High-frequency circuit and communication device

Abstract

A high-frequency circuit (1) comprises: a switch circuit (61) that includes common terminals (611–614) that are respectively connected to antenna connection terminals (11–14) and also includes selection terminals (615 to 619); a filter (51) that is connected between the common terminal (611) and the antenna connection terminal (11) and has a passband that includes the UHB; a filter (52) that is connected between the common terminal (612) and the antenna connection terminal (12) and has a passband that includes the HB; a filter (53) that is connected between the common terminal (613) and the antenna connection terminal (13) and has a passband that includes the HB and the MB; a filter (54) that is connected between the common terminal (614) and the antenna connection terminal (14) and has a passband that includes the LB; and a filter (55) that is connected between the selection terminal (616) and a reception circuit (42) and has an attenuation band that includes the HB.

Description

High frequency circuits and communication devices

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

[0002] In mobile communication devices such as mobile phones, the front-end circuits are becoming larger as multi-band operation advances. Patent Document 1 discloses a high-frequency circuit equipped with multiple filters for multiple frequency bands.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0133067

[0004] If the transmitter circuits and receiver circuits for the ultra-high band group are mounted on the same module board as the transmitter circuits and receiver circuits for the high band group, mid band group, and low band group in order to miniaturize the high frequency circuits, it becomes difficult to ensure isolation between the transmitter circuits and receiver circuits for the ultra-high band group and the transmitter circuits and receiver circuits for the high band group, mid band group, and low band group.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a high-frequency circuit and a communication device for a plurality of bands that can improve isolation between the bands.

[0006] A high-frequency circuit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connection terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connection terminal, a third common terminal connected to a third antenna connection terminal, a fourth common terminal connected to a fourth antenna connection terminal, a first selection terminal connected to a first transmission circuit for an ultra-high band group (3300 to 5000 MHz), a second selection terminal connected to a first reception circuit for the ultra-high band group, a third selection terminal connected to at least one of a second transmission circuit and a second reception circuit for a high band group (2300 to 2690 MHz), a fourth selection terminal connected to at least one of a third transmission circuit and a third reception circuit for a mid band group (1427 to 2200 MHz), and a fourth selection terminal connected to at least one of a third transmission circuit and a third reception circuit for a low band group (617 to 900 MHz). a switch circuit including a fifth selection terminal connected to at least one of a fourth transmitting circuit and a fourth receiving circuit for a frequency band (60 MHz); a first filter connected between the first common terminal and the first antenna connecting terminal and having a passband including an ultra-high band group; a second filter connected between the second common terminal and the second antenna connecting terminal and having a passband including a high band group; a third filter connected between the third common terminal and the third antenna connecting terminal and having a passband including a high band group and a mid band group; a fourth filter connected between the fourth common terminal and the fourth antenna connecting terminal and having a passband including a low band group; and a fifth filter connected between the second selection terminal and the first receiving circuit and having an attenuation band including the high band group.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a signal processing circuit that processes a high-frequency signal, and the above-described high-frequency circuit that transmits the high-frequency signal between an antenna and the signal processing circuit.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve isolation between band groups in a high frequency circuit for a plurality of band groups.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a first mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a second mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a third mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a first mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a second mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a transmission path and a reception path in a third mode of the high-frequency circuit according to the second embodiment.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In the following description of the circuit configuration, "connected" includes not only direct connection by connection terminals and / or wiring conductors, but also electrical connection via other circuit elements. "A is switchably connected to B" means that the connection and disconnection between A and B can be switched, and A is connected to B via a switch. "A is connected to B" includes "A is switchably connected to B." "C is connected between A and B" means that one end of C is connected to A and the other end of C is connected to B, and C is arranged in series in the path connecting A and B. "Path connecting A and B" means a path made up of a conductor electrically connecting A to B.

[0013] "Terminal" means a point where a conductor within an element terminates. Note that terminal is understood to mean any point on the conductor between elements or the entire conductor, not just a single point, provided the impedance of the conductor between elements is sufficiently low.

[0014] The "passband of a filter" is the portion of the frequency spectrum transmitted by the filter and is defined as the frequency band in which the output power is not attenuated by more than 3 dB below the maximum output power. Therefore, the passband of a band-pass filter is defined as the frequency range between two points where the output power is attenuated by 3 dB below the maximum output power. The passband of a high-pass filter is defined as the frequency range higher than the point (cutoff frequency) where the output power is attenuated by 3 dB below the maximum output power. The passband of a low-pass filter is defined as the frequency range lower than the point (cutoff frequency) where the output power is attenuated by 3 dB below the maximum output power.

[0015] The "filter attenuation band" is the portion of the frequency spectrum attenuated by a filter and is defined as the frequency band where the output power is attenuated by 5 dB or more below the maximum output power. Therefore, the attenuation band of a band elimination filter is defined as the frequency range between two points where the output power is attenuated by 5 dB below the maximum output power. The attenuation band of a high-pass filter is defined as the frequency range below the point where the output power is attenuated by 5 dB below the maximum output power. The attenuation band of a low-pass filter is defined as the frequency range above the point where the output power is attenuated by 5 dB below the maximum output power.

[0016] "Concurrent communication of signals in multiple bands" means simultaneously transmitting, receiving, or transmitting and receiving signals in multiple bands. Band combinations that can be used for simultaneous communication are predefined by standardization organizations (e.g., 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)). Examples of simultaneous communication include Carrier Aggregation (CA), E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC), New Radio Dual Connectivity (NR-DC), and New Radio E-UTRAN Dual Connectivity (NE-DC).

[0017] (First Embodiment) Here, 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 UEs in a cellular network (also referred to as a mobile network), such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, and wearable devices. 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.

[0018] 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 communication device 5 according to this embodiment.

[0019] 1 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the communication device 5 and the high-frequency circuit 1 may be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the description of the communication device 5 and the high-frequency circuit 1 provided below should not be construed as limiting.

[0020] [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 includes a high-frequency circuit 1, antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) 3, and a BBIC (Baseband Integrated Circuit) 4.

[0021] The high-frequency circuit 1 can transmit high-frequency signals between the antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and the RFIC 3. The circuit configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1 will be described later.

[0022] The antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are connected to antenna connection terminals 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the high-frequency circuit 1. The antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can receive high-frequency signals from the high-frequency circuit 1 and transmit them to the outside of the communication device 5. The antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can also receive high-frequency signals from the outside of the communication device 5 and output them to the high-frequency circuit 1. The antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d do not necessarily have to be included in the communication device 5. The communication device 5 may also include one or more antennas in addition to the antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0023] The RFIC 3 is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes high-frequency signals. Specifically, the RFIC 3 can perform signal processing on a transmission signal input from the BBIC 4 by up-conversion or the like, and output the high-frequency transmission signal generated by the signal processing to the high-frequency circuit 1. Furthermore, the RFIC 3 can perform signal processing on a high-frequency reception signal input via the reception path of the high-frequency circuit 1 by down-conversion or the like, and output the reception signal generated by the signal processing to the BBIC 4. The RFIC 3 may also have a control unit that controls switches, power amplifiers, and the like included in the high-frequency circuit 1. Note that some or all of the functions of the RFIC 3 as a control unit may be included outside the RFIC 3, and may be included in, for example, the BBIC 4 or the high-frequency circuit 1.

[0024] 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.

[0025] [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 antenna connection terminals 11, 12, 13, and 14, high-frequency input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24, high-frequency output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 34, a transmitting circuit 41, a receiving circuit 42, transmitting / receiving circuits 43, 44, and 45, filters 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, and a switch circuit 61.

[0026] Antenna connection terminals 11, 12, 13, and 14 are external connection terminals of the high-frequency circuit 1. The antenna connection terminal 11 is an example of a first antenna connection terminal and is connected to an antenna 2a outside the high-frequency circuit 1 and to a filter 51 inside the high-frequency circuit 1. The antenna connection terminal 12 is an example of a second antenna connection terminal and is connected to an antenna 2b outside the high-frequency circuit 1 and to a filter 52 inside the high-frequency circuit 1. The antenna connection terminal 13 is an example of a third antenna connection terminal and is connected to an antenna 2c outside the high-frequency circuit 1 and to a filter 53 inside the high-frequency circuit 1. The antenna connection terminal 14 is an example of a fourth antenna connection terminal and is connected to an antenna 2d outside the high-frequency circuit 1 and to a filter 54 inside the high-frequency circuit 1. This allows the high-frequency circuit 1 to supply transmission signals to the antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and to receive reception signals from the antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d via the antenna connection terminals 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[0027] The radio frequency input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24 are external connection terminals of the radio frequency circuit 1, and are connected to the RFIC 3 outside the radio frequency circuit 1. The radio frequency input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24 are also connected to the transmission circuit 41 and the transceiver circuits 43, 44, and 45, respectively, inside the radio frequency circuit 1. This allows the radio frequency circuit 1 to supply transmission signals received from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24 to the transmission circuit 41 and the transceiver circuits 43, 44, and 45, respectively.

[0028] The radio frequency output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 34 are external connection terminals of the radio frequency circuit 1, and are connected to the RFIC 3 outside the radio frequency circuit 1. The radio frequency output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 34 are also connected to the receiving circuit 42 and the transmitting / receiving circuits 43, 44, and 45, respectively, inside the radio frequency circuit 1. This allows the radio frequency circuit 1 to supply the reception signals output from the receiving circuit 42 and the transmitting / receiving circuits 43, 44, and 45 to the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 34.

[0029] The transmission circuit 41 is an example of a first transmission circuit for the ultra-high band (UHB) (3300 to 5000 MHz), and is connected between the radio frequency input terminal 21 and the switch circuit 61. The transmission circuit 41 includes a power amplifier 411. An input terminal of the power amplifier 411 is connected to the radio frequency input terminal 21, and an output terminal of the power amplifier 411 is connected to a selection terminal 615 of the switch circuit 61. The power amplifier 411 can amplify a transmission signal (A-Tx) of band A included in UHB using power supplied from a power source (not shown).

[0030] The circuit configuration of the transmission circuit 41 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. For example, the transmission circuit 41 may further include a filter corresponding to band A or another band included in UHB.

[0031] The receiving circuit 42 is an example of a first receiving circuit for UHB, and is connected between the switch circuit 61 and the radio frequency output terminal 31. The receiving circuit 42 includes a low noise amplifier 421. An input terminal of the low noise amplifier 421 is connected to a selection terminal 616 of the switch circuit 61 via a filter 55, and an output terminal of the low noise amplifier 421 is connected to the radio frequency output terminal 31. The low noise amplifier 421 can amplify a received signal (A-Rx) of band A included in UHB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0032] The circuit configuration of the receiving circuit 42 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. For example, the receiving circuit 42 may further include a filter corresponding to band A or another band included in UHB.

[0033] The transmitting / receiving circuit 43 is an example of a second transmitting circuit and a second receiving circuit for the high band (HB) (2300 to 2690 MHz), and is connected between the switch circuit 61 and the high-frequency input terminal 22 and the high-frequency output terminal 32. The transmitting / receiving circuit 43 includes a power amplifier 431, a low-noise amplifier 432, a filter 433, and switch circuits 434 and 435.

[0034] An input terminal of the power amplifier 431 is connected to the radio frequency input terminal 22, and an output terminal of the power amplifier 431 is connected to the switch circuit 435. The power amplifier 431 can amplify a transmission signal of band B included in HB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0035] The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 432 is connected to the switch circuit 435, and the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 432 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 32. The low-noise amplifier 432 can amplify the received signal of band B included in HB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0036] The filter 433 has a passband that includes band B, which is included in HB. One end of the filter 433 is connected to a switch circuit 434, and the other end of the filter 433 is connected to a switch circuit 435. The filter 433 can pass transmission signals and reception signals (B-TRx) of band B.

[0037] The switch circuit 434 includes a common terminal and a plurality of selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch circuit 434 is connected to the selection terminal 617 of the switch circuit 61. One of the plurality of selection terminals of the switch circuit 434 is connected to the filter 433. In this connection configuration, the switch circuit 434 can connect the common terminal to at least one of the plurality of selection terminals based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The switch circuit 434 is configured, for example, as a multi-connection type switch circuit.

[0038] The switch circuit 435 includes a common terminal and two selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch circuit 435 is connected to the filter 433. One of the two selection terminals of the switch circuit 435 is connected to the power amplifier 431, and the other of the two selection terminals of the switch circuit 435 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 432. In this connection configuration, the switch circuit 435 can exclusively connect the common terminal to the two selection terminals based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The switch circuit 435 is configured, for example, as an SPDT (Single-Pole Double-Throw) type switch circuit.

[0039] The circuit configuration of the transceiver circuit 43 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the transceiver circuit 43 may further include another filter corresponding to another band included in HB. In this case, the other filter may be connected to another selection terminal of the switch circuit 434. Also, in FIG. 1 , band B is a time division duplex (TDD) band, but it may also be a frequency division duplex (FDD) band. In this case, the filter 433 may be replaced with a duplexer, and the switch circuit 435 may be omitted.

[0040] The transmission / reception circuit 44 is an example of a third transmission circuit and a third reception circuit for the mid-band group (MB) (1427 to 2200 MHz), and is connected between the switch circuit 61 and the high-frequency input terminal 23 and the high-frequency output terminal 33. The transmission / reception circuit 44 includes a power amplifier 441, a low-noise amplifier 442, filters 443 and 444, and a switch circuit 445.

[0041] The input terminal of the power amplifier 441 is connected to the high frequency input terminal 23, and the output terminal of the power amplifier 441 is connected to the filter 443. The power amplifier 441 can amplify the transmission signal of band C included in the MB using power supplied from a power source (not shown).

[0042] The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 442 is connected to the filter 444, and the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 442 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 33. The low-noise amplifier 442 can amplify the received signal of band C included in MB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0043] The filter 443 has a passband that includes the transmission band of band C included in MB. One end of the filter 443 is connected to the switch circuit 445, and the other end of the filter 443 is connected to the power amplifier 441. The filter 443 is able to pass the transmission signal (C-Tx) of band C.

[0044] The filter 444 has a pass band that includes the reception band of band C included in MB. One end of the filter 444 is connected to the switch circuit 445, and the other end of the filter 444 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 442. The filter 444 can pass the reception signal (C-Rx) of band C.

[0045] The switch circuit 445 includes a common terminal and a plurality of selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch circuit 445 is connected to the selection terminal 618 of the switch circuit 61. One of the plurality of selection terminals of the switch circuit 445 is connected to the filters 443 and 444. In this connection configuration, the switch circuit 445 can connect the common terminal to at least one of the plurality of selection terminals based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The switch circuit 445 is configured, for example, as a multi-connection type switch circuit.

[0046] The circuit configuration of the transmission / reception circuit 44 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the transmission / reception circuit 44 may further include one or more other filters corresponding to one or more bands included in the MB. In this case, the one or more other filters may be connected to other selection terminals of the switch circuit 445.

[0047] The transmission / reception circuit 45 is an example of a fourth transmission circuit and a fourth reception circuit for the low band (LB) (617 to 960 MHz), and is connected between the switch circuit 61 and the high-frequency input terminal 24 and the high-frequency output terminal 34. The transmission / reception circuit 45 includes a power amplifier 451, a low-noise amplifier 452, filters 453 and 454, and a switch circuit 455.

[0048] An input terminal of the power amplifier 451 is connected to the radio frequency input terminal 24, and an output terminal of the power amplifier 451 is connected to the filter 453. The power amplifier 451 can amplify a transmission signal of band D included in LB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0049] The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 452 is connected to the filter 454, and the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 452 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 34. The low-noise amplifier 452 can amplify the received signal of band D included in LB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0050] The filter 453 has a pass band that includes the transmission band of band D included in LB. One end of the filter 453 is connected to the switch circuit 455, and the other end of the filter 453 is connected to the power amplifier 451. The filter 453 can pass a transmission signal (D-Tx) of band D.

[0051] The filter 454 has a pass band that includes the reception band of band D included in LB. One end of the filter 454 is connected to the switch circuit 455, and the other end of the filter 454 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 452. The filter 454 can pass the reception signal (D-Rx) of band D.

[0052] The switch circuit 455 includes a common terminal and a plurality of selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch circuit 455 is connected to the selection terminal 619 of the switch circuit 61. One of the plurality of selection terminals of the switch circuit 455 is connected to the filters 453 and 454. In this connection configuration, the switch circuit 455 can connect the common terminal to at least one of the plurality of selection terminals based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The switch circuit 455 is configured, for example, as a multi-connection type switch circuit.

[0053] The circuit configuration of the transmission / reception circuit 45 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the transmission / reception circuit 45 may further include one or more other filters corresponding to one or more bands included in LB. In this case, the one or more other filters may be connected to other selection terminals of the switch circuit 455.

[0054] The filter 51 is an example of a first filter and is a high-pass filter (HPF) having a passband that includes UHB. The filter 51 is connected between the common terminal 611 of the switch circuit 61 and the antenna connection terminal 11. The filter 51 is capable of passing signals in a frequency band that includes UHB. The filter 51 may also be a band-pass filter (BPF).

[0055] The filter 52 is an example of a second filter and is a BPF having a passband including HB. The filter 52 is connected between the common terminal 612 of the switch circuit 61 and the antenna connection terminal 12. The filter 52 is capable of passing signals in a frequency band included in HB.

[0056] The filter 53 is an example of a third filter and is a low-pass filter (LPF) having a passband including MB. The filter 53 is connected between the common terminal 613 of the switch circuit 61 and the antenna connection terminal 13. The filter 53 is capable of passing signals in a frequency band included in MB. The filter 53 may also be a BPF.

[0057] The filter 54 is an example of a fourth filter and is an LPF having a passband including LB. The filter 54 is connected between the common terminal 614 of the switch circuit 61 and the antenna connection terminal 14. The filter 54 is able to pass signals in a frequency band included in LB. The filter 54 may also be a BPF.

[0058] The filter 55 is an example of a fifth filter and is a band elimination filter (BEF) having an attenuation band including HB and a pass band including UHB. The filter 55 is connected between the selection terminal 616 of the switch circuit 61 and the receiving circuit 42. The filter 55 attenuates signals in a frequency band included in HB and passes signals in a frequency band included in UHB. The filter 55 may be a band-pass filter (BPF). The attenuation band of the filter 55 may include LB and / or MB harmonic bands in addition to HB.

[0059] The filters 51-55 may be implemented as, but are not limited to, LC filters, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, or dielectric resonator filters, or any combination thereof.

[0060] The switch circuit 61 includes common terminals 611, 612, 613, and 614, and selection terminals 615, 616, 617, 618, and 619. The common terminal 611 is an example of a first common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the filter 51. The common terminal 612 is an example of a second common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 12 via the filter 52. The common terminal 613 is an example of a third common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 13 via the filter 53. The common terminal 614 is an example of a fourth common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 14 via the filter 54. The selection terminal 615 is an example of a first selection terminal and is connected to the transmission circuit 41. The selection terminal 616 is an example of a second selection terminal and is connected to the reception circuit 42 via the filter 55. The selection terminal 617 is an example of a third selection terminal and is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 43. The selection terminal 618 is an example of a fourth selection terminal and is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 44. The selection terminal 619 is an example of a fifth selection terminal, and is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 45 .

[0061] In such a connection configuration, the switch circuit 61 can connect the common terminals 611 to 614 to the selection terminals 615 to 619 based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. Specifically, the common terminal 611 can be exclusively connected to the selection terminals 615 and 616, the common terminal 612 can be connected to the selection terminal 617, the common terminal 613 can be connected to the selection terminals 617 and 618, and the common terminal 614 can be connected to the selection terminal 619.

[0062] The switch circuit 61 may be implemented in a single integrated circuit. In this case, the integrated circuit may be configured using, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or may be manufactured using an SOI (silicon on insulator) process. Note that the integrated circuit is not limited to a CMOS. The switch circuit 61 may also be implemented in multiple integrated circuits. For example, the switch circuit 61 may be implemented as separate integrated circuits for UHB, HB, and MB, and an integrated circuit for LB. In this case, the integrated circuits for UHB, HB, and MB include common terminals 611 to 613 and selection terminals 615 to 618, and the integrated circuit for LB includes a common terminal 614 and selection terminal 619.

[0063] [1.3 Frequency Bands] Next, the frequency bands supported by the high-frequency circuit 1 will be described.

[0064] Bands A to D are frequency bands for communication systems built using radio access technologies (RATs). Bands A to D are predefined by standardization organizations (e.g., 3GPP and IEEE). Examples of communication systems include 5GNR (5th Generation New Radio) systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems, and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) systems.

[0065] Examples of bands A to D are shown in Table 1 below. In the table below, bands beginning with the letter n represent frequency bands for 5G NR, and bands beginning with the letter B represent frequency bands for LTE.

[0066]

[0067] It should be noted that bands A to D are not limited to those in Table 1.

[0068] [1.4 Communication Modes] Next, first, second, and third modes will be described as communication modes for simultaneous communication of signals in a frequency band included in UHB and signals in a frequency band included in HB, MB, or LB, with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In Figures 2 to 4, dashed arrows indicate transmission paths and reception paths.

[0069] [1.4.1 First Mode] First, the first mode will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path in the first mode of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment.

[0070] The first mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band B included in HB. In the first mode, as shown in Fig. 2 , the transmitter circuit 41 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, the receiver circuit 42 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via filters 55 and 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 43 for HB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 12 via a filter 52. Specifically, the switch circuit 61 temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, and connects the common terminal 612 to a selection terminal 617.

[0071] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, switch circuit 61, and filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, switch circuit 61, filter 55, and reception circuit 42. On the other hand, the band B transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 22 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 12 via the transmission / reception circuit 43, switch circuit 61, and filter 52. On the other hand, the band B reception signal supplied from the antenna 2b via the antenna connection terminal 12 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 32 via the filter 52, switch circuit 61, and transmission / reception circuit 43.

[0072] [1.4.2 Second Mode] Next, the second mode will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path in the second mode of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment.

[0073] The second mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band C included in MB. In the second mode, as shown in Fig. 3 , the transmitter circuit 41 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, the receiver circuit 42 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via filters 55 and 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 44 for MB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 13 via a filter 53. Specifically, the switch circuit 61 temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, and connects the common terminal 613 to a selection terminal 618.

[0074] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, switch circuit 61, and filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, switch circuit 61, filter 55, and reception circuit 42. On the other hand, the band C transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 23 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 13 via the transmission / reception circuit 44, switch circuit 61, and filter 53. On the other hand, the band C reception signal supplied from the antenna 2c via the antenna connection terminal 13 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 33 via the filter 53, switch circuit 61, and transmission / reception circuit 44.

[0075] [1.4.3 Third Mode] Finally, the third mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path in the third mode of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment.

[0076] The third mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band D included in LB. In the third mode, as shown in Fig. 4 , the transmitter circuit 41 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, the receiver circuit 42 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via filters 55 and 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 45 for LB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 14 via a filter 54. Specifically, the switch circuit 61 temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, and connects the common terminal 614 to a selection terminal 619.

[0077] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, switch circuit 61, and filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, switch circuit 61, filter 55, and reception circuit 42. On the other hand, the band D transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 24 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 14 via the transmission / reception circuit 45, switch circuit 61, and filter 54. On the other hand, the band D reception signal supplied from the antenna 2d via the antenna connection terminal 14 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 34 via the filter 54, switch circuit 61, and transmission / reception circuit 45.

[0078] 2 to 4, the first, second, and third modes have been described above, but the multiple communication modes available to the high-frequency circuit 1 are not limited to the first, second, and third modes. For example, a communication mode for realizing simultaneous communication using a combination of HB and MB, a combination of MB and LB, a combination of HB and LB, a combination of UHB, HB, and MB, a combination of UHB, HB, and LB, a combination of UHB, MB, and LB, or a combination of UHB, HB, MB, and LB may be available. Furthermore, for example, a communication mode for communication in one or more frequency bands included in one band group may be available.

[0079] [1.5 Summary] As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment includes the common terminal 611 connected to the antenna connection terminal 11, the common terminal 612 connected to the antenna connection terminal 12, the common terminal 613 connected to the antenna connection terminal 13, the common terminal 614 connected to the antenna connection terminal 14, the selection terminal 615 connected to the transmission circuit 41 for UHB, the selection terminal 616 connected to the reception circuit 42 for UHB, the selection terminal 617 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 43 for HB, the selection terminal 618 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 44 for MB, and the selection terminal 619 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 45 for LB. a filter 51 connected between the common terminal 611 and the antenna connection terminal 11 and having a passband including UHB; a filter 52 connected between the common terminal 612 and the antenna connection terminal 12 and having a passband including HB; a filter 53 connected between the common terminal 613 and the antenna connection terminal 13 and having a passband including HB and MB; a filter 54 connected between the common terminal 614 and the antenna connection terminal 14 and having a passband including LB; and a filter 55 connected between the selection terminal 616 and the receiving circuit 42 and having an attenuation band including HB.

[0080] According to this configuration, a filter 55 having an attenuation band including HB is connected between the select terminal 616 of the switch circuit 61 and the receiver circuit 42. Therefore, leakage of the HB signal into the UHB receiver path can be suppressed. As a result, even when the high-frequency circuit 1 for UHB, HB, MB, and LB is mounted on a single module substrate (i.e., when the high-frequency circuit 1 is integrated into a single module), isolation between the receiver circuit 42 for UHB and the transmitter / receiver circuit 43 for HB can be ensured, contributing to the miniaturization of the communication device 5. Furthermore, in the high-frequency circuit 1, the switch circuit 61 can switch between transmitting and receiving UHB signals, and the filter 55 is not inserted into the UHB transmission path. Therefore, loss of the UHB transmission signal due to the filter 55 can be suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be a high-pass filter.

[0082] This allows the filter 51 to be realized relatively easily.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be a band-pass filter.

[0084] This allows the filter 51 to attenuate harmonic distortion in the UHB transmit path and / or the UHB receive path.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be an LC filter.

[0086] According to this, an LC filter having a relatively low loss and a wide passband is used for the filter 51, so that the filter 51 can achieve filter characteristics suitable for the relatively wide band UHB.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, the filter 55 may be an LC filter.

[0088] According to this, an LC filter having a relatively low loss and a wide attenuation band is used for the filter 55, so that the filter 55 can achieve filter characteristics suitable for attenuating a relatively wide band HB signal.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1 according to this embodiment, in a first mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and HB signals, the switch circuit 61 may (i) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, or (ii) connect the common terminal 612 to selection terminal 617; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and MB signals, the switch circuit 61 may (iii) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, or (iv) connect the common terminal 613 to selection terminal 618; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and LB signals, the switch circuit 61 may (v) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, or (vi) connect the common terminal 614 to selection terminal 619.

[0090] This makes it possible to realize simultaneous communication of UHB signals and HB signals, MB signals, or LB signals. In particular, in the high-frequency circuit 1 that can suppress loss of the UHB transmission signal while suppressing leakage of the HB signal to the UHB reception path, significant improvements in transmission and / or reception characteristics are achieved in the first mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and HB signals.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, the communication device 5 according to the present embodiment includes an RFIC 3 that processes high-frequency signals, and a high-frequency circuit 1 that transmits high-frequency signals between the antennas 2a to 2d and the RFIC 3.

[0092] This allows the communication device 5 to achieve the same effects as the high-frequency circuit 1 .

[0093] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. This embodiment differs from embodiment 1 above mainly in that it is possible to switch between connection and disconnection between the UHB receiving circuit and the BEF. The following describes this embodiment with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from embodiment 1 above.

[0094] 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a communication device 5A according to this embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 is an exemplary circuit configuration, and the communication device 5A and the high-frequency circuit 1A can be implemented using any of a wide variety of circuit implementations and circuit technologies. Therefore, the following description of the communication device 5A and the high-frequency circuit 1A should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0095] [2.1 Circuit Configuration of Communication Device 5A] The communication device 5A according to this embodiment includes a high-frequency circuit 1A, antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, an RFIC 3, and a BBIC 4. Note that the communication device 5A is similar to the communication device 5 according to the first embodiment except that it includes the high-frequency circuit 1A instead of the high-frequency circuit 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] [2.2 Circuit Configuration of High-Frequency Circuit 1A] Next, the circuit configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The high-frequency circuit 1A includes antenna connection terminals 11, 12, 13, and 14, high-frequency input terminals 21, 22, 23, and 24, high-frequency output terminals 31, 32, 33, and 34, a transmitting circuit 41, a receiving circuit 42A, transmitting / receiving circuits 43, 44, and 45, filters 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55, and a switch circuit 61A.

[0097] The receiving circuit 42A is an example of a first receiving circuit for UHB, and is connected between the switch circuit 61A and the high-frequency output terminal 31. The receiving circuit 42A includes a low-noise amplifier 421 and a switch circuit 422.

[0098] The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier 421 is connected to the switch circuit 422, and the output terminal of the low-noise amplifier 421 is connected to the high-frequency output terminal 31. The low-noise amplifier 421 can amplify a received signal (A-Rx) of band A included in UHB using power supplied from a power supply (not shown).

[0099] The switch circuit 422 includes a common terminal and two selection terminals. The common terminal of the switch circuit 422 is connected to the low-noise amplifier 421. One of the two selection terminals of the switch circuit 422 is connected to the selection terminal 616 of the switch circuit 61A via the filter 55, and the other of the two selection terminals of the switch circuit 422 is connected to the selection terminal 620 of the switch circuit 61A without passing through the filter 55. In this connection configuration, the switch circuit 422 can exclusively connect the common terminal to the two selection terminals based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. The switch circuit 422 is configured, for example, as an SPDT type switch circuit.

[0100] The switch circuit 61A includes common terminals 611, 612, 613, and 614, and selection terminals 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, and 620. The common terminal 611 is an example of a first common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the filter 51. The common terminal 612 is an example of a second common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 12 via the filter 52. The common terminal 613 is an example of a third common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 13 via the filter 53. The common terminal 614 is an example of a fourth common terminal and is connected to the antenna connection terminal 14 via the filter 54. The selection terminal 615 is an example of a first selection terminal and is connected to the transmission circuit 41. The selection terminal 616 is an example of a second selection terminal and is connected to the reception circuit 42A via the filter 55. The selection terminal 617 is an example of a third selection terminal and is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 43. The selection terminal 618 is an example of a fourth selection terminal and is connected to the transmission / reception circuit 44. The selection terminal 620 is an example of a sixth selection terminal and is connected to the reception circuit 42A without passing through the filter 55.

[0101] In such a connection configuration, the switch circuit 61A can connect the common terminals 611 to 614 to the selection terminals 615 to 620 based on, for example, a control signal from the RFIC 3. Specifically, the common terminal 611 can be exclusively connected to the selection terminals 615, 616, and 620, the common terminal 612 can be connected to the selection terminal 617, the common terminal 613 can be connected to the selection terminals 617 and 618, and the common terminal 614 can be connected to the selection terminal 619.

[0102] The switch circuit 61A may be implemented in a single integrated circuit. In this case, the integrated circuit may be configured using, for example, CMOS or may be manufactured by an SOI process. Note that the integrated circuit is not limited to CMOS. The switch circuit 61A may also be implemented in multiple integrated circuits. For example, the switch circuit 61A may be implemented as separate integrated circuits for UHB, HB, and MB, and an integrated circuit for LB. In this case, the integrated circuits for UHB, HB, and MB include common terminals 611 to 613 and selection terminals 615 to 618 and 620, and the integrated circuit for LB includes a common terminal 614 and selection terminal 619.

[0103] [2.3 Frequency Band] The frequency bands supported by the high-frequency circuit 1A are the same as those of the high-frequency circuit 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] [2.4 Communication Modes] Next, first, second, and third modes will be described as communication modes for simultaneous communication of signals in a frequency band included in UHB and signals in a frequency band included in HB, MB, or LB, with reference to Figures 6 to 8. In Figures 6 to 8, dashed arrows indicate transmission paths and reception paths.

[0105] [2.4.1 First Mode] First, the first mode will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path in the first mode of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment.

[0106] The first mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band B included in HB. In the first mode, as shown in Fig. 6 , the transmitter circuit 41 for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, the receiver circuit 42A for UHB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via filters 55 and 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 43 for HB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 12 via a filter 52. Specifically, the switch circuit 61A temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, and connects the common terminal 612 to the selection terminal 617.

[0107] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, the switch circuit 61A, the filter 55, and the reception circuit 42A. On the other hand, the band B transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 22 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 12 via the transmission / reception circuit 43, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 52. On the other hand, the band B reception signal supplied from the antenna 2b via the antenna connection terminal 12 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 32 via the filter 52, the switch circuit 61A, and the transmission / reception circuit 43.

[0108] [2.4.2 Second Mode] Next, the second mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment in the second mode.

[0109] The second mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band C included in MB. In the second mode, as shown in Fig. 7 , the transmitter circuit 41 and receiver circuit 42A for UHB are connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 44 for MB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 13 via a filter 53. Specifically, the switch circuit 61A temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 620, and connects the common terminal 613 to the selection terminal 618.

[0110] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, the switch circuit 61A, and the reception circuit 42A, but without passing through the filter 55. On the other hand, the band C transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 23 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 13 via the transmission / reception circuit 44, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 53. On the other hand, the band C reception signal supplied from the antenna 2c via the antenna connection terminal 13 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 33 via the filter 53, the switch circuit 61A, and the transmission / reception circuit 44.

[0111] [2.4.3 Third Mode] Finally, the third mode will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the transmission path and reception path of the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment in the third mode.

[0112] The third mode is a communication mode for simultaneous communication of a signal in band A included in UHB and a signal in band D included in LB. In the third mode, as shown in Fig. 8 , the transmitter circuit 41 and receiver circuit 42A for UHB are connected to the antenna connection terminal 11 via a filter 51, and the transmitter / receiver circuit 45 for LB is connected to the antenna connection terminal 14 via a filter 54. Specifically, the switch circuit 61A temporally switches the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 620, and connects the common terminal 614 to a selection terminal 619.

[0113] As a result, the band A transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 21 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 11 via the transmission circuit 41, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 51. On the other hand, the band A reception signal supplied from the antenna 2a via the antenna connection terminal 11 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 31 via the filter 51, the switch circuit 61A, and the reception circuit 42A, but without passing through the filter 55. On the other hand, the band D transmission signal supplied from the RFIC 3 via the radio frequency input terminal 24 is transmitted to the antenna connection terminal 14 via the transmission / reception circuit 45, the switch circuit 61A, and the filter 54. On the other hand, the band D reception signal supplied from the antenna 2d via the antenna connection terminal 14 is transmitted to the radio frequency output terminal 34 via the filter 54, the switch circuit 61A, and the transmission / reception circuit 45.

[0114] Although the first, second, and third modes have been described above with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the multiple communication modes available to the high-frequency circuit 1A are not limited to the first, second, and third modes. For example, a communication mode for realizing simultaneous communication using a combination of HB and MB, a combination of MB and LB, a combination of HB and LB, a combination of UHB, HB, and MB, a combination of UHB, HB, and LB, a combination of UHB, MB, and LB, or a combination of UHB, HB, MB, and LB may be available. Furthermore, for example, a communication mode for communication in one or more frequency bands included in one band group may be available.

[0115] [2.5 Summary] As described above, the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment includes the common terminal 611 connected to the antenna connection terminal 11, the common terminal 612 connected to the antenna connection terminal 12, the common terminal 613 connected to the antenna connection terminal 13, the common terminal 614 connected to the antenna connection terminal 14, the selection terminal 615 connected to the transmission circuit 41 for UHB, the selection terminal 616 connected to the reception circuit 42A for UHB, the selection terminal 617 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 43 for HB, the selection terminal 618 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 44 for MB, and the selection terminal 619 connected to the transmission / reception circuit 45 for LB. a filter 51 connected between the common terminal 611 and the antenna connection terminal 11 and having a passband including UHB; a filter 52 connected between the common terminal 612 and the antenna connection terminal 12 and having a passband including HB; a filter 53 connected between the common terminal 613 and the antenna connection terminal 13 and having a passband including HB and MB; a filter 54 connected between the common terminal 614 and the antenna connection terminal 14 and having a passband including LB; and a filter 55 connected between the selection terminal 616 and the receiving circuit 42A and having an attenuation band including HB.

[0116] According to this configuration, a filter 55 having an attenuation band including HB is connected between the selection terminal 616 of the switch circuit 61A and the receiver circuit 42A. Therefore, leakage of the HB signal into the UHB reception path can be suppressed. As a result, even when the high-frequency circuit 1A for UHB, HB, MB, and LB is mounted on a single module substrate (i.e., when the high-frequency circuit 1A is integrated into a single module), isolation between the receiver circuit 42A for UHB and the transmitter / receiver circuit 43 for HB can be ensured, contributing to the miniaturization of the communication device 5A. Furthermore, in the high-frequency circuit 1A, the switch circuit 61A can switch between transmitting and receiving UHB signals, and the filter 55 is not inserted into the UHB transmission path. Therefore, loss of the UHB transmission signal due to the filter 55 can be suppressed.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be a high-pass filter.

[0118] This allows the filter 51 to be realized relatively easily.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be a band-pass filter.

[0120] This allows the filter 51 to attenuate harmonic distortion in the UHB transmit path and / or the UHB receive path.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the filter 51 may be an LC filter.

[0122] According to this, an LC filter having a relatively low loss and a wide passband is used for the filter 51, so that the filter 51 can achieve filter characteristics suitable for the relatively wide band UHB.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the filter 55 may be an LC filter.

[0124] According to this, an LC filter having a relatively low loss and a wide attenuation band is used for the filter 55, so that the filter 55 can achieve filter characteristics suitable for attenuating a relatively wide band HB signal.

[0125] As described above, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, the switch circuit 61A may further include a selection terminal 620 that is connected to the receiving circuit 42A without passing through the filter 55.

[0126] According to this, selection terminal 620 of switch circuit 61A is connected to receiving circuit 42A without passing through filter 55. Therefore, when there is little leakage of the HB signal into the UHB receiving path, by connecting receiving circuit 42A to antenna connection terminal 11 without passing through filter 55, loss of the UHB receiving signal can be suppressed.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, in the high-frequency circuit 1A according to this embodiment, in a first mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and HB signals, the switch circuit 61A may (i) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 616, or (ii) connect the common terminal 612 to selection terminal 617; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and MB signals, the switch circuit 61A may (iii) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 620, or (iv) connect the common terminal 613 to selection terminal 618; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of UHB signals and LB signals, the switch circuit 61A may (v) temporally switch the connection of the common terminal 611 between selection terminals 615 and 620, or (vi) connect the common terminal 614 to selection terminal 619.

[0128] According to this, in the first mode in which the UHB signal and the HB signal are simultaneously communicated, the filter 55 is inserted in the UHB reception path, thereby effectively suppressing leakage of the HB signal into the UHB reception path. On the other hand, in the second and third modes in which the UHB signal and the HB signal are not simultaneously communicated, the filter 55 is not inserted in the UHB reception path, thereby effectively suppressing loss of the UHB reception signal.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, a communication device 5A according to the present embodiment includes an RFIC 3 that processes high-frequency signals, and a high-frequency circuit 1A that transmits high-frequency signals between antennas 2a to 2d and the RFIC 3.

[0130] This allows the communication device 5A to achieve the same effects as the high-frequency circuit 1A.

[0131] (Other Embodiments) While the high-frequency circuit and communication device according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiments, the high-frequency circuit and communication device according to the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention also includes other embodiments realized by combining any of the components in the above embodiments, modifications obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and various devices incorporating the above-mentioned high-frequency circuit.

[0132] For example, in the circuit configurations of the various circuits according to the above 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 amplifier and the filter. The impedance matching circuit may be configured, for example, with an inductor and / or a capacitor, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] The following describes the features of the high-frequency circuit and communication device described based on the above embodiments.

[0134] <1> A switch circuit including: a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connection terminal, a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connection terminal, a third common terminal connected to a third antenna connection terminal, a fourth common terminal connected to a fourth antenna connection terminal, a first selection terminal connected to a first transmission circuit for an ultra-high band group (3300 to 5000 MHz), a second selection terminal connected to a first reception circuit for the ultra-high band group, a third selection terminal connected to at least one of a second transmission circuit and a second reception circuit for a high band group (2300 to 2690 MHz), a fourth selection terminal connected to at least one of a third transmission circuit and a third reception circuit for a mid band group (1427 to 2200 MHz), and a fifth selection terminal connected to at least one of a fourth transmission circuit and a fourth reception circuit for a low band group (617 to 960 MHz); and a first filter connected between the first common terminal and the first antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the ultra-high band group. a second filter connected between the second common terminal and the second antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the high band group; a third filter connected between the third common terminal and the third antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the high band group and the mid band group; a fourth filter connected between the fourth common terminal and the fourth antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the low band group; and a fifth filter connected between the second selection terminal and the first receiving circuit and having an attenuation band including the high band group.

[0135] <2> The high-frequency circuit according to <1>, wherein the first filter is a high-pass filter.

[0136] <3> The high-frequency circuit according to <1>, wherein the first filter is a band-pass filter.

[0137] <4> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the first filter is an LC filter.

[0138] <5> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the fifth filter is an LC filter.

[0139] <6> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein in a first mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the high band group signals, the switch circuit (i) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (ii) connects the second common terminal to the third selection terminal; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the mid band group signals, the switch circuit (iii) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (iv) connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the low band group signals, the switch circuit (v) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (vi) connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

[0140] <7> The high-frequency circuit according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the switch circuit further includes a sixth selection terminal connected to the first receiving circuit without passing through the fifth filter.

[0141] <8> The high-frequency circuit described in <7>, wherein in a first mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the high band group signals, the switch circuit (i) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (ii) connects the second common terminal to the third selection terminal; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the mid band group signals, the switch circuit (iii) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the sixth selection terminal, and (iv) connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of the ultra-high band group signals and the low band group signals, the switch circuit (v) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the sixth selection terminal, and (vi) connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

[0142] <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 an antenna and the signal processing circuit.

[0143] The present invention can be widely used as a high-frequency circuit disposed in the front end of communication devices such as mobile phones.

[0144] 1, 1A High frequency circuit 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Antenna 3 RFIC 4 BBIC 5, 5A Communication device 11, 12, 13, 14 Antenna connection terminal 21, 22, 23, 24 High frequency input terminal 31, 32, 33, 34 High frequency output terminal 41 Transmission circuit 42, 42A Reception circuit 43, 44, 45 Transmission / reception circuit 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 433, 443, 444, 453, 454 Filter 61, 61A, 422, 434, 435, 445, 455 Switch circuit 411, 431, 441, 451 Power amplifier 421, 432, 442, 452 Low noise amplifier 611, 612, 613, 614 Common terminal 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620 Selection terminal

Claims

1. A switch circuit including: a first common terminal connected to a first antenna connection terminal; a second common terminal connected to a second antenna connection terminal; a third common terminal connected to a third antenna connection terminal; a fourth common terminal connected to a fourth antenna connection terminal; a first selection terminal connected to a first transmission circuit for an ultra-high band group (3300 to 5000 MHz); a second selection terminal connected to a first reception circuit for the ultra-high band group; a third selection terminal connected to at least one of a second transmission circuit and a second reception circuit for a high band group (2300 to 2690 MHz); a fourth selection terminal connected to at least one of a third transmission circuit and a third reception circuit for a mid band group (1427 to 2200 MHz); and a fifth selection terminal connected to at least one of a fourth transmission circuit and a fourth reception circuit for a low band group (617 to 960 MHz); and a first filter connected between the first common terminal and the first antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the ultra-high band group. a second filter connected between the second common terminal and the second antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the high band group; a third filter connected between the third common terminal and the third antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the high band group and the mid band group; a fourth filter connected between the fourth common terminal and the fourth antenna connection terminal and having a passband including the low band group; and a fifth filter connected between the second selection terminal and the first receiving circuit and having an attenuation band including the high band group.

2. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first filter is a high-pass filter.

3. The high-frequency circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first filter is a band-pass filter.

4. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first filter is an LC filter.

5. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fifth filter is an LC filter.

6. The high-frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in a first mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and high band group signals, the switch circuit (i) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (ii) connects the second common terminal to the third selection terminal; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and mid band group signals, the switch circuit (iii) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (iv) connects the third common terminal to the fourth selection terminal; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and low band group signals, the switch circuit (v) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first selection terminal and the second selection terminal, and (vi) connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth selection terminal.

7. The high frequency circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch circuit further includes a sixth selection terminal connected to the first receiving circuit without passing through the fifth filter.

8. The high-frequency circuit of claim 7, wherein in a first mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and high band group signals, the switch circuit (i) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first select terminal and the second select terminal, and (ii) connects the second common terminal to the third select terminal; in a second mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and mid band group signals, the switch circuit (iii) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first select terminal and the sixth select terminal, and (iv) connects the third common terminal to the fourth select terminal; and in a third mode for simultaneous communication of ultra-high band group signals and low band group signals, the switch circuit (v) temporally switches the connection of the first common terminal between the first select terminal and the sixth select terminal, and (vi) connects the fourth common terminal to the fifth select terminal.

9. 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 1 to 8 that transmits the high-frequency signal between an antenna and the signal processing circuit.

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