High-Frequency Module Lamination for Compact RF Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-frequency modules experience upsizing and increased profile due to the arrangement of high-frequency circuit components on substrates, leading to performance degradation from unwanted radiation, especially when power amplifiers are involved.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency module design featuring a lamination configuration of substrates with internal high-frequency circuit components, including a power amplifier, and the use of conductor layers and members to confine and ground electromagnetic radiation, preventing unwanted radiation effects and enabling downsizing while maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-frequency circuit components are arranged on the substrate of the first radio frequency package, then the functionality and performance of the high-frequency module is improved, but the module size and profile increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance of high-frequency amplifier elementVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar arrangement of high-frequency components on a single substrate to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where components are distributed across multiple substrates (first and second radio frequency packages) in vertical layers. This dimensional change allows compact integration while maintaining component functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds the first radio frequency package containing high-frequency amplifier elements within or alongside the second radio frequency package, creating a nested or interleaved structure. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces overall module footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Power

If high-frequency amplifier elements are arranged on the substrate, then the amplification functionality is achieved, but unwanted radiation increases causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplification capabilityVSAvoidunwanted radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts high-frequency amplifier elements from the conventional planar substrate arrangement and relocates them to specific positions on the first radio frequency package substrate, separating them from other circuit components. This extraction reduces electromagnetic interference and unwanted radiation effects on surrounding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces grounding structures and shielding configurations as intermediary elements between high-frequency amplifier elements and other circuit components. These intermediaries act as electromagnetic barriers that contain unwanted radiation while allowing the amplification function to operate effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple substrates are laminated vertically, then the profile and area are reduced, but the complexity of assembly and alignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront end portion areaVSAvoidlamination structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the radio frequency module into segmented functional packages (first and second radio frequency packages), each handling specific functions. This segmentation allows independent fabrication and testing of each package before final assembly, reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the lamination structure with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection protocols that enable flexible assembly of different package combinations. This multi-functionality approach simplifies the assembly process by providing standardized mechanisms for aligning and connecting multiple substrates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces the module's profile and prevents performance degradation by internalizing high-frequency components and using conductor layers to manage radiation, ensuring efficient operation and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

the use of conductor layers and members to confine and ground electromagnetic radiation, preventing unwanted radiation effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation confinement and grounding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10971459B2High-frequency module
Publication Date: 2021.04.06 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US10971459B2 patent drawing
  • US10971459B2 patent drawing
  • US10971459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A high-frequency module (1) includes a first substrate (101), a second substrate (102) that faces the first substrate (101), a support (103) that supports the first substrate (101) and the second substrate (102), and a plurality of high-frequency circuit components arranged in internal space formed by the first substrate (101), the second substrate (102), and the support and on both of facing principal faces of the first substrate (101) and the second substrate (102), and the plurality of high-frequency circuit components include a power amplifier element that constitutes a power amplifier circuit (16).