Circuit board and circuit module

Abstract

A circuit board includes a board base element, a communication circuit connection terminal, an antenna connection terminal, and a circuit pattern including wires and lands to which predetermined circuit elements are mountable. The predetermined circuit elements include optional elements including a first coil and a second capacitor. The optional elements are electronic components to be mounted or not in the circuit pattern depending on whether a second antenna is connected to a second antenna connection terminal. The predetermined circuit elements further include basic elements including a first capacitor and first and second filters. The basic elements are electronic components to be mounted in the circuit pattern regardless of whether the optional elements are mounted. The circuit pattern is formed such that the single circuit board can optionally support plural types of antenna configurations by changing a manner of mounting the optional elements and changing the circuit configuration.

Claims

1. A circuit board comprising: a board base; a communication circuit connection terminal comprising first and second communication circuit connection terminals respectively connected to communication circuits in first and second wireless communication systems utilizing different radio frequency bands; an antenna connection terminal comprising first and second antenna connection terminals respectively connectable to first and second antennas; and a circuit pattern formed to receive a plurality of predetermined circuit elements by mounting the plurality of predetermined circuit elements to the board base in the circuit pattern, wherein the plurality of predetermined circuit elements include: first electronic components that are mounted depending on whether the second antenna is connected to the second antenna connection terminal, the first electronic components being a first capacitor or a first coil, and a second capacitor; and basic electronic components that are mounted regardless of whether the first electronic components are mounted, the basic electronic components being the other of the first capacitor and the first coil, and first and second filters, wherein the circuit pattern is configured to form communication paths based on which of the plurality of predetermined circuit elements are mounted and which antennas are connected to their respective antenna connection terminals, and wherein the circuit pattern is formed to have a configuration that: when the second antenna is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal and when the first electronic components and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern, the first and second communication circuit connection terminals are connected to the first antenna connection terminal through a diplexer circuit comprising the first and second capacitors, the first coil, and the first and second filters, and communication is performed by the first and second wireless communication systems, or when the second antenna is connected to the second antenna connection terminal, when the first electronic components are not mounted in the circuit pattern, and when the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern, the first communication circuit connection terminal and the first antenna connection terminal are connected through the first filter, the second communication circuit connection terminal and the second antenna connection terminal are connected through the second filter, and communication is performed by the first and second wireless communication systems.

2. The circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: the second wireless communication system performs communications of signals through a plurality of paths including first and second paths, the communication circuit in the second wireless communication system includes communication circuits in the first and second paths, the second communication circuit connection terminal includes communication circuit connection terminals in the first and second paths, the communication circuit connection terminals being respectively connected to the communication circuits in the first and second paths, the antenna connection terminal further includes a third antenna connection terminal to which a third antenna is connected, and the basic electronic components further comprise a third filter.

3. The circuit board according to claim 2, wherein the circuit pattern is formed to have a configuration that: when the second antenna is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal and when the first electronic components and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern, the first communication circuit connection terminal and the communication circuit connection terminal in the first path are connected to the first antenna connection terminal through a diplexer circuit that includes the first and second capacitors, the first coil, and the first and second filters, the communication circuit connection terminal in the second path is connected to the third antenna connection terminal through the third filter, and communication is performed by the first and second wireless communication systems, or when the second antenna is connected to the second antenna connection terminal, when the first electronic components are not mounted in the circuit pattern, and when the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern, the first communication circuit connection terminal and the first antenna connection terminal are connected through the first filter, the communication circuit connection terminal in the first path and the second antenna connection terminal are connected through the second filter, the communication circuit connection terminal in the second path and the third antenna connection terminal are connected through the third filter, and communication is performed by the first and second wireless communication systems.

4. A circuit module comprising the circuit board according to claim 3, the circuit module being interposed between the first and third antennas and the communication circuits in the first and second wireless communication systems, wherein the circuit module is constituted in the circuit board such that: the second antenna is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal, and the first electronic components and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern.

5. A circuit module comprising the circuit board according to claim 3, the circuit module being interposed between the first to third antennas and the communication circuits in the first and second wireless communication systems, wherein the circuit module is constituted in the circuit board such that: the second antenna is connected to the second antenna connection terminal, the first electronic components are not mounted in the circuit pattern, and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern.

6. A circuit module comprising the circuit board according to claim 1, the circuit module being interposed between the first antenna and the communication circuits in the first and second wireless communication systems, wherein the circuit module is constituted in the circuit board such that: the second antenna is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal, and the first electronic components and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern.

7. A circuit module comprising the circuit board according to claim 1, the circuit module being interposed between the first and second antennas and the communication circuits in the first and second wireless communication systems, wherein the circuit module is constituted in the circuit board such that: the second antenna is connected to the second antenna connection terminal, and the first electronic components are not mounted in the circuit pattern, and the basic electronic components are mounted in the circuit pattern.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a plan view of a circuit board 110 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

(2) FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual circuit module 120, the circuit diagram being referenced to explain communication circuits and antennas that may be connected to connection terminals in the circuit board 110 illustrated in FIG. 1, and circuit elements that can be mounted at predetermined positions in a circuit pattern P in the circuit board 110.

(3) FIG. 3 is a plan view of a principal portion of a modification 130 of the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

(4) FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a principal portion of a virtual circuit module 140, the circuit diagram being referenced to explain communication circuits and antennas that may be connected to connection terminals in the modification 130 of the circuit board 110 illustrated in FIG. 3, and circuit elements that can be mounted at predetermined positions in the circuit pattern P in the modification 130.

(5) FIG. 5 is a plan view of a circuit board 150 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

(6) FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual circuit module 160, the circuit diagram being referenced to explain communication circuits and antennas that may be connected to connection terminals in the circuit board 150 illustrated in FIG. 5, and circuit elements that can be mounted at predetermined positions in a circuit pattern P in the circuit board 150.

(7) FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit module 210 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

(8) FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit module 220 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

(9) FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a principal portion of a circuit module 230 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

(10) FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a principal portion of a circuit module 240 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

(11) FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit module 250 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

(12) FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit module 260 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

(13) FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication device 300 that represents background art.

(14) FIGS. 14A-14D are schematic views referenced to explain antenna configurations that are conceivable in a wireless communication device including three wireless communication systems for WLAN in a 2.4 GHz band, WLAN in a 5 GHz band, and BT in a 2.4 GHz band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Features of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below in connection with embodiments of the present disclosure.

(16) In car-mounted wireless communication devices, not only WLAN and BT in a 2.4 GHz band, but also WLAN in a 5 GHz band in which radio frequency interference is less apt to occur and stable communication can be performed have been used in a gradually increasing number.

(17) In a wireless communication device including three wireless communication systems of WLAN in the 5 GHz, WLAN in the 2.4 GHz band, and BT in the 2.4 GHz band, four kinds of antenna configurations are conceivable as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, for example.

(18) FIG. 14A illustrates a configuration in which, of the above three communication systems, WLANs in the two frequency bands share one antenna, and BT employs another antenna. In this case, selection of the radio frequency band employed by each WLAN is performed with provision of a diplexer.

(19) FIG. 14B illustrates a configuration in which the above three communication systems employ antennas different from one another.

(20) FIG. 14C illustrates a configuration in which all the above three communication systems share one antenna. In this case, selection of the radio frequency band to be used is performed with provision of a diplexer. Selection between WLAN and BT in the 2.4 GHz band is made by changing over a switch.

(21) FIG. 14D illustrates a configuration in which, of the above three communication systems, WLAN and BT in the same 2.4 GHz band share one antenna and WLAN in the 5 GHz band employs another antenna. In this case, selection between WLAN and BT in the 2.4 GHz band is made by changing over a switch.

(22) As described above, in the wireless communication device including a plurality of wireless communication systems, various antenna configurations are conceivable depending on combinations of the radio frequency band and the wireless communication system to be utilized.

(23) Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in connection with, as a practical example, a circuit board that is adaptable for the four kinds of relations, illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configurations. It is to be noted that, of the wireless communication systems illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, WLAN in the 5 GHz band corresponds to a first wireless communication system in the present disclosure, and that WLAN in the 2.4 GHz band corresponds to a second wireless communication system in the present disclosure.

(24) Furthermore, in the following description, WLAN in the 5 GHz band is simply called 5 G WLAN, WLAN in the 2.4 GHz band is simply called 2.4 G WLAN, and BT in the 2.4 GHz band is simply called 2.4 G BT.

(25) First Embodiment of Circuit Board

(26) A circuit board 110 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a board base element B, a communication circuit connection terminal T10, an antenna connection terminal T20, and a circuit pattern P in which predetermined circuit elements are mountable. The circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

(27) FIG. 1 is a plan view of the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual circuit module 120 in which all communication circuits and antennas are connected and all circuit elements are mounted in the circuit board 110 illustrated in FIG. 1.

(28) The circuit module 120 is illustrated with intent to explain the communication circuits and the antennas that may be connected to the connection terminals, and the circuit elements that can be mounted at predetermined positions in a circuit pattern P. Thus, the circuit module 120 is different from an actual circuit module. In the actual circuit module, as described later, the circuit element to be mounted is changed depending on whether a second antenna 22 is connected to a second antenna connection terminal T22.

(29) <Board Base Element>

(30) The circuit board 110 includes the board base element B. In the first embodiment, the board base element B has a rectangular shape. A ceramic material such as alumina, or a composite material obtained by solidifying epoxy resin with glass fibers can be used as a material of the board base element B.

(31) <Communication Circuit Connection Terminals>

(32) The communication circuit connection terminal T10 includes first to third communication circuit connection terminals T11, T12 and T13. A communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN, a communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN, and a communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT are connected to the first to third communication circuit connection terminals T11, T12 and T13, respectively.

(33) In this embodiment, a transmission circuit 11T and a reception circuit 11R are separate from each other in the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN. Therefore, the first communication circuit connection terminal T11 is constituted in the form including a connection terminal T11T to which the transmission circuit 11T is connected, and a connection terminal T11R to which the reception circuit 11R is connected. In FIG. 1, the communication circuit connection terminals are each denoted by a white circle.

(34) In the first embodiment, the communication circuit connection terminal T10 is formed on an upper surface of the board base element B near one side thereof.

(35) <Antenna Connection Terminals>

(36) The antenna connection terminal T20 is constituted in the form including first to third antenna connection terminals T21, T22 and T23 to which first to third antennas 21, 22 and 23 can be connected, respectively. In FIG. 1, the antenna connection terminals are each denoted by a white circle.

(37) In the first embodiment, the antenna connection terminal T20 is formed on the upper surface of the board base element B. More specifically, the antenna connection terminal T20 is formed near one of sides of the board base element B, the one side opposing to the side near which the communication circuit connection terminal T10 is formed.

(38) <Circuit Elements>

(39) Circuit elements, which can be mounted in the circuit pattern P illustrated in FIG. 1, include capacitors 31 to 46, coils 51 to 59, filters 61 to 63, and switches 71 and 72, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

(40) In the first embodiment, particularly, electronic components in relation to connection paths between the first and second communication circuit connection terminals T11, T12 and the first and second antenna connection terminals T21, T22 are assumed to be the predetermined circuit elements.

(41) Stated in another way, electronic components necessary for circuit modules to be adapted for two types of antenna configurations, which are conceivable with respect to 5 G. WLAN and 2.4 G. WLAN, are regarded as the predetermined circuit elements in the first embodiment.

(42) From the above-mentioned point of view, the predetermined circuit elements, which can be mounted in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment, include optional elements and basic elements.

(43) The optional elements are electronic components that are to be mounted or not to be mounted in the circuit pattern P depending on whether the second antenna 22 is connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22.

(44) The basic elements are electronic components that are to be mounted in the circuit pattern P regardless of whether the optional elements are mounted. In the first embodiment, the basic elements include electronic components to make communication feasible through 5 G WLAN. The basic elements further include electronic components to make communication feasible through 2.4 G WLAN in cooperation with the optional elements.

(45) More specifically, when 2.4 G WLAN and 2.4 G BT are not changed over by the switch 72 and 2.4 G BT performs communication with use of the third antenna 23, the capacitors 33 and 38 and the coils 52 and 54 correspond to the optional elements. The capacitors 31, 32, 34 to 37, 39 and 40, the coils 51, 53, 55 and 56, the filters 61 and 62, and a switch 71 correspond to the basic elements.

(46) On the other hand, when 2.4 G WLAN and 2.4 G BT are changed over by the switch 72 and 2.4 G BT performs communication without necessarily using the third antenna 23, the capacitors 33 and 38 and the coils 52 and 54 correspond to the optional elements. The capacitors 31, 32, 34 to 37, 39, 41 and 42, the coils 51, 53, 55 and 56, the filters 61 and 62, and the switches 71 and 72 correspond to the basic elements.

(47) It is to be noted that, in the virtual circuit module 120 illustrated in FIG. 2, the capacitors 32 and 33 correspond to first and second capacitors in the present disclosure, respectively, and the coil 52 corresponds to a first coil in the present disclosure.

(48) <Circuit Pattern>

(49) As illustrated in FIG. 1, a circuit pattern is formed on the upper surface of the board base element B of the circuit board 110, the circuit pattern including lands to which the electronic components of the virtual circuit module 120 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be mounted, and wires connecting the lands.

(50) In FIG. 1, the lands are each denoted by two white circles both surrounded by a dotted line, those two white circles being drawn at a position corresponding to each of the circuit elements illustrated in FIG. 2. Moreover, the lands are each denoted by affixing L to the symbol of the corresponding circuit element. Ground terminals T31 to T37 are each denoted by a white circle.

(51) The above-mentioned circuit pattern is formed in accordance with circuit design described below.

(52) First, the case that the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT is independently connected to the third antenna 23 without necessarily using any antenna in common to the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN. In other words, a circuit including capacitors 44 to 46, coils 57 to 59, and a filter 63 is designed to allow a signal for 2.4 G BT to pass therethrough is considered (first premise).

(53) The following case is considered on condition of the first premise (see FIG. 7 described later). The second antenna 22 is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, are not mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(54) In the above case, the circuit pattern P is designed such that the first and second communication circuit connection terminals T11 and T12 are connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21 through a diplexer circuit D (circuit surrounded by a one-dot-chain line) in order to perform communication through 5 G. WLAN and 2.4 G. WLAN (pattern P-A). The diplexer circuit D includes the first and second capacitors 32 and 33, the first coil 52, and the first and second filters 61 and 62.

(55) More specifically, a circuit including the capacitors 31 to 37, the coils 51 and 53, the filter 61, and the switch 71 is designed to allow a signal for 5 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 31, 33, 39 and 40, the coils 51, 52, 55 and 56, and the filter 62 is designed to allow a signal for 2.4 G WLAN to pass therethrough.

(56) Here, the capacitor 31 and the coil 51 form an ESD protective circuit for dropping a surge down to the ground. The capacitors 34 and 35 and the coil 53 form a high-pass matching circuit allowing a signal in the 5 GHz band to pass therethrough. The capacitor 39 and the coil 55 form a trap circuit for dropping a noise signal down to the ground. The capacitor 40 and the coil 56 form a low-pass matching circuit allowing a signal in the 2.4 GHz band to pass therethrough. The capacitors 36 and 37 serve as coupling capacitors for DC cutting.

(57) The diplexer circuit D changes over a connection target of the first antenna 21 to one of the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN.

(58) It is hence understood that the pattern P-A formed on the circuit board 110 implements the relation, illustrated in FIG. 14A, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configuration.

(59) The following case is considered on condition of the first premise (see FIG. 8 described later). The second antenna 22 is connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are not mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(60) In the above case, the first communication circuit connection terminal T11 and the first antenna connection terminal T21 are connected through the first filter 61. Furthermore, the second communication circuit connection terminal T12 and the second antenna connection terminal T22 are connected through the second filter 62. Thus, the circuit pattern P is designed into a configuration adapted for performing communication through 5 G WLAN and 2.4 G WLAN (pattern P-B).

(61) As seen from comparing the pattern P-A and the pattern P-B, the paths through which the first and second communication circuit connection terminals T11, T12 are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal(s) are changed over depending on whether the first coil 52 (circuit element surrounded by a two-dot-chain line) is mounted to the land L52.

(62) More specifically, when the first coil 52 is not mounted, a circuit including the capacitors 31, 32 and 34 to 37, the coils 51 and 53, the filter 61, and the switch 71 is designed to allow the signal for 5 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 38 to 40, the coils 54 to 56, and the filter 62 is designed to allow the signal for 2.4 G WLAN to pass therethrough.

(63) Here, the capacitor 38 and the coil 54 form an ESD protective circuit for dropping a surge down to the ground. Description of circuits common to those in the pattern P-A is not repeated.

(64) It is hence understood that the pattern P-B formed on the circuit board 110 implements the relation, illustrated in FIG. 14B, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configuration.

(65) Next, the case that the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT uses an antenna in common to at least one of the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN, and that the third communication circuit connection terminal T13 is connected to one of the first antenna connection terminal T21 and the second antenna connection terminal T22 is considered.

(66) More specifically, the third antenna 23 is not connected to the third antenna connection terminal T23. The signal for 2.4 G BT passes, with changeover of the switch 72, through the same circuit as the above-described circuit through which the signal for 2.4 WLAN passes. Thus, the capacitors 44 to 46, the coils 57 to 59, and the filter 63 are not mounted in the circuit pattern P (second premise).

(67) the following case is considered on condition of the second premise (see FIG. 9 described later). As in the pattern P-A, the second antenna 22 is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, are not mounted in the circuit pattern.

(68) In the above case, the circuit pattern P is designed such that the first to third communication circuit connection terminals T11 to T13 are connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21 through a diplexer circuit D, as in the pattern P-A, in order to perform communication through 5 G WLAN, 2.4 G WLAN, and 2.4 G BT (pattern P-C). The diplexer circuit D includes the first and second capacitors 32 and 33, the first coil 52, and the first and second filters 61 and 62.

(69) More specifically, a circuit including the capacitors 31 to 37, the coils 51 and 53, the filter 61, and the switch 71 is designed to allow the signal for 5 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 31, 33, 39, 41 and 42, the coils 51, 52, 55 and 56, the filter 62, and the switch 72 is designed to allow the signal for 2.4 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 31, 33, 39, 41 and 43, the coils 51, 52, 55 and 56, the filter 62, and the switch 72 is designed to allow the signal for 2.4 G BT to pass therethrough.

(70) Here, the capacitors 42 and 43 serve as coupling capacitors for DC cutting. Description of circuits common to those in the pattern P-A is not repeated.

(71) It is hence understood that the pattern P-C formed on the circuit board 110 implements the relation, illustrated in FIG. 14C, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configuration.

(72) The following case is considered on condition of the second premise (see FIG. 10 described later). As in the pattern P-B, the second antenna 22 is connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are not mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(73) In the above case, the first communication circuit connection terminal T11 and the first antenna connection terminal T21 are connected through the first filter 61 as in the pattern P-B. Furthermore, the second communication circuit connection terminal T12 and the second antenna connection terminal T22 are connected through the second filter 62. Moreover, the third communication circuit connection terminal T13 and the second antenna connection terminal T22 are connected similarly through the second filter 62. Thus, the circuit pattern P is designed into a configuration adapted for performing communication through 5 G WLAN, 2.4 G WLAN, and 2.4 G BT (pattern P-D).

(74) As seen from comparing the pattern P-C and the pattern P-D, the paths through which the first to third communication circuit connection terminals T11 to T13 are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal(s) are changed over depending on whether the first coil 52 (circuit element surrounded by a two-dot-chain line) is mounted to the land L52.

(75) More specifically, when the first coil 52 is not mounted, a circuit including the capacitors 31, 32 and 34 to 37, the coils 51 and 53, the filter 61, and the switch 71 is designed to allow the signal for 5 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 38, 39, 41 and 42, the coils 54 to 56, the filter 62, and the switch 72 is designed to allow the signal for 2.4 G WLAN to pass therethrough. A circuit including the capacitors 38, 39, 41 and 43, the coils 54 to 56, the filter 62, and the switch 72 is designed to allow the signal for 2.4 G BT to pass therethrough.

(76) Description of circuits common to those in the patterns P-B and P-C is not repeated.

(77) It is hence understood that the pattern P-D formed on the circuit board 110 implements the relation, illustrated in FIG. 14D, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configuration.

(78) As seen from the above discussion, the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110, illustrated in FIG. 1, is adaptable for the four types of relations, illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D, between the wireless communication systems and the antenna configurations.

(79) In other words, with use of the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, even when a demand for the antenna configuration is changed in circuit design, it is not required to increase the number of types of circuit boards in order to realize individual designed circuits in the form of modules. Hence development, setups for commercialization, and manufacturing of the circuit modules can be progressed efficiently.

(80) Furthermore, in the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 described later, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. With the mounting of those optional elements, the second communication circuit connection terminal T12 is connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21, and the diplexer circuit D is formed at the same time.

(81) In other words, just by mounting the predetermined electronic components among the optional elements, it is possible not only to change over the paths through which the communication circuit connection terminals are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal, but also to form the diplexer circuit D that changes over the radio frequency band to be utilized in the communication.

(82) Modification of First Embodiment of Circuit Board

(83) A modification 130 of the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

(84) FIG. 3 is a plan view of a principal portion of the modification 130 of the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a principal portion of a virtual circuit module 140 in which all communication circuits and all antennas are connected and all circuit elements are mounted in the modification 130 of the circuit board 110 illustrated in FIG. 3.

(85) Similarly to the circuit module 120 of FIG. 2, the circuit module 140 of FIG. 4 is referenced to explain communication circuits and antennas that can be connected to connection terminals, and circuit elements that can be mounted in a circuit pattern. Thus, the circuit module 140 is different from an actual circuit module.

(86) In the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the paths through which the first and second communication circuit connection terminals T11 and T12 are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal(s) are changed over depending on whether the first coil 52 among the optional elements is mounted.

(87) On the other hand, in the modification 130 of the circuit board 110, the paths through which the first and second communication circuit connection terminals T11 and T12 are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal(s) are changed over depending on whether the first capacitor 32 among the optional elements is mounted to the land L32.

(88) In that case, the first capacitor 32 serves as a part of the diplexer circuit D for changing over the connection target of the first antenna 21 to one of the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 11, 12 for 2.4 G WLAN. As described above, the diplexer circuit D includes the first and second capacitors 32 and 33, the first coil 52, and the first and second filters 61 and 62.

(89) Second Embodiment of Circuit Board

(90) A circuit board 150 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

(91) FIG. 5 is a plan view of the circuit board 150 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual circuit module 160 in which all communication circuits and all antennas are connected and all circuit elements are mounted in the circuit board 150 illustrated in FIG. 5.

(92) Similarly to the circuit module 120 of FIG. 2, the circuit module 160 of FIG. 6 is referenced to explain communication circuits and antennas that can be connected to connection terminals, and circuit elements that can be mounted in a circuit pattern. Thus, the circuit module 160 is different from an actual circuit module.

(93) The circuit board 150 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure corresponds to the case where, in the above-described first embodiment, 2.4 G WLAN performs communications of signals through first and second paths. Other portions are the same as in the first embodiment, and hence description of those portions is not repeated.

(94) Thus, the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN includes communication circuits 121 and 122 in the first and second paths, respectively. Furthermore, the second communication circuit connection terminal T12 includes communication circuit connection terminals T121 and T122 in the first and second paths, the communication circuit connection terminals T121 and T122 being connected respectively to the communication circuits 121 and 122 in the first and second paths.

(95) <Circuit Elements>

(96) The circuit elements, which can be mounted in the circuit pattern P illustrated in FIG. 5, include a capacitor 47 in addition to the circuit elements in the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

(97) In the second embodiment, as described above, 2.4 G WLAN performs communications of signals through the first and second paths.

(98) The optional elements in the second embodiment are electronic components that are to be mounted or not to be mounted in the circuit pattern P depending on whether the second antenna 22 is connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22.

(99) The basic elements are electronic components that are to be mounted in the circuit pattern P regardless of whether the optional elements are mounted. In the second embodiment, the basic elements include electronic components to make communication feasible through 5 G WLAN. The basic elements further include electronic components to make communication feasible through the first path for 2.4 G WLAN in cooperation with the optional elements.

(100) More specifically, in FIG. 6, the capacitors 33 and 38 and the coils 52 and 54 correspond to the optional elements. The capacitors 31, 32, 34 to 37, 39, 41, 42, 44, 45 and 47 and the coils 51, 53 and 55 to 59, the filters 61 to 63, and the switches 71 and 72 correspond to the basic elements.

(101) <Circuit Pattern>

(102) The circuit pattern P in the second embodiment is formed by replacing the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN in the first embodiment with the communication circuit 121 for 2.4 G WLAN in the first path, and by connecting the communication circuit 122 for 2.4 G WLAN in the second path to the third antenna 23.

(103) In other words, the circuit pattern P in the second embodiment is designed by adding, to the pattern P-C or P-D in the first embodiment, a circuit configuration in which the communication circuit 122 for 2.4 G WLAN in the second path is connected to the third antenna 23 to make communication feasible through the second path for 2.4 G WLAN.

(104) The above added circuit configuration is disposed independently of the circuits that are constituted to perform communications through 5 G WLAN, the first path for 2.4 G WLAN, and 2.4 G BT.

(105) Here, the capacitor 44 and the coil 57 form an ESD protective circuit for dropping a surge down to the ground. The capacitor 39 and the coil 55 form a trap circuit for dropping a noise signal down to the ground. The capacitor 47 and the coil 59 form a low-pass matching circuit allowing a signal in the 2.4 GHz band to pass therethrough. Description of circuit design of portions common to those in the patterns P-C and P-D is not repeated.

(106) As in the first embodiment, with use of the circuit board 150 illustrated in FIG. 5, even when a demand for the antenna configuration is changed in circuit design, it is not required to increase the number of types of circuit boards in order to realize individual designed circuits in the form of modules. Hence development, setups for commercialization, and manufacturing of the circuit modules can be progressed efficiently.

(107) Furthermore, in the circuit board 150 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 11 described later, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. With the mounting of those optional elements, the second communication circuit connection terminal T12 is connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21 and the diplexer circuit D is formed at the same time, as in the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment.

(108) In other words, just by mounting the predetermined electronic components among the optional elements, it is possible not only to change over the paths through which the communication circuit connection terminals are to be connected to the antenna connection terminal, but also to form the diplexer circuit D that changes over the radio frequency band to be utilized in the communication.

(109) First to Fourth Embodiments of Circuit Module

(110) Circuit modules 210 to 240 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

(111) FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate circuit modules obtained by mounting, in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined circuit elements in order to realize the above-described patterns P-A to P-D, respectively.

(112) The circuit module 210 according to the first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7, is interposed between the first antenna 21 and a communication circuit group. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN.

(113) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration when 2.4 G BT performs communication with use of the third antenna 23 in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the first antenna 21 is connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21. The second antenna 22 is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, are not mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(114) The circuit module 220 according to the second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, is interposed between an antenna group and a communication circuit group. The antenna group includes the first and second antennas 21 and 22. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN and the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN.

(115) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration when 2.4 G BT performs communication with use of the third antenna 23, as in the above case, in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the first and second antennas 21 and 22 are connected to the first and second antenna connection terminals T21 and T22, respectively. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are not mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern.

(116) The circuit module 230 according to the third embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, is interposed between the first antenna 21 and a communication circuit group. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN, the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN, and the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT.

(117) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration when 2.4 G BT performs communication without necessarily employing the third antenna 23 in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the first antenna 21 is connected to the first antenna connection terminal T21. The second antenna 22 is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, are not mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(118) The circuit module 240 according to the fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, is interposed between an antenna group and a communication circuit group. The antenna group includes the first and second antennas 21 and 22. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN, the communication circuit 12 for 2.4 G WLAN, and the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT.

(119) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration when 2.4 G BT performs communication, as in the above case, without necessarily employing the third antenna 23 in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the first and second antennas 21 and 22 are connected to the first and second antenna connection terminals T21 and T22, respectively. Furthermore, the first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are not mounted in the circuit pattern P. Moreover, the remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern.

(120) Since the circuit modules 210 to 240 according to the first to fourth embodiments are formed on the individual common circuit boards, many of items for reliability evaluation can be shared in tests of the circuit modules. As a result, labor and time required to perform the reliability test for each of the circuit modules can be reduced.

(121) Hence development, setups for commercialization, and manufacturing of the circuit modules can be progressed efficiently.

(122) Fifth and Sixth Embodiments of Circuit Module

(123) Circuit modules 250 and 260 according to fifth and sixth embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

(124) FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate circuit modules obtained by mounting the predetermined circuit elements in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 150 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

(125) The circuit module 250 according to the fifth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 11, is interposed between an antenna group and a communication circuit group. The antenna group includes the first and third antennas 21 and 23. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN, the communication circuit 121 in the first path and the communication circuit 122 in the second path for 2.4 G WLAN, and the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT.

(126) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 110 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the second antenna 22 is not connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. The first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern P. The remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, are not mounted in the circuit pattern P.

(127) The circuit module 260 according to the sixth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, is interposed between an antenna group and a communication circuit group. The antenna group includes the first to third antennas 21 to 23. The communication circuit group includes the communication circuit 11 for 5 G WLAN, the communication circuit 121 in the first path and the communication circuit 122 in the second path for 2.4 G WLAN, and the communication circuit 13 for 2.4 G BT.

(128) This circuit module is intended to implement the following configuration in the circuit pattern P on the circuit board 150 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the second antenna 22 is connected to the second antenna connection terminal T22. The first coil 52 and the second capacitor 33 among the optional elements are not mounted in the circuit pattern P. The remaining optional elements, i.e., the capacitor 38 and the coil 54, and the basic elements are mounted in the circuit pattern.

(129) Since the circuit modules 250 and 260 according to the fifth and sixth embodiments are formed on the individual common circuit boards, many of items for reliability evaluation can be shared in tests of the circuit modules. As a result, labor and time required to perform the reliability test for each of the circuit modules can be reduced.

(130) Hence development, setups for commercialization, and manufacturing of the circuit modules can be progressed efficiently.

(131) While FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate, by way of example, the configuration of changing over 2.4 G WLAN and 2.4 G BT with the switch 72, another configuration (not illustrated) of not changing over 2.4 G WLAN and 2.4 G BT with the switch 72 can also be similarly implemented with the circuit board according to the present disclosure.

(132) It is to be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and a variety of applications or modifications can be made with respect to the communication circuits and the circuit configurations in the wireless communication systems within the scope of the present disclosure.

(133) In the above embodiments, the basic elements and the optional elements are constituted by capacitors, coils, filters, and switches. However, the above embodiments are merely illustrative, and the basic elements and the optional elements are not always limited to the components constituting the configurations described above. For example, when the ESD circuit is considered to be not needed in the circuit module, the circuit module may be implemented in a configuration not including the capacitor and the coil that constitute the ESD circuit. When the trap circuit is considered to be not needed in the circuit module, the circuit module may be implemented in a configuration not including the capacitor and the coil that constitute the trap circuit.

(134) Furthermore, while 5 G WLAN is regarded as the first wireless communication system and 2.4 G WLAN is regarded as the second wireless communication system in the above embodiments, the frequency bands and the communication standards are not limited to those examples. In the wireless communication systems, the frequency bands may be replaced with other suitable frequency bands, and the communication standards may be replaced with other suitable communication standards.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(135) 11 communication circuit in first communication wireless system, 12 communication circuit in second communication wireless system, 21 first antenna, 22 second antenna, 23 third antenna, 32 first capacitor, 33 second capacitor, 52 first coil, 61 first filter, 62 second filter, 63 third filter, 110, 150 circuit board, 121 communication circuit in first path, 122 communication circuit in second path, 210 to 260 circuit modules, B board base element, D diplexer circuit, P circuit pattern, T10 communication circuit connection terminal, T11 first communication circuit connection terminal, T12 second communication circuit connection terminal, T121 communication circuit connection terminal in first path, T122 communication circuit connection terminal in second path, T20 antenna connection terminal, T21 first antenna connection terminal, T22 second antenna connection terminal, and T23 third antenna connection terminal.