A radio-frequency module having high design flexibility of a shield with less likelihood of variation in shielding characteristics is provided. A radio-frequency module includes a multilayer circuit board, a component mounted on a top surface of the multilayer circuit board, and a plurality of metal pins having a bent shape such that both end portions can be connected to the top surface of the multilayer circuit board. Each of the plurality of metal pins is provided upright on the top surface of the multilayer circuit board in a state where both end portions are connected to the top surface of the multilayer circuit board, and is arranged near the component to make up a shield member.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency module including a shield.

Various radio-frequency modules are mounted on a mother board of an electronic device, such as a communication terminal device. In some of radio-frequency modules of this type, components mounted on a circuit board are sealed by a sealing resin layer. To shield components against noise, the surface of the sealing resin layer may be coated with a shield film. When a plurality of components is mounted on a circuit board, there can be a case where only a designated component(s) is/are intended to be shielded against noise; however, it is difficult for a shield film that coats the surface of the sealing resin layer to shield only the designated component(s), so design flexibility is low. For this reason, a radio-frequency module in which a shield member can be disposed with high design flexibility has been suggested. For example, as shown inFIG. 16, in a radio-frequency module100described in Patent Document 1, a component102is mounted on a circuit board101. Bonding wires103are disposed around the component102, and the component102is shielded by the bonding wires103. With this configuration, the bonding wires103just need to be mounted only around a portion that requires shielding, so the design flexibility of the shield member improves.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In the existing radio-frequency module100, shielding is provided by arranging a loop of the bonding wire103at predetermined intervals. However, the bonding wires103are easy to deform. Therefore, when the sealing resin layer104is formed, the bonding wire(s)103may deform to contact the component102and, as a result, the component102or the bonding wire(s)103may become damaged. When a distance is increased between the component102and each of the bonding wires103to prevent contact between the component102and each bonding wire103, the increased distance interferes with high-density mounting. When the bonding wire(s)103deforms, the space between the bonding wire(s)103and the adjacent bonding wire103varies or the connection space between the damaged bonding wire(s)103and a shield film at a top varies, so shielding characteristics may vary.

The present disclosure provides a radio-frequency module that has high design flexibility of a shield member and whose shielding characteristics are hard to vary.

A radio-frequency module of the present disclosure includes a circuit board, a component mounted on one of main surfaces of the circuit board, and a plurality of metal pins, each having a first extended portion, a second extended portion, and a third extended portion, one end surface of the first extended portion being connected to an electrode formed on the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, the first extended portion being extended from the one end surface away from the one of the main surfaces, the second extended portion being bent and extended from the first extended portion at an end opposite from the one end surface, the third extended portion being bent and extended from the second extended portion at an end opposite from the end extended from the first extended portion to approach the one of the main surfaces. The plurality of metal pins is disposed near the component to make up a shield member.

With this configuration, the plurality of metal pins is disposed near the component to make up a shield member, so the design flexibility of the shield member is improved as compared to the configuration in which a shield film that coats the surface of a sealing resin layer is provided. Since the shield member is made up of the metal pins that are harder and less prone to deform than bonding wires, for example, inconvenience that, when the sealing resin layer is formed, the metal pins deform to contact the component is prevented. Since the metal pins are less prone to deform, the distance between the component and each of the metal pins need not be increased to prevent contact with the component unlike the case where the shield member is made up of bonding wires, so high-density mounting is easy. The space between any adjacent metal pins is also more easily maintained because the metal pins are less prone to deform, so the shielding characteristics become stable. The metal pins can be widened as compared to bonding wires, so a shield resistance can be reduced, and shielding characteristics improve.

The plurality of metal pins may be connected to a ground electrode.

With this configuration, the shielding characteristics of the shield member improve.

The plurality of metal pins may be arranged around the component so as to surround the component when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board.

With this configuration, since the plurality of metal pins is arranged so as to surround the component, the plurality of metal pins can be used to function as the shield member that protects the component against noise.

Each of the plurality of metal pins may be formed such that a space between the first extended portion and the third extended portion is greater than a width of the component and may be arranged in a state where the metal pin straddles over the component.

With this configuration, since the plurality of metal pins is arranged in a state where the metal pin straddles over the component, the plurality of metal pins can be used to function as the shield member that protects the component against noise. In addition, since the metal pins straddle over the component, the shielding characteristics improve.

The radio-frequency module may further include a sealing resin layer sealing the component. The sealing resin layer may have a contact surface that contacts the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, a facing surface facing the contact surface, and a side surface connecting an edge of the contact surface and an edge of the facing surface. The plurality of metal pins may be partially exposed at the facing surface of the sealing resin layer.

With this configuration, for example, when the surface of the sealing resin layer is coated with a shield film, the shield film and the metal pins can be easily connected. When the metal pins are connected to the ground electrode of the circuit board, grounding of the shield film is easily performed.

The radio-frequency module may further include a sealing resin layer having a contact surface that contacts the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, a facing surface facing the contact surface, and a side surface connecting an edge of the contact surface and an edge of the facing surface, the sealing resin layer sealing the component and the plurality of metal pins. The plurality of metal pins may be not exposed from the facing surface of the sealing resin layer.

With this configuration, for example, when the metal pins are arranged so as to straddle over the component, a distance (a distance in a thickness direction of the sealing resin layer) between the component and the metal pins can be reduced, so the shielding characteristics of the metal pins for the component improve.

Each of the plurality of metal pins may be coated with an electrically insulating material.

With this configuration, contact between the component and each of the metal pins is reliably prevented. Thus, narrow gap arrangement of the component and each metal pin is possible, so the mounting density of components improve.

The radio-frequency module may further include a shield film coating at least the facing surface and side surface of the sealing resin layer. At least one of the plurality of metal pins may be partially exposed at the side surface of the sealing resin layer and may contact the shield film.

With this configuration, when the metal pins are connected to the ground electrode of the circuit board, grounding of the shield film can be performed through the metal pins.

The radio-frequency module may further include an external terminal whose one end is connected to the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board and whose other end is exposed at the facing surface of the sealing resin layer, and a component mounted on another one of the main surfaces of the circuit board.

With this configuration, a ground electrode of a mother board on which the radio-frequency module is mounted and each of the metal pins can be easily connected, so the shielding characteristics of the metal pins are improved.

The component may have a rectangular shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, and each of the plurality of metal pins may be arranged in a state where, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, a length direction of the second extended portion is oblique to one side of the component.

With this configuration, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the one of the main surfaces of the circuit board, a shielding function not only in a direction perpendicular to the one side of the component but also in a direction parallel to the one side is ensured by the metal pins.

According to the present disclosure, the plurality of metal pins is disposed near the component to make up a shield member, so the design flexibility of the shield member is improved as compared to the configuration in which a shield film that coats the surface of a sealing resin layer is provided. Since the shield member is made up of the metal pins that are harder and less prone to deform than bonding wires, for example, inconvenience that, when the sealing resin layer is formed, the metal pins deform to contact the component is prevented. Since the metal pins are less prone to deform, the distance between the component and each of the metal pins need not be increased to prevent contact with the component unlike the case where the shield member is made up of bonding wires, so high-density mounting is easy. The space between any adjacent metal pins is also more easily maintained because the metal pins are less prone to deform, so the shielding characteristics become stable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1aaccording to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3.FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A inFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1ain a state where a shield film6is omitted.FIG. 3is a diagram for illustrating metal pins5a.

As shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the radio-frequency module1aaccording to this embodiment includes a multilayer circuit board2(which corresponds to a circuit board of the present disclosure), a plurality of components3ato3d, a sealing resin layer4, a shield film6, and a plurality of metal pins5a. The plurality of components3ato3dis mounted on a top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2. The sealing resin layer4is laminated on the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2. The shield film6coats the surface of the sealing resin layer4. The plurality of metal pins5ais mounted on the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2. The radio-frequency module1ais, for example, mounted on a mother board, or the like, of an electronic device that uses radio-frequency signals.

The multilayer circuit board2is made up of, for example, a plurality of laminated electrically insulating layers2ato2dmade of low-temperature cofired ceramics, high-temperature cofired ceramics, glass epoxy resin, or the like. Mounting electrodes7for mounting the components3ato3dand the metal pins5aare formed on the top surface20a(which corresponds to one of main surfaces of the circuit board of the present disclosure) of the multilayer circuit board2. A plurality of outer electrodes8for connection to an external device is formed on a bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2. Various internal wiring electrodes9are formed between any adjacent two of electrically insulating layers2ato2d. A plurality of via conductors10for connecting the internal wiring electrodes9formed on the different electrically insulating layers2ato2dis formed in the multilayer circuit board2. The mounting electrodes7, the outer electrodes8, and the internal wiring electrodes9, each are made of a metal that is generally used as a wiring electrode, such as Cu, Ag, and Al. The via conductors10are made of a metal, such as Ag and Cu. Ni/Au plating may be applied to each of the mounting electrodes7and each of the outer electrodes8.

The components3ato3dare semiconductor elements, such as an IC and a PA (power amplifier), or chip components, such as a chip inductor, a chip capacitor, and a chip resistor. The components3ato3dare mounted on the multilayer circuit board2by a general surface mount technology, such as solder bonding.

The sealing resin layer4is made of a resin that is generally used as a sealing resin, such as epoxy resin. The sealing resin layer4seals the components3ato3dand the metal pins5a. The sealing resin layer4has a bottom surface4b(which corresponds to a contact surface of a sealing resin layer of the present disclosure), a top surface4a(which corresponds to a facing surface of the sealing resin layer of the present disclosure), and a side surface4c. The bottom surface4bcontacts the multilayer circuit board2. The top surface4afaces the bottom surface4b.

Each of the metal pins5ahas a shape bent into a square U-shape. Each metal pin5ais provided upright on the top surface20ain a state where both end portions are connected to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, each of the metal pins5ahas two columnar leg portions5a1(which correspond to a first extended portion and a third extended portion of the present disclosure), and a columnar connecting portion5a2(which corresponds to a second extended portion of the present disclosure). The two columnar leg portions5a1are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The columnar connecting portion5a2connects end portions of these columnar leg portions5a1. The columnar connecting portion5a2is disposed in a direction perpendicular to both the columnar leg portions5a1, so the metal pin5ais formed in a square U-shape. Each of the metal pins5ais provided upright on the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2in a state where end surfaces of the end portions of both of the columnar leg portions5a1(end portions on the opposite sides from the end portions that are connected to the columnar connecting portion5a2), which are the end portions of the metal pin5a, are connected to the mounting electrodes7on the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2. Therefore, in a state where the metal pins5aare mounted on the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2, both the columnar leg portions5a1are disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2, and the columnar connecting portion5a2is disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the top surface20a. The metal pins5aare mounted on the multilayer circuit board2by, for example, solder. For example, when a multilayer circuit board is a printed circuit board, the metal pins5amay be inserted in holes for through-hole conductors, formed in the printed circuit board.

When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2(hereinafter, which may be referred to as plan view), the metal pins5aare arranged around the component3ato surround the component3a. At this time, as shown inFIG. 2, the metal pins5aare disposed along the sides of the component3ahaving a rectangular shape in plan view. At this time, when viewed in plan, the metal pins5aare arranged in a row around the component3ain a state where the columnar connecting portion5a2of each metal pin5ais disposed parallel to the adjacent side of the component3a(seeFIG. 2). The metal pins5aare sealed by the sealing resin layer4in a state where the columnar connecting portions5a2are exposed from the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4.

The mounting electrodes7that are connected to the metal pins5aare connected to ground electrodes (internal wiring electrodes9) formed in the multilayer circuit board2. Thus, the metal pins5aare grounded.

Each metal pin5ais formed by, for example, shearing a wire made of a metal material that is generally used as a wiring electrode, such as Cu, Au, Ag, Al, and a Cu-based alloy, into a predetermined length and then bent into a square U-shape. When the wave length of a usage signal is λ, the distance (space) between columnar leg portions5a1of each metal pin5aand the space between the facing two columnar leg portions5a1of any adjacent metal pins5acan be less than or equal to ¼λ. With this configuration, the shielding characteristics of the metal pins5afor the component3aimprove.

The shield film6coats the surface (top surface4aand side surface4c) of the sealing resin layer4and a side surface20cof the multilayer circuit board2. On the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4, the columnar connecting portion5a2of each metal pin5aand the shield film6contact each other and are connected to each other. The shield film6is connected to the ground electrodes (not shown) exposed at the side surface20cof the multilayer circuit board2.

The shield film6may have a multilayer structure having an adhesion film, an electrically conductive film, and a protective film. The adhesion film is laminated on the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4. The electrically conductive film is laminated on the adhesion film. The protective film is laminated on the electrically conductive film. The adhesion film is provided to enhance the strength of adhesion between the electrically conductive film and the sealing resin layer4. The adhesion film may be made of, for example, a metal such as SUS. The electrically conductive film is a layer that is in charge of a substantial shielding function of the shield film6. The electrically conductive film may be made of, for example, a metal that is any one of Cu, Ag, and Al. The protective film is provided to prevent corrosion or damage to the electrically conductive film. The protective film may be made of, for example, SUS. Since the shield film6is in contact with the grounded metal pins5a, the shield film6does not always need to be connected to the ground electrodes exposed at the side surface20cof the multilayer circuit board2.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the plurality of metal pins5ais arranged around the component3ato make up a shield member, so the design flexibility of the shield member is improved as compared to the configuration in which only the shield film6that coats the surface (top surface4aand side surface4c) of the sealing resin layer4is provided. Since the shield member is made up of the metal pins5atougher than bonding wires, for example, inconvenience that, when the sealing resin layer4is formed, the metal pins5adeform to contact the component3ais prevented. Since the metal pins5aare less prone to deform than bonding wires, the distance between the component and each of the metal pins5aneed not be increased to prevent contact with the component unlike the case where the shield member is made up of bonding wires, so high-density mounting is easy. The space between any adjacent metal pins5ais also more easily maintained because the metal pins5aare less prone to deform, so the shielding characteristics become stable.

Since the columnar connecting portion5a2of each metal pin5ais exposed from the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4, the shield film6and the metal pins5acan be easily connected. The metal pins5aare connected to the ground electrodes of the multilayer circuit board2, so grounding of the shield film6is easily performed. When the columnar connecting portion5a2of each metal pin5ais exposed from the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4, the area of connection with the shield film6is increased as compared to the configuration in which the ground electrodes are exposed at the side surface20cof the multilayer circuit board2and connected to the shield film6, so the shielding characteristics of the shield film6are improved.

As a manner of shielding between mounting components, for example, there is a case where a groove is formed in a sealing resin layer and a shield wall is formed by filling the groove with electrically conductive paste. In this case, when laser light is used to form the groove, a circuit board can become damaged. However, in this embodiment, a shield member is formed by mounting the metal pins5aon the multilayer circuit board2, so there is no such damage to the multilayer circuit board2.

In this embodiment, the columnar connecting portion5a2of each metal pin5ais exposed from the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4. Alternatively, for example, as shown inFIG. 4, the entire portion of each metal pin5amay be not exposed from any of the top surface4aand side surface4cof the sealing resin layer4, that is, each metal pin5amay be buried in the sealing resin layer4.

Second Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1baccording to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 5toFIG. 7.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of the radio-frequency module1band is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B inFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1bin a state where the shield film6is omitted.FIG. 7is a diagram for illustrating metal pins5b.

The radio-frequency module1baccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3in the configuration of the shield member as shown inFIG. 5toFIG. 7. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, each metal pin5b, as well as the metal pin5aof the first embodiment, is formed in a square U-shape and has two columnar leg portions5b1(which correspond to the first extended portion and third extended portion of the present disclosure) and a columnar connecting portion5b2(which corresponds to the second extended portion of the present disclosure); however, each metal pin5bdiffers from the metal pin5aof the first embodiment in the space between the columnar leg portions5b1. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 7, the length of the columnar connecting portion5b2of each metal pin5bis adjusted such that the space W1(which corresponds to a space between the first extended portion and the third extended portion of the present disclosure) between both the columnar leg portions5b1is wider than the width W2of the component3a, and each metal pin5bis disposed to straddle over the component3a. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2, the columnar connecting portions5b2of the metal pins5bare parallel to one another and are arranged in a long-side direction of the component3aat substantially equal spaces. The space between the columnar connecting portions5b2in this case is desirably less than or equal to ¼λ when the wave length of a usage signal is λ.

With this configuration, in addition to the advantageous effects of the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, the component3ais surrounded by the columnar leg portions5b1and columnar connecting portions5b1of the metal pins5b2, so the shielding characteristics for the component3aimprove.

In this embodiment, the columnar connecting portion5b2of each metal pin5bis exposed from the top surface4aof the sealing resin layer4. Alternatively, for example, as shown inFIG. 8, the entire portion of each metal pin5bmay be not exposed from any of the top surface4aand side surface4cof the sealing resin layer4, that is, each metal pin5bmay be buried in the sealing resin layer4. With this configuration, the distance between the component3aand the columnar connecting portion5b2of each metal pin5breduces, so the shielding characteristics for the component3aare improved. The total length (both the columnar leg portions5b1+the columnar connecting portion5b2) of each metal pin5breduces, so a shield resistance is reduced.

(Modification of Metal Pin5b)

In this embodiment, the case where a shield is made up of the metal pins5bstraddling over only the component3ais described. Alternatively, for example, as shown inFIG. 9A, the length of each columnar connecting portion5b2may be adjusted such that each of the metal pins5bstraddles over the plurality of components3a,3d. This configuration is suitable when a predetermined mounting area in which the plurality of components3a,3dis mounted is intended to be shielded. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 9B, one of the columnar leg portions5b1of each metal pin5bmay be exposed at the side surface4cof the sealing resin layer4and contact the shield film6. With this configuration, grounding of the shield film6is reliable by the contact between each metal pin5band the shield film6, so the shielding characteristics of the shield film6are improved.

Third Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1caccording to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1cin a state where the shield film6is omitted.

The radio-frequency module1caccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3in the configuration of the shield member as shown inFIG. 10. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, the metal pins5aare fixed by a resin mold body11amade from a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. Therefore, the metal pins5aare integrated in a state of being coated with resin. The shape of the resin mold body11ain plan view is a hollow rectangular shape. The inner edge of the resin mold body11ais formed in a rectangular shape slightly larger than the component3aso that the component3acan be disposed in the hollow portion.

With this configuration, contact between each metal pin5aand the component3ais reliably prevented. Since no margin for preventing contact between each metal pin5aand the component3ais required, the mounting density of the components3ato3dis improved.

Fourth Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1daccording to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1din a state where the shield film6is omitted.

The radio-frequency module1daccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment described with reference toFIG. 5toFIG. 7in the configuration of the shield member as shown inFIG. 11. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, as in the case of the third embodiment, the plurality of metal pins5bis integrated by being fixed by a resin mold body11bmade from a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. In this embodiment, each set of the three adjacent metal pins5bis integrated by the one resin mold body11b. Each resin mold body11bhas basically a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is recessed for a space in which the component3ais disposed.

With this configuration, contact between each metal pin5band the component3ais reliably prevented. Since no margin for preventing contact between each metal pin5band the component3ais required, the mounting density of the components3ato3dis improved.

Fifth Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1eaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1ein a state where the top surface of the shield film6is omitted.

The radio-frequency module1eaccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3in the configuration of the shield member as shown inFIG. 12. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, metal pins of both types, that is, the metal pins5aof the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment and the metal pins5bof the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment, are disposed in the one radio-frequency module1e. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, of the metal pins5aarranged in a row around the component3a, the metal pins5aarranged along one of the long sides of the component3ahaving a rectangular shape in plan view are removed, and a plurality of metal pins5chaving both a shield portion that is lost as a result of removing the metal pins5aand a shield portion for the other components3dadjacent to the one of the long sides is disposed. These metal pins5c, as well as the metal pins5bused in the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment, straddle over the components3d. One of the two columnar leg portions of each metal pin5cis exposed from the side surface4cof the sealing resin layer4and contacts the shield film6.

With this configuration, when a component that requires shielding and a component that does not require shielding are mixed, it is easy to shield only the component that requires shielding, so the design flexibility of shielding improves. When part of each metal pin5cis connected to the shield film6, the shield film6is reliably grounded through a circuit board center-side end portion of the metal pin, so the shielding characteristics of the shield film6are improved.

Sixth Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1faccording to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 13andFIG. 14.FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view of the radio-frequency module1f.FIG. 14is a bottom view of the radio-frequency module1f. InFIG. 13, internal wiring electrodes and via conductors formed in the multilayer circuit board2are not shown.

The radio-frequency module1faccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3, in that, as shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, components3e,3fare also mounted on a bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2and the configuration of the shield member is different. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1aof the first embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, mounting electrodes70are formed on the bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2, and the components3e,3fare also mounted on the bottom surface side. External connection terminals12are further mounted on the bottom surface20b. The radio-frequency module1fis connected to an external mother board or the like on the bottom surface20bside of the multilayer circuit board2. The components3e,3fmounted on the bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2are respectively individually shielded by metal pins5dand metal pins5e. The metal pins5d,5e, each are of a type to straddle over a component as well as the metal pins5bof the second embodiment. Columnar connecting portions5d2of the metal pins5dare arranged parallel to one another at substantially equal intervals in a state where each of the metal pins5dstraddles over the component3e. Columnar connecting portions5e2of the metal pins5eare arranged parallel to one another at substantially equal intervals in a state where each of the metal pins5estraddles over the component3f.

A sealing resin layer40is also provided on the bottom surface20bside of the multilayer circuit board2. The components3e,3f, the external connection terminals12, and the metal pins5d,5eare sealed in a state where the lower end surfaces of the external connection terminals12and the columnar connecting portions5d2,5e2of the metal pins are exposed from a bottom surface40aof the sealing resin layer40. The shield film6coats a side surface40cof the sealing resin layer40on the bottom surface20bside of the multilayer circuit board2in addition to the top surface4aand side surface4cof the sealing resin layer4on the top surface20aside of the multilayer circuit board2and the side surface20cof the multilayer circuit board2.

With this configuration, the design flexibility of the shield member for the components3e,3fmounted on the bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2is improved. When the columnar connecting portions5d2,5e2of the metal pins5d,5eare exposed from the bottom surface40aof the sealing resin layer40, the columnar connecting portions5d2,5e2can be directly connected to ground electrodes of a mother board, so the shielding characteristics for the components3e,3fmounted on the bottom surface20bof the multilayer circuit board2improve.

Seventh Embodiment

A radio-frequency module1gaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 15.FIG. 15is a plan view of the radio-frequency module1gin a state where the shield film6is omitted.

The radio-frequency module1gaccording to this embodiment differs from the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment described with reference toFIG. 5toFIG. 7in the arrangement configuration of the metal pins5bas shown inFIG. 15. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the radio-frequency module1bof the second embodiment, so like reference numerals are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this case, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2, the component3ahas a rectangular shape. The metal pins5b, each straddles over the component3a. The metal pins5bare arranged in a state where, as shown inFIG. 15, the length direction of each columnar connecting portion5b2is oblique to the long sides (or short sides) of the component3a.

For example, with the configuration of the second embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface20aof the multilayer circuit board2, shielding characteristics against noise in a direction perpendicular to the long sides of the component3aare higher than shielding characteristics against noise in a direction parallel to the long sides of the component3a. On the other hand, with the configuration of this embodiment, a shielding function is ensured against noise in any of both of these directions, so the mounting flexibility of the radio-frequency module improves.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications other than the above-described ones may be made without necessarily departing from the purport of the present disclosure. For example, some of the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined.

In the above-described embodiments, each of the metal pins5ato5eis formed in a square U-shape. Alternatively, for example, each of the metal pins5ato5emay be formed in a C-shape or in a rounded U-shape.

In the above-described embodiments, the shield film6may be omitted.

The resin mold bodies11a,11bare not limited to a resin and just need to be made from an electrically insulating material.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to various radio-frequency modules including a shield.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST