Patent ID: 12207390

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The dimension ratio shown in each of the figures does not always faithfully show the actual dimension ratio, but may show the dimension ratio in an exaggerated manner for the sake of explanation. In the following description, mentioning the concept “upper” or “lower” does not necessarily indicate an absolute upper or lower position, but may indicate a relatively upper or lower position in the posture shown in each figure.

First Embodiment

A module in the first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIGS.1to4. The module disclosed herein may be a module having components embedded therein or a module having components mounted thereon.

FIG.1shows an external appearance of a module101in the present embodiment. The upper surface and the side surface of module101are covered with a shield film8.FIG.2shows module101inFIG.1viewed obliquely from below. The lower surface of module101is not covered with shield film8, so that a board1is exposed. One or more external electrodes11are provided on the lower surface of board1. The number, the size, and the arrangement of external electrodes11inFIG.2are shown merely by way of example.FIG.3shows a perspective plan view of module101.FIG.3is a top plan view of module101from which the upper surface of shield film8has been removed and a first sealing resin6ahas also been removed. First component41is mounted on a first main surface1aof board1. First component41may be an integrated circuit (IC), for example. More specifically, first component41may be a low noise amplifier (LNA), for example. A plurality of pad electrodes7are disposed on first main surface1a.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV inFIG.3. Board1may have wiring mounted thereon or embedded therein. Board1may be a resin board or a ceramic board. Board1may be a multilayer board.

Module101in the present embodiment includes: a board1having a first main surface1a; a first component41mounted on first main surface1a; a conductor wall-like member9disposed on first main surface1aalong at least a part of an outer periphery of first component41; a first ground conductor21disposed inside board1; a first conductor via group81including a plurality of via conductors that connect first ground conductor21and an end of conductor wall-like member9, the end of conductor wall-like member9being located close to first main surface1a; and a shield film8disposed to cover over first component41. When viewed in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to first main surface1a, first component41is at least partially surrounded by conductor wall-like member9, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21. In other words, first component41is shielded by conductor wall-like member9, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21that are electrically connected to be contiguous to each other. In the example shown in this case, conductor wall-like member9is not in contact with shield film8.

As a conductor wall-like member, for example, a copper block or a metal plate is applicable. When board1is a ceramic board, a protruding electrode may also be used as a conductor wall-like member.

In the example shown in this case, as shown inFIG.3, conductor wall-like member9is rectangular in a plan view, which is however shown merely by way of example. Conductor wall-like member9is not necessarily annular. When first component41is rectangular in a plan view, conductor wall-like member9does not necessarily have to extend along all four sides of the outer periphery of first component41. Conductor wall-like member9may extend along only some of four sides of the outer periphery of first component41. For example, conductor wall-like member9may extend along only one side of the outer periphery of first component41.

As shown inFIG.4, board1may be formed by stacking a plurality of insulating layers2. Board1has first main surface1aand a second main surface1bopposite to first main surface1a. In addition to first component41, a component42and a chip component49are also mounted on first main surface1aof board1. The shape, the number, the arrangement, and the like of each of component42, chip component49and the like shown in this case are merely by way of example. In the example shown in this case, first component41and conductor wall-like member9are sealed by first sealing resin6a.

In the present embodiment, the module can be reduced in size since the shield can be disposed in the vicinity of the mounted components without damaging the wiring board. In particular, as shown inFIG.4, conductor wall-like member9, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21are electrically connected to be contiguous to each other so as to at least partially surround first component41. Thereby, the shield for first component41as a mounted component can be reinforced as a compartment shield. Further, since conductor wall-like member9and shield film8are not connected to each other, various noises transmitted through shield film8are separated, and thus, noises requiring countermeasures to be taken can be shielded in a focused manner. When the conductor wall-like member is not connected to the shield film, the height of the conductor wall-like member may preferably be higher than the circuit surface of the mounted component surrounded by the conductor wall-like member. Further, the height of the conductor wall-like member may preferably be higher than the height of the mounted component. In the example shown in this case, since conductor wall-like member9is higher than first component41, the above-mentioned condition is satisfied.

As described in the present embodiment, conductor wall-like member9is preferably a frame-shaped member surrounding the outer periphery of first component41when viewed in a direction perpendicular to first main surface1a. By adopting this configuration, the shield can be reinforced over the entire periphery.

(Modifications)

In the example shown inFIG.4, there is no other conductor at the same height as first ground conductor21, but one or more other conductors may be disposed at the same height as first ground conductor21.FIG.5shows a modification of the configuration in which another conductor is disposed at the same height.FIG.5is a plan view of a layer including first ground conductor21. In this module, in addition to first ground conductor21, a ground conductor26is also disposed on the same layer inside board1. First ground conductor21and ground conductor26are located close to each other with a gap20interposed therebetween. In the example shown inFIG.5, ground conductor26surrounds first ground conductor21. A plurality of conductor vias13belonging to first conductor via group81are connected to first ground conductor21. First ground conductor21is provided with a number of openings16, and conductor vias15are provided to pass through their respective openings16. Each conductor via15is, for example, a signal line connected to first component41. As disclosed herein, a signal line is generally connected to first component41as a shield target. This signal line preferably passes through the opening of first ground conductor21. Ground conductor26is also provided with a number of openings16, and conductor vias14are provided to pass through their respective openings16. Through each of openings16, a signal line of a component other than first component41as a shield target preferably passes.

In the present modification, first ground conductor21and ground conductor26are located close to each other with a gap20interposed therebetween. Thus, at the height at which first ground conductor21is disposed, any one of the ground conductors is disposed in most of the region. Thereby, the shielding performance can be enhanced.

In the example illustrated in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, the upper end of conductor wall-like member9is not in contact with shield film8, but the upper end of conductor wall-like member9may be in contact with shield film8.

Second Embodiment

A module in the second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIGS.6and7.FIG.6is a perspective plan view of a module102in the present embodiment.FIG.6is a top plan view of module102from which the upper surface of a shield film8has been removed and a first sealing resin6ahas also been removed.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII inFIG.6.

Board1has a second main surface1bopposite to a first main surface1a. In module102, a second component45is mounted on second main surface1b. Second sealing resin6bis disposed so as to cover second main surface1b. The lower surface of second component45is exposed from second sealing resin6b. A conductor column12is disposed on second main surface1b. Conductor column12is used as an external electrode of module102. The lower end of conductor column12is exposed from second sealing resin6b.

In the present embodiment, second main surface1bof board1is also used as a surface on which components are mounted, so that more components can be mounted in a limited area.

Third Embodiment

A module in the third embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIGS.8and9.FIG.8is a perspective plan view of a module103in the present embodiment.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IX-IX inFIG.8.

Module103in the present embodiment includes: a board1having a first main surface1a: a first component41mounted on first main surface1a; a first conductor column group including a plurality of conductor columns5arranged on first main surface1aalong at least a part of an outer periphery of first component41; a first ground conductor21disposed inside board1; a first conductor via group81including a plurality of via conductors that connect first ground conductor21and an end of each of conductor columns5belonging to the first conductor column group, the end of each of conductor columns5being located close to first main surface1a; and a shield film8disposed to cover over first component41. First component41is at least partially surrounded by the first conductor column group, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21. In other words, first component41is shielded by the first conductor column group, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21that are electrically connected to be contiguous to each other.

First ground conductor21is independent of other ground conductors disposed inside board1. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to first main surface1a, the first conductor column group surrounds first component41. In this case, each conductor column5belonging to the first conductor column group is not connected to shield film8. As conductor column5, a metal pin, a metal block, a protruding electrode, plating, a part of a wire, or the like can be used. First component41and the first conductor column group are sealed by a first sealing resin6a.

In the present embodiment, the module can be reduced in size since the shield can be disposed in the vicinity of the mounted components without damaging the wiring board. In particular, as shown inFIG.9, conductor column5, first conductor via group81, and first ground conductor21are electrically connected to be contiguous to each other so as to at least partially surround first component41. Thereby, the shield for first component41as a mounted component can be reinforced as a compartment shield. Further, since each conductor column5and shield film8are not connected to each other, various noises transmitted through shield film8are separated, and thus, noises requiring countermeasures to be taken can be shielded in a focused manner. When each conductor column is not connected to the shield film, the height of each conductor column may preferably be higher than the circuit surface of the mounted component surrounded by each conductor column. Further, the distance between each conductor column and the upper shield film is preferably equal to or less than one-quarter of the wavelength of the frequency to be shielded. The height of each conductor column may preferably be higher than the height of the mounted component.

In the example illustrated in the present embodiment, the upper end of conductor column5is not in contact with shield film8but may be in contact with shield film8.

Fourth Embodiment

A module in the fourth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is a perspective plan view of a module104in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a plurality of conductor columns5belonging to the first conductor column group are not disposed at equal intervals along the entire periphery of first component41, but are arranged densely along some sections of the periphery of first component41and arranged sparsely along other sections of the periphery of first component41. In the example shown inFIG.10, a plurality of conductor columns5are densely arranged along one of the sides of the periphery of first component41that is closer to component42. Other configurations are the same as those of module103described in the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductor columns5belonging to the first conductor column group are arranged in a non-uniform manner to have a section in which conductor columns5are sparsely arranged and a section in which conductor columns5are densely arranged. Thus, a desired portion of first component41can be shielded in a focused manner.

Fifth Embodiment

A module in the fifth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIGS.11and12.FIG.11is a perspective plan view of a module105in the present embodiment.FIG.12is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XII-XII inFIG.11.

In the present embodiment, the first conductor column group includes a conductor column5aand a conductor column5b. Conductor column5bis larger in area of a cross section taken in parallel to first main surface1athan conductor column5a. In other words, conductor column5bis thicker than conductor column5a. Conductor column5bis higher than conductor column5a. The conductor columns belonging to the first conductor column group may include only two types of conductor columns5aand5bbut may include more types of conductor columns. In other words, in the first conductor column group, the conductor columns may vary in thickness and height in multiple stages. Other configurations are the same as those of module103described in the third embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the first conductor column group includes conductor columns having different heights. In the present embodiment, the first conductor column group includes conductor columns having different thicknesses.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of conductor columns belonging to the first conductor column group are different in thickness and height. Thus, a desired portion of first component41can be shielded in a focused manner.

In the configuration of the example shown inFIG.12, there is no other conductor at the same height as first ground conductor21, but one or more other conductors may be disposed at the same height as first ground conductor21.FIG.13shows a modification of the configuration in which another conductor is disposed at the same height.FIG.13is a plan view of a layer including first ground conductor21. In this module, in addition to first ground conductor21, a ground conductor26is also disposed inside board1. First ground conductor21and ground conductor26are located close to each other with a gap20interposed therebetween. In the example shown inFIG.13, ground conductor26surrounds first ground conductor21. A plurality of conductor vias13belonging to first conductor via group81are connected to first ground conductor21. Other configurations are the same as those described as the modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that board1has a second main surface1bopposite to first main surface1a, and a second component45is mounted on second main surface1b. It is preferable that first ground conductor21has an opening, a signal line is connected to first component41, and the signal line passes through the opening.

Sixth Embodiment

A module in the sixth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIGS.14and15.FIG.14is a perspective plan view of a module106in the present embodiment.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XV-XV inFIG.14.

In the present embodiment, the first conductor column group includes a plurality of conductor columns5. In a plan view, the first conductor column group surrounds a first component41, a component43, and a number of chip components49(which will be hereinafter collectively referred to as a “target component group”) in a collective manner. Note that the first conductor column group does not completely annularly surround the target component group, but partially surrounds the target component group. In other words, the first conductor column group surrounds the target component group from three sides of left, upper, and right sides inFIG.14. On the lower side of the target component group inFIG.14, no first conductor column group is provided but a shield film8is provided. In this way, the first conductor column group may not be arranged on the side where shield film8is provided.

On the right side inFIG.14, a plurality of conductor columns5are arranged along shield film8. In this way, a plurality of conductor columns may be further arranged on the side where shield film8is provided.

Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be achieved. As in the present embodiment, the first conductor column group surrounds not only first component41but also other components, and thereby, a plurality of components can be collectively shielded. As illustrated in the present embodiment, a desired component can also be shielded by combining the first conductor column group and shield film8without requiring complete surrounding only with the first conductor column group.

Seventh Embodiment

A module in the seventh embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIG.16.FIG.16is a cross-sectional view of a module107in the present embodiment. In module107, a first ground conductor21is formed of a combination of a plurality of conductors. First ground conductor21includes a conductor21aand a conductor21b. Conductors21aand21bare disposed at different heights. Conductors21aand21bare electrically connected through a conductor via17. Other configurations are the same as those of module101described in the first embodiment.

Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be achieved. In the example shown in this case, first ground conductor21is configured of a combination of two conductors disposed at different heights, which is however shown merely by way of example. First ground conductor21may be a combination of three or more conductors.

In the description of the example in the present embodiment, conductor wall-like member9is disposed on first main surface1aas in the first embodiment, but the first conductor column group including a plurality of conductor columns5may be disposed in place of conductor wall-like member9on first main surface1a.

Eighth Embodiment

A module in the eighth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be hereinafter described with reference toFIG.17. In a module108, components41a,41b, and41ceach as the first component are mounted on a first main surface1a. Component41ais a power amplifier (PA). Component41bis a low noise amplifier (LNA). Component41cis an antenna switch (ANT SW). In addition to these components, a number of electronic components are mounted on first main surface1a. For example, components42,43, and44are mounted on first main surface1a. A matching circuit40afor a power amplifier is mounted in the vicinity of component41aas a power amplifier. A matching circuit40bfor a low noise amplifier is mounted in the vicinity of component41bas a low noise amplifier. A matching circuit40cfor an antenna switch is mounted in the vicinity of component41cas an antenna switch. In this case, each of the matching circuits is shown as two small rectangular components by way of example, but the size, the shape, and the number of components as a matching circuit are not limited thereto.

A power amplifier and the like each are mounted as a transmission device while a low noise amplifier and the like each are mounted as a reception device. An antenna switch and the like each are mounted as a common device.

Module108includes a conductor wall-like member9disposed to surround each of components41a,41b, and41cas first components. In a plan view of module108, conductor wall-like member9is arranged in a frame shape. In surrounding component41aas the first component, conductor wall-like member9is disposed to collectively surround not only component41abut also matching circuit40amounted in the vicinity of component41a. In surrounding component41bas the first component, conductor wall-like member9is disposed to collectively surround not only component41bbut also matching circuit40bmounted in the vicinity of component41b. In surrounding component41cas the first component, conductor wall-like member9is disposed to collectively surround not only component41cbut also matching circuit40cmounted in the vicinity of component41c.

The isolation between devices deteriorates particularly due to magnetic flux coupling that is caused by an inductor as a matching circuit. Therefore, it is effective to surround the matching circuit with a shield in order to prevent deterioration of isolation. In the present embodiment, the devices and the matching circuits associated with the respective devices are collectively surrounded by a shield formed of conductor wall-like member9, so that deterioration of isolation can be prevented.

In the example shown in this case, the transmission device, the reception device, and the common device are divided into three groups that are surrounded for each group by respective shields each including conductor wall-like member9, but only some of these three groups of the transmission device, the reception device, and the common device may be surrounded by their respective shields each including conductor wall-like member9.

FIG.18shows a modification of the module in the present embodiment. In a module109shown inFIG.18, conductor wall-like member9does not surround each of components41a,41b, and41c, but surrounds only each of matching circuits40a,40b, and40c. In other words, only matching circuits40a,40b, and40care surrounded by their respective shields. From the viewpoint of suppressing magnetic flux coupling caused by matching circuits, it is also meaningful to shield only each of matching circuits40a,40b, and40cin this way. In the case of the present modification, the same feature as described above is applicable if matching circuits40a,40b, and40care regarded as the first components in place of components41a,41b, and41c.

Among the above-described embodiments, one or more of the embodiments may be employed in an appropriate combination.

The above embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1board,1afirst main surface,1bsecond main surface,2insulating layer,5conductor column,6afirst sealing resin,6bsecond sealing resin,8shield film,9conductor wall-like member,13,14,15conductor via,20gap,21first ground conductor,21a,21bconductor,40a,40b,40cmatching circuit,41,41a,41b,41cfirst component,43component,45second component,49chip component,81first conductor via group,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109module.