Patent ID: 12193144

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, a module according to each of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding portions in the accompanying drawings are denoted by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.1is a bottom view showing a configuration of a module according to a first exemplary embodiment.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the module shown in FIG.1, as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow line II-II.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the module shown inFIG.1, as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow line III-III.

As shown inFIGS.1to3, a module100according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a substrate110, an electronic component120, at least one other component130, a first sealing resin140, a plurality of first connection terminals150A, a second connection terminal150B, and a second sealing resin160. In an exemplary aspect, the module according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted, for example, on a motherboard (not shown).

As shown inFIGS.2and3, substrate110has a first main surface111and a second main surface112that faces opposite to (i.e., opposes) first main surface111. In the present embodiment, substrate110is formed of a plurality of layers (not shown). Specifically, substrate110is a ceramic multilayer substrate according to an exemplary aspect. Substrate110may be a resin multilayer substrate.

Substrate110includes a wiring line113. In the present embodiment, wiring line113is a multilayer wiring line.FIGS.2and3each schematically show the wiring pattern of wiring line113.

As shown inFIG.1, in the present embodiment, substrate110has a plurality of corner portions114when viewed from second main surface112. Moreover, substrate110has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from second main surface112.

It is noted that the outer shape of substrate110when viewed from second main surface112is not limited to a rectangular shape. In this case, when substrate110is viewed in a direction perpendicular to second main surface112, each of corner portions114may form an acute interior angle of less than 90 degrees or may form an obtuse interior angle of more than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, electronic component120is disposed on first main surface111. In the present embodiment, electronic component120is a heat generating component, such as an IC.

Electronic component120has a plurality of connection electrodes121. Moreover, electronic component120is mounted on first main surface111of substrate110by connection of each connection electrode121to substrate110with a joining material such as solder. Each connection electrode121is made of metal such as Cu, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects.

As shown inFIG.2, at least one other component130is disposed on first main surface111. At least one other component130is electrically connected to wiring line113. At least one other component130includes a first other component130A.

In the present embodiment, first other component130A is disposed substantially at the center on first main surface111of substrate110. In the present embodiment, the first other component130A can be a heat generating component such as an IC.

Moreover, the first other component130A has a plurality of connection electrodes131. The first other component130A is mounted on first main surface111of substrate110by connection of each connection electrode131to substrate110with a joining material such as solder. Each connection electrode131is made of metal such as Cu, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects.

Module100according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of other components130. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the plurality of other components130further include a second other component130B disposed on second main surface112.

In the present embodiment, second other component130B is disposed substantially at the center on second main surface112of substrate110. Second other component130B is a heat generating component, such as an IC, for example.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, first sealing resin140is provided on first main surface111and seals electronic component120and at least one other component130. In the present embodiment, first sealing resin140is provided on first main surface111and seals electronic component120and each of the plurality of other components130. Specifically, first sealing resin140is disposed over the entire surface of substrate110except for portions onto which electronic component120and the plurality of other components130are connected.

According to an exemplary aspect, first sealing resin140is made of an epoxy resin, for example. Such an epoxy resin may contain a silica filler or an alumina filler that has relatively high thermal conductivity.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A is disposed on second main surface112. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A is electrically connected to at least one component among electronic component120and the plurality of other components130.

In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A may be electrically connected to electronic component120through wiring line113. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A may be electrically connected to one of the plurality of other components130through wiring line113or through a pillar-shaped conductor (not shown) that penetrates through substrate110.

Moreover, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A is to be connected to a terminal of the motherboard on its end surface opposite to second main surface112. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A is a signal terminal or a ground terminal. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A may be a power supply terminal.

As shown inFIG.1, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A has a circular outer shape when substrate110is viewed in a direction perpendicular to second main surface112. However, it is noted that the outer shape of each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A is not particularly limited in alternative aspects. When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, the plurality of first connection terminals150A are disposed together with second connection terminal150B on an imaginary line L having a rectangular frame shape so as to surround second other component130B. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “direction perpendicular to second main surface112” means, for example, that the shape of the connection terminals150A are in the same plane as the second main surface112with the shape being viewed perpendicularly thereto.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, second connection terminal150B is disposed on second main surface112and electrically connected to electronic component120. Specifically, second connection terminal150B is connected to electronic component120through a plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151provided in substrate110. Electronic component120may be electrically connected to wiring line113in addition to the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151.

The module according to the present embodiment may further include a third other component as other component130.FIG.4is a bottom view showing a configuration of a module according to a modification of the first exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.4, a module100aaccording to the modification of the present embodiment further includes a third other component130C. Third other component130C is disposed on second main surface112together with second other component130B. When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, the plurality of first connection terminals150A are disposed together with second connection terminal150B on an imaginary line L having a rectangular frame shape so as to surround third other component130C. Other configurations of module100aaccording to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of module100according to the first exemplary embodiment.

In module100according to the first exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151are arranged in a matrix shape when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112. Each of the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151penetrates through substrate110from first main surface111to second main surface112. It is noted that inFIGS.2and3, each of the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151appears to be connected to wiring line113in substrate110, but is actually not directly connected to wiring line113in substrate110.

Moreover, second connection terminal150B is disposed at a position where second connection terminal150B overlaps with electronic component120when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112.

Second connection terminal150B is to be connected to a terminal of the motherboard on its end surface opposite to second main surface112. In the present embodiment, second connection terminal150B is a ground terminal.

As shown inFIG.1, in the present embodiment, second connection terminal150B has a rectangular outer shape when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112. Moreover, when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, second connection terminal150B is larger in area than each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A.

When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, second connection terminal150B is disposed on a straight line connecting the plurality of first connection terminals150A. In other words, second connection terminal150B is disposed between the plurality of first connection terminals150A. Second connection terminal150B is disposed such that its longitudinal direction extends along the above-mentioned imaginary line L having a rectangular frame shape. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A, second connection terminal150B, and the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151is made of metal such as Cu, Au, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects.

In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A and second connection terminal150B may be formed by mounting a pin made of the above-mentioned metal on second main surface112with solder or an electrically conductive adhesive. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A and second connection terminal150B may be formed by a process in which a via hole formed in second sealing resin160is filled with a conductive paste containing the above-mentioned metal or is subjected to via-filling plating. Alternatively, each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A and second connection terminal150B may be a protruding electrode.

In the present embodiment, pillar-shaped conductor151shown inFIGS.2and3is formed by connection of via conductors, which are formed in respective layers forming substrate110, in the direction in which these layers of substrate110are stacked. The via conductors each can be formed by a process in which via holes are formed in a plurality of layers constituting substrate110with laser beams or the like, and then, are filled with a conductive paste containing the above-mentioned metal or subjected to via-filling plating.

As shown inFIGS.1to3, second sealing resin160is provided on second main surface112in the state where end portions of first connection terminals150A, second connection terminal150B, and second other component130B are exposed. As shown, these end portions are located opposite to second main surface112. In the present embodiment, second sealing resin160is disposed over the entire surface except for portions onto which first connection terminals150A, second connection terminal150B, and second other component130B are connected.

Second sealing resin160is made of an epoxy resin, for example. Such an epoxy resin may contain a silica filler or an alumina filler that has relatively high thermal conductivity.

Module100according to the present embodiment further includes a shield layer170. Shield layer170is provided so as to entirely cover the upper surface of first sealing resin140and the peripheral side surfaces of first sealing resin140, substrate110and second sealing resin160. The shield layer is made of metal such as Cu, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects.

As described above, in module100according to the first exemplary embodiment, when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112as shown inFIG.1, second connection terminal150B is larger in area than each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A. Further, when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, second connection terminal150B is disposed on a straight line connecting the plurality of first connection terminals150A.

By this configuration of the exemplary aspect, isolation between first connection terminals150A can be enhanced, so that module100has improved electrical characteristics. In particular, when each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A disposed to sandwich second connection terminal150B is a signal terminal, second connection terminal150B is larger in area than first connection terminal150A when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112. Accordingly, the distance between these signal terminals can be increased, and thus, the isolation characteristics can be further improved.

Further, in module100according to the first exemplary embodiment, electronic component120is a heat generating component. Second connection terminal150B is disposed at a position where second connection terminal150B overlaps with electronic component120when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112.

Thereby, module100can be reduced in size by the plurality of first connection terminals150A each having a relatively small area, while allowing second connection terminal150B having a relatively large area to efficiently dissipate heat generated by electronic component120.

In the present embodiment, second connection terminal150B is connected to electronic component120through the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151provided in substrate110. Thereby, the heat generated by electronic component120can be efficiently dissipated through the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors151.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

The following describes a module according to the second exemplary embodiment. The module according to the second exemplary embodiment is different in position of the second connection terminal from module100according to the first exemplary embodiment. Thus, the description of the same configurations as those of the module according to the first embodiment will not be repeated.

FIG.5is a bottom view showing a configuration of the module according to the second exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.5, in a module200according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a second connection terminal250B has an L-shaped outline when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112.

When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, at least a part of second connection terminal250B extends to be orthogonal to a straight line connecting the plurality of first connection terminals150A. This configuration further enhances isolation between first connection terminals150A.

When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, second connection terminal250B is disposed to surround one first connection terminal250A of the plurality of first connection terminals150A at least on the inner peripheral side of imaginary line L. This configuration prevents the electric signal at the above-mentioned one first connection terminal250A from flowing around from the inner peripheral side of imaginary line L and reaching other first connection terminal150A that faces this one first connection terminal250A with second connection terminal250B interposed therebetween. Therefore, isolation between the above-mentioned one first connection terminal250A and other first connection terminal150A can be further enhanced. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned one first connection terminal250A is disposed near corner portion114of substrate110. Specifically, the above-mentioned one first connection terminal250A is disposed on a vertex point of a rectangular frame shape represented by imaginary line L.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

The following describes a module according to the third exemplary embodiment. The module according to the third exemplary embodiment is different from module100according to the first exemplary embodiment in that it further includes a connection terminal different from first connection terminal150A and second connection terminal150B. Thus, the description of the same points as those of module100according to the first exemplary embodiment will not be repeated.

FIG.6is a bottom view showing a configuration of a module according to the third exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG.6, a module300according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes at least one third connection terminal350C. In the present embodiment, module300includes a plurality of third connection terminals350C.

At least one third connection terminal350C is disposed on second main surface112. At least one third connection terminal350C is electrically connected to at least one of electronic component120and at least one other component130, in the same manner as with first connection terminal150A in the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, at least one third connection terminal350C may be a ground terminal or a power supply terminal according to exemplary aspects.

As shown inFIG.6, in the present embodiment, at least one third connection terminal350C has a circular outer shape when viewed from the second main surface of substrate110. However, it is noted that the outer shape of at least one third connection terminal350C is not particularly limited according to alternative aspects.

As shown inFIG.6, when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, at least one third connection terminal350C is larger in area than each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A. In the present embodiment, when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, at least one third connection terminal350C is smaller in area than second connection terminal150B.

Further, at least one third connection terminal350C is disposed closer to corner portion114of substrate110than any one of the plurality of first connection terminals150A and second connection terminal150B. Specifically, at least one third connection terminal350C is disposed on a vertex point of a rectangular frame shape represented by imaginary line L. In the present embodiment, four third connection terminals350C are disposed on respective ones of four vertex points of the rectangular frame shape represented by imaginary line L.

Third connection terminal350C is made of metal such as Cu, Au, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects. Moreover, third connection terminal350C may be formed by any one of the above-mentioned methods of forming first connection terminal150A and second connection terminal150B.

When module300is mounted on a motherboard, a significant repeated strain is applied to a joining material such as solder that connects the motherboard and a connection terminal among the connection terminals provided on second main surface112that is provided near corner portion114of substrate110. In the present embodiment, third connection terminal350C located near the corner portion has a relatively large area, which can suppress reliability decrease in the joint with the motherboard due to fatigue failure of the joining material caused by the above-mentioned repeated strain. In addition, by the plurality of first connection terminals150A each having a relatively small area, module300can be reduced in size.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

The following describes a module according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. The module according to the fourth exemplary embodiment is different from module100according to the first exemplary embodiment in that it further includes a connection terminal different from first connection terminal150A and second connection terminal150B. Thus, the description of the same points as those of module100according to the first exemplary embodiment will not be repeated.

FIG.7is a bottom view showing a configuration of a module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of the module shown inFIG.7, as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow line VIII-VIII.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, a module400according to the fourth exemplary embodiment further includes a fourth connection terminal450D. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, second other component130B in the first exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS.1and2is not provided.

As shown inFIG.8, fourth connection terminal450D is disposed on second main surface112of substrate110and electrically connected to first other component130A. Specifically, fourth connection terminal450D is connected to first other component130A through a plurality of pillar-shaped conductors451.

The plurality of pillar-shaped conductors451are arranged in a matrix shape when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112. Each of the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors451penetrates through substrate110from first main surface111to second main surface112. Each of the plurality of pillar-shaped conductors451is not directly connected to wiring line113in substrate110.

Moreover, fourth connection terminal450D is disposed at a position where it overlaps with first other component130A when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112.

Fourth connection terminal450D is to be connected to the terminal of the motherboard on the side opposite to second main surface112. In the present embodiment, fourth connection terminal450D may be a ground terminal or a power supply terminal according to exemplary aspects.

As shown inFIG.7, in the present embodiment, fourth connection terminal450D has a circular outer shape when substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112. However, it is noted that the outer shape of fourth connection terminal450D is not limited to a circular shape. When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, fourth connection terminal450D is larger in area than each of the plurality of first connection terminals150A.

When substrate110is viewed in the direction perpendicular to second main surface112, fourth connection terminal450D is disposed on a straight line connecting the plurality of first connection terminals150A. Fourth connection terminal450D is disposed substantially at the center on second main surface112of substrate110. Fourth connection terminal450D is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the above-mentioned imaginary line L having a rectangular frame shape.

Fourth connection terminal450D is made of metal such as Cu, Au, Ag, or Al according to exemplary aspects. Moreover, it is noted that fourth connection terminal450D may be formed by any one of the above-described methods of forming first connection terminals150A and second connection terminal150B.

In the present embodiment, fourth connection terminal450D is disposed on a straight line connecting the plurality of first connection terminals150A. Thus, fourth connection terminal450D can also enhance isolation between the terminals, so that module400can be further improved in electrical characteristics.

In general, it should be appreciated that the above description of the embodiments, the configurations that can be combined may be combined with each other. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100,100a,200,300,400module,110substrate,111first main surface,112second main surface,113wiring line,114corner portion,120electronic component,121,131connection electrode,130other component,130A first other component,130B second other component,130C third other component,140first sealing resin,150A,250A first connection terminal,150B,250B second connection terminal,151,451pillar-shaped conductor,160second sealing resin,170shield layer,350C third connection terminal,450D fourth connection terminal.