the high frequency input terminal 121, the power amplifier 21, the filter 42, the switch circuit 51A, and the antenna connection terminal 102 to the antenna 2b.

[0186] In the second communication mode, the power amplifier 21 and the filter 42 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51e.

[0187] [2.3.3 Third Communication Mode] Next, the third communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the third communication mode of the communication device 5A according to this embodiment.

[0188] In the third communication mode, the communication device 5A can simultaneously receive two reception signals of B41 and reception signals of B1 and B3 using two antennas 2a and 2b, thereby simultaneously realizing MIMO of B41 and CA, EN-DC, NR-DC, or NE-DC of B1, B3, and B41.

[0189] 14 , in the third communication mode, the switch circuit 51A connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminals 51d and 51e, and connects the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d but not to the selection terminals 51c and 51e. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52b, 52c, and 52i but not to the selection terminals 52d to 52h, 52j, and 52k. As a result, the low-noise amplifier 10 and filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and filter 37 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and filter 41 are connected to the antenna connection terminal 102.

[0190] As a result, one of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51A, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117. Furthermore, the other of the received signals B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2b to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 102, the switch circuit 51A, the filter 41, the low-noise amplifier 20, and the high-frequency output terminal 120. The received signal B1 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51A, the switch circuit 52, the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 10, and the high-frequency output terminal 110. The received signal B3 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51A, the switch circuit 52, the filter 31, the low-noise amplifier 11, and the high-frequency output terminal 111.

[0191] In the third communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 10 and the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and the filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the low-noise amplifier 20 and the filter 41 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 101. In this case, the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51d and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0192] Furthermore, in the third communication mode, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the two received signals of B41 is not limited to B1 and B3. For example, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the two received signals of B41 may be only one of B1 and B3. Also, for example, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the two received signals of B41 may be B40, or one or both of B25 and B66, or B34, or B39.

[0193] [2.3.4 Fourth Communication Mode] Next, the fourth communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the fourth communication mode of the communication device 5A according to the present embodiment.

[0194] In the fourth communication mode, the communication device 5A can simultaneously receive the reception signal of B41 and the reception signals of B1 and B3, thereby realizing CA, EN-DC, NR-DC, or NE-DC of B1, B3, and B41.

[0195] 15 , in the fourth communication mode, the switch circuit 51A connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminals 51d and 51e, and does not connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminals 51c to 51e. The switch circuit 52 connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52b, 52c, and 52i but not to the selection terminals 52d to 52h, 52j, and 52k. This connects the low-noise amplifier 10 and filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and filter 37 to the antenna connection terminal 101.

[0196] As a result, the received signal of B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51A, switch circuit 52, filter 37, low-noise amplifier 17, and high-frequency output terminal 117. The received signal of B1 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51A, switch circuit 52, filter 30, low-noise amplifier 10, and high-frequency output terminal 110. The received signal of B3 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, switch circuit 51A, switch circuit 52, filter 31, low-noise amplifier 11, and high-frequency output terminal 111.

[0197] In the fourth communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 10 and the filter 30, the low-noise amplifier 11 and the filter 31, and the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. In this case, the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0198] Furthermore, in the fourth communication mode, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the received signal of B41 is not limited to B1 and B3. For example, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the received signal of B41 may be only one of B1 and B3. Furthermore, for example, the band of the received signal simultaneously received with the received signal of B41 may be B40, or one or both of B25 and B66, or B34, or B39.

[0199] [2.3.5 Fifth Communication Mode] Next, the fifth communication mode will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the fifth communication mode of the communication device 5A according to this embodiment.

[0200] In the fifth communication mode, the communication device 5A can receive the reception signal of B41. As shown in FIG. 16 , in the fifth communication mode, the switch circuit 51A connects the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c but not to the selection terminals 51d and 51e, and does not connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminals 51c to 51e. The switch circuit 52 also connects the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i but not to the selection terminals 52b to 52h, 52j, and 52k. This connects the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 to the antenna connection terminal 101.

[0201] As a result, the received signal of B41 is transmitted from the antenna 2a to the RFIC 3 via the antenna connection terminal 101, the switch circuit 51A, the switch circuit 52, the filter 37, the low-noise amplifier 17, and the high-frequency output terminal 117.

[0202] In the fifth communication mode, the low-noise amplifier 17 and the filter 37 may be connected to the antenna connection terminal 102. In this case, the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51c.

[0203] 2.4 Effects, etc. As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment includes the power amplifier 21, the low-noise amplifiers 17, 20, and 10, the switch circuit 51A including the common terminal 51a connected to the antenna connection terminal 101, the common terminal 51b connected to the antenna connection terminal 102, and the selection terminals 51c, 51d, and 51e, the switch circuit 52 including the common terminal 52a connected to the selection terminal 51c, and the selection terminals 52i and 52b, the filter 37 connected between the selection terminal 52i and the low-noise amplifier 17 and having a passband including a first band for TDD, the filter 41 connected between the selection terminal 51d and the low-noise amplifier 20 and having a passband including the first band, the filter 42 connected between the selection terminal 51e and the power amplifier 21 and having a passband including the first band, and the filter 30 connected between the selection terminal 52b and the low-noise amplifier 10 and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0204] This configuration includes the first-band signal receiving filters 37 and 41 and the first-band signal transmitting filter 42, allowing the high-frequency circuit 1A to simultaneously receive two first-band receiving signals and transmit a first-band transmitting signal. In this high-frequency circuit 1A, the multiple receiving filters 37 and 30 are connected to the switch circuit 51A via the switch circuit 52, reducing the number of selection terminals of the switch circuit 51A to which the transmitting filters 42 are connected. This reduces signal loss in the transmission path of the switch circuit 51A. Furthermore, if the switch circuit 52 does not include a transmission path, the withstand voltage of the switch circuit 52 can be made lower than the withstand voltage of the switch circuit 51A, allowing for a reduction in the size of the switch circuit 52. This reduces the overall size of the switch circuits 51A and 52, allowing for a reduction in the size of the high-frequency circuit 1A. This miniaturization effect is particularly significant when a larger number of receiving filters are connected to the switch circuit 52.

[0205] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in the first communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d, and (ii) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i.

[0206] This allows two first band reception signals to be received simultaneously via the two antenna connection terminals 101 and 102, respectively.

[0207] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in the second communication mode in which a transmission signal in the first band is transmitted, (iii) the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51e.

[0208] This makes it possible to transmit a transmission signal in the first band.

[0209] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in the third communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (iv) the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c and the common terminal 51b to the selection terminal 51d, and (v) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52i and 52b.

[0210] This makes it possible to simultaneously receive two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band.

[0211] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in the fourth communication mode in which a first band reception signal and a second band reception signal are simultaneously received, (vi) the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c, and (vii) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminals 52i and 52b.

[0212] This makes it possible to simultaneously receive the first band reception signal and the second band reception signal.

[0213] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in the fifth communication mode in which a reception signal of the first band is received, (viii) the switch circuit 51A may connect the common terminal 51a to the selection terminal 51c, and (ix) the switch circuit 52 may connect the common terminal 52a to the selection terminal 52i.

[0214] This makes it possible to achieve independent reception of the first band reception signal.

[0215] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the switch circuit 51A may include a switch S10a connected between the common terminal 51a and the selection terminal 51c, a switch S13a connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51d, and a switch S15a connected between the common terminal 51b and the selection terminal 51e, and the switch circuit 52 may include a switch S27a connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52i, and a switch S20a connected between the common terminal 52a and the selection terminal 52b, and the number of stacks of each of the switches S27a and S20a may be smaller than the number of stacks of each of the switches S10a, S13a, and S15a.

[0216] As a result, the number of stacks of each of the switches S27a and S20a included in the switch circuit 52 is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the switches S10a, S13a, and S15a included in the switch circuit 51A, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the switch circuit 52.

[0217] Also, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the first band may be Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band may be Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34 or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34 or n39 for 5G NR.

[0218] This allows the high-frequency circuit 1A to be compatible with LTE and / or 5G NR.

[0219] The communication device 5A according to this embodiment also includes an RFIC 3 that processes high-frequency signals, and a high-frequency circuit 1A that transmits high-frequency signals between the RFIC 3 and the antennas 2a and 2b.

[0220] This allows the communication device 5A to achieve the same effects as the high-frequency circuit 1A.

[0221] While the high-frequency circuit and communication device according to one aspect of the present invention have been described above based on an embodiment, the high-frequency circuit and communication device according to the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment. The present invention also includes other embodiments realized by combining any of the components in the above embodiment, modifications obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and various devices incorporating the above high-frequency circuit.

[0222] For example, in the circuit configurations of the high-frequency circuits and communication devices according to the above-described embodiments, other circuit elements and wiring may be inserted between the paths connecting the circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings. For example, an impedance matching circuit may be inserted between the low-noise amplifier and / or power amplifier and the filter. Also, for example, an impedance matching circuit may be inserted between the filter and the switch. In this case, the impedance matching circuit may be configured, for example, with an inductor and / or a capacitor, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0223] Furthermore, for example, in each of the above embodiments, any combination of filters 30 to 39 may be connected to one terminal of switch circuit 52. For example, filters 30 to 32 may be connected to one terminal, filters 33 to 35 may be connected to one terminal, and filters 38 and 39 may be connected to one terminal. This allows the number of terminals of switch circuit 52 to be reduced, and the size of switch circuit 52 can be reduced.

[0224] Furthermore, for example, in each of the above embodiments, the radio frequency output terminals 110 to 119 may be integrated into a common radio frequency output terminal in any combination. In this case, the common radio frequency output terminal may be switchably connected to a plurality of low noise amplifiers via a switch circuit. This allows the number of radio frequency output terminals to be reduced, thereby enabling the radio frequency circuit 1 or 1A to be made smaller.

[0225] Furthermore, for example, in each of the above embodiments, any combination of the low-noise amplifiers 10 to 20 may be integrated into a common low-noise amplifier. In this case, the common low-noise amplifier may be switchably connected to multiple filters via a switch circuit. This allows the number of low-noise amplifiers to be reduced, thereby enabling the high-frequency circuit 1 or 1A to be made smaller.

[0226] The high-frequency circuit 1 or 1A according to the above embodiment may be used, together with other high-frequency circuits connected to other antennas, for simultaneous reception of three or more reception signals of B41, or for simultaneous transmission of two or more transmission signals of B41 or B41 and a transmission signal of another band. It may also be used for simultaneous transmission of two or more transmission signals of B41 or one or more transmission signals of B41 and a transmission signal of another band. In this case, the transmission signal of B1 or B3 may be used as the transmission signal of the other band.

[0227] The following describes the features of the high frequency circuit and communication device described based on the above embodiments.

[0228] <1> A radio frequency circuit comprising: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, a third selection terminal and a fourth selection terminal; a third switch circuit including the fourth common terminal, a fifth selection terminal connected to a second low-noise amplifier, and a sixth selection terminal connected to a power amplifier; a first filter connected between the third selection terminal and the first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and the fourth common terminal and having a passband including the first band; and a third filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and the third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0229] <2> The high-frequency circuit according to <1>, wherein, in a first communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, (ii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal, and (iii) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

[0230] <3> The high-frequency circuit according to <1> or <2>, wherein in a second communication mode in which a transmission signal of the first band is transmitted, (iv) the first switch circuit connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (v) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the sixth selection terminal.

[0231] <4> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein in a third communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band and a reception signal of the second band are simultaneously received, (vi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, (vii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal and the fourth selection terminal, and (viii) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

[0232] <5> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein in a fourth communication mode in which a reception signal of the first band and a reception signal of the second band are simultaneously received, (ix) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (x) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal and the fourth selection terminal.

[0233] <6> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein in a fifth communication mode in which a reception signal of the first band is received, (xi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (xii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal.

[0234] <7> The radio frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the first switch circuit includes: a first switch connected between the first common terminal and the first selection terminal; and a second switch connected between the second common terminal and the second selection terminal; the second switch circuit includes: a third switch connected between the third common terminal and the third selection terminal; and a fourth switch connected between the third common terminal and the fourth selection terminal; and the number of stacks of each of the third switch and the fourth switch is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the first switch and the second switch.

[0235] <8> The first band is Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band is Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34, or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34, or n39 for 5G NR. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <7>.

[0236] <9> A communication device comprising: a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal; and the high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <8> that transmits the high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and an antenna.

[0237] <10> A radio frequency circuit comprising: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal, a second selection terminal, and a third selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, and a fourth selection terminal and a fifth selection terminal; a first filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and a first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and a second low-noise amplifier and having a passband including the first band; a third filter connected between the third selection terminal and a power amplifier and having a passband including the first band; and a fourth filter connected between the fifth selection terminal and a third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

[0238] <11> The high-frequency circuit according to <10>, wherein, in a first communication mode in which two reception signals of the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (ii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal.

[0239] <12> The high-frequency circuit according to <10> or <11>, wherein in a second communication mode in which a transmission signal in the first band is transmitted, (iii) the first switch circuit connects the second common terminal to the third selection terminal.

[0240] <13> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <12>, wherein in a third communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (iv) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (v) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal and the fifth selection terminal.

[0241] <14> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <13>, wherein in a fourth communication mode in which the first band reception signal and the second band reception signal are simultaneously received, (vi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (vii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal and the fifth selection terminal.

[0242] <15> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <14>, wherein in a fifth communication mode in which a reception signal of the first band is received, (viii) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (ix) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal.

[0243] <16> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <15>, wherein the first switch circuit includes: a first switch connected between the first common terminal and the first selection terminal; a second switch connected between the second common terminal and the second selection terminal; and a fifth switch connected between the second common terminal and the third selection terminal; the second switch circuit includes: a third switch connected between the third common terminal and the fourth selection terminal; and a fourth switch connected between the third common terminal and the fifth selection terminal; and the number of stacks of each of the third switch and the fourth switch is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the first switch, the second switch, and the fifth switch.

[0244] <17> The radio frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <16>, wherein the first band is Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band is Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34, or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34, or n39 for 5G NR.

[0245] <18> A communication device comprising: a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal; and the high-frequency circuit according to any one of <10> to <17> that transmits the high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and an antenna.

[0246] The present invention can be widely used as a high-frequency circuit disposed in the front end of communication devices such as mobile phones.

[0247] 1, 1A High frequency circuit 2a, 2b Antenna 3 RFIC 4 BBIC 5, 5A Communication device 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Low noise amplifier 21 Power amplifier 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 Filter 51, 51A, 52, 53 Switch circuit 51a, 51b, 52a, 53a Common terminal 51c, 51d, 51e, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e, 52f, 52g, 52h, 52i, 52j, 52k, 53b, 53c Selection terminal 101, 102 Antenna connection terminal 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 High frequency output terminal 121 High frequency input terminal

Claims

1. A radio frequency circuit comprising: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, a third selection terminal and a fourth selection terminal; a third switch circuit including the fourth common terminal, a fifth selection terminal connected to a second low-noise amplifier, and a sixth selection terminal connected to a power amplifier; a first filter connected between the third selection terminal and the first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and the fourth common terminal and having a passband including the first band; and a third filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and the third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

2. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein in a first communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, (ii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal, and (iii) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

3. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in a second communication mode for transmitting a transmission signal in the first band, (iv) the first switch circuit connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (v) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the sixth selection terminal.

4. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a third communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (vi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, (vii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal and the fourth selection terminal, and (viii) the third switch circuit connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

5. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in a fourth communication mode in which a reception signal in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (ix) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (x) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal and the fourth selection terminal.

6. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a fifth communication mode for receiving a reception signal in the first band, (xi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (xii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the third selection terminal.

7. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first switch circuit includes a first switch connected between the first common terminal and the first selection terminal, and a second switch connected between the second common terminal and the second selection terminal, and the second switch circuit includes a third switch connected between the third common terminal and the third selection terminal, and a fourth switch connected between the third common terminal and the fourth selection terminal, and the number of stacks of each of the third switch and the fourth switch is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the first switch and the second switch.

8. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first band is Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band is Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34 or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34 or n39 for 5G NR.

9. A communication device comprising: a signal processing circuit for processing a high-frequency signal; and a high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for transmitting a high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and an antenna.

10. A radio frequency circuit comprising: a first switch circuit including a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connecting terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connecting terminal, and a first selection terminal, a second selection terminal, and a third selection terminal; a second switch circuit including a third common terminal connected to the first selection terminal, and a fourth selection terminal and a fifth selection terminal; a first filter connected between the fourth selection terminal and a first low-noise amplifier and having a passband including a first band for TDD; a second filter connected between the second selection terminal and a second low-noise amplifier and having a passband including the first band; a third filter connected between the third selection terminal and a power amplifier and having a passband including the first band; and a fourth filter connected between the fifth selection terminal and a third low-noise amplifier and having a passband including at least a part of the second band.

11. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 10, wherein in a first communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band are simultaneously received, (i) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (ii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal.

12. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein in a second communication mode in which a transmission signal in the first band is transmitted, (iii) the first switch circuit connects the second common terminal to the third selection terminal.

13. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein in a third communication mode in which two reception signals in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (iv) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal and connects the second common terminal to the second selection terminal, and (v) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal and the fifth selection terminal.

14. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein in a fourth communication mode in which a reception signal in the first band and a reception signal in the second band are simultaneously received, (vi) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (vii) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal and the fifth selection terminal.

15. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein in a fifth communication mode for receiving a reception signal in the first band, (viii) the first switch circuit connects the first common terminal to the first selection terminal, and (ix) the second switch circuit connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal.

16. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first switch circuit includes a first switch connected between the first common terminal and the first selection terminal, a second switch connected between the second common terminal and the second selection terminal, and a fifth switch connected between the second common terminal and the third selection terminal, and the second switch circuit includes a third switch connected between the third common terminal and the fourth selection terminal, and a fourth switch connected between the third common terminal and the fifth selection terminal, and the number of stacks of each of the third switch and the fourth switch is smaller than the number of stacks of each of the first switch, the second switch, and the fifth switch.

17. The radio frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first band is Band 41 for LTE or n41 for 5G NR, and the second band is Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, Band 7, Band 34 or Band 39 for LTE, or n1, n3, n40, n25, n66, n30, n7, n34 or n39 for 5G NR.

18. A communication device comprising: a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal; and a high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 10 to 17 that transmits a high-frequency signal between the signal processing circuit and an antenna.

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