RADIO-FREQUENCY MODULE WITH INTEGRATED SHIELD LAYER ANTENNA AND INTEGRATED CAVITY-BASED ANTENNA

An antenna structure can include a printed circuit board module and a mold compound disposed on a side of the printed circuit board module. A planar antenna is defined by a conformal shield layer disposed on a first surface of the mold compound such that the mold compound is disposed between the printed circuit board module and the conformal shield layer. The mold compound has a cavity defined therein between the planar antenna and the printed circuit board module, the cavity filled with a material different than the mold compound material. Optionally, the cavity can be filled with air. The thickness of the mold compound layer and the shape of the conformal shield layer can be varied to optimize a performance of the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

Field

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package with a conformal shield antenna for electronic systems, such as radio-frequency (RF) electronics.

Description of the Related Art

Conventional antennas involve incorporating the antenna on a printed circuit board (PCB), such as on a PCB module layer. The antenna is applied on a top layer of the PCB module, and is covered by a mold compound. However, such conventional antennas have several drawbacks. For example, the antenna structure is larger in size due to extra PCB layers on the module. Additionally, the manufacturing of said antennas takes longer, is more costly, and more difficult as PCB manufacturers struggle to vary the thickness of PCB modules to achieve a desired antenna performance.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved antenna that addresses some of the disadvantages in conventional antenna designs used on printed circuit boards (PCB) or on module PCB layers.

In accordance with one aspect, a conformal shield antenna is disposed on top of a mold compound so that the mold compound is disposed between the conformal shield antenna and a PCB module. The thickness of the mold compound can be readily varied to optimize the performance of the antenna. Optionally, the conformal shield antenna can be connected to a ground layer (e.g., ground plane) in the PCB module via one or more vias. In another embodiment, the conformal shield antenna can be connected to a ground layer in the PCB module via one or more bondwires. In still another embodiment, the conformal shield antenna can be connected to the ground layer in the PCB module via an air cavity.

In accordance with one aspect, a conformal shield antenna is disposed on top of a mold compound so that the mold compound is disposed between the conformal shield antenna and a PCB module. The thickness of the mold compound can be readily varied to optimize the performance of the antenna.

In accordance with one aspect, an antenna structure is provided. The antenna structure comprises a printed circuit board, a mold compound having a first surface disposed on a first side of the printed circuit board, a cavity defined in the mold compound, the cavity filled with a material different than the mold compound material, and a first antenna defined by a shield layer disposed on a surface of the mold compound, the mold compound disposed between the printed circuit board and the shield layer.

In accordance with another aspect, a radiofrequency module is provided. The radiofrequency module comprises a printed circuit board, a mold compound disposed on a first side of the printed circuit board and having a cavity filled with a material different than the mold compound material, a die disposed on a second side of the printed circuit board and including one or more radio frequency components, and a first antenna defined by a shield layer disposed on a surface of the mold compound, the mold compound disposed between the printed circuit board and the shield layer.

In accordance with another aspect, a wireless mobile device is provided. The wireless mobile device comprises a transceiver and an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes one or more first antennas defined by a shield layer disposed on a first surface of a mold compound that is disposed on a printed circuit board such that the mold compound is disposed between the printed circuit board and the shield layer. The mold compound defines a cavity filled with a material different than the mold compound material, the one or more first antennas configured to radiate signals corresponding to transmit data output by the transmitter in a first direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is a desire for a relatively low cost packaging technology. Aspects of this disclosure relate to a package with an integrated antenna that is smaller in size than conventional antennas, and that costs less to manufacture. The package can include a laminated substrate with an antenna. An electronic component or die, such as a radio frequency (RF) component, can be disposed along a bottom layer of the laminate substrate. Solder bumps can be disposed around the electronic component and electrically connected to the ground plane. The solder bumps can attach the module to a carrier or directly to a system board. The electronic component can be surrounded by solder bumps. For example, outside edges of the electronic component can have ground solder bumps that are connected to the ground plane by way of vias. The ground solder bumps around the electronic component can be connected to ground of a carrier or system board.

One aspect of this disclosure is a module that includes a multi-layer substrate, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) component, and conductive features disposed around the RF component. The multi-layer substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The multi-layer substrate includes a ground plane. The antenna is on the first side of the multi-layer substrate. The RF component is on the second side of the multi-layer substrate such that the ground plane is positioned between the antenna and the RF component. The conductive features are disposed around the RF component and electrically connected to the ground plane. The conductive features and the ground plane configured to provide shielding for the RF component.

Another aspect of this disclosure is an RF circuit assembly that includes a laminate substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, an antenna on the first side of the laminate substrate, an RF component attached on the second side of the laminate substrate, and a plurality of solder bumps disposed around the RF component. The laminate substrate includes a ground plane that is positioned between the antenna and the RF component. The solder bumps form at least a portion of an electrical connection to the ground plane to thereby form at least a portion of a shielding structure around the RF component.

Another aspect of this disclosure is system board assembly that includes a laminate substrate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, an antenna on the first side of the laminate substrate, an RF component attached on the second side of the laminate substrate, a plurality of solder bumps disposed around the RF component, and a system board. The laminate substrate includes at least one layer forming a ground plane. The ground plane is positioned between the antenna and the RF component. The plurality of solder bumps are electrically connected to the ground plane. The system board can include ground pads electrically connected to ground plane by way of the plurality of solder bumps such that a shielding structure is formed around the RF component.

Overview of Wireless Devices

FIG. 1is a schematic block diagram of one example of a wireless or mobile device11that can include one or more antenna switch modules. The wireless device11can include antenna switch modules implementing one or more features of the present disclosure.

Antenna switch modules can be used within the wireless or a mobile device11implementing a 5G telecommunication standard that may utilize 30 GHz and 60-70 GHz frequency bands. Additionally, the 3G, 4G, LTE, or Advanced LTE telecommunication standards can be used with the antenna switch modules in the wireless or mobile device11, as described herein.

The example wireless device11depicted inFIG. 1can represent a multi-band and/or multi-mode device such as a multi-band/multi-mode mobile phone. By way of examples, Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication standard is a mode of digital cellular communication that is utilized in many parts of the world. GSM mode mobile phones can operate at one or more of four frequency bands: 850 MHz (approximately 824-849 MHz for Tx, 869-894 MHz for Rx), 900 MHz (approximately 880-915 MHz for Tx, 925-960 MHz for Rx), 1800 MHz (approximately 1710-1785 MHz for Tx, 1805-1880 MHz for Rx), and 1900 MHz (approximately 1850-1910 MHz for Tx, 1930-1990 MHz for Rx). Variations and/or regional/national implementations of the GSM bands are also utilized in different parts of the world.

Code division multiple access (CDMA) is another standard that can be implemented in mobile phone devices. In certain implementations, CDMA devices can operate in one or more of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz bands, while certain W-CDMA and Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices can operate over, for example, about 22 radio frequency spectrum bands.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device11can include an antenna switch module12, a transceiver13, at least one antenna22, power amplifiers17, a control component18, a computer readable medium19, a processor20, and a battery21.

The transceiver13can generate RF signals for transmission via the antenna14. Furthermore, the transceiver13can receive incoming RF signals from the antenna14. The at least one antenna22can include one or more antennas14defined by a conformal shield layer of a printed circuit board, such as any of those described herein. Other types antennas24, such as a dipole antenna, may also be included.

It will be understood that various functionalities associated with transmitting and receiving of RF signals can be achieved by one or more components that are collectively represented inFIG. 1as the transceiver13. For example, a single component can be configured to provide both transmitting and receiving functionalities. In another example, transmitting and receiving functionalities can be provided by separate components.

InFIG. 1, one or more output signals from the transceiver13are depicted as being provided to the antenna22via one or more transmission paths15. In the example shown, different transmission paths15can represent output paths associated with different bands and/or different power outputs. For instance, the two different paths shown can represent paths associated with different power outputs (e.g., low power output and high power output), and/or paths associated with different bands. The transmit paths15can include one or more power amplifiers17to aid in boosting a RF signal having a relatively low power to a higher power suitable for transmission. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates a configuration using two transmission paths15, the wireless device11can be adapted to include more or fewer transmission paths15.

InFIG. 1, one or more detected signals from the antenna22are depicted as being provided to the transceiver13via one or more receiving paths16. In the example shown, different receiving paths16can represent paths associated with different bands. For example, the four example paths16shown can represent quad-band capability that some wireless devices are provided with. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates a configuration using four receiving paths16, the wireless device11can be adapted to include more or fewer receiving paths16.

To facilitate switching between receive and/or transmit paths, the antenna switch module12can be included and can be used electrically connect the antenna22to a selected transmit or receive path. Thus, the antenna switch module12can provide a number of switching functionalities associated with an operation of the wireless device11. The antenna switch module12can include a multi-throw switch configured to provide functionalities associated with, for example, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, switching between transmission and receiving modes, or some combination thereof. The antenna switch module12can also be configured to provide additional functionality, including filtering and/or duplexing of signals.

FIG. 1illustrates that in certain embodiments, the control component18can be provided for controlling various control functionalities associated with operations of the antenna switch module12and/or other operating component(s). For example, the control component18can aid in providing control signals to the antenna switch module12so as to select a particular transmit or receive path.

In certain embodiments, the processor20can be configured to facilitate implementation of various processes on the wireless device11. The processor20can be a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus. In certain implementations, the wireless device11can include a computer-readable memory19, which can include computer program instructions that may be provided to and executed by the processor20.

The battery21can be any suitable battery for use in the wireless device11, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

Integrated Antenna Modules

Disclosed herein are embodiments of integrated antenna modules including a conformal shield antenna on a printed circuit board. Advantageously, the conformal shield antenna can be sized and shape to cover any frequency range so long as the antenna size and shape fit on the printed circuit board.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a wireless device11with a system board assembly23. The system board assembly23can have an integrated antenna module14and other component(s)25disposed on the system board assembly23according to an embodiment. The system board23can be any suitable application board, such as a phone board for a mobile phone. Solder bumps of the antenna in the integrated antenna module14can be in physical contact with one or more ground connections of the system board23. Accordingly, a shielding structure can surround an RF component450A of the antenna in an integrated antenna module14in three dimensions. The shielding structure can provide shielding between the RF component450and the antenna layer480of the antenna in an integrated antenna module14. The shielding structure can provide shielding between the RF component450A and one or more other components25disposed on the system board23. Accordingly, the RF component450A can be shielded from radiation emitted by the one or more other components25. At the same time, the other component(s)25can be shielded from radiation emitted from the RF component450A.

FIG. 2Bshows one embodiment of an integrated antenna module or package14A. In one embodiment, the package14A can be a radiofrequency (RF) circuit assembly The package14A includes a printed circuit board (PCB)400A with a plurality of layers402A-414A (e.g., a multi-layer module). The plurality of layers can include dielectric layers, a ground layer, routing layers, etc. A die450A (with one or more RF components) can be attached to one side of the PCB400A and surrounded by a plurality of solder balls470A. A mold compound310A (e.g., plastic mold compound) having a thickness t1can be disposed on another side of the PCB400A. An antenna structure480A can include a metal layer482A disposed on top of the mold compound310A. The metal layer482A can in one embodiment be made of copper. In another embodiment, the metal layer482A can be made of silver. In still another embodiment, the metal layer482A can be made of another suitable material. Accordingly, the mold compound310A is disposed between metal layer482A of the antenna structure480A and one or more layers402A-414A of the PCB400A. Optionally, one or move vias484A,488A can connect the metal layer482A with one or more layers402A-414A of the module200A, such as a ground layer.

In one embodiment, the metal layer482A is formed using a conformal shield process. In such a process, metal can be sputtered onto the mold compound310A. In another embodiment, the metal layer482A can be sprayed on the mold compound310A. In still another embodiment, the metal layer482A can be printed on the mold compound310A. Metal is then removed from the metal layer482A to define the desired shape of the antenna, such as via an ablation process or etching process to obtain a desired performance for the antenna480A. The thickness T of the metal layer482A can in some embodiments be between 500 μm and about 700 μm. In another embodiment, the thickness T can be about 1 mm. In other embodiments, the thickness T of the metal layer482A can be between 2 μm and about 10 μm. However, a desired performance of the antenna480A can be varied (e.g., optimized) by changing the shape of the metal layer482A as discussed above, regardless of the thickness T of the metal layer482A, such that any effect on antenna performance caused by the thickness T of the metal layer482A can be adjusted (e.g., removed) by adjusting the shape of the metal layer482A. Advantageously, the performance of the antenna480A can be varied (e.g., optimized) by varying the shape of the metal layer482A and/or varying the thickness t1of the mold compound310A, thereby varying the thickness of the package14A. Moreover, varying the thickness of the package14A (in the Z direction) can easily be done by varying the thickness of the mold compound310A. Further, the package14A is advantageously smaller (e.g., smaller in the Z direction) than conventional packages, which results in improved antenna performance.

FIG. 2Cshows an embodiment of a module or package14B that is similar to package14A, except as described below. The package14B is constructed similar to the package14A shown inFIG. 2B, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the package14B are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the package14A inFIG. 2B, except that a “B” has been added to the reference numerals. As shown inFIG. 2C, the package14B includes a metal layer486B on a top layer of the PCB400B, which can serve as a ground layer. However, the metal layer486B can be located in other layers (e.g., the second layer, third layer, etc.) of the PCB400B. The location of the metal layer486B relative to the metal layer482B of the antenna structure480B can in one embodiment be chosen to alter the performance of the antenna480B. In another embodiment, the shape of the metal layer486B can be varied to alter the performance of the antenna480B. The mold compound310B can have a thickness t2between the metal layer482B and the PCB400B. In one embodiment, the metal layer486B can function as a transformer to the antenna480B, controlling an impedance of the second layer to feed the antenna480A.

FIG. 2Dshow an embodiment of an integrated antenna module14′. The module14′ can include one or more conformal shield antennas482A. The module14′ can also include one or more cavity based antennas490C. the module14′ can also include a die with one or more RF components450A.

FIG. 2Eshows a schematic view of an embodiment of a package14C that is similar to package14A inFIG. 2B, except as described below. The package14C is constructed similar to the package14A shown inFIG. 2B, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the package14C are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the package14A inFIG. 2B, except that a “C” has been added to the reference numerals. InFIG. 2E, a cavity490C is formed in the mold compound310C between the metal layer482C and the PCB400C. The mold compound310C has a thickness t3. Optionally, the cavity490C can be filled with air. Optionally, the cavity490C can be bounded by layers492C,494C,496C,498C to define a box that can house a variety of components. The layers492C,494C,496C,498C can be of a material different than the material of the mold compound310C and different than the material that fills the cavity490C. In some embodiments, the cavity490C can optionally be filled (e.g., with high dielectric ceramics, high dielectric resonator, etc.).

The antenna layer482A-482C of any of the antenna480A-480C in package systems14A-14C discussed herein can include any suitable antenna shape and size.FIGS. 2F and 2Gillustrate example antennas of radio frequency circuit assemblies according to certain embodiments. These figures illustrate examples of a top view of an integrated antenna module or package, such as the package14A-14C. The antenna layer482A-482C can be any suitable shape. For instance, the antenna layer482A-482C can be U-shaped as shown inFIG. 2F. The antenna layer482A-482C inFIG. 2Fcan be a folded quarter wave antenna. As another example, the antenna layer482A-482C can be a meandering shape as shown inFIG. 2G. The antenna can be coil shaped in certain implementations. The antenna can be a loop antenna in some implementations. The antenna layer482A-482C can serve as an antenna for a system on a chip. Such antennas can be configured to transmit and/or receive Bluetooth and/or ZigBee signals, for example. The antenna of the antenna layer482A-482C can be in communication with transmit and/or receive circuitry by way of one or more wire bonds, by way of one or more vias extending through a substrate over which the antenna is disposed as discussed above, by way of magnetic coupling, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 3shows a flow diagram of an illustrative process1000of making the package14A-14B. At block1010, the mold compound layer310A,310B is formed. The mold compound310A,310B can be made of plastic. The thickness t1, t2of the mold compound layer310A,310B can be varied as desired for the antenna structure. At block1050, a metal layer is applied over a top surface of the mold compound310A,310B. In one embodiment, the metal layer is formed by sputtering metal over the over a top surface of the mold compound310A,310B to form a conformal shield. However, the metal layer can be applied to the mold compound310A,310B in other suitable manners (e.g., sprayed, printed, etc.). At block1060, at least a portion of the applied metal layer of the conformal shield is removed to define the shape of the antenna480A,480B. In one embodiment, the metal of the conformal shield is ablated (or etched) to define the shape of the antenna layer480A,480B.

FIG. 4shows a flow diagram of an illustrative process1000′ of making the package14C. At block1010′, the mold compound310C layer is formed. The mold compound310C can be made of plastic. The thickness t3of the mold compound layer310C can be varied as desired for the antenna structure. At block1020′, a cavity490C can be formed in the mold compound310C. In one embodiment, the cavity490C is formed by drilling through the mold compound310C. Optionally, the walls of the cavity490C can be lined with a cover layer (e.g., metal, glue tape, etc.). At block1030′, a cover layer is applied over a top opening of the cavity490C in the mold compound310C. In one embodiment, the cover layer is a glue tape that is applied over the top opening of the cavity410C. At block1040′, the cover layer, such as glue tape, can be cured to harden the cover layer. At block1050′, a metal layer is applied over a top surface of the mold compound310C, including over the cured cover layer. In one embodiment, the metal layer is formed by sputtering metal over the over a top surface of the mold compound310C, including over the cured cover layer, to form a conformal shield. However, the metal layer can be applied to the mold compound310C in other suitable manners (e.g., sprayed, printed, etc.). At block1060′, at least a portion of the sputtered metal of the conformal shield is removed to define the shape of the antenna. In one embodiment, the sputtered metal of the conformal shield is ablated (or etched) to define the shape of the antenna layer480C.

FIGS. 5A-5Cshow an embodiment of a package14D that is similar to the package14A inFIG. 2B, except as described below. The package14D is constructed similar to the package14A shown inFIG. 2B, except as noted below. Therefore, the references numerals used to designate the various components of the package14D are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the package14A inFIG. 2B, except that a “D” has been added to the reference numerals. InFIGS. 5A-5C, the metal layer482D has a generally square shape with cutouts and is connected via two vias484D to a layer (e.g., ground plane)402D of the PCB400D. However, in other embodiments, the metal layer482D can have other shapes (e.g., rectangular, octagonal, etc.) and sizes, such as those shown inFIG. 3E-3F.

FIG. 5Dshows a variation of the package14D show inFIGS. 5A-5C, where the metal layer382D is not connected with vias to the PCB400D. In this embodiment, transmission between the metal layer382D and the PCB400D can occur via resonation of the metal layer382D via capacitors (e.g., via the mold compound310D or an air cavity490C).

FIG. 5Eshows a variation of the package14D shown inFIGS. 5A-5C. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal layer482D is connected to a layer402D (e.g., ground layer) in the PCB400D by a via484D and a bondwire484D′. The bondwire484D′ can optionally be 25 μm in diameter (e.g., made of gold). In some embodiments, a plurality of bondwires can be disposed around the metal layer482D to facilitate tuning of the antenna480D. The use of bondwires484D′ can advantageously allow optimization of antenna performance, and results in reduced cost of manufacturing the package14D.

FIG. 6shows an embodiment of a package14E that is similar to the package14A inFIG. 2B, except as described below. The package14E is similar to the package14A shown inFIG. 2B, except as noted below. Therefore, the references numerals used to designate the various components of the package14E are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the package14A inFIG. 2B, except that a “E” has been added to the reference numerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the package14E has two antenna structures480E and480E′ with corresponding metal layers482E,482E′ disposed on top of the mold compound310E so that the mold compound310E is between the metal layers482E,482E′ and the PCB module400E. The metal layer482E of the antenna structure480E can be connected to a layer402E (e.g., ground layer) of the PCB module400E by a via848E and one or more bondwires486E, in a similar manner as shown inFIG. 5E. In one embodiment, a plurality of bondwires486E can be disposed about the antenna480E to facilitate tuning of the antenna480E to optimize performance of the antenna480E. In another embodiment, the plurality of bondwires486E can be disposed about both of the antennas480E and480E′ to improve isolation between both antennas480E,480E′.

The metal layer484E′ of the antenna structure480E can be connected to the layer402E (e.g., ground layers) of the PCB module400E by one or more edge lines488E that extend along a slide of the package14E. In the illustrated embodiment, three edge lines488E connect the metal layer482E′ with the layer402E. However, in other embodiments, fewer or more edge lines488E can be used. The width of the edge lines488E can vary, and the number of edge lines488E can be varied to optimize the performance of the antenna480E′ (e.g., low frequency antenna such as 1 GHz, very high frequency antenna, such as 60 GHz, 100 GHz). Though the illustrated embodiment shows two antenna structures480E,480E′ on the package14E, one of skill in the art will recognize that the package14E can have fewer or more antenna structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal layers482E,482E′ are disposed along the same plane (e.g., a first surface of the package14E). However, in other embodiments, the metal layers482E,482E′ can be disposed along different planes of the package14E (e.g., one metal layer along a first surface and a second metal layer along a second surface that is perpendicular to the first surface). In the illustrated embodiment, the edge lines488E can be optimized to operate as an antenna (e.g., where the metal layer480E′ is removed from on top of the mold compound310E).

FIGS. 7A to 7Dillustrate example component layers of radio frequency circuit assemblies according to certain embodiments. These figures include schematic views of a bottom view of a radio frequency circuit assembly, such as the radio frequency circuit assembly14A-14E.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7A to 7D, ground solder bumps470can surround an RF component and form a portion of a shielding structure around the RF component. The ground solder bumps470can be disposed along each edge of the component layer414. The ground solder bumps470can be soldered to a ground connection of a carrier assembly such that the ground plane, the solder bumps470, and ground of the carrier assembly together provide three-dimensional shielding of the RF component. The carrier assembly can be implemented by ethylvinylbenzene (EVB) or another laminate, for example.

As illustrated, the ground solder bumps470surround signal routing solder bumps71. The signal routing solder bumps71can provide at least a portion of a connection between circuitry of the component layer414with metal routing in a routing layer that is disposed between the component layer414and the ground plane402A-402D (seeFIGS. 2B-2E, 5A-5C).

The example component layers ofFIGS. 7A to 7Dillustrate various electronic components that can be shielded from the antenna layer482A-482D of the antenna480A-480D by the ground plane402A-402D.FIG. 7Aillustrates a component layer414that includes an RF component450connected to signal routing solder bumps71. Some example RF components are illustrated inFIGS. 7B to 7D.FIG. 7Billustrates a component layer414′ that includes a low noise amplifier (LNA)72and a matching network73.FIG. 7Cillustrates a component layer414″ that includes a power amplifier74and a matching network75.FIG. 7Dillustrates a component layer414′″ that includes an LNA72, a power amplifier74, and matching networks73and75. The circuits illustrated inFIGS. 7A to 7Dare connected to signal routing solder bumps71and are surrounded by the ground solder bumps470in a respective component layer.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8Care schematic block diagrams of front end modules with integrated antennas according to certain embodiments. An RF front end can include circuits in a signal path between an antenna and a baseband system. Some RF front ends can include circuits in signal paths between one or more antennas and a mixer configured to module a signal to RF or to demodulate an RF signal.

The front end modules ofFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8Ccan be packaged modules. Such packaged modules can include relatively low cost laminate based front end modules that combine low noise amplifiers with power noise amplifiers and/or RF switches in certain implementations. Some such packaged modules can be multi-chip modules. In the modules ofFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, an antenna is integrated with the RF front end. The integrated antenna of such RF front end modules can be implemented in accordance with any of the principles and advantages discussed herein. The integrated antenna can be implemented, in one embodiment, in an antenna layer on a first side of a substrate that is shielded from the circuits of the RF front end on a second side of the substrate at least partly by a ground plane implemented in a layer of the substrate.

FIG. 8Ais a schematic block diagram of an RF front end module32according to an embodiment. The RF front end module32is configured to receive RF signals from an integrated antenna14and to transmit RF signals by way of the integrated antenna14. The integrated antenna14can be implemented in accordance with any of the principles and advantages discussed herein. The illustrated front end system32includes a first multi-throw switch82, a second multi-throw switch83, a receive signal path that includes an LNA72, a bypass signal path that includes a bypass network84, and a transmit signal path that includes a power amplifier74. The low noise amplifier72can be any suitable low noise amplifier. The bypass network84can include any suitable network for matching and/or bypassing the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. The bypass network84can be implemented by a passive impedance network and/or by a conductive trace or wire. The power amplifier74can be implemented by any suitable power amplifier. The LNA72, the switches82and83, and the power amplifier74can be shielded from the antenna14by a shielding structure in accordance with any of the principles and advantages discussed herein.

The first multi-throw switch82can selectively electrically connect a particular signal path to the antenna14. The first multi-throw switch82can electrically connect the receive signal path to the antenna14in a first state, electrically connect the bypass signal path to the antenna14in a second state, and electrically connect the transmit signal to the antenna14in a third state. The antenna14can be electrically connected to the switch82by way of a capacitor87. The second multi-throw switch83can selectively electrically connect a particular signal path to an input/output port of the front end module32, in which the particular signal path is the same signal path electrically connected to the antenna14by way of the first multi-throw switch82. Accordingly, second multi-throw switch83together with the first multi-throw switch82can provide a signal path between the antenna14and an input/output port of the front end module32. A system on a chip (SOC) can be electrically connected to the input/output port of the front end module32.

The control and biasing block86can provide any suitable biasing and control signals to the other circuits of the front end module32. For example, the control and biasing block86can provide bias signals to the LNA72and/or the power amplifier74. Alternatively or additionally, the control and biasing block86can provide control signals to the multi-throw switches82and83to set the state of these switches.

FIG. 8Bis a schematic block diagram of an RF front end module32′ according to an embodiment. The RF front end system32′ ofFIG. 8Bis similar to the RF front end module32ofFIG. 8A, except that a transmit signal path is omitted and the multi-throw switches82′ and83′ each have one fewer throw. The illustrated front end module32′ includes a receive signal path and a bypass signal path and does not include a transmit signal path.

FIG. 8Cis a schematic block diagram of an RF front end module32″ according to an embodiment. The RF front end module32″ ofFIG. 8Cis like the RF front end module32ofFIG. 8A, except that a power amplifier of the transmit signal path is omitted from the RF front end module32″. The RF front end module32″ includes input/output ports for coupling to throws of the multi-throw switches82and83. A power amplifier external to the front end module32″ can be electrically connected between these input/output ports such that the power amplifier is included in the transmit signal path between the multi-throw switches82and83. The power amplifier can be included in a different packaged module the illustrated elements of the RF front end module32″.

FIG. 9is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative wireless communication device that includes a shielded package with an integrated antenna in accordance with one or more embodiments. The wireless communication device11′ can be any suitable wireless communication device. For instance, this device can be a mobile phone such as a smart phone. As illustrated, the wireless communication device11′ includes a first antenna14integrated with a wireless personal area network (WPAN) system91, a transceiver13, a processor20, a memory19, a power management block95, a second antenna14′, and an RF front end system32. Any of the integrated antennas and shielding structures discussed herein can be implemented in connection with the WPAN system91. The WPAN system91is an RF front end system configured for processing RF signals associated with personal area networks (PANs). The WPAN system91can be configured to transmit and receive signals associated with one or more WPAN communication standards, such as signals associated with one or more of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Wireless USB, INSTEON, IrDA, or Body Area Network. In another embodiment, a wireless communication device can include a wireless local area network (WLAN) system in place of the illustrated WPAN system, and the WLAN system can process Wi-Fi signals. Any of the integrated antennas and shielding structures discussed herein can be integrated with the RF front end system32.

Some of the embodiments described above have provided examples in connection with RF components, front end modules and/or wireless communications devices. However, the principles and advantages of the embodiments can be used for any other systems or apparatus that could benefit from any of the circuits described herein. Although described in the context of RF circuits, one or more features described herein can also be utilized in packaging applications involving non-RF components. Similarly, one or more features described herein can also be utilized in packaging applications without the electromagnetic isolation functionality. Any of the principles and advantages of the embodiments discussed can be used in any other systems or apparatus that could benefit from the antennas and/or the shielding structures discussed herein.

Aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in various electronic devices. Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, consumer electronic products, parts of the consumer electronic products, electronic test equipment, cellular communications infrastructure such as a base station, etc. Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone such as a smart phone, a wearable computing device such as a smart watch or an ear piece, a telephone, a television, a computer monitor, a computer, a modem, a hand-held computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, a vehicular electronics system such as an automotive electronics system, a stereo system, a DVD player, a CD player, a digital music player such as an MP3 player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera such as a digital camera, a portable memory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, peripheral device, a clock, etc. Further, the electronic devices can include unfinished products.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, one portion of one of the embodiments described herein can be substituted for another portion in another embodiment described herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.