RADIO-FREQUENCY MODULE AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE

A device that includes plurality of inductors, to include two or more first inductors connected to two or more receive filters corresponding to two or more communication bands included in the first combination among a plurality of receive filters, and two or more second inductors connected to two or more receive filters corresponding to two or more communication bands included in the second combination among a plurality of receive filters. In plan view in a thickness direction of a mounting board, at least one second inductor among the two or more second inductors is positioned between two first inductors among the two or more first inductors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a radio-frequency module and a communication device, and more specifically relates to a radio-frequency module including a plurality of low-noise amplifier and a communication device including the radio-frequency module.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Document 1 discloses a radio-frequency module including a package substrate (mounting board), a plurality of filters (receive filters) corresponding to a plurality of frequency bands (communication bands), a plurality of low-noise amplifiers, and a plurality of impedance matching components connected between the plurality of low-noise amplifiers and the plurality of filters. Patent Document 1 discloses that each of the plurality of impedance matching components can include an inductor. The radio-frequency module disclosed in Patent Document 1 is capable of supporting carrier aggregation.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: United States Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0126987

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

For example, when a radio-frequency module of the related art includes two or more receive filters and two or more inductors used during simultaneous communication such as carrier aggregation, characteristics during simultaneous communication may deteriorate due to magnetic field coupling/electric field coupling of two or more inductors.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a radio-frequency module and a communication device which can suppress deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

Solution to Problem

A radio-frequency module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mounting board, a plurality of receive filters, a plurality of low-noise amplifiers, and a plurality of inductors. The mounting board has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The plurality of receive filters are disposed on the mounting board. The plurality of receive filters correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers are disposed on the mounting board. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifier has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors are disposed on the first main surface of the mounting board. The plurality of inductors are connected between the input terminal of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers and the plurality of receive filters. The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands included in a first combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication and two or more communication bands included in a second combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors include two or more first inductors connected to two or more receive filters corresponding to the two or more communication bands included in the first combination among the plurality of receive filters, and two or more second inductors connected to two or more receive filters corresponding to the two or more communication bands included in the second combination among the plurality of receive filters. At least one second inductor among the two or more second inductors is positioned between two first inductors among the two or more first inductors in plan view in a thickness direction of the mounting board.

A radio-frequency module according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a mounting board, a plurality of receive filters, a plurality of low-noise amplifiers, and a plurality of inductors. The mounting board has a first main surface and a second main surface facing each other. The plurality of receive filters are disposed on the mounting board. The plurality of receive filters correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers are disposed on the mounting board. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifier has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors are disposed on the first main surface of the mounting board. The plurality of inductors are connected between the input terminal of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers and the plurality of receive filters. The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands corresponding to the combination of the communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors include two or more inductors connected to two or more receive filters corresponding to the two or more communication bands among the plurality of receive filters. The two or more inductors include a first inductor and a second inductor. The first inductor has a first winding portion. The second inductor has a second winding portion. The second inductor is adjacent to the first inductor in plan view in a thickness direction of the mounting board. A winding axis of the first winding portion of the first inductor does not intersect with the second inductor.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device includes the radio-frequency module according to the above-described aspect, and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit is connected to the radio-frequency module.

Advantageous Effects of Disclosure

According to the above aspect of the present disclosure, the radio-frequency module and the communication device can suppress deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS.1to6and15A to20, which are referred to in the following embodiments or the like, are all schematic views, and each of ratios of sizes or thicknesses of each constituent element in the drawing does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, a radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 includes a mounting board9, a plurality of (for example, 13) receive filters F0(refer toFIG.7), a plurality of (for example, 13) low-noise amplifiers A0(refer toFIG.7) and a plurality of (for example, 13) inductors L0. The mounting board9has a first main surface91and a second main surface92(refer toFIG.2) facing each other. Here, “facing” means facing geometrically rather than physically. In the radio-frequency module100, an IC chip10including the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0is disposed on the second main surface92of the mounting board9. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors L0are disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. As shown inFIG.7, the plurality of inductors L0are connected to the input terminals of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0. The “radio-frequency module” as used in the present specification is a module used for communication of radio-frequency signals. The plurality of receive filters F0correspond to a plurality of communication bands.

The radio-frequency module100is used, for example, in a communication device300as shown inFIGS.8and9. The communication device300is, for example, a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone), but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a wearable terminal (for example, a smartwatch), or the like. The radio-frequency module100is, for example, a module that can support a fourth generation mobile communication (4G) standard or a fifth generation mobile communication (5G) standard. The 4G standard is, for example, a third generation partnership project (3GPP) (registered trademark) long term evolution (LTE) standard (registered trademark). The 5G standard is, for example, 5G new radio (NR). The radio-frequency module100is, for example, a module capable of supporting carrier aggregation and dual connectivity. Further, the radio-frequency module100is capable of supporting multi input multi output (MIMO).

Each of the plurality of receive filters F0is connected to one low-noise amplifier A0among the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0with one inductor L0interposed therebetween among the plurality of inductors L0. In the radio-frequency module100, the pass bands of the plurality of receive filters F0correspond to the plurality of communication bands. Each of the plurality of communication bands is, for example, a communication band used for communication corresponding to frequency division duplex (FDD) as a communication method, a communication band used for communication corresponding to time division duplex (TDD), or communication band used for communication corresponding to supplemental downlink (SDL). The plurality of communication bands include, for example, Band 32, Band 11, Band 1, Band 66, Band 34, Band 39, Band 3, Band 25, Band 30, Band 40, Band 53, Band 7, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

InFIG.7, a receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F32) having pass bands corresponding to the receive band of Band 32 of the 3GPP LTE standard, the receive band of n75 of the 5G NR standard, and the receive band of n76 of the 5G NR standard is written as “B32/n75/n76” on the left side of the graphical symbol. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B11/21” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F11) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 11 and the receive band of Band 21. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B1Rx” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F1) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 1. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B66Rx” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(also referred to as a receive filter F66) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 66. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B34” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F34) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 34. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B39” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F39) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 39. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B3Rx” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F3) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 3. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B25/n70Rx” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F25) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 25 and the receive band of n70. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B30” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F30) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 30. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B40F” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F40) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 40. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B53/51” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F53) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 53 and the receive band of Band 51. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B7” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F7) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 7. Similarly, inFIG.7, “B41Rx” is written on the left side of the graphical symbol of the receive filter F0(hereinafter also referred to as a receive filter F41) having a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 41.

The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands included in a first combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication and two or more communication bands included in a second combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. Further, the plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands included in a third combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. Here, “capable of simultaneous communication” means that simultaneous reception is possible. In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, when not limited to the plurality of communication bands, “capable of simultaneous communication” means that at least one of simultaneous reception, simultaneous transmission, and simultaneous transmission and reception is possible. For example, when two or more communication bands included in the first combination include two or more communication bands included in a combination of carrier aggregations supported by a European communication carrier, the two or more communication bands that are included in the second combination include, for example, two or more communication bands included in a combination of carrier aggregations supported by a communication carrier of the People's Republic of China. In addition, for example, when two or more communication bands included in the first combination include two or more communication bands included in a combination of carrier aggregations supported by a communication carrier in the United States, the two or more communication bands that are included in the second combination include, for example, two or more communication bands included in a combination of carrier aggregations supported by a communication carrier of the People's Republic of China. Europe is one of the regions included in a first region classified by the Radio Regulations (RR), which are international rules related to radio communication, in the ITU Radio communication Sector (ITU-R) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In addition, the United States is one of the regions included in a second region classified in the above-described Radio Regulations. In addition, the People's Republic of China is one of the regions included in a third region classified in the above-described Radio Regulations. The two or more communication bands included in the combination of carrier aggregations supported by the European communication carrier include, for example, Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. In addition, the two or more communication bands included in the combination of carrier aggregations supported by the European communication carrier include, for example, Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The two or more communication bands included in the combination of carrier aggregations supported by the communication carriers of the People's Republic of China include, for example, Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The two or more communication bands included in the combination of carrier aggregations supported by the communication carrier in the United States include, for example, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. In addition, the two or more communication bands included in the combination of carrier aggregations supported by the communication carrier in the United States include, for example, Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

Hereinafter, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference toFIGS.1to12, and the communication device300will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS.8to12.

(2.1) Circuit Configuration of Radio-Frequency Module

The circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference toFIGS.8to12.

The radio-frequency module100is configured, for example, such that reception signals input from three antennas AN1, AN2, and AN3can be amplified and output to a signal processing circuit301. Further, the radio-frequency module100is configured, for example, such that a transmission signal input from the signal processing circuit301can be amplified and output to the two antennas AN1and AN3. The signal processing circuit301is not a constituent element of the radio-frequency module100, but a constituent element of the communication device300including the radio-frequency module100. The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 is controlled by, for example, the signal processing circuit301of the communication device300. The communication device300includes the radio-frequency module100and the signal processing circuit301. The communication device300further includes three antennas AN1, AN2, and AN3. The communication device300further includes a circuit board on which the radio-frequency module100is mounted. The circuit board is, for example, a printed wiring board. The circuit board has a ground electrode to which a ground potential is applied.

As shown inFIG.8, the radio-frequency module100includes a receiving circuit101, a transmitting circuit102, a plurality of external connection terminals8, a switch7, and three matching circuits161,162, and163.

The receiving circuit101includes the plurality of (for example, 13) low-noise amplifiers A0(refer toFIG.7), the plurality of (for example, 13) inductors L0(refer toFIG.7), the plurality of (for example, 13) receive filters F0(refer toFIG.7), a plurality of (for example, 4) first switches2(refer toFIG.9), and a plurality of (for example, 4) second switches3(refer toFIG.9). In the receiving circuit101, each of the plurality of inductors L0is a circuit element of an input matching circuit for matching the impedance of the low-noise amplifier A0connected to one end of the inductor L0and the receive filter F0.

As shown inFIG.9, the transmitting circuit102includes a plurality of (for example, 2) power amplifiers110A and110B, a plurality of (for example, 4) transmission filters150to153, a plurality of (for example, 2) output matching circuits131and132, a switch17, and a switch14.

As shown inFIGS.8and9, the plurality of external connection terminals8include three antenna terminals81A,81B, and81C, four signal output terminals82A,82B,82C, and82D, two signal input terminals83A and83B, and four control terminals84, and a plurality of ground terminals85(refer toFIG.2). The four signal output terminals82A,82B,82C, and82D are terminals for outputting the radio-frequency signals (reception signals) from the receiving circuit101to an external circuit (for example, a signal processing circuit301). Two signal input terminals83A and83B are terminals for inputting radio-frequency signals (transmission signals) from an external circuit (for example, the signal processing circuit301) to the radio-frequency module100. The plurality of control terminals84are terminals for inputting control signals (digital signals) from an external circuit (for example, the signal processing circuit301) to, for example, the receiving circuit101, the transmitting circuit102, and the switch7. The plurality of ground terminals85are terminals to which a ground potential is applied.

The switch7includes a first switch circuit5as shown inFIG.9. Further, the switch7further includes a second switch circuit6. The first switch circuit5is configured to switch the connection relationship between the plurality of receive filters F0of the receiving circuit101and the three antennas AN1, AN2, and AN3. Further, the switch7is configured to further include the second switch circuit6to switch the connection relationship between the four transmission filters150to153of the transmitting circuit102and the two antennas AN1and AN3.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second switch3connected to the signal output terminal82A is referred to as a second switch3A. Similarly, the second switch3connected to the signal output terminal82B is referred to as a second switch3B, the second switch3connected to the signal output terminal82C is referred to as the second switch3C, and the second switch3connected to the signal output terminal82D is referred to as a second switch3D. As shown inFIG.11, each of the second switches3A,3B, and3C has a common terminal30and a plurality of (for example, 3) selection terminals31to33. In addition, as shown inFIG.11, the second switch3D has the common terminal30and the plurality of (for example, 4) selection terminals31to34.

In addition, hereinafter, when the plurality of first switches2are distinguished, the first switches2are also referred to as a first switch2A, a first switch2B, a first switch2C, and a first switch2D, respectively. As shown inFIG.11, each of the first switches2A and2B has a common terminal20and a plurality of (for example, 4) selection terminals21to24. Further, as shown inFIG.11, each of the first switches2C and2D has the common terminal20and the plurality of (for example, 2) selection terminals21and22.

Hereinafter, a circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module100will be described in more detail.

As shown inFIG.7, the plurality of receive filters F0include the plurality of receive filters F32, F11, F1, F66, F34, F39, F3, F25, F30, F40, F53, F7, and F41. The receive filter F32has pass bands corresponding to the receive band of Band 32 of the 3GPP LTE standard, the receive band of n75 of 5G NR standard, and the receive band of n76 of the 5G NR standard. The receive filter F11has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 11 and the receive band of Band 21. The receive filter F1has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 1. The receive filter F66has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 66. The receive filter F34has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 34. The receive filter F39has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 39. The receive filter F3has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 3. The receive filter F25has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 25 and the receive band of n70. The receive filter F30has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 30. The receive filter F40has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of the Band 40. The receive filter F53has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of the Band 53 and the receive band of the Band 51. The receive filter F7has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 7. The receive filter F41has a pass band corresponding to the receive band of Band 41.

Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0has an input terminal and an output terminal. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0amplifies the reception signal input to the input terminal to output the reception signal from the output terminal. As shown inFIG.7, the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0include a plurality of low-noise amplifiers A32, A11, A1, A66, A34, A39, A3, A25, A30, A40, A53, A7, and A41.

The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier A32is connected to the receive filter F32with the inductor L32interposed therebetween. The input terminal of the low-noise amplifier A11is connected to the receive filter F11with the inductor L11interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A1is connected to the receive filter F1with the inductor L1interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A66is connected to the receive filter F66with the inductor L66interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A34is connected to the receive filter F34with the inductor L34interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A39is connected to the receive filter F39with the inductor L39interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A3is connected to the receive filter F3with the inductor L3interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A25is connected to the receive filter F25with the inductor L25interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A30is connected to the receive filter F30with the inductor L30interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A40is connected to the receive filter F40with the inductor L40interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A53is connected to the receive filter F53with the inductor L53interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A7is connected to the receive filter F7with the inductor L7interposed therebetween. The low-noise amplifier A41is connected to the receive filter F41with the inductor L41interposed therebetween.

As shown inFIG.11, each output terminal of the two low-noise amplifiers A32and A11is connected to the selection terminal31of the second switch3D.

Each output terminal of the three low-noise amplifiers A1, A66, and A34is connected to the common terminal20of the first switch2A. Here, the low-noise amplifiers A1, A66, and A34respectively correspond to one communication band (Band 1) included in the first combination, one communication band (Band 66) included in the second combination, and one communication band (Band 34) included in the third combination.

Each output terminal of the three low-noise amplifiers A3, A25, and A39is connected to the common terminal20of the first switch2B. Here, the low-noise amplifiers A3, A25, and A39respectively correspond to one communication band (Band 3) included in the first combination, one communication band (Band 25) included in the second combination, and one communication band (Band 39) included in the third combination.

Each output terminal of the two low-noise amplifiers A40and A30is connected to the common terminal20of the first switch2C. Here, the low-noise amplifiers A40and A30correspond to one communication band (Band 40) included in the first combination and one communication band (Band 30) included in the second combination, respectively.

Each output terminal of the three low-noise amplifiers A53, A7, and A41is connected to the common terminal20of the first switch2D. Here, the low-noise amplifier A7corresponds to one communication band (Band 7) included in both the first combination and the second combination. Further, the low-noise amplifier A41corresponds to the communication band (Band 41) included in all of the first combination, the second combination, and the third combination.

The common terminal20of the first switch2A is connected to each of the output terminals of the three low-noise amplifiers A1, A66, and A34. The selection terminal21of the first switch2A is connected to the selection terminal33of the second switch3A. The selection terminal22of the first switch2A is connected to the selection terminal33of the second switch3B. The selection terminal23of the first switch2A is connected to the selection terminal33of the second switch3C. The selection terminal24of the first switch2A is connected to the selection terminal32of the second switch3D.

The common terminal20of the first switch2B is connected to each of the output terminals of the three low-noise amplifiers A3, A25, and A39. The selection terminal21of the first switch2B is connected to the selection terminal31of the second switch3A. The selection terminal22of the first switch2B is connected to the selection terminal32of the second switch3B. The selection terminal23of the first switch2B is connected to the selection terminal31of the second switch3C. The selection terminal24of the first switch2B is connected to the selection terminal33of the second switch3D.

The common terminal20of the first switch2C is connected to each of the output terminals of the two low-noise amplifiers A40and A30. The selection terminal21of the first switch2C is connected to the selection terminal31of the second switch3B. The selection terminal22of the first switch2C is connected to the selection terminal34of the second switch3D.

The common terminal20of the first switch2D is connected to each output terminal of the three low-noise amplifiers A53, A7, and A41. The selection terminal21of the first switch2D is connected to the selection terminal32of the second switch3A. The selection terminal22of the first switch2D is connected to the selection terminal32of the second switch3C.

The common terminal30of the second switch3A is connected to the signal output terminal82A. The common terminal30of the second switch3B is connected to the signal output terminal82B. The common terminal30of the second switch3C is connected to the signal output terminal82C. The common terminal30of the second switch3D is connected to the signal output terminal82D.

Each of the plurality of (2) power amplifiers110A and110B has an input terminal and an output terminal. Each of the plurality of power amplifiers110A to110B amplifies the transmission signal input to the input terminal to output the amplified transmission signal from the output terminal. The input terminal of the power amplifier110A and the input terminal of the power amplifier110B are connected to the signal input terminal83A or the signal input terminal83B with the switch17interposed therebetween. Therefore, as shown inFIGS.8and9, in the communication device300including the radio-frequency module100, the input terminal of the power amplifier110A and the input terminal of the power amplifier110B are connected to the signal processing circuit301of the communication device300with the switch17and the signal input terminal83A or the signal input terminal83B interposed therebetween. Two signal input terminals83A and83B are terminals for inputting radio-frequency signals (transmission signals) from an external circuit (for example, the signal processing circuit301) to the radio-frequency module100. As shown inFIG.11, the switch17has two first terminals171A and171B and two second terminals172A and172B. In the switch17, each of the two first terminals171A and171B is connectable to any of the two second terminals172A and172B. In the switch17, the first terminals171A and171B are connected to the signal input terminals83A and83B, respectively. Further, in the switch17, the second terminals172A and172B are connected to the input terminal of the power amplifier110A and the input terminal of the power amplifier110B, respectively.

The power amplifier110A and the power amplifier110B power-amplify the radio-frequency signals in the transmission bands of the communication bands different from each other. As shown inFIG.9, the output terminal of the power amplifier110A is connected to the first switch circuit5with the output matching circuit131and the transmission filter150interposed therebetween. The transmission filter150is, for example, a filter in which a pass band is the transmission band of Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The output terminal of the power amplifier110B can be connected to a plurality of (for example, 3) transmission filters151,152, and153with the output matching circuit132and the switch14interposed therebetween. Here, as shown inFIG.10, the switch14has a common terminal140and three selection terminals141,142, and143that can be connected to the common terminal140. In the switch14, the common terminal140is connected to the output matching circuit132. Further, in the switch14, the three selection terminals141,142, and143are connected to the three transmission filters151,152, and153on a one-to-one basis. The transmission filter151has a pass band including, for example, a transmission band of Band 66 of the 3GPP LTE standard and a transmission band of n70 of the 5G NR standard. The transmission filter152has a pass band that includes a transmission band of Band 1. The transmission filter153has a pass band that includes a transmission band of Band 3. In addition, inFIGS.10and12, “B41Tx” is written to the left side of the graphical symbol of the transmission filter150. In addition, inFIGS.10and12, “B66/n70Tx”, “B1Tx”, and “B3Tx” are written on the left side of the graphic symbols of the transmission filters151,152, and153, respectively.

The power amplifier110A is, for example, a differential synthetic amplifier, and includes an amplifier111and a transformer121as shown inFIG.9. The power amplifier110B is, for example, a differential synthetic amplifier, and includes an amplifier112and a transformer122as shown inFIG.9. Each of the two power amplifiers110A and110B is not limited to the differential synthetic amplifier, and may be, for example, a Doherty amplifier. As shown inFIGS.9and11, the radio-frequency module100further includes a controller18that controls the power amplifiers110A and110B. The controller18controls the power amplifiers110A and110B, for example, according to a control signal from the signal processing circuit301(refer toFIG.8). In addition, the controller18is connected to the signal processing circuit301with the plurality of (for example, 4) control terminals84interposed therebetween. The plurality of control terminals84are terminals for inputting control signals from an external circuit (for example, the signal processing circuit301) to the controller18. The controller18controls the power amplifiers110A and110B, the switch17, and the switch14based on control signals acquired from the signal processing circuit301with the plurality of control terminals84interposed therebetween. The control signals acquired by the controller18are digital signals.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, the output matching circuit131is provided in the signal path between the output terminal of the power amplifier110A and the transmission filter150. The output matching circuit131is a circuit for impedance matching between the power amplifier110A and the transmission filter150, and includes, for example, a plurality of inductors and a plurality of capacitors. Further, the output matching circuit132is provided in the signal path between the output terminal of the power amplifier110B and the switch14. The output matching circuit132is a circuit for impedance matching between the power amplifier110B and the transmission filters151to153, and includes, for example, a plurality of inductors and a plurality of capacitors.

As shown inFIG.9, the switch7includes a first switch circuit5and a second switch circuit6. As shown inFIG.12, the first switch circuit5has a plurality of (for example, 3) common terminals5A,5B, and5C and a plurality of (for example, 9) selection terminals50to59. In addition, the second switch circuit6has a common terminal60and a plurality of (for example, 2) selection terminals58and59.

In the first switch circuit5, the common terminal5A is connected to the antenna terminal81A with the matching circuit161interposed therebetween. Further, the common terminal5B is connected to the antenna terminal81B with the matching circuit162interposed therebetween. Further, the common terminal5C is connected to the antenna terminal81C with the matching circuit163interposed therebetween. Further, the selection terminal51is connected to three receive filters F30, F25, and F66. The selection terminal51is further connected to one transmission filter151. Further, the selection terminal52is connected to four receive filters F3, F32, F1, and F40. The selection terminal52is further connected to two transmission filters152and153. Further, the selection terminal53is connected to two receive filter F34and F39. Further, the selection terminal54is connected to the receive filter F7. Further, the selection terminal55is connected to the receive filter F41. Further, the selection terminal56is connected to the transmission filter150. Further, the selection terminal58is connected to the common terminal60of the second switch circuit6. The selection terminal61of the second switch circuit6is connected to the receive filter F11. In addition, the selection terminal62of the second switch circuit6is connected to the receive filter F53. The first switch circuit5is, for example, a switch that can connect one or more of the plurality of selection terminals50to59to each of the plurality of common terminals5A,5B, and5C. In this case, the first switch circuit5is, for example, a switch that is capable of one-to-one and one-to-many connection. The second switch circuit6is a switch that can be connected to one or more of the plurality of selection terminals61and62to the common terminal60. The first switch circuit5and the second switch circuit6are controlled by, for example, the signal processing circuit301(refer toFIG.8). The first switch circuit5switches the connection state between each of the plurality of common terminals5A,5B, and5C and the plurality of selection terminals50to59, for example, according to the control signal from the RF signal processing circuit302of the signal processing circuit301.

(2.2) Structure of Radio-Frequency Module

As shown inFIGS.1to4, the radio-frequency module100includes the mounting board9, the plurality of (for example, 6) receiving system electronic components4, and the plurality of (for example, 13) inductors L0. Each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4includes at least one receive filter F0among the plurality of receive filters F0(refer toFIG.7). In addition, the radio-frequency module100includes the IC chip10. The IC chip10includes a plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0(refer toFIG.7). Further, as shown inFIG.9, the IC chip10includes the plurality (for example, 4) of first switches2and the plurality of (for example, 4) second switches3. Further, the IC chip10further includes a control unit19. In addition, the control unit19is connected to the signal processing circuit301with the plurality of (for example, 4) control terminals84interposed therebetween. The control unit19controls the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0, the plurality of first switches2, and the plurality of second switches3based on control signals acquired from the signal processing circuit301through the plurality of control terminals84. Further, as shown inFIG.1, the radio-frequency module100further includes an IC chip70. The IC chip70includes the switch7having at least a part of the first switch circuit5and the second switch circuit6(refer toFIG.9). Regarding the first switch circuit5, the entire first switch circuit5may be included in the IC chip70, or a part of the wiring of the first switch circuit5may be included in the mounting board9. Further, the radio-frequency module100further includes three matching circuits161,162, and163as shown inFIG.9(refer toFIG.9). In addition, the radio-frequency module100further includes two amplifiers111and112and two transformers121and122of two power amplifiers110A and110B, two output matching circuits131and132, the switch17, the switch14, and the controller18. Moreover, the radio-frequency module100includes a plurality of external connection terminals8as shown inFIGS.2and8. In addition, as shown inFIG.2, the radio-frequency module100includes a resin layer190(hereinafter referred to as a first resin layer190), a metal electrode layer200, and a second resin layer210. Further, the radio-frequency module100further includes a ground electrode95(refer toFIGS.2and3). In addition,FIG.1does not show the first resin layer190and the metal electrode layer200. In addition, inFIG.1, the ground electrode95shown inFIG.3is omitted.

An outer edge of the mounting board9has a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. As shown inFIG.2, the mounting board9has the first main surface91and the second main surface92facing each other in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Further, the mounting board9has an outer peripheral surface93. The outer peripheral surface93of the mounting board9includes, for example, four side surfaces that connect the outer edge of the first main surface91and the outer edge of the second main surface92of the mounting board9, and does not include the first main surface91and the second main surface92. That is, the mounting board9is a multilayer substrate including the plurality of dielectric layers and the plurality of conductive layers. The plurality of dielectric layers and the plurality of conductive layers are laminated in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The plurality of conductive layers are formed in a predetermined pattern determined for each layer. Each of the plurality of conductive layers includes one or a plurality of conductor portions in one plane orthogonal to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. A material of each conductive layer is, for example, copper. The plurality of conductive layers include a ground layer. In the radio-frequency module100, the plurality of ground terminals85and the ground layer are electrically connected to each other with the via-conductor and the like of the mounting board9interposed therebetween. The mounting board9is, for example, a printed wiring board. The mounting board is not limited to a printed wiring board, and may be, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) substrate, a high temperature co-fired ceramics (HTCC) substrate, or a resin multilayer substrate.

Further, the mounting board9is not limited to the printed wiring board, and may be, for example, a wiring structure. The wiring structure is, for example, a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure includes at least one insulating layer and at least one conductive layer. The insulating layer is formed in a predetermined pattern. In a case where the number of insulating layers is plural, the plurality of insulating layers are formed in a predetermined pattern determined for each layer. The conductive layer is formed in a predetermined pattern different from the predetermined pattern of the insulating layer. In a case where the number of conductive layers is plural, the plurality of conductive layers are formed in a predetermined pattern determined for each layer. The conductive layer may include one or a plurality of rewiring portions. In the wiring structure, a first surface of two surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the multilayer structure is the first main surface91of the mounting board9, and a second surface is the second main surface92of the mounting board9. The wiring structure may be, for example, an interposer. The interposer may be an interposer using a silicon substrate or may be a substrate having multiple layers.

The first main surface91and the second main surface92of the mounting board9are separated in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and intersect with the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The first main surface91of the mounting board9is, for example, orthogonal to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and may include, for example, a side surface or the like of a conductor portion as a surface that is not orthogonal to the thickness direction D1. In addition, for example, the second main surface92of the mounting board9is orthogonal to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, but may include, for example, a side surface of the conductor portion or the like, as a surface that is not orthogonal to the thickness direction D1. Further, the first main surface91and the second main surface92of the mounting board9may be formed with a fine roughness portion, a recess portion, or a projection portion. For example, assuming a recess portion is formed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9, the inner surface of the recess portion is included in the first main surface91.

In the radio-frequency module100, a plurality of first circuit components are mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. The plurality of first circuit components include a plurality of (for example, 6) receiving system electronic components4, a plurality of (for example, 13) inductors L0, and a plurality of transmitting system electronic components. Each of the plurality of inductors L0is a surface mount electronic component, that is, a chip inductor. Further, the plurality of first circuit components include a plurality of inductors and a plurality of capacitors of each of the output matching circuits131and132(refer toFIG.9). Each of the plurality of inductors included in each of the output matching circuits131and132is a surface mount electronic component, that is, a chip inductor. In addition, each of the plurality of capacitors included in the output matching circuits131and132is a surface mount electronic component, that is, a chip capacitor. The fact that “the first circuit components are mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9” means that the first circuit components are disposed on (mechanically connected to) the first main surface91of the mounting board9and the first circuit components are electrically connected to the (appropriate conductor portion of) mounting board9.

In the radio-frequency module100, a plurality of second circuit components are mounted on the second main surface92of the mounting board9. The plurality of second circuit components include the IC chip70and the IC chip10. The fact that “the second circuit components are mounted on the second main surface92of the mounting board9” means that the second circuit components are disposed on (mechanically connected to) the second main surface92of the mounting board9and the second circuit components are electrically connected to the (appropriate conductor portion of) mounting board9.

An outer edge of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4has, for example, a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. As shown inFIG.2, each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4includes a surface401on the mounting board9side, a main surface402opposite to the mounting board9side, at least four side surfaces403, and a ground terminal405that is disposed on the surface401on the mounting board9side and is connected to the mounting board9. Hereinafter, for convenience of the description, when the plurality of receiving system electronic components4are distinguished, the receiving system electronic components4are referred to as the receiving system electronic component41, the receiving system electronic component42, the receiving system electronic component43, the receiving system electronic component44, the receiving system electronic component45, and the receiving system electronic component46(refer toFIGS.1and3). The receiving system electronic component41includes, for example, three receive filters F30, F25, and F66(refer toFIG.7). The receiving system electronic component42includes, for example, three receive filters F3, F32, and F1(refer toFIG.7). The receiving system electronic component43includes, for example, one receive filter F40(refer toFIG.7). The receiving system electronic component44includes, for example, two receive filters F34and F39(refer toFIG.7). The receiving system electronic component45includes, for example, two receive filters F7and F41(refer toFIG.7). The receiving system electronic component46includes, for example, two receive filters F11and F53(refer toFIG.7). Therefore, in the radio-frequency module100, the plurality of receive filters F0(refer toFIG.7) are disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9.

Each of the plurality of receive filter F0is, for example, a ladder filter, and includes a plurality of (for example, 4) series arm resonators and a plurality of (for example, 3) parallel arm resonators. Each of the plurality of receive filters F0is, for example, an acoustic wave filter. Here, in the acoustic wave filter, for example, each of a plurality of series arm resonators and a plurality of parallel arm resonators is configured with an acoustic wave resonator. The acoustic wave filter is, for example, a surface acoustic wave filter that uses surface acoustic waves. In the surface acoustic wave filter, each of the plurality of series arm resonators and the plurality of parallel arm resonators is, for example, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator, and has an interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode.

Each of the plurality of inductors L0(refer toFIG.1) is a chip inductor, as described above. In addition, an outer edge of each of the plurality of inductors L0has a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

For example, as shown inFIG.5A or5B, each of the plurality of inductors L0includes a winding portion831, a rectangular parallelepiped element body832that covers the winding portion831, and a pair of outer electrodes834disposed at both ends of the element body832in the longitudinal direction. The winding portion831is disposed in the element body832. The winding portion831is connected between the pair of outer electrodes834. The winding portion831is a coil conductor portion and has conductivity. A shape of the winding portion831is, for example, a spiral shape. The material of the element body832includes ceramic. The material of each of the pair of outer electrodes834is, for example, Cu, Ag, and the like. The material of the winding portion831includes, for example, the same material as the pair of outer electrodes834, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the radio-frequency module100(refer toFIGS.1and2), among the plurality of inductors L0, the inductors L1, L3, L30, L32, L34, L39, L40, and L41are vertically wound inductors as shown inFIGS.5A, and are mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that a winding axis V1(refer toFIG.6) of the winding portion831is parallel to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. In addition, among the plurality of inductors L0, the inductors L7, L11, L25, and L53are horizontally wound inductors as shown inFIG.5B, and are mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that the direction of the winding axis V1(refer toFIG.6) of the winding portion831is one direction orthogonal to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

An outer edge of each of the plurality of transmitting system electronic components has, for example, a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The plurality of transmitting system electronic components include, for example, the amplifier111of the power amplifier110A, the amplifier112of the power amplifier110B, and the plurality of transmission filters150to153(refer toFIG.9). InFIG.1, the plurality of transmission filters150to153are not shown. Each of the amplifiers111and112of the power amplifiers110A and110B is an IC chip for power amplification. The power amplification IC chip is, for example, a GaAs IC chip assuming the amplification transistor is a Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT). In addition, the power amplification IC chip is, for example, a Si-based IC chip, for example, assuming the amplification transistor is a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor (FET).

Each of the plurality of transmission filters150to153is, for example, a ladder filter, and includes a plurality of (for example, 4) series arm resonators and a plurality of (for example, 3) parallel arm resonators. Each of the plurality of transmission filters150to153is, for example, an acoustic wave filter. Here, in the acoustic wave filter, for example, each of a plurality of series arm resonators and a plurality of parallel arm resonators is configured with an acoustic wave resonator. The acoustic wave filter is, for example, a surface acoustic wave filter that uses surface acoustic waves. In the surface acoustic wave filter, each of the plurality of series arm resonators and the plurality of parallel arm resonators is, for example, an SAW resonator, and has an IDT electrode.

The IC chip10including the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0(refer toFIG.11) is mounted on the second main surface92of the mounting board9as shown inFIGS.1and2. Therefore, the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0are disposed on the second main surface92of the mounting board9. An outer edge of the IC chip10has a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

In addition, the IC chip70(refer toFIG.1) including the switch7having the first switch circuit5and the second switch circuit6is mounted on the second main surface92of the mounting board9. An outer edge of the IC chip70has a quadrangle shape in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

The plurality of external connection terminals8(refer toFIGS.2and8) are disposed on the second main surface92of the mounting board9. The fact that “the external connection terminals8are disposed on the second main surface92of the mounting board9” means that the external connection terminals8are mechanically connected to the second main surface92of the mounting board9and the external connection terminals8are electrically connected to the (appropriate conductor portion of) mounting board9.

The plurality of external connection terminals8include three antenna terminals81A,81B, and81C, four signal output terminals82A,82B,82C, and82D, two signal input terminals83A and83B, the plurality of control terminals84, and the plurality of ground terminals85. The plurality of ground terminals85are electrically connected to the ground layer of the mounting board9. The ground layer is a circuit ground of the radio-frequency module100, and the plurality of circuit components of the radio-frequency module100include circuit components electrically connected to the ground layer.

Materials of the plurality of external connection terminals8are, for example, metal (for example, copper, copper alloy, or the like). The plurality of external connection terminals8are not constituent elements of the mounting board9, but may be constituent elements of the mounting board9. Each of the plurality of external connection terminals8is a columnar electrode (for example, a cylindrical electrode).

As shown inFIG.2, the first resin layer190is disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. The first resin layer190contains resin (for example, epoxy resin). The first resin layer190may contain a filler in addition to resin. The first resin layer190has electric insulation.

The first resin layer190covers four outer side surfaces403of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4. The first resin layer190does not cover the main surface402of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4. Further, the first resin layer190covers two power amplifiers110A and110B, the plurality of inductors and the plurality of capacitors of each of the two output matching circuits131and132, and the plurality of inductors L0.

The metal electrode layer200covers the main surfaces402of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4, the main surface191of the first resin layer190opposite to the mounting board9side, the outer peripheral surface193of the first resin layer190, the outer peripheral surface93of the mounting board9, and an outer peripheral surface213of the second resin layer210. The metal electrode layer200is in contact with at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the ground layer of the mounting board9. Thus, a potential of the metal electrode layer200can be set to be the same as a potential of the ground layer. The metal electrode layer200has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of metal layers are laminated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the metal electrode layer200may be formed of one metal layer. The metal layer includes one or more metals. Assuming the metal electrode layer200has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of metal layers are laminated, for example, a first metal layer (for example, a first stainless steel layer), a second metal layer (for example, a Cu layer) on the first metal layer, and a third metal layer (for example, a second stainless steel layer) on the second metal layer. A material of each of the first stainless steel layer and the second stainless steel layer is an alloy including Fe, Ni, and Cr. In addition, the metal electrode layer200is, for example, a Cu layer assuming the metal electrode layer200is formed of one metal layer.

In the radio-frequency module100, the metal electrode layer200is in contact with the entire main surface402of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components4.

The second resin layer210covers the IC chip10, the IC chip70, and the outer peripheral surfaces of each of the plurality of external connection terminals8. The second resin layer210contains resin (for example, epoxy resin). The second resin layer210may contain a filler in addition to resin. The material of the second resin layer210may be the same material as the material of the first resin layer190or may be a different material. The second resin layer210covers the IC chip10and the IC chip70, but is not limited thereto, and need not cover the main surface opposite to the mounting board9side in the IC chip10and the main surface opposite to the mounting board9side in the IC chip70. In addition, the second resin layer210does not cover the end surface of the plurality of external connection terminals8opposite to the mounting board9side.

In the radio-frequency module100, the plurality of transmitting system electronic components, the plurality of receiving system electronic components4, and the plurality of inductors L0are disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. The mounting board9includes a first region901that overlaps the plurality of transmitting system electronic components in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, a second region902that overlaps the plurality of receiving system electronic components4in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and a third region903that overlaps the plurality of inductors L0in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The mounting board9has the second region902between the first region901and the third region903.

The radio-frequency module100further includes three ground electrodes95(refer toFIGS.2and3) disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. Each of the three ground electrodes95overlaps a part of at least one receiving system electronic component4among the plurality of (6) receiving system electronic components4in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and is connected to at least one receiving system electronic component4. More specifically, as shown inFIG.3, the three ground electrodes95include a ground electrode951that overlaps the four receiving system electronic components41,42,45, and46and a ground electrode953that overlaps one receiving system electronic component43, and a ground electrode954that overlaps one receiving system electronic component44. The ground electrode951is connected to the ground terminals405of each of the four receiving system electronic components41,42,45, and46. The ground electrode953is connected to the ground terminal405of the receiving system electronic component43. The ground electrode954is connected to the ground terminal405of the receiving system electronic component44.

The plurality of inductors L0include five inductors L1, L3, L40, L32, and L7which are connected between five receive filters F1, F3, F40, F32, and F7(refer toFIG.7) and five low-noise amplifiers A1, A3, A40, A32, and A7(refer toFIG.7) corresponding to Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard are an example of a combination of two or more (5) communication bands capable of simultaneous communication.

In addition, the plurality of inductors L0include four inductors L25, L66, L30, and L7connected between four receive filters F25, F66, F30, and F7(refer toFIG.7) and four low-noise amplifiers A25, A66, A30, and A7(refer toFIG.7) corresponding to Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard are other examples of a combination of two or more (4) communication bands in which simultaneous communication.

In addition, the plurality of inductors L0include three inductors L34, L39, and L41which are connected between three receive filters F34, F39, and F41(refer toFIG.7) and three low-noise amplifiers A34, A39, and A41(refer toFIG.7) corresponding to Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard are other examples of a combination of two or more (3) communication bands capable of simultaneous communication.

In the radio-frequency module100, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, as shown inFIGS.4and6, one inductor L34(second inductor) among the three inductors L34, L39, and L41is positioned between the two inductors L1and L40(two first inductors) among the five inductors L1, L3, L40, L32, and L7.

For example, in the radio-frequency module100, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, as shown inFIGS.4and6, one inductor L34(second inductor) among the three inductors L34, L39, and L41is positioned between the two inductors L1and L32(two first inductors) among the five inductors L1, L3, L40, L32, and L7.

Further, in the radio-frequency module100, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, as shown inFIGS.4and6, one inductor L39(second inductor) among the three inductors L34, L39, and L41is positioned between the two inductors L25and L66(two first inductors) among the four inductors L25, L66, L30, and L7.

Further, in the radio-frequency module100, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, as shown inFIGS.4and6, two inductor L40and L32(two second inductors) among five inductors L1, L3, L40, L32, and L7are positioned between the two inductors L25and L30(two first inductors) among the four inductors L25, L66, L30, and L7. The fact that “the two inductors L40and L32are positioned between the two inductors L25and L30” means that at least one line segment from the group of line segments passes through two inductors L40and L32in a group of line segments that connects any point of the inductor L25and any point of the inductor L30in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

In the radio-frequency module100, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, as shown inFIGS.4and6, two inductors L40and L32of the five inductors L1, L3, L40, L32, and L7are adjacent to each other. The fact that “the two inductors L40and L32are adjacent to each other” means that there is no other circuit component (including the inductor L0other than the inductors L40and L32among the plurality of inductors L0) mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9between the two inductors L40and L32in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and the inductor L40and the inductor L32are adjacent to each other. Here, each of the inductor L40and the inductor L32is, for example, a vertically wound inductor as shown inFIG.5A, and is disposed such that the winding axis V1(refer toFIG.6) of the winding portion831is parallel to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Therefore, in the radio-frequency module100, the winding axis V1of the winding portion831of the inductor L40does not intersect with the inductor L32, and the winding axis V1of the winding portion831of the inductor L32does not intersect with the inductor L40.

(3) Communication Device

As shown inFIG.8, the communication device300includes the radio-frequency module100and the signal processing circuit301. The signal processing circuit301is connected to the radio-frequency module100.

The communication device300further includes the plurality of (for example, 3) antennas AN1, AN2, and AN3. The communication device300further includes a circuit board on which the radio-frequency module100is mounted. The circuit board is, for example, a printed wiring board. The circuit board has a ground electrode to which a ground potential is applied.

The signal processing circuit301includes, for example, an RF signal processing circuit302and a baseband signal processing circuit303. The RF signal processing circuit302is, for example, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) and performs signal processing on a radio-frequency signal. The RF signal processing circuit302performs signal processing, such as upconversion, on the radio-frequency signal (transmission signal) output from the baseband signal processing circuit303, and outputs the radio-frequency signal on which the signal processing is performed. In addition, the RF signal processing circuit302performs signal processing, such as downconversion, on the radio-frequency signal (reception signal) output from the radio-frequency module100, and outputs the radio-frequency signal on which the signal processing is performed to the baseband signal processing circuit303. The baseband signal processing circuit303is, for example, a baseband integrated circuit (BBIC). The baseband signal processing circuit303generates an I-phase signal and a Q-phase signal from the baseband signal. The baseband signal is, for example, an audio signal, an image signal, and the like input from the outside. The baseband signal processing circuit303performs IQ modulation processing by combining the I-phase signal and the Q-phase signal, and outputs a transmission signal. In this case, the transmission signal is generated as a modulation signal (IQ signal) by amplitude modulation of a carrier wave signal of a predetermined frequency in a period longer than a period of the carrier wave signal. The reception signal processed by the baseband signal processing circuit303is used, for example, as an image signal for image display or as an audio signal for a call by the user of the communication device300. The radio-frequency module100transmits the radio-frequency signal (the reception signal and the transmission signal) between the plurality of antennas AN1, AN2, and AN3and the RF signal processing circuit302of the signal processing circuit301.

The plurality of electronic components that configure the signal processing circuit301may be mounted on, for example, the above-described circuit board, or may be mounted on a circuit board (second circuit board) different from the circuit board (first circuit board) on which the radio-frequency module100is mounted.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 includes the mounting board9, the plurality of receive filters F0, the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0, and the plurality of inductors L0. The mounting board9has the first main surface91and the second main surface92facing each other. The plurality of receive filters F0are disposed on the mounting board9. The plurality of receive filters F0correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0are disposed on the mounting board9. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors L0are disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. The plurality of inductors L0are connected between the input terminals of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0and the plurality of receive filters F0. The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands included in a first combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication and two or more communication bands included in a second combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors L0include two or more first inductors connected to two or more receive filters F0corresponding to two or more communication bands included in the first combination among the plurality of receive filters F0, and two or more second inductors connected to the two or more receive filters F0corresponding to the two or more communication bands included in the second combination among the plurality of receive filters F0. In plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, at least one second inductor among the two or more second inductors is positioned between two first inductors among the two or more first inductors.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication. More specifically, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, since at least one second inductor is positioned between the two first inductors, it is possible to suppress electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between the two first inductors during simultaneous communication, and it is possible to suppress signal leakage between the two first inductors. Accordingly, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

FIGS.13and14are operation explanatory diagrams of a radio-frequency module according to a comparative example. A radio-frequency module according to a comparative example is a module in which the two inductors L1and L3are disposed such that both of the two inductors L1and L3in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 are horizontally wound inductors and the winding axes V1thereof are aligned in a straight line. InFIG.13, for example, assuming performing reception using the receive filter F1corresponding to Band 1 out of two communication bands (for example, Band 1 and Band 3) included in the first combination, the path of a signal S1that has passed through the receive filter F1is shown by a solid arrow. Further, inFIG.14, for example, assuming performing simultaneous reception using two receive filters F0(for example, the receive filters F1and F3) corresponding to two communication bands (for example, Band 1 and Band 3) included in the first combination, among the signals S1that have passed through the receive filter F1, a leakage signal SL1that leaks due to electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between the two inductors L1and L3is indicated by a dotted line. In addition, inFIG.14, among signals S3that have passed through the receive filter F3, a leakage signal SL3that leaks due to electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between the two inductors L1and L3is indicated by a dotted line.

On the other hand, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, the signal S1that has passed through the receive filter F1and the signal S3that has passed through the receive filter F3each leaks due to the electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling of the two inductors L1and L3can be suppressed, and the attenuation characteristics of each of the signals S1and S3input to the low-noise amplifiers A1and A3can be improved.

Further, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 further includes a ground electrode951that overlaps the four receiving system electronic components41,42,45, and46. As can also be understood fromFIG.3, the ground electrode951is disposed in the second region902between the first region901that overlaps the plurality of transmitting system electronic components and the third region903that overlaps the plurality of inductors L0on the mounting board9. In addition, the ground electrode951is positioned along the boundary between the first region901and the second region902in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Accordingly, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to further suppress leakage of signals (transmission signals) that pass through the transmitting system electronic components and the like disposed in the first region901of the mounting board9to the plurality of inductors L0disposed in the third region903. Therefore, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 can suppress the deterioration in the characteristics of each of the transmitting circuit102and the receiving circuit101.

(4.2) Communication Device

Further, the communication device300according to Embodiment 1 includes the radio-frequency module100and the signal processing circuit301. Accordingly, in the communication device300according to Embodiment 1, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

As shown inFIGS.15A and15B, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2 is different from the radio-frequency module100(refer toFIGS.1and2) according to Embodiment 1 in that the two inductors L0used during simultaneous communication are adjacent to each other in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Since the circuit configuration and structure of the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2 will be the same as the circuit configuration and structure of the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, the illustration and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, the position of the inductor L34and the position of the inductor L40are switched such that the two inductors L1and L40used for simultaneous communication in the radio-frequency module100according Embodiment 1 are adjacent to each other. InFIGS.15A and15B, the two inductors L1and L40are shown as two inductors L0.

The two inductors L0used during the simultaneous communication include a first inductor801(for example, the inductor L40) and a second inductor802(for example, the inductor L1). The first inductor801has a first winding portion811. The second inductor802has a second winding portion821. The second inductor802is adjacent to the first inductor801in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

The first inductor801further includes a rectangular parallelepiped first element body812that covers the first winding portion811, and a pair of first outer electrodes814disposed at both ends of the first element body812in the longitudinal direction. The second inductor802further includes a rectangular parallelepiped second element body822that covers the second winding portion821, and a pair of second outer electrodes824disposed at both ends of the second element body822in the longitudinal direction.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, a winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801does not intersect with the second inductor802. The first inductor801is a vertically wound inductor and is mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811is parallel to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The second inductor802is a horizontally wound inductor and is mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that the direction of the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821is one direction orthogonal to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Therefore, the direction of the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801and the direction of the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821of the second inductor802are different from each other. In addition, in the examples ofFIGS.15A and15B, the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801and the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821of the second inductor802are orthogonal to each other. The fact that “the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801and the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821of the second inductor802are orthogonal” is not limited to only the case of being strictly orthogonal, and the angle formed between the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801and the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821of the second inductor802may be within a range of 85° or higher and 95° or lower.

Further, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, the two inductors L32and L40(refer toFIG.1) used for simultaneous communication are adjacent to each other in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, and the longitudinal direction of the inductor L32and the longitudinal direction of the inductor L40are orthogonal to each other. One of the two inductors L32and L40may be used as the first inductor801and the other one may be used as the second inductor802. In this case, in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9, the longitudinal direction of the first element body812of the first inductor801and the longitudinal direction of the second element body822of the second inductor802are orthogonal to each other. The fact that “the longitudinal direction of the first element body812of the first inductor801and the longitudinal direction of the second element body822of the second inductor802are orthogonal to each other in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9” is not limited to only the case of being strictly orthogonal, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the first element body812of the first inductor801and the longitudinal direction of the second element body822of the second inductor802may be within the range of 85° or more and 95° or less in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2 includes the mounting board9, the plurality of receive filters F0, the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0, and the plurality of inductors L0. The mounting board9has the first main surface91and the second main surface92facing each other. The plurality of receive filters F0are disposed on the mounting board9. The plurality of receive filters F0correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0are disposed on the mounting board9. Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors L0are disposed on the first main surface91of the mounting board9. The plurality of inductors L0are connected between the input terminals of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers A0and the plurality of receive filters F0. The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands corresponding to a combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors L0include two or more inductors L0connected to two or more receive filters F0corresponding to two or more communication bands among the plurality of receive filters F0. The two or more inductors L0include the first inductor801and the second inductor802. The first inductor801has a first winding portion811. The second inductor802has a second winding portion821. The second inductor802is adjacent to the first inductor801in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801does not intersect with the second inductor802.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication. More specifically, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, since the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801does not intersect with the second inductor802, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between and the first inductor801and the second inductor802during simultaneous communication, and it is possible to suppress signal leakage between the first inductor801and the second inductor802. Accordingly, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

As shown inFIGS.16A and16B, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3 is different from the radio-frequency module100(refer toFIGS.1and2) according to Embodiment 1 in that the two inductors L0used during simultaneous communication are adjacent to each other similar to the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 2. Since the circuit configuration and structure of the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3 will be the same as the circuit configuration and structure of the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1, the illustration and description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3, the position of the inductor L34and the position of the inductor L40are switched such that the two inductors L1and L40(refer toFIG.1) used for simultaneous communication in the radio-frequency module100according Embodiment 1 are adjacent to each other. InFIGS.16A and16B, the two inductors L1and L40are shown as two inductors L0.

The two inductors L0include the first inductor801and the second inductor802. The first inductor801has a first winding portion811. The second inductor802has a second winding portion821. The second inductor802is adjacent to the first inductor801in plan view in the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. The first inductor801is a vertically wound inductor and is mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811is parallel to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. In addition, the second inductor802is a vertically wound inductor and is mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9such that the direction of the winding axis V12of the second winding portion821is parallel to the thickness direction D1of the mounting board9. Therefore, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3, the winding axis V11of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801does not intersect with the second inductor802. The first inductor801further includes a rectangular parallelepiped first element body812that covers the first winding portion811, and a pair of first outer electrodes814disposed at both ends of the first element body812in the longitudinal direction. The second inductor802further includes a rectangular parallelepiped second element body822that covers the second winding portion821, and a pair of second outer electrodes824disposed at both ends of the second element body822in the longitudinal direction.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication. More specifically, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3, since the winding axis V12of the first winding portion811of the first inductor801does not intersect with the second inductor802, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between and the first inductor801and the second inductor802during simultaneous communication, and it is possible to suppress signal leakage between the first inductor801and the second inductor802. Accordingly, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 3, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in characteristics during simultaneous communication.

Further, as shown inFIG.17, even assuming the longitudinal direction of the first inductor801and the longitudinal direction of the second inductor802are disposed to be parallel to each other, by shifting the first inductor801and the second inductor802by a predetermined distance W1in the short direction of the first inductor801, it is possible to suppress the electric field coupling between the first outer electrode814of the first inductor801and the second outer electrode824of the second inductor802. The predetermined distance W1is, for example, a length that is one fifth or more of the length of the first inductor801in the short direction. InFIG.17, an electric force line E1is shown by a dotted line.

A radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference toFIG.18. Regarding the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4, the same constituent elements as the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 is different from the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 1 in that a side surface electrode410disposed on the side surface403on the first region901side of the mounting board9among the four side surfaces403of at least one receiving system electronic component4is further provided.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4, the side surface electrode410is in contact with the metal electrode layer200. The material of the side surface electrode410is, for example, a metal or an alloy.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4, the side surface electrode410is provided, and thus it is possible to shield electromagnetic waves from transmitting system electronic components and the like disposed in the first region901of the mounting board9, and it is possible to improve isolation. As a result, the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 can suppress the deterioration in the characteristics of the receive filter F0included in the receiving system electronic component4.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference toFIG.19. Regarding the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5, the same constituent elements as the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5, the side surface electrode410is connected to the ground electrode95with the ground terminal405of the receiving system electronic component4interposed therebetween.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5, the side surface electrode410is connected not only to the metal electrode layer200but also to the ground electrode95, and thus it is possible to further improve the isolation compared to the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5, the side surface electrode410is in contact with the metal electrode layer200, similarly to the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4, but it is not essential to be in contact with the metal electrode layer200. Further, in the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 5, the main surface402of the receiving system electronic component4opposite to the mounting board9side is in contact with the metal electrode layer200, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main surface402of the receiving system electronic component4opposite to the mounting board9side is covered with the first resin layer190, and a part of the first resin layer190may be interposed between the main surface402and the metal electrode layer200.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference toFIG.20. Regarding the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 6, the same constituent elements as the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 6 is different from the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4 in that the side surface electrode410is disposed on both of the side surface403on the first region901side and the side surface403on the third region903side of the mounting board9among the four side surfaces403of at least one receiving system electronic component4.

In the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 6, compared to the radio-frequency module100according to Embodiment 4, it is possible to suppress the coupling between at least one receiving system electronic component4and the inductor L0adjacent to the at least one receiving system electronic component4among the plurality of inductors L0, the isolation can be improved, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration in the characteristics of the receive filter F0included in the one receiving system electronic component4.

Modification Example

Embodiments 1 to 6 or the like described above are merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to Embodiments 1 to 6 or the like described above are possible according to the design or the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

For example, each of the plurality of receive filters F0is not limited to the case of being a surface acoustic wave filter, but may be a bulk acoustic wave filter. In the bulk acoustic wave filter, each of the plurality of acoustic wave resonators is a BAW resonator. The BAW resonator is, for example, a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) or a solidly mounted resonator (SMR).

Further, each of the plurality of receive filters F0may be, for example, an acoustic wave filter that uses a boundary acoustic wave, a plate wave, or the like.

Each of the plurality of external connection terminals8is not limited to the case of being a columnar electrode, and may be, for example, a ball-shaped bump. A material of the ball-shaped bump that configures each of the plurality of external connection terminals8is, for example, gold, copper, solder, and the like.

Further, the radio-frequency module100has a configuration in which a plurality of second circuit components are mounted on the first main surface91of the mounting board9rather than the second main surface92, and need not include the second resin layer210.

The circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module100is not limited to the example inFIG.9described above.

In addition, the radio-frequency module100is not limited to the transmission and reception module including the plurality of transmitting system electronic components and the plurality of receiving system electronic components4, the receiving module may include a plurality of receiving system electronic components4out of the plurality of transmitting system electronic components and the plurality of receiving system electronic components4.

Each of the plurality of input matching circuits is not limited to the case where one inductor L0is provided, but may include, for example, a plurality of inductors and a plurality of capacitors.

Aspect

The following aspects are disclosed in the present specification.

The radio-frequency module (100) according to the first aspect includes the mounting board (9), the plurality of receive filters (F0), the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0), and the plurality of inductors (L0). The mounting board (9) has the first main surface (91) and the second main surface (92) facing each other. The plurality of receive filters (F0) are disposed on the mounting board (9). The plurality of receive filters (F0) correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0) are disposed on the mounting board (9). Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0) has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors (L0) is disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9). The plurality of inductors (L0) are connected to the input terminals of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0). The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands included in a first combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication and two or more communication bands included in a second combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors (L0) include two or more first inductors connected to two or more receive filters (F0) corresponding to two or more communication bands included in the first combination among the plurality of receive filters (F0), and two or more second inductors connected to the two or more receive filters (F0) corresponding to the two or more communication bands included in the second combination among the plurality of receive filters (F0). In plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9), at least one second inductor among the two or more second inductors is positioned between two first inductors among the two or more first inductors.

According to the radio-frequency module (100) according to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in the characteristics during simultaneous communication.

The radio-frequency module (100) according to the second aspect includes the mounting board (9), the plurality of receive filters (F0), the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0), and the plurality of inductors (L0). The mounting board (9) has the first main surface (91) and the second main surface (92) facing each other. The plurality of receive filters (F0) are disposed on the mounting board (9). The plurality of receive filters (F0) correspond to a plurality of communication bands. The plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0) are disposed on the mounting board (9). Each of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0) has an input terminal and an output terminal. The plurality of inductors (L0) is disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9). The plurality of inductors (L0) are connected to the input terminals of the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0). The plurality of communication bands include two or more communication bands corresponding to a combination of communication bands capable of simultaneous communication. The plurality of inductors (L0) include two or more inductors (L0) connected to two or more receive filters (F0) corresponding to two or more communication bands among the plurality of receive filters (F0). The two or more inductors (L0) include the first inductor (801) and the second inductor (802). The first inductor has a first winding portion (811). The second inductor (802) has a second winding portion (821). The second inductor (802) is adjacent to the first inductor (801) in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9). The winding axis (V11) of the first winding portion (811) of the first inductor (801) does not intersect with the second inductor (802).

According to the radio-frequency module (100) according to the second aspect, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in the characteristics during simultaneous communication.

In the radio-frequency module100according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the first inductor (801) includes the rectangular parallelepiped first element body (812) that covers the first winding portion (811) and the pair of first outer electrodes (814) disposed at both ends of the first element body (812) in the longitudinal direction. The second inductor (802) further includes a rectangular parallelepiped second element body (822) that covers the second winding portion (821), and a pair of second outer electrodes (824) disposed at both ends of the second element body (822) in the longitudinal direction. In plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9), the longitudinal direction of the first element body (812) of the first inductor (801) and the longitudinal direction of the second element body (822) of the second inductor (802) are orthogonal to each other.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the third aspect, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic coupling/electric field coupling between the first inductor (801) and the second inductor (802).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the direction of the winding axis (V11) of the first winding portion (811) of the first inductor (801) and the direction of the winding axis (V12) of the second winding portion (821) of the second inductor (802) are different from each other.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic coupling between the first inductor (801) and the second inductor (802).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fifth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the winding axis (V11) of the first winding portion (811) of the first inductor (801) and the winding axis (V12) of the second winding portion (821) of the second inductor (802) are orthogonal to each other.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress the electromagnetic coupling between the first inductor (801) and the second inductor (802).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) and the plurality of transmitting system electronic components (the amplifier111of the power amplifier110A, the amplifier112of the power amplifier110B) are further provided. The plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) is disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9). The plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) include at least one receive filter (F0) in the plurality of receive filters (F0) connected to the plurality of inductors (L0). The plurality of transmitting system electronic components are disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9). The mounting board (9) includes the first region (901) that overlaps the plurality of transmitting system electronic components in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9), the second region (902) that overlaps the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9), and the third region (903) that overlaps the plurality of inductors (L0) in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9). There is the second region (902) between the first region (901) and the third region (903).

According to the radio-frequency module (100) according to the sixth aspect, it is easy to lengthen the distance between the plurality of inductors (L0) and the plurality of transmitting system electronic components.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the ground electrode (95) disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9) is further provided. The ground electrode (95) overlaps a part of at least one receiving system electronic component (4) among the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9), and is connected to at least one receiving system electronic component (4).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress the transmission signal passing through the transmitting system electronic component from leaking to the plurality of inductors (L0).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the ground electrode (95) is positioned along the boundary between the first region (901) and the second region (902) in plan view in the thickness direction (D1) of the mounting board (9).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to further suppress leakage of transmission signals that pass through the transmitting system electronic components and the like disposed in the first region (901) of the mounting board (9) to the plurality of inductors (L0) disposed in the third region (903).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the ninth aspect, in the seventh or eighth aspect, at least one receiving system electronic component (4) further includes the surface (401) on the mounting board (9) side, the main surface (402) opposite to the mounting board (9) side, at least four side surfaces (403), and the ground terminal (405) disposed on the surface (401) on the mounting board (9) side and connected to the mounting board (9). The radio-frequency module (100) further includes a side surface electrode (410) disposed on the side surface (403) on the first region (901) side among the four side surfaces (403) of the at least one receiving system electronic component (4). The side surface electrode (410) is connected to the ground electrode (95) with the ground terminal (405) interposed therebetween.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in the characteristics of the at least one receiving system electronic component (4).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4), the resin layer (190), and the metal electrode layer (200) are further provided. The plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) is disposed on the first main surface (91) of the mounting board (9). Each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) has the main surface (402) opposite to the mounting board (9) side and at least four side surfaces (403). The resin layer (190) covers some of four side surfaces (403) of each of the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4). The metal electrode layer (200) covers the main surface (402) of at least one electronic receiving system electronic component (4) in the plurality of receiving system electronic components (4), and the main surface (191) opposite to the mounting board (9) side of the resin layer (190). The plurality of receiving system electronic components (4) includes at least one receive filter (F0) among the plurality of receive filters (F0). The radio-frequency module (100) further includes the side surface electrode (410) disposed on at least one of the side surface (403) on the first region (901) side and the side surface (403) on the third region (903) among the four side surfaces (403) of the at least one receiving system electronic component (4). The side surface electrode (410) is in contact with the metal electrode layer (200).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to suppress the deterioration in the characteristics of the at least one receiving system electronic component (4).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the plurality of low-noise amplifiers (A0) are disposed on the second main surface (92) of the mounting board (9).

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the twelfth aspect, in the first aspect, the first combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The second combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the thirteenth aspect, in the first aspect, the first combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 1, Band 3, Band 40, Band 32, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The second combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fourteenth aspect, in the first aspect, the first combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 7 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The second combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

In the radio-frequency module (100) according to the fifteenth aspect, in the first aspect, the first combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 25, Band 66, Band 30, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard. The second combination includes two or more communication bands among Band 34, Band 39, and Band 41 of the 3GPP LTE standard.

The communication device (300) according to the sixteenth aspect includes the radio-frequency module (100) according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and the signal processing circuit (301). The signal processing circuit (301) is connected to the radio-frequency module (100).

According to the sixteenth aspect, the communication device (300) can suppress deterioration in characteristics during the simultaneous communication.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST