Abstract:
A semiconductor module preferably includes a semiconductor package and a printed circuit board (PCB). The semiconductor package can include an outer terminal. The PCB can include a terminal land that is electrically connected to the outer terminal. The PCB preferably has a recess configured to at least partially expose the terminal land and to receive the outer terminal. The recess preferably has a width that is less than a width of the semiconductor package. Damage to edge portions of the semiconductor package whose outer terminal is received into the recess may be prevented, because the edge portions make contact with and are supported by the PCB. One or more support members can also be provided to contact one or more sides of the edge portions of the semiconductor package to further prevent damage due to horizontal impacts.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application No. 2006-119131 filed on Nov. 29, 2006, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Various principles of the present invention relate to a semiconductor module and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, the concepts of the present invention relate to an improved semiconductor module including a semiconductor package and a printed circuit board, and to a method of manufacturing the improved semiconductor module. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Generally, to form a plurality of semiconductor chips, various semiconductor manufacturing processes may be carried out on a semiconductor substrate. Further, to mount the semiconductor chips on a motherboard, a packaging process may be performed on the semiconductor substrate to form a semiconductor package. The semiconductor package may then be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) to complete a semiconductor module. 
         [0006]    Examples of conventional semiconductor modules are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 2005-197354 and 2005-197342, and Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No 2006-26130. In these conventional semiconductor modules, solder balls can be used as outer terminals of a semiconductor package and may be mounted on a surface of a PCB. More specifically, the solder balls are conventionally arranged on a central portion of the semiconductor package with gaps between the PCB and edge portions of the semiconductor package where the solder balls are not arranged. Unfortunately, as a result of the gaps, the PCB may not support the edge portions of the semiconductor package and the edge portions of the semiconductor package may be easily damaged due to stresses applied to the edge portions of the semiconductor package. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to exemplary embodiments incorporating principles of the present invention, a semiconductor module that is capable of preventing edge portions of a semiconductor package from being damaged is provided. The principles of the present invention also provide a method of manufacturing an improved semiconductor module. 
         [0008]    More particularly, a semiconductor module constructed in accordance with various principles of the present invention may include a semiconductor package and a printed circuit board (PCB). The semiconductor package can include an outer terminal. The PCB can include a terminal land electrically connected to the outer terminal. And the PCB preferably has a recess that receives the outer terminal and partially exposes the terminal land. The recess preferably has a width less than that of the semiconductor package. 
         [0009]    According to one exemplary embodiment, the PCB may include a substrate body and an insulation layer pattern formed on the substrate body. The insulation layer pattern may have the recess formed therein. The recess may include a first opening that exposes the terminal land and a second opening in communication with the first opening. The second opening may have a width greater than that of the first opening. An inner face of the first opening preferably makes close contact with the outer terminal. And the insulation layer pattern may make contact with the semiconductor package. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention, the PCB may include a substrate body, an insulation layer pattern formed on the substrate body, and a spacer formed on the insulation layer pattern. The insulation layer pattern may have a first opening for partially exposing the terminal land. The spacer may further include a second opening having a width greater than that of the first opening. The first and second openings may form a recess. And the spacer may make contact with the semiconductor package. 
         [0011]    According to additional aspects of the present invention, the semiconductor module may further include a supporting member formed on the PCB (such as on the substrate body or the insulation layer pattern) to surround side faces of the semiconductor package. The supporting member may make contact with the side faces of the semiconductor package to reduce the likelihood of damage due to horizontal impacts. 
         [0012]    According to a further aspect of the present invention, an attaching member may be interposed between the outer terminal and the terminal land. 
         [0013]    A semiconductor module constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention can include a PCB, a first semiconductor package, and a second semiconductor package. The PCB preferably includes a first face and a second face located opposite to the first face. The first face preferably has a first terminal land, and the second face preferably has a second terminal land. The first semiconductor package can include a first outer terminal electrically connected to the first terminal land. The second semiconductor package can include a second outer terminal electrically connected to the second terminal land. The PCB preferably has a first recess formed in the first face to partially expose the first terminal land and a second recess formed in the second face to partially expose the second terminal land. The first recess preferably has a width less than that of the first semiconductor package and receives the first outer terminal. The second recess preferably has a width less than that of the second semiconductor package and receives the second outer terminal. 
         [0014]    A method of manufacturing a semiconductor module is also provided in accordance with still further principles of the present invention. According to this method, a semiconductor package is prepared having an outer terminal. A recess for receiving the outer terminal is formed in a PCB having a terminal land to expose the terminal land through the recess. The recess preferably has a width less than that of the semiconductor package. The outer terminal can then be mounted on the terminal land. 
         [0015]    According to one exemplary embodiment, forming the recess may include forming an insulation layer on the PCB and patterning the insulation pattern to form the recess in the insulation layer pattern. Forming the insulation layer pattern may further include forming a first opening through the insulation layer to expose the terminal land, and forming a second opening through the insulation layer in communication with the first opening. The second opening may have a width greater than that of the first opening. 
         [0016]    According to another exemplary embodiment, forming the recess may include forming an insulation layer on the PCB, patterning the insulation pattern to form an insulation layer pattern having a first opening that exposes the terminal land, and forming a spacer on the insulation layer pattern. The spacer may have a second opening that is in communication with the first opening and has a width greater than that of the first opening. 
         [0017]    According to still another embodiment, mounting the outer terminal on the terminal land may include forming a conductive flux on the outer terminal, forming a solder paste on the terminal land, and attaching the conductive flux to the solder paste. 
         [0018]    According to various principles of the present invention, an outer terminal may be received in a recess formed in the PCB such that edge portions of the semiconductor package (where the outer terminal is not arranged) may make contact with the PCB. In this manner, the PCB may firmly support, and thereby prevent damage to, the edge portions of the semiconductor package. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent through the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module constructed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the semiconductor module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged detail view of a portion “III” of the semiconductor module of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged detail view similar to that of  FIG. 3 , but illustrating a semiconductor module constructed according to alternative aspects of the present invention, wherein an attaching member includes a material different from that of an outer terminal; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 5 through 9  are cross-sectional side views of a semiconductor module illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor module shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module constructed in accordance with another embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged detail view of a section “XII” of the semiconductor module shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 13 through 17  are cross-sectional side views illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor module shown in  FIG. 11 ; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module constructed in accordance with a still further embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The principles of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various preferred embodiments are shown. It should be noted, however, that the principles of the present invention may be incorporated and embodied in many different forms and the invention should therefore not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to satisfy the enablement and best mode requirements and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0031]    It should further be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element or layer, that layer may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0032]    It should also be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections; these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by the use of these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a “first” element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a “second” element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0033]    In addition, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood, however, that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (for example, rotated 90 degrees or any other orientation) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. 
         [0034]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, an and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0035]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a semiconductor module  100  constructed in accordance with one embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the semiconductor module  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . And  FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional detail view of a portion “III” of the semiconductor module  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a semiconductor module  100  constructed according to this exemplary embodiment preferably includes a semiconductor package  110  and a printed circuit board (PCB)  120 . The semiconductor package  110  can include outer terminals  112 . In this embodiment, terminal lands  114  may be formed on a central area of a bottom portion of the semiconductor package  110 , which faces the PCB  120 , and the outer terminals  112  may be respectively mounted on the terminal lands  114 . The outer terminals  112  may further include a solder ball. The PCB  120  is preferably positioned under the semiconductor package  110 . The PCB  120  can include a substrate body  122 , terminal lands  124  formed at a surface of the substrate body  122 , and an insulation layer pattern  126  formed on the substrate body  122 . 
         [0038]    In this embodiment, the substrate body  122  and the insulation layer pattern  126  may include substantially the same material. For example, the substrate body  122  and the insulation layer pattern  126  may each include a photosensitive resin. Alternatively, the substrate body  122  and the insulation layer pattern  126  may each include materials different from one another. For example, the substrate body  122  may include a photosensitive resin, and the insulation layer pattern  126  may include a material having an elasticity greater than that of the substrate body  122 . The materials used for the insulation layer pattern  126  may, for example, include a rubber, an epoxy-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a fluorine-based resin, or other such materials. 
         [0039]    The insulation layer pattern  126  preferably has a recess  130  for exposing the terminal land  124 . In this example, the recess  130  has a first opening  132 , for exposing the terminal land  124 , and a second opening  134  in communication with the first opening  132 . The second opening  134  preferably has a width greater than that of the first opening  132  to provide the recess  130  with a stepped structure to receive the outer terminals  112 . The first opening  132  and the second opening  134  define the recess  130 . The first opening  132  preferably has inner faces that make close contact with the outer terminals  112 . More specifically, outermost terminals of the outer terminals  112  preferably closely contact the inner faces of the first opening  132 . 
         [0040]    The width of the second opening  134  is preferably narrower than the width of the semiconductor package  110 . Thus, edge portions of the semiconductor package  110 , where the outer terminals  112  are not arranged, preferably make contact with a surface of the insulation layer pattern  126  and are thereby prevented from entering into the second opening  132 . Since the insulation layer pattern  126  firmly supports the edge portions of the semiconductor package  110 , damage to the edge portions of the semiconductor package  110  can be prevented. 
         [0041]    A supporting member  150  may further be formed on the insulation layer pattern  126  or substrate  122  to support one or more side faces of the semiconductor package  110 . In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the supporting member  150  is arranged on the substrate  122  and makes contact with a side face of the semiconductor package  110 . When the semiconductor package  110  has a rectangular plan shape, the supporting member  150  may have a rectangular frame shape arranged to make contact with each of the four side faces of the semiconductor package  110 . The supporting member  150  can prevent damage to the semiconductor package that might otherwise result from horizontal impacts. 
         [0042]    The outer terminals  112  preferably enter into the recess  130  and are attached to the terminal lands  124  of the PCB  120 . In this embodiment, the outer terminals  112  may be attached to the terminal lands  124  using an attaching member (not shown). The attaching member may include a solder ball substantially the same as that of the outer terminal  112  as shown in  FIG. 3 , in which case the attaching member may be integrally formed with the outer terminal  112 , rather than being formed as a separate layer. In contrast to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4  is a somewhat schematic enlarged cross-sectional detail view illustrating a portion “III” of the semiconductor module  100  where the attaching member  140  has a material different from that of an outer terminal  112 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , when an attaching member  140  includes a material such as gold, aluminum, or copper, for example, which is different from a material included in the outer terminal  112 , the attaching member  140  may be formed as a separate layer on the outer terminal  112 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 5 through 9  are cross-sectional side views illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor module  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring first to  FIG. 5 , an insulation layer  126   a  is preferably formed on the substrate body  122  having the terminal lands  124 . In this example, both the substrate body  122  and the insulation layer  126   a  may include a photosensitive resin. As previously discussed, however, the substrate body  122  may include a photosensitive resin, and the insulation layer  126   a  may include a material having an elasticity greater than that of the insulation layer  122  such as a rubber, an epoxy-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a fluorine-based resin, or other such material. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the insulation layer  126   a  is primarily etched to form the first opening  132  through the insulation layer  126   a , thereby exposing the terminal lands  124  through the first opening  132 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the insulation layer  126   a  is then secondarily etched to form the second opening  134  in communication with the first opening  132 . In this example, the first opening  132  and the second opening  134  are arranged together to form a recess  130  having a stepped structure in the insulation layer pattern  126 . That is, the first opening  132  and the second opening  134  provide the recess  130 . After etching, the PCB  120  including the substrate body  122  and the insulation layer pattern  126  is completed. In this embodiment, the second opening  134  preferably has a width greater than a width of the first opening  132  but narrower than a width of the semiconductor package  110 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a supporting member  150  can be formed on the insulation layer pattern  126 . In this example, the supporting member  150  can be formed, for instance, by forming an insulation layer (not shown) on the insulation layer pattern  126 , and by patterning the insulation layer to form the supporting member  150 . 
         [0046]    Referring next to  FIG. 9 , the semiconductor package  110 , on which the outer terminals  112  are mounted, is preferably arranged over the PCB  120 . A solder paste  140   a  including a solder is preferably coated onto the terminal lands  124  of the PCB  120 . A conductive flux  116  is preferably coated on the outer terminals  112 . The outer terminals  112  are then received in the recess  130  to contact the solder paste  140   a  with the conductive flux  116 . A reflow process using an infrared ray is then preferably carried out on the solder paste  140   a  and the conductive flux  116  to attach the outer terminals  112  to the terminal lands  124  of the PCB  120  and thereby complete the fabrication of the semiconductor module  100 . In this embodiment, a lower face of the semiconductor package  110  makes contact with the insulation layer pattern  126 , and side faces of the semiconductor package  110  make close contact with the supporting member  150 . 
         [0047]    Where the solder paste  140   a  and the outer terminal  112  include substantially the same material (such as solder), the solder paste  140   a  may be integrally formed with the outer terminal  112 . In contrast, when the solder paste  140   a  includes a material such as gold, copper, aluminum, or other material that is different from a material included in the outer terminal  112 , a separate attaching member  140  may be formed between the outer terminal  112  and the terminal land  124 . 
         [0048]    According to principles of the present invention as reflected this embodiment, an outer terminal of a semiconductor package may be received in a recess formed in a PCB. Edge portions of the semiconductor package may make contact with the PCB and with a supporting member. In this manner, the PCB may firmly support the edge portions of the semiconductor package to prevent them from being damaged. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module  200  constructed in accordance with another embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the semiconductor module  200  constructed according to this embodiment preferably includes a PCB  220 , a first semiconductor package  210 , and a second semiconductor package  260 . The PCB  220  has a first face and a second face arranged opposite to the first face. A first recess  230  is preferably formed in the first face. A second recess  270  can be formed in the second face. The first semiconductor package  210  is received in the first recess  230 , while the second semiconductor package  260  is received in the second recess  270 . 
         [0050]    The first semiconductor package  210  and the second semiconductor package  260  each preferably include elements substantially the same as those of the semiconductor package  110  described previously. In addition, the first recess  230  and the second recess  270  are substantially the same as the recess  130  described previously. Further descriptions of the first and second semiconductor packages  210 ,  260  and the first and second recesses  230 ,  270  are therefore omitted herein for brevity. 
         [0051]    According to this embodiment, the semiconductor module  200  is constructed having two semiconductor packages, where the first and the second semiconductor packages  210 ,  260  are mounted on the first and the second faces of the PCB  220 , respectively. The method of manufacturing the semiconductor module  200  proceeds by applying the method described previously to each of the faces of the PCB  220 . Any further description with respect to the method of manufacturing the semiconductor module  200  is therefore also omitted herein for brevity. 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module  300  constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention.  FIG. 12  is an enlarged detail view of a portion “XII” of the semiconductor module  300  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a semiconductor module  300  constructed according to this embodiment preferably includes a semiconductor package  310  and a PCB  320 . In this example, the semiconductor package  310  can include elements substantially the same as those of the previous embodiments and any further description thereof will therefore be omitted. The PCB  320  is preferably arranged under the semiconductor package  310 . The PCB  320  can include a substrate body  322 , terminal lands  324  formed on a surface of the substrate body  322 , an insulation layer pattern  326  formed on the substrate body  322 , a spacer  328  formed on the insulation layer pattern  326 , and a supporting member  350  formed on the spacer  328 . 
         [0054]    The insulation layer pattern  326  preferably has a first opening  332  that exposes the terminal lands  324 . The spacer  328  preferably has a second opening  334  that is arranged in communication with the first opening  332 . The second opening  334  preferably has a width greater than a width of the first opening  332 , but less than a width of the semiconductor package  310 . The first opening  332  and the second opening  334  are arranged together to form a recess  330  having a stepped wall structure. The stepped wall structure can, for instance, be a two-stepped structure. 
         [0055]    Edge portions of the semiconductor package  310 , which are received in the recess  330 , preferably make close contact with the spacer  328 . The spacer  328  can thereby firmly support the edge portions of the semiconductor package  310  to prevent damage to the edge portions. Additionally, the supporting member  350  may be formed on the spacer  328  to support side faces of the semiconductor package  310 . In this embodiment, the supporting member  350  preferably contacts the side faces of the semiconductor package  310  to further prevent damage to the semiconductor package  310 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 13 through 17  are cross-sectional side views of the semiconductor module  300  illustrating a method of manufacturing the semiconductor module  300  shown in  FIG. 11 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , an insulation layer  326   a  is preferably formed on a substrate body  322  having terminal lands  324 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the insulation layer  326   a  is then primarily etched to form an insulation layer pattern  326  having a first opening  332  that exposes the terminal lands  324 . 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a spacer  328  is preferably formed on the insulation layer pattern  326  having a second opening  324 . The first opening  332  and the second opening  334  are preferably arranged together to form a recess  330  having a stepped structure. As a result, the PCB  320 , which includes the substrate body  322 , the insulation layer pattern  326 , and the spacer  328 , is completed. In this embodiment, the second opening  334  may have a width greater than that of the first opening  332 . In contrast, the width of the second opening  334  may be less than that of the semiconductor package  310 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , a supporting member  350  is next formed on the spacer  328 . The supporting member  350  can be formed by forming an insulation layer (not shown) on the spacer  328 , and by patterning the insulation layer. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the semiconductor package  310  on which the outer terminals  312  are mounted can be arranged over the PCB  320 . A solder paste  340   a , including a solder, is preferably coated on the terminal land  324  of the PCB  320 . A conductive flux  316  is preferably coated on the outer terminal  312 . 
         [0059]    The outer terminals  312  are then received in the recess  330  such that the solder paste  340   a  contacts the conductive flux  316 . A reflow process is then performed on the solder paste  340   a  and the conductive flux  316  using an infrared ray to attach the outer terminals  312  to the terminal lands  324  of the PCB  320 . In this manner, the construction of the semiconductor module  300  is completed. In this embodiment, a lower face of the semiconductor package  310  preferably makes contact with the spacer  328 , and the side faces of the semiconductor package  310  make close contact with the supporting member  350 . 
         [0060]    When the solder paste  340   a  and the outer terminal  312  include substantially the same material (such as solder), the solder paste  340   a  may be integrally formed with the outer terminal  312 . In contrast, when the solder paste  340   a  includes a material such as gold, copper, aluminum, or other material that is different from a material included in the outer terminal  312 , a separate attaching member (not shown) may be formed between the outer terminal  312  and the terminal land  324 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a semiconductor module  400  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment incorporating principles of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 18 , the semiconductor module  400  of this embodiment preferably includes a PCB  420 , a first semiconductor package  410 , and a second semiconductor package  460 . The PCB  420  has a first face and a second face arranged opposite each other. A first recess  430  is preferably formed in the first face, and a second recess  470  is preferably formed in the second face. The first semiconductor package  410  is received in the first recess  430  and the second semiconductor package  460  is received in the second recess  470 . 
         [0062]    In this embodiment, the first semiconductor package  410  and the second semiconductor package  460  include elements that are substantially the same as those of the semiconductor package  110  described previously and further description of the first and second semiconductor packages  410 ,  460  is therefore omitted herein for brevity. In addition, the first and second recesses  430 ,  470  are substantially the same as the recess  130  described previously and further description with respect to the first and second recesses  430 ,  470  are therefore also omitted. 
         [0063]    According to this embodiment, the semiconductor module  400  includes first and second semiconductor packages  410 ,  460  mounted on opposite faces of the PCB  420 . A method of manufacturing the semiconductor module  400  is substantially the same as the method previously-described with respect to the first embodiment, except that it is applied to both faces of the PCB  420 . Any further description of this method is therefore omitted herein for brevity. 
         [0064]    According to principles of the present invention, edge portions of the semiconductor package that is received in a recess of the PCB may make contact with the PCB. The PCB may thereby firmly support edge portions of the semiconductor package and prevent damage to those edge portions due to vertical impacts. The supporting member may further firmly support side faces of the semiconductor package that is received in the recess of the PCB to prevent damage to the semiconductor package resulting from horizontal impacts. 
         [0065]    Having described various preferred embodiments incorporating principles of the present invention, it should be noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It should therefore be understood that various changes may be made to the particular embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims.