High-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of at least three communication systems using a single antenna

A high-frequency module includes a GaAs switch defining an FET switch for selectively connecting one of four RF input-output terminals to an antenna input-output terminal to be connected to an antenna. A GSM transmission signal input terminal is connected to the RF input-output terminal of the GaAsSW through a low-pass filter, and a DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal is connected to the RF input-output terminal through a low-pass filter. A GSM 850 reception signal output terminal and a PCS reception signal output terminal are connected to the RF input-output terminal through a diplexer, and a GSM 900 reception signal output terminal and a PCS reception signal output terminal are connected to the RF input-output terminal through a diplexer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of at least three communication systems, each having a different frequency band from each other as a transmission-reception band, by using a single antenna.

2. Description of the Related Art

At present, there is a plurality of specifications of a CDMA method, a TDMA method, etc., in radio communication methods of portable telephones, etc. In the TDMA method, there are GSM using an 850 MHz band and a 900 MHz band, DCS using a 1,800 MHz band, and PCS using a 1,900 MHz band, for example. In the CDMA method, there is WCDMA using a 2,000 MHz band, for example.

When a plurality of kinds of communication signals like this is transmitted and received by using one antenna, other signals than a frequency band in which communications actually take place become unnecessary. For example, when transmission and reception by the GSM method (900 MHz band) is performed, communication signals of the DCS method (1,800 MHz band) and PCS method (1,900 MHz band) and a communication signal of the WCDMA method (2,000 MHz band) become unnecessary.

As a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving a plurality of kinds of communication signals by using a single antenna, a module where communication signals of three kinds of GSM, DCS, and PCS methods are used, for example, as described below. In the module, a diplexer for separating a GSM communication signal and a DCS/PCS communication signal having greatly different bands from each other, a diode switch circuit for switching a GSM transmission signal and a GSM reception signal, a diode switch circuit for switching a DCS/PCS transmission signal and a DCS/PCS reception signal, and a diode switch circuit for switching a DCS reception signal and a PCS reception signal are provided (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288, for example).

Furthermore, as a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving a plurality of kinds of communication signals by busing a single antenna like this, a high-frequency module in which a plurality of ports can be connected to a port for an antenna by switching the plurality of ports, and in which each communication signal is selectively transmitted and received by using a semiconductor switch like a GaAs IC switch, for example, is proposed (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-160724, for example).

However, the diode switch circuit of the high-frequency module in the above-described Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288 switches the connection of two ports (input-output portions) to one port (input-output portion) by using two diodes. For example, in an example in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288, a first diode switch circuit (a high-frequency switch3in a drawing in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288) switches the connection of a port for making connection to a DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal and inputting a DCS/PCS transmission signal or a port for making connection to a second diode switch circuit (a high-frequency switch4in the drawing in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288) and outputting a DCS/PCS reception signal to a port for making connection to a diplexer and inputting-outputting a DCS/PCS transmission-reception signal. Then, the second diode switch circuit switches the connection of a port for making connection to a PCS reception signal output terminal and outputting a PCS reception signal or a port for making connection to a DCS reception signal output terminal and outputting a DCS reception signal to a port for making connection to the first diode switch circuit and inputting the DCS/PCS reception signal. In this way, in the high-frequency module in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-165288, since at least two diodes are required to switch the connection of two ports to one port, many circuit elements are required to constitute a high-frequency module for switching transmission and reception of communication signals in a plurality of communication systems. Accordingly, it becomes hard to make the high-frequency module smaller and the cost increases because of the increase in the number of circuit elements required. Furthermore, since many circuit elements are connected in a transmission system, the loss of a signal to be transmitted increases and communication characteristics are worsened.

Furthermore, in the first diode switch circuit, when a PCS transmission signal is transmitted, the port for inputting a DCS/PCS transmission signal and the port for outputting a DCS/PCS reception signal are not sufficiently isolated from each other and, as a result, a PCS transmission signal is inputted to the second diode switch circuit through the port for outputting a DCS/PCS reception signal. Since a PCS transmission signal partially agrees in frequency band with a DCS reception signal, the PCS transmission signal inputted to the second diode switch circuit is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal and also transmitted to a SAW filter connected to the DCS reception signal output terminal and a functional circuit at a later stage. Since the transmission signal has a large output, when a PCS transmission signal is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal in this manner, there is a possibility in that the SAW filter and functional circuit element at a later stage are destroyed.

On the other hand, in the high-frequency module in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-160724, since signals of communication systems of many kinds can be switched by one GaAs IC switch, reduction in size and loss of a high-frequency module can be realized. However, the GaAs IC switch is expensive, and the more the switching number increases, the much more expensive the GaAs IC switch becomes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the problems described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a relatively small and less expensive high-frequency module in which the isolation between transmission-reception signals in a plurality of communication systems, three or more systems, for example, is sufficiently secured and each transmission-reception signal is securely transmitted and received.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of communication systems of at least three kinds from an antenna, the signals to be inputted and outputted from particular input-output portions, respectively. The high-frequency module according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an FET switch including an antenna input-output portion to be connected to the antenna and at least three signal input-output portions whose connection to the antenna input-output portion is switched in accordance with control signals to be inputted, the FET being constituted such that the transmission signals of communication systems of at least three kinds are inputted from different signal input-output portions and such that reception signals of at least two communication systems are outputted from the same signal input-output portion, and a diplexer connected to the signal input-output portion, from which reception signals of at least two communication systems are outputted, of the FET switch and for separating the reception signals of two communication systems.

More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency module is a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of first, second, third, and fourth communication systems from an antenna, and the FET switch includes first, second, third, and fourth signal input-output potions and is constituted such that transmission signals of the first communication system and the second communication system are inputted to the first signal input-output portion, such that transmission signals of the third communication system and the fourth communication system are inputted to the second signal input-output portion, such that reception signals of the first communication system and the fourth communication system are outputted from the third signal input-output portion, and such that reception signals of the second communication system and the third communication system are outputted from the fourth signal input-output portion. Furthermore, in a high-frequency module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first diplexer connected to the third signal input-output portion and for separating a reception signal of the first communication system and a reception signal of the fourth communication system and a second diplexer connected to the fourth signal input-output portion and for separating a reception signal of the second communication system and a reception signal of the third communication system are provided.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency module is a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of first, second, third, and fourth communication systems from an antenna, and the FET switch includes first, second, third, and fourth signal input-output portions and is constituted such that a transmission signal of the first communication system and a reception signal of the second communication system are inputted to the first signal input-output portion, such that transmission signals of the second communication system and the third communication system are inputted to the second signal input-output portion, such that a reception signal of the third communication system is outputted from the third signal input-output portion, and such that a reception signal of the first communication system and a transmission-reception signal of the fourth communication system are inputted to and outputted from the fourth signal input-output portion. Furthermore, in a high-frequency module of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first diplexer connected to the first signal input-output portion and for separating a transmission signal of the first communication system and a reception signal of the second communication system and a second diplexer connected to the fourth signal input-output portion and for separating a reception signal of the first communication system and a transmission-reception signal of the fourth communication system are provided.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency module is a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving transmission-reception signals of first, second, and third communication systems from an antenna, and the FET switch includes first, second third, and fourth signal input-output portions and is constituted such that a transmission signal of the first communication system is inputted to the first signal input-output portion, such that transmission signals of the second communication system and the third communication system are inputted to the second signal input-output portion, such that a reception signal of the third communication system is outputted from the third signal input-output portion, and such that a reception signal of the first communication system and a reception signal of the second communication system are outputted from the fourth signal input-output portion. Furthermore, in a high-frequency module of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a diplexer connected to the fourth signal input-output portion and for separating a reception signal of the first communication system and a reception signal of the second communication system is provided.

In each structure described above, the connection of a transmission signal input portion, reception signal output portion, and transmission-reception signal input-output portion to an antenna input-output portion in a high-frequency module corresponding to each communication system can be switched by an FET switch. Accordingly, the isolation between the transmission signal input portions, reception signal output portions, and transmission-reception signal input-output portions connected to different signal input-output portions of the FET switch can be secured. Furthermore, a diplexer for separating reception signals of different communication systems is connected to a particular signal input-output portion of the FET, and reception signal output portions of reception signals of two communication systems having different frequency bands for use (the frequency bands for use are greatly different from each other as the frequency bands for use are different in unit, in particular) are connected to the diplexer. Accordingly, even if one signal input-output portion of the FET switch is shared by two communication systems, since reception signals of these communication systems are separated by the diplexer, the isolation between the reception signal output portions connected to the diplexer is secured.

Moreover, since the FET switch is constituted such that transmission signals of communication systems of at least three kinds are inputted from different signal input-output portions, that is, since the FET switch is constituted such that transmission signals of communication systems of two kinds are not inputted to a certain one signal input-output portion, the transmission signals do not pass through both a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter in their signal passes and the signal loss can be minimized.

Furthermore, since the FET switch switches the connection of an antenna input-output portion to a plurality of the other signal input-output portions, when the FET switch and a diplexer are used, the number of circuit elements can be minimized in comparison with the case where a diplexer and a diode switch circuit are used.

Furthermore, since reception signals of two communication systems are separated by using a diplexer, two communication signals are allotted to one signal input-output terminal of the FET switch, the number of signal input-output portions of the FET switch can be made smaller than the number of transmission-reception signals of communication systems in use, and, even if the number of transmission-reception signals of communication systems in use increases, the increase of the number of signal input-output portions of the FET switch can be prevented. Moreover, since reception signals of two different communication systems can be received at the same time without fail, neither of the reception signals is lost.

Furthermore, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the FET switch is preferably an FET switch using GaAs.

Furthermore, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency module includes a laminate having dielectric layers laminated therein, and each circuit element constituting the diplexer is defined by an electrode pattern disposed on the surface of the dielectric layer.

In such a structure, since the diplexer is located inside a laminate constituting the high-frequency module, the high-frequency module can be reduced in size.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, on the uppermost surface of the laminate, a plurality of lands for mounting an antenna input-output portion and each signal input-output portion of the FET switch are provided and a grounding electrode is located substantially in the center where the plurality of lands are disposed.

In such a structure, since a grounding electrode is located substantially in the center where a plurality of lands for the FET switch disposed on the uppermost surface of the laminate are provided, the isolation between lands is improved.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, on the lowermost surface of the laminate, a plurality of electrodes for mounting the laminate on a mounting substrate is provided, and an electrode of the input-output portion for inputting a transmission signal and an electrode of the antenna input-output portion in the plurality of electrodes are disposed along different sides of the laminate.

In such a structure, since an electrode of the transmission signal input portion and an electrode of the antenna input-output portion are separated from each other, the isolation between the electrodes is secured and the direct transmission of a transmission signal to the antenna from the transmission signal input portion of the high-frequency module is reliably prevented.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isolation between input-output portions is secured and a high-frequency module having excellent transmission-reception characteristics can be constituted in such a way that an FET switch is connected to an antenna, a portion of input-output portions of signals of each communication system and a diplexer are connected to the FET switch, and the rest of the input-output portions is connected to the diplexer. Furthermore, when the FET switch and the diplexer are used, since the number of parts is reduced in comparison with the case where a diode switch circuit and a diplexer are used and the cost of parts is lowered in comparison with the case where only an FET switch is used, a high-frequency module of small size and at low loss can be constituted at low cost.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a diplexer is disposed inside a laminate, a high-frequency module having a much smaller size can be provided.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when a grounding electrode is disposed substantially in the center of a group of lands on the uppermost surface of a laminate, the isolation between input-output portions is further improved and a high-frequency module having more excellent transmission-reception characteristics can be constituted.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since an electrode of the antenna input-output portion and an electrode of the transmission signal input portion are separated form each other, the isolation between the electrodes is secured and the direct transmission of a transmission signal to the antenna from the transmission signal input portion of the high-frequency module is reliably prevented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A high-frequency module according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to the present preferred embodiment andFIG. 2is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to the present preferred embodiment.

Moreover, in the present preferred embodiment, a transmission signal of GSM 850 MHz (hereinafter referred to as a “GSM 850 MHz transmission signal”) or a transmission signal of GSM 900 MHz (hereinafter referred to as a “GSM 900 MHz transmission signal”) is inputted from a transmission signal input terminal Tx12, a reception signal of GSM 850 MHz (hereinafter referred to as a “GSM 850 MHz reception signal”) is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx1, and a reception signal of GSM 900 MHz (hereinafter referred to as a “GSM 900 MHz reception signal”) is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx2. Furthermore, a DCS transmission signal or a PCS transmission signal is inputted from a transmission input terminal Tx34, a DCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx3, and a PCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx4. Each of these transmission signal input terminals and reception signal output terminals corresponds to an “input-output portion” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

In a GaAs switch GaSaSW (hereinafter simply referred to as a “GaAsSW”), an antenna input-output terminal ANT connected to an antenna ANT through a capacitor Cant, RF input-output terminals RF1to RF4(hereinafter simply referred to as a “RF1terminal, RF2terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal”, respectively) for inputting and outputting one of transmission-reception signals of GSM/DCS/PCS communication systems, a drive voltage input terminal Vdd, and control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2are provided. While a drive voltage Vdd is applied, the GaAsSW is switched in such a way that the antenna input-output terminal ANT is connected to one of the RF1terminal to RF4terminal depending on the combination of ON/OFF of two control signals Vc1and Vc2. The GaAsSW is mounted on the upper surface of a laminate constituting the high-frequency module. The GaAsSW corresponds to an “FET switch” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the antenna input-output terminal ANT corresponds to an “antenna input-output portion” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the RF1terminal to RF4terminal corresponds to “signal input-output portions” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the RF4terminal correspond to “signal input-output portions where transmission signals or reception signals of at least two communication systems are inputted and outputted” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

One terminal of a low-pass filter LPF1is connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSW and the GSM 850/GSM 900 transmission signal input terminal Tx12is connected to the other terminal of the low-pass filter LPF1through a capacitor CtL.

One terminal of a low-pass filter LPF2is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW and the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34is connected to the other terminal of the low-pass filter LPF2through a capacitor CtH.

A diplexer DiPX10including a low-pass filter LPF101and a high-pass filter102is connected to the RF3terminal of the GaAsSW at the connection point between the low-pass filter LPF101and the high-pass filter102. Then, the GSM 850 reception signal output terminal Rx1is connected to a terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the low-pass filter LPF101of the diplexer DiPX10through a capacitor CrL2, and the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4is connected to a terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the high-pass filter HPF102of the diplexer DiPX10.

A diplexer DiPX20including a low-pass filter LPF201and a high-pass filter HPF202is connected to the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW at the connection point between the low-pass filter LPF201and the high-pass filter HPF202. Then, the GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2is connected to a terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the low-pass filter LPF201of the diplexer DiPX20through a capacitor CrL1, and the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3is connected to a terminal portion, opposite to the connection point of the high-pass filter HPF202, of the diplexer DiPX20.

Next, the specific circuit structure is described with reference toFIG. 2.

Input-output portions P11and P12are provided in the low-pass filter LPF1, the input-output portion P11is connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSW, and the input-output terminal P12is connected to the GSM 850/900 transmission signal input terminal Tx12through the capacitor CtL. A parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt1and an inductor TLt1and a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt2and an inductor TLt2are connected in series between the input-output portion P11and the input-output portion P12. A capacitor TCu1is connected between the connection point of the two parallel circuits and the ground, and a capacitor TCu2is connected between the side of the input-output portion P12of the inductor TLt2and the ground.

Input-output portions P21and P22are included in the low-pass filter LPF2, the input-output portion P21is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW, and the input-output terminal P22is connected to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34through the capacitor CtH. A parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt3and an inductor TLt3and a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt4and an inductor TLt4are connected in series between the input-output portion P21and the input-output portion P22. A capacitor TCu3is connected between the connection point of the two parallel circuits and the ground, and a capacitor TCu4is connected between the side of the input-output portion P22of the inductor TLt4and the ground.

Three input-output portions P101to P103are provided in the diplexer DiPX10. The input-output portion P101connected to the RF3terminal of the GaAsSW is connected to the input-output portion P102on the side of the GSM 850 reception signal output portion Rx1through the low-pass filter LPF101and simultaneously connected to the input-output portion P103on the side of the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4through the high-pass filter HPF102. Here, the low-pass filter LPF101is set so as to attenuate a signal on the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM 850 reception signal, and the high-pass filter HPF102is set to attenuate a signal on the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a PCS reception signal.

The low-pass filter LPF101preferably includes a parallel circuit of a capacitor RCt3and an inductor RLt3between the input-output portion P101and the input-output portion P102and a capacitor RCu2connected between the side of the input-output portion P102and the ground. Furthermore, the high-pass filter HPF102of the parallel circuit includes capacitors RCc3and RCc4connected in series between the input-output portion P101and the input-output portion P103and a series circuit of an inductor RLt4and a capacitor RCt4connected between the connection point of the capacitors RCc3and RCc4and the ground.

The diplexer DiPX20includes three input-output portions P201to P203. The input-output portion P201connected to the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW is connected to the input-output portion P202on the side of the GSM 900 reception signal output portion Rx2through the low-pass filter LPF201and simultaneously connected to the input-output portion P203on the side of the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3through the high-pas filter HPF202. Here, the low-pass filter LPF201is set so as to attenuate a signal on the higher-frequency side as compared to the frequency band of a GSM 900 reception signal, and the high-pass filter HPF202is set to attenuate a signal on the lower-frequency side as compared to the frequency band of a DCS reception signal.

The low-pass filter LPF201preferably includes a parallel circuit of a capacitor RCt1and an inductor RLt1connected between the input-output portion P201and the input-output portion202and a capacitor RCu1connected between the side of the input-output portion P102of the parallel circuit and the ground. Furthermore, the high-pass filter HPF202includes capacitors RCc1and RCc2connected in series between the input-output portion P201and the input-output portion P203and a series circuit of an inductor RLt2and a capacitor RCt2connected between the connection point of the capacitors RCc1and RCc2and the ground.

As will be described later, the circuit elements constituting the above-described low-pass filters LPF1and LPF2and the diplexers DiPX10and DiPX20are preferably defined by an electrode pattern of each dielectric layer of a laminate constituting the high-frequency module.

Next, the transmission-reception operation of a GSM 850/GSM 900/DCS/PCS communication signal of the high-frequency module is described.

1) Transmission Operation of a GSM 850/GSM 900 Transmission signal

When a GSM 850 transmission signal and GSM 900 transmission signal (hereinafter generally referred to as a “GSM transmission signal”) are transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of this combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of positive voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the RF1terminal and the antenna input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when a GSM transmission signal is inputted from the GSM 850/GSM 900 transmission signal input terminal Tx12, the GSM transmission signal is inputted to the RF1terminal through the low-pass filter LPF1and transmitted from the RF1terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The GSM transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna ANT to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF2terminal to RF4 terminal are made open, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF2terminal to RF4terminal. Thus, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 850 reception signal input terminal Rx1, GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

2) Transmission Operation of a DCS/PCS Transmission Signal

When a DCS transmission signal or PCS transmission signal (hereinafter generally referred to as a “DCS/PCS transmission signal”) is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals for the combination are inputted (for example, the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc2), the RF2terminal and the antenna input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when a DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted from the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted to the RF2terminal through the low-pass filter LPF2and transmitted from the FR2terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The DCS/PCS transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, GSM 850 reception signal output terminal Rx1, GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

3) Transmission Operation of a GSM 850 Reception Signal

When a GSM 850 reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF terminal RF3of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the 850 reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the GSM 850 reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF3terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the GSM reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the GSM 850 reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2, and DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

The GSM 850 reception signal outputted from the RF3terminal is inputted from the input-output portion P101of the diplexer DiPX10, passes through the low-pas filter LPF101of the diplexer DiPX10and is outputted to the input-output portion P102, and is transmitted to the GSM 850 reception signal output terminal Rx1through the capacitor CrL2. Here, as described above, since the high-pass filter HPF102attenuates the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a PCS reception signal, the GSM 850 reception signal is attenuated by the high-pass filter HPF102and not transmitted to the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

4) Transmission Operation of a GSM 900 Reception Signal

When a GSM 900 reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the GSM 900 reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the GSM 900 reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal to RF3terminal are made open, the GSM 900 reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal to RF3terminal. Thus, the GSM 900 reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 850 transmission signal output terminal Rx1, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

The GSM 900 reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted from the input-output portion P201of the diplexer DiPX20, passes through the low-pas filter LPF201of the diplexer DiPX20and is outputted to the input-output portion P202, and is transmitted to the GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2through the capacitor CrL1. Here, as described above, since the high-pass filter HPF202attenuates the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a DCS reception signal, the GSM 900 reception signal is attenuated by the high-pass filter HPF202and not transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

5) Transmission Operation of a DCS Reception Signal

When a DCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the DCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the DCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal to RF3terminal are made open, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal to RF3terminal. Thus, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 850 transmission signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

The DCS reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P201of the diplexer DiPX20, passes through the high-pass filter HPF202of the diplexer DiPX20and is outputted to the input-output portion P203, and is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3. Here, as described above, since the low-pass filter LPF201attenuates the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM 900 reception signal, the DCS reception signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF201and not transmitted to the GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2.

6) Transmission Operation of a PCS Reception Signal

When a PCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the PCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the PCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF3terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 900 transmission signal output terminal Rx2, and DCS reception signal output terminal Rx4.

The PCS reception signal outputted from the RF3terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P101of the diplexer DiPX10, passes through the high-pass filter HPF102of the diplexer DiPX10and is outputted to the input-output portion P103, and is transmitted to the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4. Here, as described above, since the low-pass filter LPF101attenuates the higher-frequency side as compared to the frequency band of a GSM 850 reception signal, the PCS reception signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF101and not transmitted to the GSM 850 reception signal output terminal Rx1.

With this unique construction, a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving GSM 850/GSM 900/DCS/PCS communication signals of four kinds through one antenna can be reliably provided.

Then, since transmission signals of at least two communication systems are inputted through different signal input-output portions (for example, the relation between a GSM transmission signal and a DCS transmission signal and the relation between a GSM 900 transmission signal and a PCS transmission signal), the isolation between both communication systems is secured and the harmonic wave distortion is prevented and minimized.

Furthermore, when the transmission signals or reception signals of two different communication systems are inputted and outputted through the RF terminals of the GaAsSW by using the diplexers in this way, the number of the RF terminals of the GaAsSW can be minimized in comparison with the case where all the transmission signals and reception signals are inputted and outputted through different RF terminals, respectively. Accordingly, since these transmission-reception signals can be individually transmitted by using the GaAsSW in which the number of RF terminals is smaller than the number of all transmission-reception signals of the communication systems being used, a less expensive GaAsSW in which the number of branches is small can be used, and a less expensive high-frequency module can be provided.

Furthermore, when a GaAsSW for selectively connecting a particular terminal (antenna input-output terminal ANT in this example) to a plurality of the other terminals (RF terminals RF1to RF4in the case of this example) is preferably used, in comparison with the case where a diode switch circuit is used, the number of constituting elements of a high-frequency module can be reduced and a small-sized and low-loss high-frequency module can be provided at relatively low cost.

Next, the structure of a laminate of the high-frequency module is described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIGS. 3 and 4are lamination drawings of the high-frequency module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the laminate-type high-frequency module of the present preferred embodiment, each of dielectric layers1to20shown inFIGS. 3 and 4are laminated from the bottom in order. However, each drawing inFIGS. 3 and 4shows the state when seen from the lower side (side facing a mounting substrate). Then, what is shown as a dielectric layer21is the bottom surface of the dielectric layer20(upper surface of the laminate), that is, the electrodes and portions of the part mounting surface are shown. The symbols shown inFIGS. 3 and 4correspond to the symbol of each element shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Various external terminal electrodes for mounting elements on the mounting substrate are disposed on the lower surface of the lowermost dielectric layer1. That is, the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx12, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34, GSM 850 reception signal output terminal Rx1, GSM 900 reception signal output terminal Rx2, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, PCS reception signal output terminal Rx4, control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2, drive voltage input terminal Vdd, ground (grounding) terminal GND, and antenna connection terminal ANT are provided. Here, the antenna connection terminal ANT is arranged so as to be spaced away from the GSM 850/900 transmission signal input terminal Tx12and DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx34. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, when the transmission signal input terminals Tx12and Tx34are disposed along a side surface (left side surface when seen from the front of the drawing) of the laminate, the antenna connection terminal ANT is disposed along the side surface (right side surface when seen from the front of the drawing), opposite to the left side surface.

A common ground electrode GND is disposed in the dielectric layer2and the common ground electrode GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu2b, TCu3b, TCu4b, RCu1b, and RCt4bof the capacitors TCu2, TCu3, TCu4, and TCt4.

In the dielectric layer3, the opposite electrodes TCu2a, TCu3a, TCu4a, RCu1a, and RCt4aof the capacitors TCu2, TCu3, TCu4, RCu1, and RCt4are provided. In the dielectric layer4, a common ground electrode GND is provided and this common ground is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu2b, TCu3b, TCu4b, RCu1b, RCt4b, TCu1b, RCu2b, and RCt2bof the capacitors TCu2, TCu3, TCu4, TCu1, RCt4, TCu1, RCu2, and RCt2.

In the dielectric layer5, the opposite electrodes TCu1a, RCu2a, and RCt2aof the capacitors TCu1, RCu2, and RCt2are provided.

In the dielectric layer6, a common ground electrode GND is provided and this common ground GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu1b, RCu2b, and RCt2bof the capacitors TCu1, RCu2, and RCt2.

In the dielectric layer7, only through-holes are formed.

In the dielectric layer13, only through-holes are formed.

In the dielectric layer14, the opposite electrodes RCt1band RCt3aof the capacitors RCt1and RCt3are disposed.

In the dielectric layer15, the opposite electrodes RCt1a, RCt3b, TCt2a, and TCt4aof the capacitors RCt1, RCt3, TCt2, and TCt4are provided. Here, the opposite electrodes RCt1aand RCt3bare also used as the opposite electrodes RCc1aand RCc3aof the capacitors RCc1and RCc3.

In the dielectric layer16, the opposite electrodes TCt2b, TCt4b, RCc1b, and RCc3bof the capacitors TCt2, TCt4, RCc1, and RCc3are provided and these opposite electrodes are also used as the opposite electrodes TCt1a, TCt3a, RCc2a, and RCc4aof the capacitors TCt1, TCt3, RCc2, and RCc4.

In the dielectric layer18, the opposite electrodes RCc2aand RCc4cof the capacitors RCc2and RCc4are provided.

In the dielectric layer19, a wiring pattern is disposed, and, in the dielectric layer20, a wiring pattern for making conductive between the grounding electrode and grounding terminal GND of the lower layer and each grounding electrode disposed on the back surface21of the dielectric layer20as the uppermost layer is provided.

On the back surface of the uppermost dielectric layer20, that is, the upper surface21of the laminate, the lands for mounting the GaAsSW are arranged along the side walls of the laminate and, in the center of a group of the lands in such arrangement, a wider grounding electrode GND than the group of the other lands is arranged in a substantially square configuration. Here, regarding the arrangement of the group of the lands, the land GND for the grounding, the land RF1for the RF1terminal, the land GND for the grounding, the land RF2for the RF2terminal, and the land GND for the grounding are arranged along the left side of the dielectric layer21inFIG. 4from the top in order when the drawing is seen as it is; the land Vdd for the drive voltage Vdd and the land Vc1for the control signal Vc1are arranged along the lower side from the left in order; the land Vc2for the control signal Vc2, the land GND for the grounding, the land ANT for the antenna input-output terminal, the land GND for the grounding, and the land RF3for the RF3terminal are arranged along the right side from the bottom in order; and the land GND for the grounding and the land RF4for the RF4terminal are arranged along the upper side from the right in order. In this way, the GaAsSW is mounted on the lands having the unique arrangement described above.

When a land for the grounding is provided between the land for each RF terminal and the land for the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the isolation between the RF terminals and between the RF terminal and the antenna input-output terminal can be secured. Moreover, when a large grounding electrode GND is disposed in the middle of the lands arranged in this way, the isolation is further improved and a high-frequency module having excellent communication characteristics can be provided.

Furthermore, as described above, when each circuit element constituting the diplexer is constituted by an electrode pattern disposed in each dielectric layer of the laminate, a high-frequency module can be made smaller than in the case where the diplexer is constituted by mounting parts.

Furthermore, as described above, since the transmission signal input terminals Tx12and Tx34and the antenna connection terminal ANT are disposed along different sides of the laminate, the terminals are separated from each other and the isolation is improved. Thus, a high-frequency module having excellent communication characteristics can be obtained.

Next, a high-frequency module according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5is a block diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to the present preferred embodiment, andFIG. 6is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to the present preferred embodiment.

Moreover, in the present preferred embodiment, a GSM transmission signal is inputted from a transmission signal input terminal Tx1and a GSM reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx1. Then, a DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted from a transmission signal input terminal Tx23, a DCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx2, and a PCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx3. Moreover, the case in which a WCDMA transmission-reception signal is inputted and outputted from a transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4is shown. Each of the transmission signal input terminals, reception signal output terminals, and transmission-reception signal input-output terminal corresponds to an input-output portion of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

In a GaAsSw switch GaAsSw (hereinafter simply referred to as a “GaAsSw”), an antenna input-output terminal ANT connected to an antenna ANT through a capacitor Cant, RF1terminal to RF4terminal for inputting and outputting one of transmission-reception signals of GSM/DCS/PCS/WCDMA communication systems, a drive voltage input terminal Vdd, and control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2are provided. In the GaAsSW in which a drive voltage Vdd is applied, the antenna input-output terminal ANT is switched so as to be connected to one of the RF1terminal to RF4terminal by a combination of ON/OFF states of two control signals Vc1and Vc2. The GaAsSW is mounted on the upper surface of a laminate constituting the high-frequency module. The GaAsSW corresponds to an “FET switch” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the antenna input-output terminal ANT corresponds to an “antenna input-output portion” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the RF1terminal to RF4terminal correspond to “signal input-output portions” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the RF1terminal and RF4terminal correspond to “signal input-output portions in which transmission signals or reception signals of at least two communication systems are inputted and outputted” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A diplexer DiPX30including a low-pass filter301and a high-pass filter HPF302is connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSW at the connection point between the low-pass filter LPF301and the high-pass filter GHPF302. Then, the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the low-pass filter LPF301of the diplexer DiPX30through a capacitor Ctgsm, and the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the high-pass filter HPF302of the diplexer DiPX30.

One terminal of a low-pass filter LPF3is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW, and the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23is connected to the other terminal of the low-pass filter LPF3through a capacitor Ctdpcs.

The DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2is connected to the RF3terminal of the GaAsSW through a capacitor Crdcs.

A diplexer DiPX40including a low-pass filter LPF401and a high-pass filter HPF402is connected to the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW at the connection point between the low-pass filter LPF401and the high-pass filter HPF402. Then, the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the low-pass filter LPF401of the diplexer DiPX40through a capacitor Crgsm, and the WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the high-pass filter HPF402of the diplexer DiPX40.

Next, the specific circuit structure is described with reference toFIG. 6.

Three input-output portions P301to P303are included in the diplexer DiPX30. The input-output portion P301to be connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSW is connected to the input-output portion P302on the side of the GSM transmission signal input portion Tx1through the low-pass filter301and simultaneously connected to the input-output portion P303on the side of the PCS reception signal output terminal Px3through the high-pass filter HPF302. Here, the low-pass filter LPF301is set so as to attenuate a signal on the higher-frequency side that is higher than the frequency band of a GSM transmission signal, and the high-pass filter HPF302is set to attenuate a signal on the lower-frequency side that is lower than a fixed frequency band of a PCS reception signal.

The low-pass filter LPF301preferably includes a series circuit of a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt1and an inductor TLt1and a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt3and an inductor TLt3connected between the input-output portion P301and the input-output portion P302, and a capacitor TCu1connected between the connection portion of the two parallel circuits and the ground. Furthermore, the high-pass filter HPF302preferably includes capacitors TCc1and TCc2connected in series between the input-output portion P301and the input-output portion P303, and a series circuit of an inductor TLt2and a capacitor TCt2connected between the connection point of the capacitors TCc1and TCc2and the ground.

Input-output portions P31and P32are included in the low-pass filter LPF3, the input-output portion P31is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW, and the input-output portion P32is connected to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23through the capacitor Ctdpcs. Between the input-output portion P31and the input-output portion P32, a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt4and an inductor TLt4and an inductor TLt5are connected in series. Furthermore, a capacitor TCu4is connected between the connection point between the two inductors TLt4and TLt5and the ground.

Three input-output portions P401to P403are included in the diplexer DiPX40. The input-output portion P401to be connected to the GaAsSw is connected to the input-output portion P402on the side of the GSM reception signal output portion Rx1through the low-pass filter LPF401and simultaneously connected to the input-output portion P403on the side of the WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4through the high-pass filter HPF402. Here, the low-pass filter LPF401is set so as to attenuate a signal on the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM reception signal, and the high-pass filter HPF402is set to attenuate a signal on the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a WCDMA communication signal.

The low-pass filter LPF401includes a parallel circuit of a capacitor RCt1and an inductor RTt1connected between the input-output portion P401and the input-output portion P402and a capacitor RCu1connected between the side of the input-output portion P402of the parallel circuit and the ground. Furthermore, the high-pass filter HPF402includes capacitors RCc1and RCc2connected in series between the input-output portion P401and the input-output portion P403and a series circuit of an inductor RLt2and a capacitor RCt2connected between the connection point of the capacitors RCc1and RCc2and the ground.

The circuit elements constituting the above-described low-pass filter LPF3, diplexer DiPX30, and diplexer DiPX40are preferably defined by the electrode pattern of each dielectric layer of the laminate constituting the high-frequency module.

Next, the transmission-reception operation of a GSM/DCS/PCS/WCDMA communication signal of the high-frequency module is described.

1) Transmission Operation of a GSM Transmission Signal

When a GSM transmission signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of positive voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the RF1terminal and the antenna input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the GSM transmission signal is inputted from the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, the GSM transmission signal is inputted to the RF1terminal through the low-pass filter LPF301of the diplexer DiPX30and transmitted from the RF1terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The GSM transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna ANT to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF2terminal to RF4terminal are made open, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF2terminal to RF4terminal. Thus, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4. Furthermore, since the high-pass filter HPF302of the diplexer DiPX30attenuates a signal on the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a PCS reception signal as described above, the GSM transmission signal is attenuated by the high-pass filter HPF302and not transmitted to the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

2) Transmission Operation of a DCS/PCS Transmission Signal

When a DCS transmission signal or PCS transmission signal (hereinafter generally referred to as a “DCS/PCS transmission signal”) is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are inputted to the control terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals for the combination (for example, the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc2), the RF2terminal and the antenna input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted from the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted to the RF2terminal through the low-pass filter LPF3and transmitted from the FR terminal RF2to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The DCS/PCS transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, and WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx/Rx4.

3) Transmission Operation of a GSM Reception Signal

When a GSM reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the GSM reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the GSM reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal are made open, the GSM reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal. Thus, the GSM reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

The GSM reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P401of the diplexer DiPX40, passes through the low-pas filter LPF401of the diplexer DiPX40and is outputted to the input-output portion P402, and is transmitted to the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1through the capacitor Crgsm. Here, as described above, since the high-pass filter HPF402attenuates the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a WCDMA transmission-reception signal, the GSM reception signal is attenuated by the high-pass filter HPF402and not transmitted to the WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4.

4) Transmission Operation of a DCS Reception Signal

When a DCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control voltage of positive voltage is inputted to Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the DCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the DCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF3terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, PCS transmission signal output terminal Rx3, and WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4.

The DCS reception signal outputted from the RF3terminal is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2through the capacitor Crdcs.

5) Transmission Operation of a PCS Reception Signal

When a PCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of positive voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the PCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the PCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF1terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF2terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF2terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4.

The PCS reception signal outputted from the RF1terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P301of the diplexer DiPX30, passes through the high-pass filter HPF302of the diplexer DiPX30and is outputted to the input-output portion P303, and is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx3. Here, as described above, since the low-pass filter LPF301attenuates the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM transmission signal, the PCS reception signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF301and not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1.

6) Transmission Operation of a WCDMA Transmission-Reception Signal

When a WCDMA transmission-reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the WCDMA transmission signal is inputted from the WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4, the WCDMA transmission signal is inputted to the RF4terminal through the high-pass filter HPF402of the diplexer DiPX40and transmitted from the RF4terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The WCDMA transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal are made open, the WCDMA transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal. Thus, the WCDMA transmission signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3. Furthermore, since the low-pass filter LPF401of the diplexer DiPX40attenuates a signal on the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM reception signal as described above, the WCDMA transmission signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF401and not transmitted to the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1.

On the other hand, when the WCDMA reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the WCDMA reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal are made open, the WCDMA reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal. Thus, the WCDMA reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal TX1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

The WCDMA reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P401of the diplexer DiPX40, passes through the high-pass filter HPF402of the diplexer DiPX40and is outputted to the input-output portion P403, and is transmitted to the WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4. Here, since the low-pass filter LPF401attenuates the higher-frequency side than frequency band of a GSM reception signal, the WCDMA reception signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF401and not transmitted to the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1.

With such a unique structure, a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving communication signals of four kinds of GSM/DCS/PCS/WCDMA from one antenna can be provided.

Next, the structure of a laminate of the high-frequency module is described with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIGS. 7 and 8are lamination drawings of the high-frequency module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the laminate-type high-frequency module of the present preferred embodiment, each of dielectric layers1to20shown inFIGS. 7 and 8is laminated from the bottom in order. However, each drawing inFIGS. 7 and 8shows the state when seen from the lower side (side facing a mounting substrate). Then, what is shown as a dielectric layer21is the bottom surface of the dielectric layer20(upper surface of the laminate), that is, the electrodes and portions of the part mounting surface are shown. Moreover, the symbols shown inFIGS. 7 and 8correspond to the symbol of each element shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

Various external terminal electrodes to be mounted on the mounting substrate are disposed on the lower surface of the lowermost dielectric layer1. That is, the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, WCDMA transmission-reception signal input-output terminal Tx4/Rx4, each of control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2, drive voltage input terminal Vdd, ground (grounding) terminal GND, and antenna connection terminal ANT are provided. Here, the antenna connection terminal ANT is arranged so as to be spaced away from the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1and DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23. For example, as shown inFIG. 7, when the transmission signal input terminals Tx1and Tx23are disposed along one side surface (left side surface when seen from the front of the drawing) of the laminate, the antenna connection terminal ANT is disposed along the side surface (right side surface when seen from the front of the drawing), opposite to the left side surface.

A common ground electrode GND is disposed in the dielectric layer2, and the common ground electrode GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu1b, TCu4b, and RCt2bof the capacitors TCu1, TCu4, and TCt2.

In the dielectric layer3, the opposite electrodes TCu1a, TCu4a, and TCt2aof the capacitors TCu1, TCu4, and TCt2are provided.

In the dielectric layer4, a common ground electrode GND is disposed, and the common ground electrode GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu1b, TCu4b, TCt2b, RCu1b, and RCt2bof the capacitors TCu1, TCu4, RCt2, RCu1, and RCt2.

In the dielectric layer5, the opposite electrodes RCu1aand RCt2aof the capacitors RCu1and RCt2are provided.

In the dielectric layer6, a common ground electrode GND is provided and the common ground is also used as the opposite electrodes RCu1band RCt2bof the capacitors RCu1and RCt2.

In the dielectric layers7to12, the inductors TLt1, TLt2, TLt3, RLt1, RLt2, RLt3, and RLt4are disposed; in the dielectric layers8to12, the inductor TLt5is disposed; and in the dielectric layers8to11, the inductor TLt4is disposed.

In the dielectric layer14, the opposite electrodes TCt1b, Tct3a, TCc1a, RCt1a, and RCc2bof the capacitors TCt1, Tct3, TCc1, RCt1, and RCc2are provided, and the opposite electrode RCt1ais also used as the opposite electrode RCc1aof the capacitor RCc1.

In the dielectric layer15, the opposite electrodes RCc1b, TCc1b, and RCc2aof the capacitors RCc1, TCc1, and RCc2are formed, and simultaneously the opposite electrodes TCc2aand TCt4aof the capacitors TCc2and TCt4are formed.

In the dielectric layer19, a wiring pattern is disposed, and, in the dielectric layer20, a wiring pattern for making the grounding electrode and grounding terminal GND in the lower layer and each grounding electrode disposed on the back surface21of the dielectric layer20as the uppermost layer conductive therebetween is provided.

On the back surface of the uppermost dielectric layer20, that is, on the upper surface21of the laminate, the lands for mounting the GaAsSW are arranged along the side walls of the laminate and, in the center of the land group in such an arrangement, a wider grounding electrode layer than the group of the other lands is arranged in a substantially square configuration. Here, regarding the arrangement of the land group, the land GND for the grounding, the land RF4for the RF4terminal, the land GND for the grounding, the land RF2for the RF2terminal, the land for the grounding, the land RF2for the RF2terminal, and the land GND for the grounding are arranged from the top in order along the left side of the dielectric layer21inFIG. 4when the drawing is seen as it is; the land Vdd for the drive voltage Vdd and the land Vc1for the control signal Vc1are arranged from the left in order along the lower side; the land Vc2for the control signal Vc2, the land GND for the grounding, the land ANT for the antenna input-output terminal, the land GND for the grounding, and the land RF1for the RF1terminal are arranged from the bottom in order along the right side; and the land GND for the grounding and the land RF3for the RF3terminal are arranged from the right in order along the upper side. In this way, the GaAsSW is mounted on the lands arranged as described above.

In this way, the same structure as the high-frequency module shown in the above-described first preferred embodiment can be also applied to a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving a GSM/DCS/PCS/WCDMA communication signal and the same advantages can be obtained.

Next, a high-frequency module according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 12.

FIG. 9is a block diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 10is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the structure of the high-frequency module according to the present preferred embodiment.

Moreover, in the present preferred embodiment, a GSM transmission signal is inputted from a transmission signal input terminal Tx1, and a GSM reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx1. Then, a DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted from a transmission signal input terminal Tx23, a DCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx2, and a PCS reception signal is outputted from a reception signal output terminal Rx3. Each of the transmission signal input terminals, reception signal output terminals, and transmission-reception signal input-output terminal corresponds to an “input-output portion” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

In a GaAsSw switch GaAsSw (hereinafter simply referred to as a “GaAsSw”), an antenna input-output terminal ANT connected to an antenna ANT through a capacitor Cant, RF1terminal to RF4terminal for inputting and outputting one of transmission-reception signals of GSM/DCS/PCS communication systems, a drive voltage input terminal Vdd, and control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2are provided. In the GaAsSW in which a drive voltage Vdd is applied, the RF1terminal to RF4terminal are switched so as to be connected to the antenna input-output terminal ANT by a combination of ON/OFF states of two control signals Vc1and Vc2. The GaAsSW is mounted on the upper surface of a laminate constituting the high-frequency module. The GaAsSW corresponds to an “FET switch” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the antenna input-output terminal ANT corresponds to an “antenna input-output portion” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the RF1terminal to RF4terminal correspond to “signal input-output portions” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the RF4terminal corresponds to a “signal input-output portion in which transmission signals or reception signals of at least two communication systems are inputted and outputted” of various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

One terminal of a low-pass filter LPF4is connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSW, and the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1is connected to the other terminal of the low-pass filter LPF4through a capacitor CtL.

One terminal of a low-pass filter LPF5is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW, and the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23is connected to the other terminal of the low-pass filter LPF5through a capacitor CtH.

The PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3is connected to the RF3terminal of the GaAsSw.

A diplexer DiPX50including a low-pass filter LPF501and a high-pass filter HPF502is connected to the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW at the connection point between the low-pass filter LPF501and the high-pass filter HPF502. Then, the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the low-pass filter LPF501of the diplexer DiPX50through a capacitor CrL1, and the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2is connected to the terminal portion, opposite to the connection point, of the high-pass filter LPF502of the diplexer DiPX50.

Next, the specific circuit structure is described with reference toFIG. 10.

Input-output portions P41and P42are included in the low-pass filter LPF4, the input-output portion P41is connected to the RF1terminal of the GaAsSw, and the input-output portion P42is connected to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1through the capacitor CtL. Between the input-output portion P41and the input-output portion P42, a series circuit of a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt1and an inductor TLt1and a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt2and an inductor TLt2is connected. A capacitor TCu1is connected between the connection point of the two parallel circuits and the ground, and a capacitor TCu2is connected between the side of the input-output portion P42of the parallel circuit of the capacitor TCt2and the inductor TLt2and the ground.

Input-output portions P51and P52are included in the low-pass filter LPF5, the input-output portion P51is connected to the RF2terminal of the GaAsSW, and the input-output portion P52is connected to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23through the capacitor CtH. Between the input-output portion P51and the input-output portion P52, a parallel circuit of a capacitor TCt3and an inductor TLt3and an inductor TLt4are connected in series. A capacitor TCu3is connected between the connection point of the two inductors TLt3and TLt4and the ground, and a capacitor TCu4is connected between the side of the input-output portion P52of the inductor TLt4and the ground.

Three input-output portions P501to P503are included in the diplexer DiPX50. The input-output portion P501to be connected to the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW is connected to the input-output portion P502on the side of the GSM reception signal output portion Rx1through the low-pass filter LPF501and simultaneously connected to the input-output portion P503on the side of the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2through the high-pass filter HPF502. Here, the low-pass filter LPF501is set so as to attenuate a signal on the higher-frequency side that is higher than the frequency band of a GSM reception signal and the high-pass filter HPF502is set to attenuate a signal on the lower-frequency side that is lower than the frequency band of a DCS reception signal.

The low-pass filter LPF501preferably includes a parallel circuit of a capacitor RCt1and an inductor RLt1connected between the input-output portion P501and the input-output portion P502. Furthermore, the high-pass filter HPF502preferably includes a capacitor RCc1connected between the input-output portion P501and the input-output portion P503and a series circuit of an inductor RLt2and a capacitor RCt2connected between the side of the input-output portion P503of the capacitor RCc1and the ground.

The circuit elements constituting the above-described low-pass filters LPF4and LPF5and diplexer DiPX50are preferably defined by the electrode pattern of each dielectric layer of a laminate constituting the high-frequency module.

Next, the transmission-reception operation of a GSM/DCS/PCS communication signal of the high-frequency module is described.

1) Transmission Operation of a GSM Transmission Signal

When a GSM transmission signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of positive voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the RF1terminal and the input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the GSM transmission signal is inputted from the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, the GSM transmission signal is inputted to the RF1terminal through the low-pass filter LPF4and transmitted from the RF1terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The GSM transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna ANT to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF1terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF2terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF2terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the GSM transmission signal is not transmitted to the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

2) Transmission Operation of a DCS/PCS Transmission Signal

When a DCS transmission signal or PCS transmission signal (hereinafter generally referred to as a “DCS/PCS transmission signal”) is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are inputted to the control terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals for the combination (for example, the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc2), the RF2terminal and the antenna input-output terminal ANT of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted from the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is inputted to the RF2terminal through the low-pass filter LPF5and transmitted from the FR2terminal to the antenna input-output terminal ANT. The DCS/PCS transmission signal is outputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the antenna ANT and transmitted from the antenna to the outside. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF2terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF3terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the DCS/PCS transmission signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

3) Transmission Operation of a GSM Reception Signal

When a GSM reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSW are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the GSM reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the GSM reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal are made open, the GSM reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal. Thus, the GSM reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, and PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

The GSM reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P501of the diplexer DiPX50, passes through the low-pas filter LPF501of the diplexer DiPX50and is outputted to the input-output portion P502, and is transmitted to the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1through the capacitor CrL1. Here, as described above, since the high-pass filter HPF502attenuates the lower-frequency side than the frequency band of a DCS reception signal, the GSM reception signal is attenuated by the high-pass filter HPF502and not transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2.

4) Transmission Operation of a DCS Reception Signal

When a DCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are inputted. When the control signals of the combination are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW (for example, the control signals of zero voltage or negative voltage are inputted to Vc1and Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the DCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the DCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF4terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF4terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal are made open, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF3terminal. Thus, the DCS reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, and PCS transmission signal output terminal Rx3.

The DCS reception signal outputted from the RF4terminal is inputted to the input-output portion P501of the diplexer DiPX50, passes through the high-pass filter HPF502of the diplexer DiPX50and is outputted to the input-output portion P503, and is transmitted to the DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2. Here, since the low-pass filter LPF501attenuates the higher-frequency side than the frequency band of a GSM reception signal, the DCS reception signal is attenuated by the low-pass filter LPF501and not transmitted to the GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1.

5) Transmission Operation of a PCS Reception Signal

When a PCS reception signal is transmitted, control signals for connecting the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are inputted to the control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2of the GaAsSW. When the control signals of the combination are inputted (for example, the control signal of zero voltage or negative voltage is inputted to Vc1and the control signal of positive voltage is inputted to Vc2), the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal of the GaAsSw are made conductive to each other. At this point, when the PCS reception signal is inputted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT, the PCS reception signal is transmitted from the antenna input-output terminal ANT to the RF3terminal. Here, in the GaAsSW, since the antenna input-output terminal ANT and the RF3terminal are made conductive to each other and the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal are made open, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the other RF1terminal, RF2terminal, and RF4terminal. Thus, the PCS reception signal is not transmitted to the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, and DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2.

The DCS reception signal outputted from the RF3terminal is transmitted to the PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3.

With this unique construction, a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving communication signals of three kinds of GSM/DCS/PCS from one antenna can be provided.

Next, the structure of a laminate of the high-frequency module is described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

FIGS. 11 and 12are lamination drawings of the high-frequency module according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the laminate-type high-frequency module, each of dielectric layers1to20shown inFIGS. 11 and 12is laminated from the bottom in order. However, each drawing inFIGS. 11 and 12shows the state when seen from the lower side (side facing a mounting substrate). Then, what is shown as a dielectric layer21is the bottom surface of the dielectric layer20(upper surface of the laminate), that is, the electrodes and portions of the part mounting surface are shown. Moreover, the symbols shown inFIGS. 11 and 12correspond to the symbol of each element shown inFIGS. 9 and 10.

Various external terminal electrodes to be mounted on the mounting substrate are disposed on the lower surface of the lowermost dielectric layer1. That is, the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1, DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23, GSM reception signal output terminal Rx1, DCS reception signal output terminal Rx2, PCS reception signal output terminal Rx3, each of control signal input terminals Vc1and Vc2, drive voltage input terminal Vdd, ground (grounding) terminal GND, and antenna connection terminal ANT are provided. Here, the antenna connection terminal ANT is disposed so as to be away from the GSM transmission signal input terminal Tx1and the DCS/PCS transmission signal input terminal Tx23. For example, as shown inFIG. 11, when the transmission signal input terminals Tx1and Tx23are disposed along a side surface (left side surface when seen from the front of the drawing) of the laminate, the antenna connection terminal ANT is disposed along the side surface (right side surface when seen from the front of the drawing), opposite to the left side surface.

A common ground electrode GND is disposed in the dielectric layer2, and the common ground electrode GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu3band RCt2bof the capacitors TCu3and RCt2.

In the dielectric layer3, the opposite electrodes TCu3aand RCt2aof the capacitors TCu3and RCt2are provided.

In the dielectric layer4, a common ground electrode GND is disposed, and the common ground electrode GND is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu3b, RCt2b, TCu1b, and TCu2bof the capacitors TCu3, RCt2, RCu1, and TCu2.

In the dielectric layer5, the opposite electrodes TCu1aand TCu2aof the capacitors TCu1and TCu2are provided.

In the dielectric layer6, a common ground electrode GND is disposed, and the common ground is also used as the opposite electrodes TCu1band TCu2bof the capacitors TCu1and TCu2.

In the dielectric layers7to12, the inductors TLt2, TLt4, RLt1, and RLt2are provided; in the dielectric layers8to12, the inductor TLt1is provided; and in the dielectric layers8to11, the inductor TLt3is provided.

In the dielectric layer13, the opposite electrode RCt1bof the capacitors RCt1is provided.

In the dielectric layer14, the opposite electrodes RCt1a, TCt2a, and TCt3aofthe capacitors RCt1, TCt2, and TCt3are disposed.

In the dielectric layer15, the opposite electrodes RCt1b, TCt2b, and TCt3bof the capacitors RCt1, TCt2, and TCt3are provided. Here, the opposite electrode TCt2bis also used as the opposite electrode TCt1aof the capacitor TCt1.

In the dielectric layer16, the opposite electrodes RCt1aand TCt1bof the capacitors RCt1and TCt1are provided.

In the dielectric layer17, the opposite electrode RCt1bof the capacitor RCt1is disposed, and in the dielectric layer18, the opposite electrode RCt1aof the capacitor RCt1.

In the dielectric layer19, a wiring pattern is disposed, and, in the dielectric layer20, a wiring pattern for making the grounding electrode and grounding terminal GND in the lower layer and each grounding electrode and the land for the grounding disposed on the back surface21of the dielectric layer20as the uppermost layer conductive therebetween is provided.

On the back surface of the uppermost dielectric layer20, that is, on the upper surface21of the laminate, the lands for mounting the GaAsSW are arranged along the side wall of the laminate and, in the center of the land group of the arrangement, a wider grounding electrode layer than the land group is arranged in a substantially square configuration. Here, regarding the arrangement of the land group, the land GND for the grounding, the land RF1for the RF1terminal, the land for the grounding, the land RF2for the RF2terminal, and the land GND for the grounding are arranged from the top in order along the left side of the dielectric layer21inFIG. 4when the drawing is seen as it is; the land Vdd for the drive voltage Vdd and the land Vc1for the control signal Vc1are arranged from the left in order along the lower side; the land Vc2for the control signal Vc2, the land GND for the grounding, the land ANT for the antenna input-output terminal, the land GND for the grounding, and the land RF3for the RF3terminal are arranged from the bottom in order along the right side; and the land GND for the grounding and the land RF4for the RF4terminal are arranged from the right in order along the upper side. In this way, the GaAsSW is mounted on the lands arranged as described above.

In this way, the same structure as the high-frequency module shown in the above-described first preferred embodiment can be applied to a high-frequency module for transmitting and receiving a GSM/DCS/PCS communication signal and the same effect can be obtained as in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Moreover, although each of the various preferred embodiments is described as preferably using the GaAsSW, the structure shown in each of the preferred embodiments can be applied to an FET switch in which one particular terminal can be selectively connected to a plurality of the other terminals, and then, the above-described advantages can be obtained.