Patent Publication Number: US-2023145698-A1

Title: Radio-frequency module

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2021/028538 filed on Aug. 2, 2021 which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-136566 filed on Aug. 13, 2020. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency module. 
     In mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones, the arrangement configuration of circuit components composing radio-frequency front-end modules is increasingly complicated particularly with the progress of multiband communication. A front-end module is disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which power amplifiers, switches, filters, and so on are packaged.
     Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0133067   

     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In such a front-end module in the related art, there is a concern that electrical characteristics (for example, noise figure (NF) and gain characteristics) may be degraded. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a radio-frequency module capable of improving the electrical characteristics. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A radio-frequency module according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first power amplifier; a second power amplifier; a first low noise amplifier; a first filter that has a passband including a first communication band included in a first communication band group and that is connected to the first power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier; a second filter that has a passband including a second communication band included in a second communication band group lower than the first communication band group and that is connected to the second power amplifier; and a module substrate having the first power amplifier, the second power amplifier, the first low noise amplifier, the first filter, and the second filter arranged thereon. In a plan view of the module substrate, a distance between the first power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier is longer than a distance between the second power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier. 
     According to the radio-frequency module according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the electrical characteristics. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of a radio-frequency module and a communication apparatus according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a plan view of the radio-frequency module according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the radio-frequency module according to the present embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will herein be described in detail with reference to the drawings. All the embodiments described below indicate comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement of the components, the connection mode of the components, and so on, which are indicated in the embodiments described below, are only examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. 
     The respective drawings are schematic diagrams appropriately subjected to emphasis, omission, or adjustment of ratios in order to describe the present disclosure. The respective drawings are not necessarily strictly illustrated and may be different from the actual shapes, positional relationship, and ratios. The same reference numerals and letters are used in the respective drawings to identify substantially the same components and a duplicated description of such components may be omitted or simplified. 
     In the respective drawings described below, the x axis and the y axis are axes that are orthogonal to each other on a plane parallel to main surfaces of a module substrate. Specifically, when the module substrate has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the x axis is parallel to a first side of the module substrate and the y axis is parallel to a second side orthogonal to the first side of the module substrate. The z axis is an axis vertical to the main surfaces of the module substrate. The positive direction of the z axis indicates the upper direction and the negative direction thereof indicates the lower direction. 
     In the circuit configuration of the present disclosure, “connected” includes not only direct connection with a connection terminal and/or a wiring conductor but also electrical connection via another circuit element. “Connected between A and B” means connected to both A and B between A and B. 
     In the arrangement of components of the present disclosure, a “plan view of the module substrate” means viewing an object that is orthographically projected on the x-y plane from the positive side of the z axis. The “distance between A and B in a plan view of the module substrate” means the length of a line segment between a representative point in the area of A, which is orthographically projected on the x-y plane, and a representative point in the area of B, which is orthographically projected on the x-y plane. Although the center point of the area, a point in one area closest to the other area, and so on can be used as the representative point here, the representative point is not limited to these points. The terms, such as parallel and vertical, indicating the relationship between elements; the terms, such as rectangles, indicating the shapes of the elements; and numerical ranges do not represent only strict meanings but mean inclusion of substantially the same ranges, for example, differences on the order of few percent. 
     “Arrangement of a component on a substrate” includes arrangement of the component above the substrate without necessarily being in contact with the substrate (for example, lamination of the component on another component arranged on the substrate) and embedding of part of the component or the entire component in the substrate, in addition to arrangement of the component on the substrate with being in contact with the substrate. In addition, “arrangement of a component on a main surface of a substrate” includes arrangement of the component above the main surface without necessarily being in contact with the main surface and embedding of part of the component in the substrate from the main surface side, in addition to arrangement of the component on the main surface with being in contact with the main surface of the substrate. 
     Embodiments 
     [1.1 Circuit Configuration of Radio-Frequency Module  1  and Communication Apparatus  5 ] 
     The circuit configuration of a radio-frequency module  1  and a communication apparatus  5  according to an embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG.  1   .  FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module  1  and the communication apparatus  5  according to the present embodiment. 
     [1.1.1 Circuit Configuration of Communication Apparatus  5 ] 
     The circuit configuration of the communication apparatus  5  will now be described. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the communication apparatus  5  according to the present embodiment includes the radio-frequency module  1 , antennas  2 A and  2 B, a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)  3 , and a baseband integrated circuit (BBIC)  4 . 
     The radio-frequency module  1  transmits a radio-frequency signal between the antennas  2 A and  2 B and the RFIC  3 . The internal configuration of the radio-frequency module  1  will be described below. 
     The antennas  2 A and  2 B are connected to antenna connection terminals  101  and  102 , respectively, of the radio-frequency module  1 . A radio-frequency signal output from the radio-frequency module  1  is transmitted through the antennas  2 A and  2 B, and a radio-frequency signal is externally received through the antennas  2 A and  2 B and is supplied to the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The RFIC  3  is an example of a signal processing circuit that processes the radio-frequency signal. Specifically, the RFIC  3  performs signal processing, such as down-conversion, to a radio-frequency reception signal input through a reception path of the radio-frequency module  1  and supplies a reception signal resulting from the signal processing to the BBIC  4 . In addition, the RFIC  3  performs signal processing, such as up-conversion, to a transmission signal supplied from the BBIC  4  and supplies a radio-frequency transmission signal resulting from the signal processing to a transmission path of the radio-frequency module  1 . The RFIC  3  includes a control unit that controls switches, amplifiers, and so on in the radio-frequency module  1 . Part of or all the function of the RFIC  3  serving as the control unit may be installed outside the RFIC  3 . For example, part of or all the function of the RFIC  3  serving as the control unit may be installed in, for example, the BBIC  4  or the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The BBIC  4  is a baseband signal processing circuit that performs signal processing using an intermediate frequency band lower than the frequency of the radio-frequency signal transmitted by the radio-frequency module  1 . For example, an image signal for image display and/or an audio signal for talking with a speaker is used as the signal processed in the BBIC  4 . 
     In the communication apparatus  5  according to the present embodiment, the antennas  2 A and  2 B and the BBIC  4  are optional components. 
     [1.1.2. Circuit Configuration of Radio-Frequency Module  1 ] 
     The circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module  1  will now be described. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the radio-frequency module  1  includes power amplifiers  11  and  12 , low noise amplifiers  21  and  22 , switches  51  to  55 , duplexers  61  and  63 , transmission-reception filters  62  and  64 , the antenna connection terminals  101  and  102 , radio-frequency input terminals  111  and  112 , and radio-frequency output terminals  121  and  122 . 
     The antenna connection terminals  101  and  102  are connected to the antennas  2 A and  2 B, respectively. 
     Each of the radio-frequency input terminals  111  and  112  is a terminal for receiving the radio-frequency transmission signal from the outside of the radio-frequency module  1 . In the present embodiment, the radio-frequency input terminal  111  is a terminal for receiving transmission signals in communication bands A and B included in a communication band group X from the RFIC  3 . The radio-frequency input terminal  112  is a terminal for receiving transmission signals in communication bands C and D included in a communication band group Y from the RFIC  3 . 
     Each of the radio-frequency output terminals  121  and  122  is a terminal for supplying the radio-frequency reception signal to the outside of the radio-frequency module  1 . In the present embodiment, the radio-frequency output terminal  121  is a terminal for supplying reception signals in the communication bands A and B included in the communication band group X to the RFIC  3 . The radio-frequency output terminal  122  is a terminal for supplying reception signals in the communication bands C and D included in the communication band group Y to the RFIC  3 . 
     The communication band means a frequency band defined in advance for a communication system by standards bodies or the likes (for example, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)). 
     Here, the communication system means a communication system that is built using a radio access technology (RAT). Although, for example, a 5th Generation New Radio (5G NR) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, and a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system may be used as the communication system, the communication system is not limited to these systems. 
     The communication band group means a frequency range including multiple communication bands. Although, for example, an ultra-high band group (3,300 MHz to 5,000 MHz), a high band group (2,300 MHz to 2,690 MHz), a middle band group (1,427 MHz to 2,200 MHz), a low band group (698 MHz to 960 MHz), and so on may be used as the communication band groups, the communication band groups are not limited to the above groups. For example, a communication band group including an unlicensed band of 5 GHz or higher or a communication band group in a millimeter band may be used as the communication band group. 
     The communication band group X is an example of a first communication band group. The communication band group Y is an example of a second communication band group and is lower than the communication band group X. Although, for example, the high band group and the middle band group may be used as the communication band groups X and Y, the communication band groups X and Y are not limited to the above groups. For example, the middle band group and the low band group may be used as the communication band groups X and Y or the high band group and the low band group may be used as the communication band groups X and Y. 
     The communication band A is an example of a first communication band. In the present embodiment, a communication band for frequency division duplex (FDD) is used as the communication band A. More specifically, although Band7 for LTE or n7 for 5GNR is used as the communication band A, the communication band A is not limited to these bands. 
     The communication band B is an example of the first communication band or a third communication band. In the present embodiment, a communication band for time division duplex (TDD) is used as the communication band B. More specifically, although Band41 or Band40 for the LTE or n41 or n40 for the 5GNR is used as the communication band B, the communication band B is not limited to these bands. 
     The communication band C is an example of a second communication band. In the present embodiment, a communication band for the FDD is used as the communication band C. More specifically, although Band1, Band25, Band3, or Band66 for the LTE or n1, n25, n3, or n66 for the 5GNR is used as the communication band C, the communication band C is not limited to these bands. The communication band C may be capable of simultaneous communication with the communication band A and/or B. 
     The communication band D is an example of the second communication band or a fourth communication band. In the present embodiment, a communication band for the TDD is used as the communication band D. More specifically, although Band34 or Band39 for the LTE or n34 or n39 for the 5GNR is used as the communication band D, the communication band D is not limited these bands. The communication band D may be capable of simultaneous communication with the communication band A and/or B. 
     The power amplifier  11  is an example of a first power amplifier. The power amplifier  11  is capable of amplifying the transmission signals in the communication bands A and B received through the radio-frequency input terminal  111 . Here, an input of the power amplifier  11  is connected to the radio-frequency input terminal  111  and an output of the power amplifier  11  is connected to the switch  52 . 
     The power amplifier  12  is an example of a second power amplifier. The power amplifier  12  is capable of amplifying the transmission signals in the communication bands C and D received through the radio-frequency input terminal  112 . Here, an input of the power amplifier  12  is connected to the radio-frequency input terminal  112  and an output of the power amplifier  12  is connected to the switch  54 . 
     The configuration of each of the power amplifiers  11  and  12  is not particularly restricted. For example, the power amplifier  11  and/or  12  may have a single-stage configuration or a multistage configuration. For example, the power amplifier  11  and/or  12  may include multiple amplifier elements that are cascade-connected to each other. The power amplifier  11  and/or  12  may convert the radio-frequency signal into a differential signal (that is, complementary signal) for amplification. The power amplifier  11  and/or  12  may be called a differential amplifier. 
     The low noise amplifier  21  is an example of a first low noise amplifier. The low noise amplifier  21  is capable of amplifying the reception signals in the communication bands A and B received through the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102 . The reception signals in the communication bands A and B, which are amplified by the low noise amplifier  21 , are supplied to the radio-frequency output terminal  121 . 
     The low noise amplifier  22  is an example of a second low noise amplifier. The low noise amplifier  22  is capable of amplifying the reception signals in the communication bands C and D received through the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102 . The reception signals in the communication bands C and D, which are amplified by the low noise amplifier  22 , are supplied to the radio-frequency output terminal  122 . 
     The configuration of each of the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  is not particularly restricted. For example, the low noise amplifier  21  and/or  22  may have a single-stage configuration or a multistage configuration and may be a differential amplifier. 
     The duplexer  61  is an example of a first filter. The duplexer  61  passes the radio-frequency signal in the communication band A. The duplexer  61  transmits the transmission signal and the reception signal in the communication band A using the FDD method. The duplexer  61  includes a transmission filter  61 T and a reception filter  61 R. 
     The transmission filter  61 T is an example of a first transmission filter. The transmission filter  61 T has a passband including an uplink operating band of the communication band A. One end of the transmission filter  61 T is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the transmission filter  61 T is connected the output of the power amplifier  11  via the switch  52 . 
     The uplink operating band means part of the communication band specified for uplink. The uplink operating band means a transmission band in the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The reception filter  61 R is an example of a first reception filter. The reception filter  61 R has a passband including a downlink operating band of the communication band A. One end of the reception filter  61 R is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the reception filter  61 R is connected to an input of the low noise amplifier  21  via the switch  53 . 
     The downlink operating band means part of the communication band specified for downlink. The downlink operating band means a reception band in the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The transmission-reception filter  62  is an example of the first filter or a third filter and has a passband including the communication band B. One end of the transmission-reception filter  62  is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the transmission-reception filter  62  is connected to the output of the power amplifier  11  via the switch  52  and is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  21  via the switches  52  and  53 . 
     The duplexer  63  is an example of a second filter and passes the radio-frequency signal in the communication band C. The duplexer  63  transmits the transmission signal and the reception signal in the communication band C using the FDD method. The duplexer  63  includes a transmission filter  63 T and a reception filter  63 R. 
     The transmission filter  63 T is an example of a second transmission filter. The transmission filter  63 T has a passband including an uplink operating band of the communication band C. One end of the transmission filter  63 T is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the transmission filter  63 T is connected the output of the power amplifier  12  via the switch  54 . 
     The reception filter  63 R is an example of a second reception filter. The reception filter  63 R has a passband including a downlink operating band of the communication band C. One end of the reception filter  63 R is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the reception filter  63 R is connected to an input of the low noise amplifier  22  via the switch  55 . 
     The transmission-reception filter  64  is an example of the second filter or a fourth filter and has a passband including the communication band D. One end of the transmission-reception filter  64  is connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The other end of the transmission-reception filter  64  is connected to the output of the power amplifier  12  via the switch  54  and is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  22  via the switches  54  and  55 . 
     The switch  51  is an example of a first switch. The switch  51  has terminals  511  to  516 . The terminals  511  and  512  are connected to the antenna connection terminals  101  and  102 , respectively. The terminals  513  to  516  are connected to the duplexer  61 , the transmission-reception filter  62 , the duplexer  63 , and the transmission-reception filter  64 , respectively. 
     In this connection configuration, the switch  51  is capable of connecting at least one of the terminals  513  to  516  to the terminal  511  or  512 , for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC  3 . In other words, the switch  51  is capable of switching between connection and non-connection between the antennas  2 A and  2 B and the duplexers  61  and  63  and the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64 . The switch  51  is composed of, for example, a multi-connection-type switch circuit and is called an antenna switch. 
     The switch  52  is an example of a second switch. The switch  52  has terminals  521  to  524 . The terminals  521  and  522  are connected to the transmission filter  61 T and the transmission-reception filter  62 , respectively. The terminal  523  is connected to the output of the power amplifier  11 . The terminal  524  is connected to a terminal  532  of the switch  53  and is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  21  via the switch  53 . 
     In this connection configuration, the switch  52  is capable of connecting the terminal  521  to the terminal  523  and connecting the terminal  522  to either of the terminals  523  and  524 , for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC  3 . In other words, the switch  52  is capable of switching between connection and non-connection between the transmission filter  61 T and the power amplifier  11  and connection and non-connection between the transmission-reception filter  62  and each of the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21 . The switch  52  is composed of, for example, a multi-connection-type switch circuit. 
     The switch  53  is an example of a third switch. The switch  53  has terminals  531  to  533 . The terminal  531  is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  21 . The terminal  532  is connected to the terminal  524  of the switch  52  and is connected to the transmission-reception filter  62  via the switch  52 . The terminal  533  is connected to the reception filter  61 R. 
     In this connection configuration, the switch  53  is capable of connecting the terminal  532  and/or  533  to the terminal  531 , for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC  3 . In other words, the switch  53  is capable of switching between connection and non-connection between the reception filter  61 R and the low noise amplifier  21  and connection and non-connection between the transmission-reception filter  62  and the low noise amplifier  21 . The switch  53  is composed of, for example, a multi-connection-type switch circuit. 
     The switch  54  is an example of the second switch. The switch  54  has terminals  541  to  544 . The terminals  541  and  542  are connected to the transmission filter  63 T and the transmission-reception filter  64 , respectively. The terminal  543  is connected to the output of the power amplifier  12 . The terminal  544  is connected to a terminal  552  of the switch  55  and is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  22  via the switch  55 . 
     In this connection configuration, the switch  54  is capable of connecting the terminal  541  to the terminal  543  and connecting the terminal  542  to either of the terminals  543  and  544 , for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC  3 . In other words, the switch  54  is capable of switching between connection and non-connection between the transmission filter  63 T and the power amplifier  12  and connection and non-connection between the transmission-reception filter  64  and each of the power amplifier  12  and the low noise amplifier  22 . The switch  54  is composed of, for example, a multi-connection-type switch circuit. 
     The switch  55  is an example of the third switch. The switch  55  has terminals  551  to  553 . The terminal  551  is connected to the input of the low noise amplifier  22 . The terminal  552  is connected to the terminal  544  of the switch  54  and is connected to the transmission-reception filter  64  via the switch  54 . The terminal  553  is connected to the reception filter  63 R. 
     In this connection configuration, the switch  55  is capable of connecting the terminal  552  and/or  553  to the terminal  551 , for example, based on a control signal from the RFIC  3 . In other words, the switch  55  is capable of switching between connection and non-connection between the reception filter  63 R and the low noise amplifier  22  and connection and non-connection between the transmission-reception filter  64  and the low noise amplifier  22 . The switch  55  is composed of, for example, a multi-connection-type switch circuit. 
     Some of the circuit elements illustrated in  FIG.  1    are not necessarily included in the radio-frequency module  1 . For example, it is sufficient for the radio-frequency module  1  to include at least the power amplifiers  11  and  12 , the switch  51 , the transmission filter  61 T or the transmission-reception filter  62 , and the transmission filter  63 T or the transmission-reception filter  64 , and the radio-frequency module  1  does not necessarily include the other circuit elements. 
     [1.2 Arrangement of Components in Radio-Frequency Module  1 ] 
     The arrangement of the components in the radio-frequency module  1  configured in the above manner will now be specifically described with reference to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  2    is a plan view of the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment. Specifically,  FIG.  2    is a diagram when a main surface  91   a  of a module substrate  91  is viewed from the positive side of the z axis.  FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment. The cross section of the radio-frequency module  1  in  FIG.  3    is a cross section taken along the iii-iii line in  FIG.  2   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , the radio-frequency module  1  further includes the module substrate  91 , a resin member  92 , ground conductors  93  and  94 , a shield electrode layer  95 , and multiple external connection terminals  150 , in addition to circuit components including the circuit elements illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The illustration of the upper portions of the resin member  92  and the shield electrode layer  95  is omitted in  FIG.  2   . 
     The module substrate  91  has the main surface  91   a  and a main surface  91   b , which are opposed to each other. Although the module substrate  91  has a rectangular shape in a plan view in the present embodiment, the shape of the module substrate  91  is not limited to this. Although, for example, a low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) substrate having a laminated structure of multiple dielectric layers, a high temperature co-fired ceramics (HTCC) substrate, a component built-in substrate, a substrate including a redistribution layer (RDL), or a printed circuit board may be used as the module substrate  91 , the module substrate  91  is not limited to these substrates. 
     The main surface  91   a  is an example of a first main surface and may be called a top face or a surface. The main surface  91   a  is divided into three areas R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  with the ground conductors  93  and  94 . 
     Each of the ground conductors  93  and  94  is connected to a ground electrode pattern (not illustrated) in the module substrate  91  and is set to ground potential. Each of the ground conductors  93  and  94  is protruded from the main surface  91   a.    
     The ground conductor  93  is a metal wall standing on the main surface  91   a  and is extended along the y axis. The area R 1  is separated from the area R 2  with the ground conductor  93 . The tip portion and the side edge portions of the ground conductor  93  are joined to the shield electrode layer  95 . 
     The ground conductor  94  is a metal wall standing on the main surface  91   a . The ground conductor  94  is composed of a metal wall  941  that is extended along the x axis and a metal wall  942  that is joined to the metal wall  941  and that is extended along the y axis. The area R 2  is separated from the area R 3  with the ground conductor  94 . The tip portion and the side edge portions of the ground conductor  94  are joined to the shield electrode layer  95 . 
     The area R 1  is an example of a first area. The power amplifiers  11  and  12  and the switches  52  and  54  are arranged in the area R 1 . The switch  52  is arranged adjacent to the power amplifier  11  and is arranged between the power amplifier  11  and the switch  51 . The distance between the switch  52  and the power amplifier  11  is shorter than the distance between the power amplifier  11  and the transmission-reception filter  62 . The switch  54  is arranged adjacent to the power amplifier  12  and is arranged between the power amplifier  12  and the switch  51 . The distance between the switch  54  and the power amplifier  12  is shorter than the distance between the power amplifier  12  and the transmission-reception filter  64 . 
     The area R 2  is an example of a second area. The switch  51 , the transmission filters  61 T and  63 T, the reception filters  61 R and  63 R, and the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64  are arranged in the area R 2 . The number of the FDD filters (the transmission filters  61 T and  63 T and the reception filters  61 R and  63 R) is greater than the number of the TDD filters (the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64 ). The transmission-reception filter  62  is arranged between the power amplifier  11  and the switch  51 . The transmission-reception filter  64  is arranged between the power amplifier  12  and the switch  51 . The transmission filter  61 T and the reception filters  61 R and  63 R are arranged adjacent to the switch  51 . 
     In a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the switch  51  is arranged between the transmission filters  61 T and  61 R and the reception filter  63 R. The transmission-reception filter  62  is juxtaposed to the transmission filter  61 T and the reception filter  61 R along the x axis. The transmission-reception filter  64  is juxtaposed to the reception filter  63 R along the x axis. Such arrangement enables isolation between the filters corresponding to different band groups to be improved. 
     Although the transmission filter  63 T is arranged in the negative direction of the y axis with respect to the transmission-reception filter  64 , the arrangement of the transmission filter  63 T is not limited to this. The transmission filter  63 T may be arranged between the transmission-reception filter  64  and the reception filter  63 R. In this case, the transmission-reception filter  64  is juxtaposed to the transmission filter  63 T and the reception filter  63 R along the x axis. 
     Each of the transmission filters  61 T and  63 T, the reception filters  61 R and  63 R, and the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64  may be, for example, any of a surface-acoustic-wave filter, an acoustic wave filter using bulk acoustic waves (BAWs), an LC resonant filter, and a dielectric filter and is not limited to these filters. 
     The area R 3  is an example of a third area. A semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is arranged in the area R 3 . The semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is an electronic component including an electronic circuit formed on the surface of a semiconductor chip (also called a die) and in the semiconductor chip. In the present embodiment, the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The semiconductor integrated circuit  20  includes the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  and the switches  53  and  55 . The shape of the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is not limited to a rectangular shape. The circuit elements incorporated in the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  are not limited to the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  and the switches  53  and  55 . 
     The semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is composed of, for example, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and, specifically, may be formed through a silicon on insulator (SOI) process. Accordingly, it is possible to inexpensively manufacture the semiconductor integrated circuit  20 . The semiconductor integrated circuit  20  may be made of at least one of GaAs, SiGe, and GaN. This enables the high-quality semiconductor integrated circuit  20  to be realized. 
     In a plan view of the module substrate  91 , a distance d 1  between the power amplifier  11  and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is longer than a distance d 2  between the power amplifier  12  and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20 . In other words, the power amplifier  11  is farther from the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  than the power amplifier  12 . In addition, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , a distance d 3  between the transmission filter  61 T and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is longer than a distance d 4  between the transmission filter  63 T and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20 . In other words, the transmission filter  61 T is farther from the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  than the transmission filter  63 T. Furthermore, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , a distance d 5  between the switch  52  and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  is longer than a distance d 6  between the switch  54  and the semiconductor integrated circuit  20 . In other words, the switch  52  is farther from the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  than the switch  54 . 
     In a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the transmission-reception filter  62  is positioned at the opposite side of the low noise amplifier  21  with respect to a straight line with which the switches  51  and  52  are connected. In other words, the transmission-reception filter  62  is arranged in one of two areas on the main surface  91   a , which are divided by the straight line with which the switches  51  and  52  are connected, and the low noise amplifier  21  is arranged in the other of the two areas. This ensures a sufficient distance between the line with which one end of the transmission-reception filter  62  is connected to the switch  51  and the line with which the other end of the transmission-reception filter  62  is connected to the low noise amplifier  21  via the switch  52 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress coupling between the input and the output of the transmission-reception filter  62  to reduce degradation of signals. 
     The straight line with which the switches  51  and  52  are connected means at least one of multiple straight lines with which arbitrary points on the switch  51  are connected to arbitrary points on the switch  52 . In other words, the transmission-reception filter  62  is positioned at the opposite side of the low noise amplifier  21  with respect to at least one of the multiple straight lines. 
     The resin member  92  is arranged on the main surface  91   a  of the module substrate  91 . The main surface  91   a  and the circuit components on the main surface  91   a  are covered with the resin member  92 . The resin member  92  has a function to ensure the reliabilities, such as the mechanical strength and the moisture resistance, of the components on the main surface  91   a.    
     The shield electrode layer  95  is a thin metallic film that is formed using, for example, a sputtering method. The shield electrode layer  95  is formed so as to cover the upper surface and the side faces of the resin member  92  and the side faces of the module substrate  91 . The shield electrode layer  95  is set to the ground potential to inhibit external noise from entering the circuit components composing the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The main surface  91   b  is an example of a second main surface and may be called a bottom face or a rear face. The multiple external connection terminals  150  are arranged on the main surface  91   b , as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     The multiple external connection terminals  150  include a ground terminal, in addition to the antenna connection terminals  101  and  102 , the radio-frequency input terminals  111  and  112 , and the radio-frequency output terminals  121  and  122  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Each of the multiple external connection terminals  150  is connected to, for example, an input-output terminal and/or the ground terminal on a mother board arranged in the negative direction of the z axis of the radio-frequency module  1 . Although pad electrodes may be used as the multiple external connection terminals  150 , the multiple external connection terminals  150  are not limited to the pad electrodes. 
     [1.3 Effects and so On] 
     As described above, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment includes the power amplifier  11 , the power amplifier  12 , the low noise amplifier  21 , the duplexer  61  that has the passband including the communication band A included in the communication band group X and that is connected to the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21 , the duplexer  63  that has the passband including the communication band C included in the communication band group Y lower than the communication band group X and that is connected to the power amplifier  12 , and the module substrate  91  having the power amplifier  11 , the power amplifier  12 , the low noise amplifier  21 , and the duplexers  61  and  63  arranged thereon. In a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 1  between the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21  is longer than the distance d 2  between the power amplifier  12  and the low noise amplifier  21 . 
     With the above configuration, the distance d 1  between the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21  is capable of being made longer than the distance d 2  between the power amplifier  12  and the low noise amplifier  21 . In other words, the power amplifier  11  is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  21 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress electric-field coupling, magnetic-field coupling, or electromagnetic-field coupling between the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21  to suppress interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the power amplifier  11  farther from the low noise amplifier  21  than the power amplifier  12  enables reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group X to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, the communication band A may be a communication band for the FDD. The duplexer  61  may include the transmission filter  61 T that has the passband including the uplink operating band of the communication band A and that is connected to the power amplifier  11 , and the reception filter  61 R that has the passband including the downlink operating band of the communication band A and that is connected to the low noise amplifier  21 . 
     With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band A for the FDD. 
     For example, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the switch  51  that is connected to the antenna connection terminals  101  and  102 , the switch  52  that is connected to the power amplifier  11 , and the transmission-reception filter  62  that has the passband including the communication band B included in the communication band group X and that has one end connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51  and the other end connected to the power amplifier  11  via the switch  52 . The duplexer  61  may be connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The transmission filter  61 T may be connected to the power amplifier  11  via the switch  52 . 
     With the above configuration, the communication bands A and B included in the communication band group X are capable of sharing the power amplifier  11 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of the components to contribute to reduction in size of the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     For example, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the switch  53  that is connected to the low noise amplifier  21 . The reception filter  61 R may be connected to the low noise amplifier  21  via the switch  53 . The other end of the transmission-reception filter  62  may be connected to the low noise amplifier  21  via the switches  52  and  53 . 
     With the above configuration, the communication bands A and B included in the communication band group X are capable of sharing the low noise amplifier  21 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of the components to contribute to the reduction in size of the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     For example, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the low noise amplifier  22 . The communication band C may be a communication band for the FDD. The duplexer  63  may include the transmission filter  63 T that has the passband including the uplink operating band of the communication band C and that is connected to the power amplifier  12 , and the reception filter  63 R that has the passband including the downlink operating band of the communication band C and that is connected to the low noise amplifier  22 . 
     With the above configuration, the radio-frequency module  1  is capable of supporting the communication in the communication band C for the FDD. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 1  between the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  22  may be longer than the distance d 2  between the power amplifier  12  and the low noise amplifier  22 . 
     With the above configuration, the power amplifier  11  is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  22 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling between the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  22  to suppress the interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve the isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the power amplifier  11  farther from the low noise amplifier  22  than the power amplifier  12  enables reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group Y to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 3  between the transmission filter  61 T and the low noise amplifier  21  may be longer than the distance d 4  between the transmission filter  63 T and the low noise amplifier  21 . 
     With the above configuration, the transmission filter  61 T is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  21 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling between the transmission filter  61 T and the low noise amplifier  21  to suppress the interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve the isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the transmission filter  61 T farther from the low noise amplifier  21  than the transmission filter  63 T enables the reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group X to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 3  between the transmission filter  61 T and the low noise amplifier  22  may be longer than the distance d 4  between the transmission filter  63 T and the low noise amplifier  22 . 
     With the above configuration, the transmission filter  61 T is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  22 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling between the transmission filter  61 T and the low noise amplifier  22  to suppress the interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve the isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the transmission filter  61 T farther from the low noise amplifier  22  than the transmission filter  63 T enables the reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group Y to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the switch  54  that is connected to the power amplifier  12 , the switch  55  that is connected to the low noise amplifier  22 , and the transmission-reception filter  64  that has the passband including the communication band D for the TDD included in the communication band group Y and that has one end connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51  and the other end. The other end of transmission-reception filter  64  is connected to the power amplifier  12  via the switch  54  and is connected to the low noise amplifier  22  via the switches  54  and  55 . The duplexer  63  may be connected to the antenna connection terminal  101  or  102  via the switch  51 . The transmission filter  63 T may be connected to the power amplifier  12  via the switch  54 . The reception filter  63 R may be connected to the low noise amplifier  22  via the switch  55 . 
     With the above configuration, the communication bands C and D included in the communication band group Y are capable of sharing the power amplifier  12  and the low noise amplifier  22 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of the components to contribute to the reduction in size of the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 5  between the switch  52  and the low noise amplifier  21  may be longer than the distance d 6  between the switch  54  and the low noise amplifier  21 . 
     With the above configuration, the switch  52  is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  21 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling between the switch  52  and the low noise amplifier  21  to suppress the interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve the isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the switch  52  farther from the low noise amplifier  21  than the switch  54  enables the reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group X to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, in a plan view of the module substrate  91 , the distance d 5  between the switch  52  and the low noise amplifier  22  may be longer than the distance d 6  between the switch  54  and the low noise amplifier  22 . 
     With the above configuration, the switch  52  is capable of being arranged so as to be relatively farther from the low noise amplifier  22 . Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling between the switch  52  and the low noise amplifier  22  to suppress the interference between the transmission signals and the reception signals. As a result, it is possible to improve the isolation characteristics between the transmission path and the reception path to improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, since the electric-field coupling, the magnetic-field coupling, or the electromagnetic-field coupling is likely to occur as the frequency is increased, positioning the switch  52  farther from the low noise amplifier  22  than the switch  54  enables the reduction in receiving sensibility in the communication band group X to be effectively suppressed. 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, the module substrate  91  may have the main surfaces  91   a  and  91   b  that are opposed to each other. The switches  51  to  55 , the duplexers  61  and  63 , the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64 , the power amplifiers  11  and  12 , and the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  may be arranged on the main surface  91   a . The multiple external connection terminals  150  may be arranged on the main surface  91   b.    
     With the above configuration, since the surface mount devices are capable of being arranged only on the main surface  91   a  of the module substrate  91 , it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process of the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     For example, the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the ground conductors  93  and  94  with which the main surface  91   a  is divided into the area R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 . The power amplifiers  11  and  12  and the switches  52  and  54  may be arranged in the area R 1 . The switch  51 , the transmission filters  61 T and  63 T, the reception filters  61 R and  63 R, and the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64  may be arranged in the area R 2 . The low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  and the switches  53  and  55  may be arranged in the area R 3 . 
     With the above configuration, since the power amplifiers  11  and  12  and the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22  are capable of being arranged in the areas R 1  and R 3 , respectively, which are different from each other, among the three areas divided by the ground conductors  93  and  94 , it is possible to improve the isolation between the transmission path and the reception path. In addition, since the switch  51 , the transmission filters  61 T and  63 T, the reception filters  61 R and  63 R, and the transmission-reception filters  62  and  64  are capable of being arranged in the same area R 2 , it is possible to shorten the length of the line between the switch  51  and each filter. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module  1 . In particular, when the simultaneous communication with the multiple communication bands is performed, it is possible to suppress mismatching loss caused by the stray capacitance of the line to contribute to improvement of the NF in the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, the ground conductors  93  and  94  may be metal walls standing on the main surface  91   a.    
     With the above configuration, since the multiple areas R 1 , R 2 , and R 3  are capable of being separated from each other with the metal walls, it is possible to further improve the isolation between the transmission path and the reception path in the radio-frequency module  1 . 
     The radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment may further include the resin member  92  with which the main surface  91   a  is covered and the shield electrode layer  95  with which a surface of the resin member  92  is covered. At least either of the tip portion and the side edge portions of each of the ground conductors  93  and  94  may be joined to the shield electrode layer  95 . 
     With the above configuration, the tip portion and/or the side edge portions of each of the ground conductors  93  and  94  are capable of being connected to the shield electrode layer  95 . Accordingly, it is possible to stabilize the ground potential of the ground conductors  93  and  94  to improve the spieling effect by the ground conductors  93  and  94 . 
     For example, in the radio-frequency module  1  according to the present embodiment, the communication band A may be 
     Band7 for the LTE or n7 for the 5GNR. For example, the communication band C may be Band1, Band25, Band3, or Band66 for the LTE or n1, n25, n3, or n66 for the 5GNR. For example, the communication band B may be Band41 or Band40 for the LTE or n41 or n40 for the 5GNR. For example, the communication band D may be Band34 or Band39 for the LTE or n34 or n39 for the 5GNR. 
     With the above configuration, it is possible to use the radio-frequency module  1  in the LTE system and/or the 5GNR system. 
     The communication apparatus  5  according to the present embodiment includes the RFIC  3  that processes the radio-frequency signal and the radio-frequency module  1  that transmits the radio-frequency signal between the RFIC  3  and the antennas  2 A and  2 B. 
     With the above configuration, it is possible to realize the same effects as in the radio-frequency module  1  in the communication apparatus  5 . 
     Other Embodiments 
     Although the radio-frequency module and the communication apparatus according to the present disclosure are described above based on the embodiment, the radio-frequency module and the communication apparatus according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiment. Other embodiments realized by combining arbitrary components in the above embodiment, modifications resulting from making various modifications supposed by the person skilled in the art to the above embodiment without necessarily departing from the sprit and scope of the present disclosure, various devices incorporating the radio-frequency module and the communication apparatus are also included in the present disclosure. 
     For example, other circuit elements, lines, and so on may be provided between the paths connecting the respective circuit elements and signal paths disclosed in the drawings in the circuit configuration of the radio-frequency module and the communication apparatus according to each embodiment. For example, an impedance matching circuit may be provided at least one of between the duplexer  61  and the switch  51 , between the transmission-reception filter  62  and the switch  51 , between the duplexer  63  and the switch  51 , and between the transmission-reception filter  64  and the switch  51 . The impedance matching circuit may be provided, for example, at least one of between the power amplifier  11  and the switch  52 , between the low noise amplifier  21  and the switch  53 , between the power amplifier  12  and the switch  54 , and between the low noise amplifier  22  and the switch  55 . The impedance matching circuit may be composed of, for example, an inductor and/or a capacitor. 
     Although the two switches  52  and  53  are used for connection and non-connection between the duplexer  61  and the transmission-reception filter  62  and the power amplifier  11  and the low noise amplifier  21  in the above embodiment, the switch configuration is not limited to this. For example, the switches  52  and  53  may be composed of a single switch. In this case, it is sufficient for the single switch to have five terminals connected to the transmission filter  61 T, the reception filter  61 R, the transmission-reception filter  62 , the output of the power amplifier  11 , and the output of the low noise amplifier  21 . In addition, the switches  54  and  55  may be composed of a single switch, as in the switches  52  and  53 . 
     The arrangement of the components in the above embodiment is only an example and is not limited to the above one. For example, in the above embodiment, the semiconductor integrated circuit  20  and/or the switch  51  may be arranged on the main surface  91   b . Specifically, the module substrate  91  may have the main surfaces  91   a  and  91   b  opposed to each other. The duplexer  61 , the transmission-reception filter  62 , the duplexer  63 , the transmission-reception filter  64 , and the power amplifiers  11  and  12  may be arranged on the main surface  91   a , and the switches  51 ,  53 , and  55 , the low noise amplifiers  21  and  22 , and the multiple external connection terminals  150  may be arranged on the main surface  91   b . In this case, post electrodes and/or bump electrodes may be used as the multiple external connection terminals  150 . With this configuration, since the components are capable of being arranged on both surfaces of the module substrate  91 , it is possible to realize the reduction in size of the radio-frequency module  1 . The switches  52  and/or  54  may be arranged on the main surface  91   a . At this time, at least part of the switch  52  and/or at least part of the switch  54  may be overlapped with at least part of the low noise amplifier  21  and/or at least part of the low noise amplifier  22 , which are arranged on the main surface  91   b , in a plan view of the module substrate  91 . 
     Although the radio-frequency module  1  is provided with the two antenna connection terminals  101  and  102  for connection to the two antennas  2 A and  2 B in the above embodiment, the number of the antenna connection terminals is not limited to this. For example, the number of the antenna connection terminals may be one or three or more. 
     Although the radio-frequency module  1  includes the switch  53  for switching the filter to be connected to the low noise amplifier  21  in the above embodiment, the radio-frequency module  1  does not necessarily include the switch  53 . In this case, the radio-frequency module  1  may include two low noise amplifiers, instead of the low noise amplifier  21 . At this time, the other end of the reception filter  61 R may be connected to one of the two low noise amplifiers and the other end of the transmission-reception filter  62  may be connected to the other of the two low noise amplifiers via the switch  52 . 
     Similarly, the radio-frequency module  1  may include the switch  55 . In this case, the radio-frequency module  1  may include two low noise amplifiers, instead of the low noise amplifier  22 . At this time, the other end of the reception filter  63 R may be connected to one of the two low noise amplifiers and the other end of the transmission-reception filter  64  may be connected to the other of the two low noise amplifiers via the switch  54 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure is widely applicable to a communication device, such as a mobile phone, as the radio-frequency module arranged in a front-end unit. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               1  radio-frequency module 
               2 A,  2 B antenna 
               3  RFIC 
               4  BBIC 
               5  communication apparatus 
               11 ,  12  power amplifier 
               20  semiconductor integrated circuit 
               21 ,  22  low noise amplifier 
               51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54 ,  55  switch 
               61 ,  63  duplexer 
               61 R,  63 R reception filter 
               61 T,  63 T transmission filter 
               62 ,  64  transmission-reception filter 
               91  module substrate 
               91   a ,  91   b  main surface 
               92  resin member 
               93 ,  94  ground conductor 
               95  shield electrode layer 
               101 ,  102  antenna connection terminal 
               111 ,  112  radio-frequency input terminal 
               121 ,  122  radio-frequency output terminal 
               150  external connection terminal 
               511 ,  512 ,  513 ,  514 ,  515 ,  516 ,  521 ,  522 ,  523 ,  524 ,  531 ,  532 ,  533 ,  541 ,  542 ,  543 ,  544 ,  551 ,  552 ,  553  terminal 
               941 ,  942  metal wall 
             d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 , d 5 , d 6  distance 
             R 1 , R 2 , R 3  area