Multi-ceramic layer switch circuit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention, accordingly, advantageously provides a switch circuit, and associated method, of minimal insertion loss.
The present invention further advantageously provides a switch circuit for a transceiver operable alternately to connect receiver circuity or transmitter circuitry of the transceiver to a transceiver antenna.
The present invention yet further advantageously provides a radiotelephone having a switch circuit for alternately connecting a receiver circuitry portion or a transmitter circuitry portion thereof to a radiotelephone antenna.
The present invention includes further advantages and features, the details of which will become more readily apparent by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow.
In accordance with the present invention, therefore, a switch circuit, and associated method, for a transceiver having transmitter circuitry and receiver circuitry is disclosed.
The switch circuit is positionable responsive to levels of a control signal applied thereto.
The switch circuit connects alternately the transmitter circuitry to a transceiver antenna or the receiver circuitry to the transceiver antenna.
A first circuit path interconnects the transmitter circuitry and a first side portion of the transceiver antenna wherein the first circuit path is of electrical characteristics dependent upon the levels of the control signal.
A second circuit path interconnects the receiver circuitry and the first side portion of the transceiver antenna wherein, depending upon the levels of the control signal, the second circuit path includes a shunt path as a portion thereof.
A control-signal transmission line is disposed upon at least one ceramic substrate coupled to the first circuit path for applying therethrough the control signal to the first circuit path.
The first circuit path is caused to form a short circuit to connect electrically the transmitter circuitry and the transceiver antenna and also to cause the shunt path to form a portion of the second circuit path, thereby to disconnect electrically the receiver circuitry from the transceiver antenna only during times when the control signal is beyond a first signal level