Printed circuit board having terminals

A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a substrate body including a circuit wiring layer; tap terminals provided at a surface of the substrate body and in a peripheral region of the substrate body and electrically connected to the circuit wiring layer; and plating wires corresponding to respective tap terminals, each plating wire extending from an end portion of its respective tap terminal toward an edge of the substrate body and having a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal. For at least a first tap terminal, the tap terminal shares an edge with an edge of its respective plating wire. A second tap terminal adjacent the first tap terminal is positioned outside a circle having a radius that equals a length of the plating wire and having a center at a point along the shared edge where the plating wire and first tap terminal connect.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0004723, filed on Jan. 16, 2012 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Example embodiments relate to a printed circuit board (PCB) having external connection terminals. More particularly, example embodiments relate to a PCB for semiconductor module including a plurality of tap terminals.

A printed circuit board for semiconductor module may include tap terminals on one or more surfaces of a substrate, such as lower and upper surfaces. The tap terminals may be inserted into a socket to be electrically connected to electronic elements. Because the tap terminal is formed by an electroplating process, a plating wire having a thin width may remain to be connected to an end portion of the tap terminal.

Recently, as semiconductor devices have been highly integrated, the number of the tap terminals for transmitting signals has increased and a pitch between adjacent tap terminals has decreased. Accordingly, various shapes for tap terminals could be developed such that a short circuit of adjacent tap terminals due to external physical impacts may be prevented.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments provide a printed circuit board having high reliability.

According to one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. The PCB includes a substrate body including a wiring pattern at a wiring pattern region of the substrate body; an outer connection region extending from the wiring pattern region to an edge of the substrate body, the outer connection region including a plurality of exposed external connection terminals; and at least a first exposed external connection terminal electrically connected to the wiring pattern and a second exposed external connection terminal electrically connected to the wiring pattern and adjacent to the first exposed external connection terminal. The first exposed external connection terminal includes, when viewed from a plan view, a first outer-most edge, a second outer-most edge connected to the first outer-most edge, a third outer-most edge opposite the first outer-most edge, a fourth outer-most edge opposite the second outer-most edge, and an additional edge. The third outer-most edge and the additional edge both face the edge of the substrate body. The second outer-most edge extends a distance d between a point where it intersects a line extending from the additional edge in the direction of the additional edge and a point where it intersects the third outer-most edge. The second exposed external connection terminal includes a fifth outer-most edge facing the second outer-most edge, and the second exposed external connection terminal is not formed in a circular region having a radius d and a center located on the second outer-most edge a distance d away from the third outer-most edge.

According to another embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a substrate body including a wiring pattern at a wiring pattern region of the substrate body; an outer connection region extending from the wiring pattern region to an edge of the substrate body, the outer connection region including a plurality of exposed external connection terminals; and at least a first exposed external connection terminal electrically connected to the wiring pattern and a second exposed external connection terminal electrically connected to the wiring pattern and adjacent to the first exposed external connection terminal. The first exposed external connection terminal includes a first end portion that connects to a wiring of the wiring pattern, a second end portion opposite the first end portion and extending to the edge of the substrate body, and a middle portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end portion includes a recessed portion having a recess on a first side of the first exposed external connection terminal and a finger portion having a finger on a second side of the first exposed external connection terminal opposite the first side. The second end portion includes at least four linear edges, at least a first edge of the linear edges including a shared edge shared with the middle portion of the first exposed external connection terminal, and at least a second edge of the linear edges perpendicular to the first edge.

In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a substrate body including a circuit wiring layer; tap terminals provided at a surface of the substrate body and in a peripheral region of the substrate body and electrically connected to the circuit wiring layer; and plating wires corresponding to respective tap terminals, each plating wire extending from an end portion of its respective tap terminal toward an edge of the substrate body and having a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal. For at least a first tap terminal, the tap terminal shares an edge with an edge of its respective plating wire. A second tap terminal adjacent the first tap terminal is positioned outside a circle having a radius that equals a length of the plating wire and having a center at a point along the shared edge where the plating wire and first tap terminal connect.

According to example embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) for semiconductor module includes a substrate body including a circuit wiring layer. Tap terminals are provided on lower and upper surfaces of the substrate body and in a peripheral region of the substrate body and electrically connected to the circuit wiring layer. Plating wires extend from each of end portions of the tap terminals to an edge of the substrate body and have a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal. The tap terminal is positioned outside a circle having a length of the plating wire from the portion of the adjacent tap terminal from which the plating wire protrudes.

In example embodiments, the tap terminal may include a recessed portion at a position near the portion of the adjacent tap terminal from which the plating wire protrudes.

In example embodiments, the recessed portion of the tap terminal may have an oblique side shape, an arc shape or a stepped shape.

In example embodiments, the tap terminal may have one right angle in a vertex portion adjacent to the edge of the substrate body and the plating wire may extend from the vertex portion of the tap terminal.

In example embodiments, the tap terminal may have three right angles in vertex portions thereof.

In example embodiments, the tap terminal may have a rectangular shape and the plating wire may extend from the middle portion of a side of the tap terminal adjacent to the edge of the substrate body.

In example embodiments, a side of the tap terminal adjacent to the edge of the substrate body may extend obliquely with respect to the edge of the substrate body such that a line width of the tap terminal decreases gradually toward the edge of the substrate body.

In example embodiments, the width of the portion of the tap terminal adjacent to the edge of the substrate body may be substantially identical to the width of the plating wire.

According to example embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) for semiconductor module includes a substrate body including a circuit wiring layer. First tap terminals are provided in a peripheral region of the substrate body to serve as a signal terminal for applying a signal. First plating wires extend from each of end portions of the first tap terminals to an edge of the substrate body and have a line width smaller than a line width of the first tap terminal. Second tap terminals are provided between the first tap terminals to serve as a ground terminal or a power terminal for applying a ground signal or a power signal. The second tap terminal is farther away from the edge of the substrate body than the first tap terminal.

In example embodiments, the circuit wiring layer of the substrate body may include a ground layer for receiving a ground signal, a power layer for receiving a power signal and a signal wiring layer including wiring patterns.

In example embodiments, the second tap terminal may be electrically connected to the ground layer or the power layer through a via.

In example embodiments, the PCB for semiconductor module may further include third tap terminals and second plating wires that are provided to allow current to flow through the second tap terminals via the ground layer or the power layer.

In example embodiments, the second tap terminal may be positioned outside a circle having a length of the first plating wire from the portion of the adjacent first tap terminal from which the first plating wire protrudes.

In example embodiments, the first and second tap terminals may have a rectangular shape.

According to example embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) for semiconductor module includes a substrate body including a circuit wiring layer. Tap terminals are provided in a peripheral region of the substrate body to extend to an edge of the substrate body, electrically connected to the circuit wiring layer and have three right angles in vertex portions thereof. A side of the tap terminal adjacent to the edge of the substrate body extends obliquely with respect to the edge of the substrate body such that a line width of the tap terminal decreases gradually toward the edge of the substrate body

According to example embodiments, even though the plating wire is damaged in use, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals may be prevented, to thereby provide a PCB for semiconductor module having high reliability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to plan views and cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized example embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a linear feature, when viewed at a microscopic level or due to slight manufacturing discrepancies may have jagged, rounded, or curved features rather than an exact straight line. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

FIG. 1is a plan view illustrating a printed circuit board in accordance with a first example embodiment.FIG. 2Ais a plan view illustrating external connection terminals of the printed circuit board for semiconductor module inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2A, a printed circuit board for semiconductor module according to one embodiment may include a substrate body100having a circuit wiring layer, a tap terminal120and a plating wire124.

The circuit wiring layer of the substrate body100may include a ground layer, a power layer, and a signal wiring layer (e.g., layers100a,100band100cas shown inFIG. 8B). Wiring patterns102and vias104may be provided on a surface of the substrate body.

A plurality of the tap terminals120may be provided on one or more surfaces, such as lower and upper surfaces, of the substrate body. The tap terminals120may be provided in a peripheral region of the substrate body. The tap terminal120may be electrically connected to the wiring pattern102and a via104.

The printed circuit board may be used for semiconductor module. As such, the printed circuit board can be inserted into a socket (not illustrated) so that the tap terminal120makes contact with an input/output terminal of the socket. As a result, external electrical signal may be inputted/outputted to/from the wiring patterns, the ground layer and the power layer through the tap terminal120.

Hereinafter, exemplary shapes of the tap terminal and the plating wiring will be explained when viewed from plan view.

Referring toFIG. 2A, a tap terminal120according to one embodiment may have three right angles. The tap terminal120may have two right angles in a portion opposite to an edge of the substrate body100and one right angle in a portion adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100.

The plating wire124may be connected to the portion of the tap terminal120adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100having one right angle, and may extend toward an edge portion of the substrate body100. As such, the plating wire124may have a shape extruding from the end portion of the tap terminal120. The plating wire124may have a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal120. An end portion of the plating wire124connected to the tap terminal120may have a width smaller than that of the other portion of the plating wire124. As illustrated in the figure, a lateral side of the plating wire124may extend obliquely inward from the edge portion of the substrate body100, so that the plating wire124has a tapered structure. However, the lateral side of the plating wire124may also be parallel to an edge of the plating wire that also forms an edge of the tap terminal.

The plating wire124and the tap terminal120may be formed, for example, by an electroplating process. The plating wire124and the tap terminal120may include one or more conductive materials such as metals. In one embodiment, the plating wire124and the tap terminal120are formed of nickel and gold. Accordingly, the plating wire124and the tap terminal120may be formed of a metal having a low resistance.

In a manufacture of a printed circuit board for a semiconductor module, a router process may be performed to divide a flat substrate into a respective printed circuit board. An electroplating process may be performed using the plating wire124as an electrode. Then, a router process may be performed on the flat substrate to form the plating wire124.

In particular, when the flat substrate is divided by a router process, a plating wire such as an electrode may be cut together to form the plating wire124. Accordingly, when the line width of the plating wire124is very great, it may be difficult to perform a router process so that damages to the plating wire124and the tap terminal120may occurs. Thus, a plating wire124at a point where a cutting process occurs should have a line width smaller than that of the tap terminal120to avoid such damages.

In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2A, the plating wire124may protrude from the tap terminal120by a first distance (d). As such, the plating wire124may have a length of a first distance (d). The tap terminals120may be spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than the first distance (d).

The tap terminal120may have a recessed portion at a position near the vertex portion of the adjacent tap terminal120forming the right angle such that the recessed portion of the tap terminal120is not positioned within a circle having the first distance (d) from the vertex portion of the adjacent tap terminal120. Stated differently, where two tap terminals are formed adjacent to each other, for at least a first tap terminal, the tap terminal may share an edge with an edge of its respective plating wire (e.g., the left edge as shown inFIG. 2A). The second tap terminal adjacent the first tap terminal may have a recessed portion adjacent the plating wire of the first tap terminal, such that the material of the second tap terminal is positioned outside a circle having a radius that equals a length of the plating wire and having a center at a point along the shared edge where the plating wire and first tap terminal connect.

The recessed portion of the tap terminal120may have various shapes. As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the recessed portion of the tap terminal120may have an oblique side.

As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the plating wire124may have a relatively small line width, and thus, the plating wire124may be damaged and bent by external physical impacts to move laterally. Accordingly, in a conventional system, the bent portion of the plating wire124may be electrically connected to the adjacent tap terminal120, causing a short circuit.

However, according to the present embodiment, the tap terminal120may have a recessed portion at a position near the vertex portion of the adjacent tap terminal120forming the right angle such that the recessed portion of the tap terminal120is not positioned within a circle having the first distance (d) from the vertex portion of the adjacent tap terminal120. Accordingly, even though the plating wire124may be damaged and bent to move laterally, the adjacent tap terminals120may be prevented from being electrically connected to each other.

FIG. 2Cis a plan view showing a PCB having external connection terminals, consistent with certain embodiments, andFIG. 2Dis a plan view showing an enlarged view of an end portion of an external connection terminal shown inFIG. 2C.

The external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cshown inFIG. 2Cmay be formed from a conductive plating material, and may be disposed on a surface of the PCB. The PCB may include a substrate body201that includes a wiring pattern region202that includes a wiring pattern212, and an outer connection region203that includes the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210c. The wiring pattern212may include wires and terminals that connect to internal circuits on one or more chips or chip packages mounted on the PCB. In some embodiments, an insulating material may cover the wiring pattern region202to protect it from the outside. The insulating material may be omitted from at least part of the outer connection region203, so that the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210care exposed to the outside. Although described differently, the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay have the same shape and construction as the structures shown inFIG. 2A. The descriptive terms of terminals210a,210b, and210cin connection withFIGS. 2C and 2Dbelow, where applicable, may also apply to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3A,3B,5A,5B, and9.

As shown inFIG. 2C, an outer connection region203of the substrate body201may extend from the wiring pattern region202to an edge of the substrate body204. One or more of the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay connect to a wire of the wiring pattern212. For example, the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay each include a conductive plating material that covers and contacts a wire to electrically connect to the wiring pattern212. In certain embodiments, certain adjacent terminals of the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay have the same shape and size. However, in some embodiments, such as shown inFIG. 9, certain adjacent external connection terminals have different shapes and/or sizes.

For the purposes of discussion, an exemplary first external connection terminal210band an adjacent second connection terminal210care discussed in detail. Both terminals210band210cinFIG. 2Care depicted as having the same structure, and the labels shown for terminal210bapply to terminal210cand vice versa. As shown inFIG. 2C, the first external connection terminal210cincludes, when viewed from a plan view, a first outer-most edge (e.g., e1), a second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) connected to the first outer-most edge, a third outer-most edge (e.g., e3) opposite the first outer-most edge, a fourth outer-most edge (e.g., e4) opposite the second outer-most edge, and at least one additional edge (e.g., e5, e6, or e7). In one embodiment, the third outer-most edge and the additional edge (e.g., e6or e7) both face the edge204of the substrate body. The outer-most edges refers edges closest to the outside of the terminal—for example, edges closest to an edge of the substrate body201, edges closest to the wiring pattern region202, and edges closest to the outer-most sides of the external connection terminals.

In one embodiment, as shown for example inFIG. 2C, when viewed from a plan view, the first outer-most edge (e.g., e1) is a top-most edge, the third outer-most edge (e.g., e3) is a bottom-most edge, the second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) is one of a right-most edge and a left-most edge (e.g., a left-most edge inFIG. 2C), and the fourth outer-most edge (e.g., e4) is the other of a right-most edge and a left-most edge (e.g., a right-most edge inFIG. 2C).

In certain embodiments, as shown for example in at leastFIGS. 2A-2C,3A,3B,5B, and9, the first through fourth outer-most edges (e.g., e1-e4) and the additional edge (e.g., e6) are linear edges, and the third outer-most edge (e.g., e3) is parallel to the additional edge (e.g., e6). As shown for example inFIGS. 2C and 2D, the first exposed external terminal may include an oblique edge (e.g., e7). The oblique edge may extend between the additional edge (e.g., e6) and the fourth outer-most edge (e.g., e4). In one embodiment, the second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) and fourth outer-most edge (e.g., e4) are parallel to each other and are perpendicular to the first outer-most edge (e.g., e1). In one embodiment, the third outer-most edge is parallel to the first outer-most edge and to the additional edge. In another embodiment, such as shown inFIG. 5A, the additional edge is an oblique edge extending between the third outer-most edge and the fourth outer-most edge. The edges of the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay be linear edges, such as shown inFIGS. 2C and 2D. However, in other embodiments, such as shown inFIG. 3A, one or more edges of the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay be curved.

In one embodiment, as shown for example inFIGS. 2C and 2D, the second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) extends a distance d between a point where it intersects a line extending from the additional edge in the direction of the additional edge (e.g., point X) and a point (e.g., point Y) where it intersects the third outer-most edge (e.g., e3).

The second external connection terminal210bincludes a fifth outer-most edge (e.g., edge e4of terminal210b) facing the second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) of the first external connection terminal210c. For example, the two edges may be parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the second external connection terminal210bis formed such that it is not formed in a circular region having a radius d and a center located on the second outer-most edge (e.g., e2) a distance d away from the third outer-most edge (e.g., e3). For example, the second external connection terminal210bmay have a recessed portion225so that it is not formed in the circular region.

Described in a different way, the external connection terminals210a,210b, and210cmay each include three portions. A first portion220may be a first end portion that connects to a wiring of the wiring pattern. A second portion224may be a second end portion opposite the first end portion220. For example, the second portion224may extend to an edge of the substrate body201. A third portion222may be a middle portion disposed between and connecting the first end portion220and the second end portion224. The first end portion220, second end portion222, and third portion224may include the edges (e.g., e1-e7) such as described above.

In one embodiment, the second end portion224includes two sub-portions, recessed portion224a, and finger portion224b. The recessed portion224amay have a recess (e.g.,225) where, for example, a corner portion is removed. The recess (e.g.,225) may be large enough to allow for the circular region described above. The recess (e.g.225) may be on a first side of an external connection terminal. The finger portion224bmay include a finger that includes plating material that extends past the recessed region. The finger may be on a second side of the external connection terminal opposite the first side (e.g., the two sides may be a left and right side). The tap terminal described above may correspond to the first portion220, third portion222, and sub-portion224a(e.g., recessed portion) of the external connection terminal, and the plating wire described above may correspond to the second sub-portion224b(e.g., finger portion) of the external connection terminal.

The second end portion224may include a number of edges. For example, it may include edges1-5as shown inFIG. 2D. It may include other sized or shaped edges, such as shown for example inFIGS. 2A,2C,2D,3A,3B,5A,5B, and9. Some of the edges may be linear edges, and other of the edges may be curved or may form an arc. In certain embodiments described herein, the second end portion224includes at least four linear edges. At least a first edge of the linear edges includes a shared edge shared with the middle portion of the first exposed external connection terminal (e.g., edge1shown inFIG. 2Dis shared with edge e2shown inFIG. 2C), and at least a second edge of the linear edges perpendicular to the first edge (e.g., edge2shown inFIG. 2D). At least a third edge of the linear edges may be oblique with respect to the first edge and the second edge (e.g., edge5shown inFIG. 2D), and may form the recessed portion225of the external connection terminal.

Thus, the printed circuit board for semiconductor module of the present disclosure may prevent a short circuit of the tap terminals, to thereby increase reliability.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare plan views illustrating an exemplary tap terminal of a printed circuit board for semiconductor module according to modified embodiments.

In one embodiment, the tap terminals inFIGS. 3A and 3Bare substantially the same as that inFIG. 2Aexcept for shapes of the recessed portion.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the recessed portion of the tap terminal120may have a curved shape, such as an arc shape. As such, the edge that forms the recessed portion may be a curved edge.

Referring toFIG. 3B, the recessed portion of the tap terminal120may have a stepped shape. As such, the recessed portion may be formed with at least two linear edges.

FIGS. 4A to 4Care plan views illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the printed circuit board a for semiconductor module such as shown inFIGS. 2A,2C, and2D.

Referring toFIG. 4A, a thin film including a conductive material (e.g., copper) may be formed on an insulation flat plate including an insulating material (e.g., phenol resin or epoxy resin) and may be etched to form circuit patterns for circuit wirings. The insulation flat plates may be stacked and then thermally treated and pressurized, to form a panel having a predetermined thickness. Following processes may be performed on the panel to form a plurality of printed circuit boards.

Then, a drilling process may be performed using mechanical drilling or laser drilling to form via holes in the panel. The via holes may be filled with a conductive material to form vias104that electrically connect a wiring pattern102formed in an outer layer and a wiring formed in an inner layer.

The wiring pattern102formed in the outer layer may include first and second patterns108,110for a tap terminal and a plating wire. For example, the first and second patterns108,110may include a conductive material such as copper. An electroplating process may be performed on the first pattern108to form a tap terminal120. Accordingly, the first pattern108may have a shape the same as the tap terminal120. In this embodiment, the first pattern108may have a shape the same as the tap terminal120inFIGS. 2A,2C, and/or2D. The second pattern110may be used to form the plating wire inFIGS. 2A,2C, and/or2D, however, the second pattern110may be formed to have a length greater than the plating wire inFIGS. 2A,2C, and/or2D. The second pattern110may include first lines110arespectively connected to the first patterns108and a second line110bconnected to end portions of the first lines110a.

Referring toFIG. 4B, a protecting layer pattern112may be formed on the wiring patterns102. The protecting layer pattern112may be formed, for example, using solder resist or photo solder resist. An electroplating process may be not performed on the wiring patterns102that are covered with the protecting layer pattern112.

An electroplating process may be performed using the second pattern110to form a conductive layer on the first and second patterns108,110. For example, a nickel layer and a gold layer may be sequentially formed on the first and second patterns108,110to form a tap terminal120and a preliminary plating wire122.

The above processes may be performed to form a plurality of printed circuit boards on the panel.

Referring toFIG. 4C, a router process may be performed to divide the panel into a respective printed circuit board. By performing a router process, the preliminary plating wire122may be cut to form a plating wire124in a peripheral region of a substrate body100.

As a router process may be performed, the preliminary plating wire122having a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal120is cut. Accordingly, a router process may be easily performed on the plating wire.

Then, an inspecting process may be performed to select a good printed circuit board.

The above processes may be performed to form the printed circuit board inFIGS. 2A,2C, and/or2D. As mentioned above, even though the plating wire124is damaged in use, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals may be prevented.

FIG. 5Ais a plan view illustrating a tap terminal of a printed circuit board for semiconductor module in accordance with a second example embodiment.

The printed circuit board for semiconductor module of the embodiment ofFIG. 5Ais substantially the same as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 2-3, except for a tap terminal. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like elements as those described in connection withFIG. 2A, and any further repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

The printed circuit board for semiconductor module of the present embodiment may include a substrate body100having a circuit wiring layer and a tap terminal134.

The substrate body100may be substantially the same as in the above embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 5A, a plurality of the tap terminal134may be provided on one or more surfaces (e.g., lower and upper surfaces) of the substrate body100. The tap terminals134may be provided in a peripheral region of the substrate body100.

The tap terminal134according to one embodiment may have three right angles. The tap terminal134may have two right angles in a portion opposite to an edge of the substrate body100and one right angle in a portion adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100.

A side of the tap terminal134(e.g., s1) adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100may extend obliquely with respect to the edge of the substrate body100such that a line width of the tap terminal134decreases gradually toward the edge of the substrate body100. That is, the side of the tap terminal134adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100may not be parallel with the edge of the substrate body100.

The line width (d2) of the tap terminal134nearest the edge of the substrate body100may be determined such that a router process may be easily performed to cut a panel. For example, the line width (d2) of the tap terminal134nearest the edge of the substrate body100may be substantially the same as the line width of a general plating wire.

When the side of the tap terminal134has a large inclination with respect to the edge of the substrate body100, the area substantially used for the tap terminal134may be decreased. One end of the side of the tap terminal134may be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate body100by the distance (d2) identical to the line width of a general plating wire. In this case, the area substantially used for the tap terminal may not be decreased.

In this embodiment, the portion of the printed circuit board facing the edge of the substrate body100may be the tap terminal134, not the plating wire. Because the portion of the tap terminal134having a relatively smaller line width may be cut by a router process, a router process may be easily performed on the substrate body100.

Further, the end portion of the tap terminal134adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100may have a line width greater than a general plating wire. Accordingly, the end portion of the tap terminal134may have a relatively greater strength. Therefore, the end portion of the tap terminal134may be prevented from being damaged by external physical impacts.

FIG. 5Bis a plan view illustrating an exemplary tap terminal of a printed circuit board for semiconductor module according to a modified embodiment.

The tap terminal inFIG. 5Bis substantially the same as that inFIG. 5Aexcept that a plating wire136ahaving a relatively smaller length is provided in an end portion of the tap terminal134.

Referring toFIG. 5B, a routing process may be performed such that a portion of a preliminary plating wire remains to form a plating wire136ahaving a relatively small length to be connected to the tap terminal134. For example, the plating wire136amay have a length smaller than half the vertical distance of the inclined side of the tap terminal134.

Thus, the printed circuit board for semiconductor module in one embodiment may include the plating wire136ahaving a relatively small length. Accordingly, even though the plating wire136ais damaged, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals134may be prevented.

FIGS. 6A to 6Care plan views illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the printed circuit board for a semiconductor module such as shown inFIG. 5Aor other figures.

Referring toFIG. 6A, the same processes as described with reference toFIG. 4Amay be performed to form a panel including wiring patterns102formed on an outer layer. The wiring pattern102may include first and second patterns130,132for forming a tap terminal and a preliminary plating wire. An electroplating process may be performed on the first pattern130to form a tap terminal. Accordingly, the first pattern130may have a shape the same as the tap terminal.

In one embodiment, the first pattern130may have a shape the same as the tap terminal134inFIG. 5A. The second pattern132may have a shape extending from an end portion of the first pattern130having a relatively small line width. As illustrated in the figure, the second pattern132may include first lines132aextending from the first patterns130and a second line132bconnected to end portions of the first lines132a.

Referring toFIG. 6B, a protecting layer pattern112may be formed on the wiring patterns102.

An electroplating process may be performed using the second pattern132to form a conductive layer on the first and second patterns130,132. For example, a nickel layer and a gold layer may be sequentially formed on the first and second patterns130,132to form a tap terminal134and a preliminary plating wire136.

The above processes may be performed to form a plurality of printed circuit boards on the panel.

Referring toFIG. 6C, a router process may be performed to divide the panel into a respective printed circuit board. By performing a router process, the preliminary plating wire136may be completely removed to form only the tap terminal134in a peripheral region of a substrate body100. Accordingly, the above processes may be performed to form the printed circuit board including the tap terminal inFIG. 5A.

Alternatively, a router process may be performed such that a portion of a preliminary plating wire remains to form the plating wire136ahaving a relatively small length to be connected to the tap terminal134. Accordingly, the printed circuit board including the tap terminal inFIG. 5Bmay be formed.

Then, an inspecting process may be performed to select a good printed circuit board.

As mentioned above, the end portion of the tap terminal may have a relatively greater width. Accordingly, the end portion of the tap terminal may be prevented from being damaged by external physical impacts in use.

FIG. 7Ais a plan view illustrating a tap terminal of a printed circuit board for semiconductor module in accordance with a third example embodiment.FIG. 7Bshows that the plating wire inFIG. 7Ais damaged.

In the printed circuit board for semiconductor module of the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like elements as those described in the previous embodiments, and any further repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

The printed circuit board for semiconductor module presenting one embodiment may include a substrate body100having a circuit wiring layer, a tap terminal138aand a plating wire138b.

The substrate body100may be substantially the same as in the above-described embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 7A, a plurality of the tap terminal138amay be provided on one or more surfaces (e.g., lower and upper surfaces) of the substrate body100. The tap terminal138amay have a rectangular shape.

The plating wire138bmay extend from the middle portion of a side of the tap terminal138aadjacent to an edge of the substrate body100to the edge of the substrate body100. The plating wire138bmay have a line width smaller than a line width of the tap terminal138a. The line width of the plating wire138bmay be uniform as the plating wire138bextends to the edge of the substrate body100. Alternatively, although it is not illustrated in the figure, the line width of the plating wire138bmay decrease as the plating wire138bextends to the edge of the substrate body100. As an example, a vertical side of the plating wire138amay extend obliquely to the edge of the substrate body100. As another example, both vertical sides of the plating wire128amay extend obliquely to the edge of the substrate body100.

The plating wire138band the tap terminal138amay be formed by an electroplating process. The plating wire138band the tap terminal138amay include nickel and gold. Accordingly, the plating wire138band the tap terminal138amay have a low resistance.

In one embodiment, the plating wire138bmay have a shape protruding from the middle portion of the lower side of the tap terminal138a. Accordingly, the plating wire138bmay be spaced apart from the adjacent tap terminal138aby a sufficient distance.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, even though the plating wire138bis damaged and bent to move laterally, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals may be prevented.

A method of manufacturing the printed circuit board for semiconductor module inFIG. 7Amay be substantially the same as described with reference toFIGS. 4A to 4Cexcept for first and second patterns for forming a tap terminal and a plating wire.

In particular, processes the same as described with reference toFIG. 4Amay be performed to form a panel including wiring patterns formed on an outer layer. The wiring pattern may include first and second patterns for forming a tap terminal and a preliminary plating wire. An electroplating process may be performed on the first pattern to form a tap terminal. Accordingly, the first pattern may have a shape the same as the tap terminal.

In one embodiment, the first pattern may have a shape the same as the tap terminal inFIG. 7A. The second pattern may be used to form the plating wire138binFIG. 7A, however, the second pattern may be formed to have a length greater than the plating wire138binFIG. 7A. The second pattern may include first lines extending from the first patterns and a second line connected to end portions of the first lines.

Then, the same processes as described with reference toFIGS. 4B and 4Cmay be performed to complete the printed circuit board for semiconductor module inFIG. 7A.

Accordingly, the plating wire may be spaced apart from the adjacent tap terminal by a sufficient distance, and thus, even though the plating wire is damaged, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals may be prevented.

FIG. 8Ais a plan view illustrating a printed circuit board for semiconductor module in accordance with one example embodiment.FIG. 8Bis a perspective view illustrating the printed circuit board for semiconductor module inFIG. 8A, according to one exemplary embodiment.FIG. 9is a plan view illustrating a tap terminal of the printed circuit board for semiconductor module inFIG. 8A, according to one exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 8A,8B and9, a printed circuit board for semiconductor module according to the one embodiment may include a substrate body100having a circuit wiring layer, a first tap terminal type150, a second tap terminal type154, a third tap terminal type156, and first and second plating wires152a,158a.

The circuit wiring layer of the substrate body100may include a ground layer100d, a power layer100a, signal wiring layers100b,100c, etc. The ground layer100dmay be a bulk layer for receiving a ground signal. The power layer100amay be a bulk layer for receiving a power signal. The signal wiring layer100b,100cmay include wiring patterns. The above layers may be electrically connected to one another by vias104(e.g., through substrate vias).

The first tap terminal type150may be a signal terminal type through which external electrical signals are inputted/outputted to/from each of the wiring pattern. In one embodiment, a terminal having the first tap terminal type150may have a rectangular shape. However, the terminal may also have one of the shapes shown inFIGS. 2,3and5.

The first plating wire152amay extend from an end portion of a terminal having the first tap terminal150type to an edge of the substrate body100. That is, the first plating wire152amay have a shape protruding from one vertex portion of a first tap terminal (of the first tap terminal type150) adjacent to the edge of the substrate body100. The first plating wire152amay have a line width smaller than a line width of the first tap terminal. An end portion of the first plating wire152aconnected to the first tap terminal may have a width smaller than that of the other portion of the plating wire152a. That is, a lateral side of the first plating wire152amay have a diagonal shape extending obliquely to the edge portion of the substrate body100.

The second tap terminal type154may be a ground/power terminal type through which ground or power signals are inputted/outputted. The second tap terminal type154may not be connected to the wiring pattern formed in an outer layer. The second tap terminal type154may be electrically connected to the ground layer and the power layer through the via104. Accordingly, an electrical signal may be applied to the ground layer100dand the power layer100athrough the second tap terminal type154, respectively.

In one embodiment, a second tap terminal having the second tap terminal type154may have a rectangular shape. The second tap terminal may not be connected to a plating wire. The second tap terminal may be arranged between terminals having the first tap terminals type150. Terminals having the second tap terminal type154may be arranged in series and/or terminals having the first tap terminal type150may be arranged in series.

Terminals having the second tap terminal type154may have a length smaller than that of the first tap terminal types150. For example, terminals having the first tap terminal type150may be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate body by a first distance (a). Terminals having the second tap terminal type154may be spaced apart from the edge of the substrate body by a second distance (b) greater than the first distance (a).

A second terminal having the second tap terminal type154that is adjacent to a first terminal having the first tap terminal type150may not be positioned within a circle having a length (d) of the first plating wire152afrom the vertex portion of the adjacent first tap terminal from which the first plating wire152aprotrudes. Accordingly, the second distance (b) of the second tap terminal may be determined in consideration of the length of the first plating wire. For example, the difference between the second distance (b) and the first distance (a) may be greater than the length (d) of the first plating wire. The distance (b) may be at least two times the distance (d).

The third tap terminal type156may be provided to allow current to flow through the second tap terminal154while an electroplating process is performed. The third tap terminal type156may include at least one terminal connected to the ground layer and at least one terminal connected to the power layer. Terminals having the third tap terminal type156may have the same shape as terminals having the first tap terminal type150.

The second plating wire158amay extend from an end portion of the third tap terminal types156to an edge of the substrate body100. That is, the second plating wire158amay have the same shape as the first plating wire152a.

In one embodiment, the second tap terminal type terminals154may be farther away from the edge of the substrate body than the first tap terminal type terminals150. The second tap terminal types154may not include a plating wire. Accordingly, a distance between vertices of the adjacent first and second tap terminals having types150and154may be increased. Therefore, even though the first plating wire152aof the first tap terminal type150is damaged and bent to move laterally, a short circuit of the adjacent first and second tap terminals having types150and154may be prevented.

FIGS. 10A to 10Care plan views illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the printed circuit board for a semiconductor module such as shown inFIG. 8A.

Referring toFIG. 10A, the same processes as described with reference toFIG. 4Amay be performed to form a panel including wiring patterns102formed on an outer layer.

The wiring pattern102may include first and second patterns140,142for forming a first type tap terminal and a first preliminary plating wire, and third patterns144for forming a second type tap terminal. The wiring pattern102may include fourth and fifth pattern146,148for forming a third type tap terminal and a second preliminary plating wire. The second and fifth patterns142,148for forming the first and second preliminary plating wire may include a connection line149connected to end portions thereof.

The first and second patterns140,142may be connected to circuit patterns by wiring lines. The third pattern144may be electrically connected to a ground layer or a power layer by a via104. Some of the fourth and fifth patterns146,148may be electrically connected to the ground layer and others of the fourth and fifth patterns146,148may be electrically connected to the power layer.

Referring toFIG. 10b, a protecting layer pattern112may be formed on the wiring patterns102.

An electroplating process may be performed using the second and fifth patterns142,148and the connection line149to form a conductive layer on the first to fifth patterns and the connection line149. For example, a nickel layer and a gold layer may be sequentially formed on the first to fifth patterns to form terminals having first to third tap terminal types150,154,156and first and second preliminary plating wires152,158. As mentioned above, when current is applied to the fifth pattern148, current may flow through the third pattern144through the ground layer or the power layer. Therefore, even though the third pattern144is not connected to a preliminary plating wire, an electroplating process may be performed to form a conductive layer on the third pattern144.

The above processes may be performed to form a plurality of printed circuit boards on the panel.

Referring toFIG. 10C, a router process may be performed to divide the panel into a respective printed circuit board. By performing a router process, the first and second preliminary plating wire152,158may be cut to form first and second plating wires152a,158aadjacent to an edge of a substrate body100.

As mentioned above, because the second tap terminal type154does not include a preliminary plating wire, the number of the preliminary plating wires to be cut by a router process may be decreased. Accordingly, a router process may be easily performed on the plating wire.

Then, an inspecting process may be performed to select a good printed circuit board.

The above processes may be performed to complete the printed circuit board for a semiconductor module, for example, shown inFIG. 8A. As mentioned above, even though the plating wire is damaged in use, a short circuit of the adjacent tap terminals may be prevented.

As illustrated in the figures, devices such as DRAM or other devices may be mounted on the printed circuit board according to example embodiments to form, for example, a DRAM module, to thereby prevent a short circuit of tap terminals. Other types of memory devices or logic devices may also be used with the disclosed PCB to implement the features of the disclosed embodiments. For examples semiconductor packages including one or more stacked chips may be formed on a PCB such as described in the embodiments above. The terminals described above as signal terminals may include data signals, command signals, or address signals. As such, the PCB may be used to form modules including memory and/or logic devices.