High-frequency module, method of manufacturing thereof and method of molding resin

The present application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/804,035 filed Mar. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,629. now allowed.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a method of molding resin on a substrate, and particularly relates to a method of molding resin on a thin-film resin substrate that works well for high-frequency characteristics and a high-frequency module.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a rapid decrease in size, thickness and weight of electronic equipment such as portable mobile communication terminals. The portable mobile terminals are installed with high-frequency modules, such as power amplifiers and high-frequency circuit boards.

Thus, it is necessary to reduce size, thickness and weight of the high-frequency modules to further reduce the size, thickness and weight of such portable mobile terminals. For this purpose, it has been proposed to select a thin-film resin substrate that can achieve further reduction of size, thickness and weight and can improve the high-frequency characteristics.

However, due to its reduced thickness, the thin-film resin substrates are often deformed during a manufacturing process of the high-frequency module. Accordingly, there is a need for a resin molding method which can restrict the deformation of the thin-film resin substrate during the manufacturing process.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a high-frequency module 1 of the related art. FIG. 1A is a plan view showing general structure of the high-frequency module 1 . FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing general construction of the high-frequency module 1 . Such high-frequency module 1 may be used, for example, as a power amplifier of a portable mobile terminal. It is desirable to further reduce the size, thickness and weight of the high-frequency module 1 .

Generally, the high-frequency module 1 includes a high-frequency circuit board 2 , a high-frequency active chip 3 , chip components 4 , and a resin package 5 . The high-frequency circuit board 2 includes a base material 15 of ceramics, glass-ceramics, or glass-epoxy. On a first (upper) surface of the base material 15 , high-frequency circuit interconnections 6 and 7 , direct-current (DC) circuit interconnections 8 and 9 , and pad portions 12 to 14 are provided in a predetermined pattern. On a second (lower) surface of the base material 15 , a ground layer 18 and land portions 19 are provided.

The high-frequency circuit board 2 of the above structure is provided with an opening 16 formed at a predetermined position of the base material 15 . The high-frequency active chip 3 is mounted in the opening 16 . Also, the high-frequency active chip 3 and each of the interconnections 6 to 9 are electrically connected by wires 17 .

Also, a plurality of chip components 4 are mounted on the high-frequency circuit board 2 . Each chip component 4 is joined to the interconnections 6 to 9 by means of a conductive material. Further, the pad portions 12 to 14 are electrically connected to the ground layer 18 formed on the second (lower) surface of the base material by means of via holes 20 formed through the base material 15 .

A high-frequency input terminal RFIn, a high-frequency output terminal RFout and bias terminals 10 and 11 are provided at predetermined end portions of respective interconnections 6 to 9 . The terminals RFIn, RFout, 10 and 11 , respectively, are electrically connected to land portions 19 serving as external connection terminals by means of the via holes 20 formed through the base material 15 .

When the high-frequency module 1 is mounted on the mounting board, the land portions 19 will be electrically connected to the mounting board. Also, a first (upper) surface of the high-frequency circuit board 2 is sealed, for example, using a metal cap (not shown).

However, if the base material 15 of the high-frequency circuit board 2 is made of ceramics, the cost of the high-frequency module will be increased since a ceramics material is more expensive than a resin material. If the base material 15 of the high-frequency circuit board 2 is made of materials such as ceramics, glass-ceramics or glass-epoxy, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the base material 15 below 100 μm. Thus, this is contrary to the aim of reducing the thickness of the high-frequency module 1 .

Also, it is difficult to implement a machining process on the prior art material used for the base material 15 with high accuracy. This is particularly problematic when forming the via holes 20 . With the high-frequency module 1 for processing high-frequency signals, it is preferable to reduce impedance. However, since it is difficult to optionally select the thickness of the base material 15 and the diameter of the via hole 20 , the impedance could not be reduced with the high-frequency module 1 of the related art. Accordingly, with the high-frequency module 1 of the related art, it is not possible to avoid any degradation of the characteristics due to the via holes 20 .

Also, with the high-frequency module 1 , it is desired to achieve a broader band with the same signal line width. In order to achieve broader band with the same signal line width, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the base material 15 comprising the high-frequency circuit board 2 and to reduce the relative permittivity.

However, since the base material 1 has comparatively great thickness and relative permittivity, it is difficult to achieve broader band using the same signal line width. Therefore, with the circuit layout in a millimeter wave region using ceramics having high relative permittivity, the width of a 50Ω signal line becomes extremely small and thus becomes difficult to form such signal line.

In order to solve the problems described above, the inventor has proposed a high-frequency module 30 A as shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 (JP 11-310159 A1).

Generally, the high-frequency module 30 A includes a high-frequency circuit board 32 A, a high-frequency active chip 33 , chip components 34 , and a resin package 35 . The characteristic feature of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A is that it includes a base material 45 of polyimide.

On a first (upper) surface of the base material 45 , high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 A and 37 A (microstrip lines, coplanar lines etc.), direct-current (DC) circuit interconnections 38 A and 39 A, and pad portions 42 to 44 are formed in a predetermined pattern. The high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 A and 37 A are formed as so-called 50Ω lines.

The interconnections 36 A to 38 A, 39 and the pad portions 42 to 44 , respectively, are made of a copper film or a gold film with a thickness of, for example, 35 microns. The predetermined regions of the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 A, 37 A and the DC circuit interconnections 38 A and 39 constitute microstrip lines and a bias circuit of λ/4. A second (lower) surface of the base material 45 is provided with a grounded ground layer 48 A and land portions 49 A to serve as external connection terminals.

A high-frequency active chip 33 is mounted on the high-frequency circuit board 32 A of the above structure. An opening 46 is formed in the base material 45 at a position at which the active chip 33 is to be mounted. Also, a bottom open end of the opening 46 is closed by the ground layer 48 A. Therefore, at a predetermined position of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A at which the high-frequency active chip 33 is to be mounted, a recessed portion is defined by the opening 46 and the ground layer 48 A.

The high-frequency active chip 33 is mounted in the opening 46 and is joined to the bottom ground layer 48 A by means of gold-tin alloy or conductive adhesive agent. With the base material 45 provided with the ground layer 48 A and the opening 46 and by mounting the high-frequency active chip 33 on the ground layer 48 A in the opening 46 , heat produced by the high-frequency active chip 33 can be dissipated in an efficient manner.

Also, the high-frequency active chip 33 and each interconnection 36 A to 39 A are electrically connected by wires 47 . Since the high-frequency active chip 33 is positioned inside the opening 46 , the wire bonding level of the high-frequency active chip 33 and the wire bonding level of the respective interconnections 36 A to 39 are equal. Thus, wire bonding characteristic can be improved and the height of the wire loop can be reduced.

Also, a plurality of chip components 34 are mounted on a first (upper) surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Each chip component 34 is joined to respective interconnection 36 A to 38 A and 39 or to the pad portions 42 to 44 by means of solder or conductive adhesive agent. The chip component 34 is a chip capacitor which together with the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 A and 37 A form an input/output matching circuit. Although not shown in the diagrams referred to in the above description, a hybrid circuit (branch-line, coupler, rat-race, phase-reversion type hybrid, high-frequency filter, etc.) may be provided the first surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

Also, the pad portions 42 to 44 are electrically connected to the ground layer 48 A formed on the second surface of the base material 45 by means of via holes (not shown) formed through the base material 45 . Further, a high-frequency input terminal 53 , a high-frequency output terminal 54 and bias terminals 40 and 41 are formed at predetermined positions of the respective interconnections 36 A to 38 A. By means of the via holes 50 formed through the base material 45 , the respective interconnections 40 , 41 , 53 , and 54 are electrically connected to land portions 49 A serving as external terminals.

As shown in FIG. 6, the land portions 49 A are formed on the second surface of the base material 45 so as to be electrically separated from the ground layer 48 A. The land portions 49 A are electrically connected to the mounting board (not shown) when mounting the high-frequency module 30 B. It is to be noted that, for ease of understanding, the via holes 50 are illustrated in FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional diagram of FIG. 2 along line A—A, but practically, the via holes 50 do not appear in such a cross-sectional diagram.

Also, a resin package 35 is formed on the first surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. The resin package 35 is formed by, for example, transfer molding (hereinafter referred to as molding) and serves to protect the high-frequency active chip 33 , the chip component 34 , and the interconnections 36 A to 38 A and 39 that are formed on the first surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

The high-frequency module 30 A of the above structure uses a thin-film resin board of polyimide as the base material 45 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Since polyimide is less expensive compared to ceramics, the cost can be reduced in comparison to the high-frequency circuit board 2 with base material 15 of material such as ceramics (see FIG. 1 ).

Also, by using the base material 45 of polyimide, the thickness of the base material 45 can be reduced to about 25 to 75 μm. Thus, the width of the 50Ω lines can be reduced to about 50 to 150 μm, which in turn gives reduced area occupied by the 50Ω lines on the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve reduced size and thickness of the high-frequency module 30 A.

Also, although polyimide has a low relative permittivity of about 3.1, when the thin-film resin board of polyimide is used, the width of the 50Ω lines can be reduced by reducing its thickness. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to use a base material having high relative permittivity (e.g., ceramics, glass-ceramics, glass-epoxy etc.) which gives comparatively large thickness of the base material. This also serves to reduce the size and thickness of the high-frequency module 30 A.

In general, as the frequency used becomes higher, the impedance of the interconnections 36 A and 37 A becomes greater. The less the thickness of the base material 45 , the rate of increase of the impedance becomes smaller. Therefore, by using the polyimide having low relative permittivity as the base material 45 , with a small thickness, low impedance can be maintained at a broad band frequency. Thus, an improved high-frequency circuit having high-frequency characteristics at broad band frequency can be achieved.

As has been described above, with the high-frequency module 30 A shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , by using a thin-film resin board of polyimide as the base material 45 , it is possible to provide a high-frequency circuit board 32 A having an improved high-frequency characteristic at broad band frequency, low thermal resistivity and low cost. Thus, by incorporating the high-frequency module 30 A of the present embodiment into a portable mobile terminal, a portable mobile terminal with reduced thickness can be achieved at a low cost.

Also, the base material 45 is a flexible substrate. Therefore, the high-frequency module 30 A can be provided which can be provided at a low cost and which is not affected by the shape of the portable mobile terminal when the high-frequency module 30 A is mounted on a portable mobile terminal.

However, the inventor has found that the base material 45 may be deformed during a molding step for forming the resin package 35 . This will be described in detail in the following description.

As has been described above, the ground layer 48 A and the land portions 49 A are formed on the second surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the land portions 49 A are spaced apart at a predetermined interval (e.g., 600 μm).

Thus, the base material 45 is exposed at positions between neighboring land portions 49 A. Also, the thickness of the ground layer 48 A and the land portions 49 A is, for example, 35 μm. Therefore, since the land portions 49 A are raised and the portions where the base material 45 is exposed are recessed, the second surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A becomes unleveled, or uneven.

FIG. 7 shows a resin molding step for forming the resin package 35 . During the resin molding step, the high-frequency circuit board 32 A is placed in mold 60 A. The mold 60 A comprises an upper mold 61 A and a lower mold 62 A. Cavities 63 A and 64 A are formed in the upper and lower molds 61 A and 62 A, respectively.

The cavity 63 A of the upper mold 61 A corresponds to the shape of the resin package 35 and the cavity 64 A of the lower mold 62 A has a planar shape. Therefore, when the high-frequency circuit board 32 A is placed in the mold 60 A, the land portions 49 A touches the cavity 64 A and gaps are formed at portions where the recessed portions 51 face the cavities 64 A.

When resin 66 is injected into the cavities 63 A, 64 A from a gate 65 of the mold 64 A, the base material 45 which is a thin-film resin substrate will be pressed by an injection pressure exerted by the resin 66 . Since the gaps are formed at positions where the recessed portions 51 face the cavities 64 A, the base material 45 deforms and sags at the gaps as indicated by dash-dot lines in FIG. 7 .

Such deformation of the base material 45 may cause various problems. For example, the chip components 34 may fall off from the high-frequency circuit board 34 A and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 may peel off from the base material 45 . Further, the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 may be disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a method which can solve or at least reduce the problems described above.

It is another and more specific object of the present invention to provide a method of resin molding for a thin-film resin substrate which can restrict deformation of the high-frequency circuit board (thin-film resin substrate) during the step of forming a resin package.

In order to achieve the above objects according to the present invention, a method of molding resin on a thin-film resin substrate is provided, the thin-film resin substrate having a first surface provided with an electronic circuit and a second unleveled surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having raised portions and recessed portions, the method including the steps of:

a) providing deformation restricting means for the substrate; and

b) molding the resin on the first surface.

With the such a method, the recessed parts of the second unleveled surface are reinforced by the deformation restricting means. Therefore, the deformation of the thin-film resin substrate is restricted even if the thin-film resin substrate is biased due to the pressure exerted by the resin during the molding step.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a high-frequency module that can be manufactured with reduced deformation of the thin-film resin substrate.

In order to achieve the above object, a high-frequency module includes:

a thin-film resin substrate having a first surface provided with high-frequency circuit components including high-frequency circuit connections and a second unleveled surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having raised portions and recessed portions;

a resin sealing formed on the first surface of the thin-film resin substrate; and

deformation restricting means.

With the high-frequency module described above, the recessed parts of the second unleveled surface are reinforced by the deformation restricting means. Therefore, the deformation of the thin-film resin substrate is restricted even if the thin-film resin substrate is biased due to the pressure exerted by the resin during the molding step.

The deformation restricting means may be a sub-member is made of a thermally resistive hard resin having an unleveled surface including raised portions and recessed portions with the raised portions and recessed portions being provided in a negative pattern of the configuration of the second surface.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a plan view and a partial cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a high-frequency module of the related art.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a high-frequency module which includes a thin-film resin substrate as its high-frequency circuit board.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line A—A of FIG. 2 viewed in the direction shown by the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line C—C of FIG. 2 viewed in the direction shown by the arrows.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the high-frequency module shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a resin molding step for forming a resin package of the high-frequency module shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention showing how upper and lower molds are clamped in the resin molding process.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected in the resin molding step.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention showing how upper and lower molds are clamped in the resin molding step.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected the resin molding step.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention showing how upper and lower molds are clamped in the resin molding step.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected in the resin molding step.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a high-frequency module of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line A—A of FIG. 14 viewed in the direction shown by the arrows.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram along line B-B of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the high-frequency module shown in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected in the resin molding step.

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the high-frequency module of a variant of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a high-frequency module of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected in the resin molding step.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a high-frequency module of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line A—A of FIG. 23 viewed in the direction shown by the arrows.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the high-frequency module shown in FIG. 23 .

FIG. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a sixth embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected in the resin molding step.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a high-frequency module of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a seventh embodiment of the present invention showing how resin is injected step in the resin molding step.

FIGS. 31A to 31 D are schematic diagrams showing various steps of a manufacturing process high-frequency module of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 32A to 32 E are schematic diagrams showing various steps subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 31 D.

FIGS. 33A to 33 C are schematic diagrams showing various steps subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 32 E.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are schematic diagrams showing various steps subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 33 C.

FIGS. 35A and 35B are schematic diagrams showing various steps subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 34 B.

In the following, principles and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a high-frequency module 30 A which is characterized in that a sub-member 70 is used in a molding process of a resin package 35 . FIG. 8 shows a high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state before being clamped in a mold 60 A. FIG. 9 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIG. 7 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description. Also, since the high-frequency circuit board 32 A used in the present invention is identical to what is used for the high-frequency module 30 A, no further detailed explanation is made for the high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

The sub-member 70 is made of a material such as a thermally resistive hard resin and is provided with raised parts 71 and recessed portions 72 on its surface facing towards the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. The raised parts 71 and the recessed portions 72 are configured such that it forms a negative of (or has a reversed shape of) the configuration of the land portions 49 A and the recessed portions 51 provided on the second surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

In other words, when the high-frequency circuit board 32 A and the sub-member 70 are placed opposite each other, the land portions 49 A of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A face the recessed portions 72 of the sub-member 70 , and, the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A face the raised parts 71 of the sub-member 70 . Also, the height of the raised parts 71 is made equal to the height of the land portions 49 A.

In order to implement molding process using the sub-member 70 of the above structure, firstly, the sub-member 70 is joined with the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Thus, the land portions 49 A of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A engage with the recessed portions 72 of the sub-members 70 , and, the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A engage with the raised parts 71 of the sub-members 70 . In other words, the recessed portions 51 formed in the high-frequency circuit board 32 A are filled with the sub-member 70 .

Accordingly, when implementing a molding process as shown in FIG. 9, the recessed portions 51 are filled with the raised parts of the sub-member 70 . There is no gap between the cavity 64 A and the high-frequency circuit board 32 A while injecting the resin 66 . Therefore, even if the base material 45 is biased due to pressure exerted by the resin 66 during molding, the base material 45 is supported by the raised parts 71 of the sub-member 70 and its deformation will be restricted.

Thus, during a molding process, deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A can be restricted (or reduced). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 A and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

In the first embodiment described above, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A during the molding process is restricted by supporting the base material 45 using the sub-member 70 having raised parts 71 that engage with the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Whereas in the present embodiment, in order to restrict (or reduce) the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A, a further high-frequency circuit board 32 A is used in place of the sub-member 70 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state before being clamped in a mold 60 A. FIG. 11 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 10 and 11, those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

As has been described above, the second surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A is unleveled since a plurality of land portions 49 A are provided thereon. In the present embodiment, two high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are situated such that the second surfaces thereof are opposing each other and offset by a distance corresponding to a pitch between neighboring land portions 49 A. Thus, the land portions 49 A of a first high-frequency circuit board 32 A face with the recessed portions 51 of the second high-frequency circuit board 32 A placed below the first high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Similarly, the recessed portions 51 of the first high-frequency circuit board 32 A face with the land portions 49 A of a second high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

In the present embodiment, a molding process is implemented as follows. Firstly, the high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are placed in the mold 60 B. The first high-frequency circuit board 32 A is placed in the cavity 63 B of the upper mold 61 B and the second high-frequency circuit board 32 A is placed in the cavity 64 B of the lower mold 62 B.

When placed in the mold 60 B, the second surfaces of the high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are opposing each other and the high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are offset by a distance corresponding to a pitch of the land portions 49 A.

Then, the upper mold 61 B and the lower mold 62 are joined together. The land portions 49 A of the first high-frequency circuit board 32 A placed in the upper mold 61 B engages the recessed portions 51 of the second high-frequency circuit board 32 A placed in the lower mold 62 B. Similarly, the recessed portions 51 of the first high-frequency circuit board 32 A placed in the upper mold 61 B engages the land portions 49 A of the second high-frequency circuit board 32 A placed in the lower mold 62 B. In other words, the recessed portions 51 of one of the first and second high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are filled with the land portions 49 A of another one of the first and second high-frequency circuit boards 32 A.

As shown in FIG. 11, during a molding process, since the recessed portions 51 are filled with the land portions 49 A of the opposing high-frequency circuit board 32 A, the resin 66 is injected in a state where there is no space between a pair of high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

Accordingly, during a molding step, even if the base materials 45 of the first and second high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are biased due to a pressure exerted by the resin 66 , a pair of high-frequency circuit boards 32 A will mutually support the recessed portions 51 . Thus, during a molding step, the deformation of each of the high-frequency circuit boards 32 A can be restricted. Therefore, it is also possible in the present embodiment to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 A and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

In the present embodiment, the sub-member 70 used in the first embodiment can be omitted. Therefore, there is no need to design and manufacture the sub-member 70 and the cost required for the molding process can be reduced.

In the molding process of the present embodiment, the ground layers 48 A formed on the first and second high-frequency circuit boards 32 A must also engage with each other. Accordingly, the ground layers 48 A is configured to engage with each other when the first and second high-frequency circuit boards 32 A are joined together.

Now, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

In the first embodiment described above, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A during the molding process is restricted by supporting the base material 45 using the sub-member 70 of hard resin having raised parts 71 that engage with the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Whereas in the present embodiment, in order to restrict the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A, an elastic sub-member 75 is used in place of the sub-member 70 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state before being clamped in a mold 60 A. FIG. 13 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 A in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 12 and 14, those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

The elastic sub-member 75 is made of a resin material having an elastic property such as polyimide and is configured in a rectangular shape with no protruded parts nor recessed portions. When implementing a molding process using the elastic sub-member 75 , the high-frequency circuit board 32 A is placed in the cavity 63 A of the upper mold 61 A and the elastic sub-member 75 is placed in the cavity 64 A of the lower mold 62 A. Then, the upper mold 61 A and the lower mold 62 A are joined together.

Accordingly, the high-frequency circuit board 32 A pressed the elastic sub-member 75 . The elastic sub-member 75 elastically deforms into a shape corresponding to an unleveled profile (formed by the land portions 49 A) of a second (lower) surface of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Due to such elastic deformation, the elastic sub-member 75 enters the recessed portions 51 .

As shown in FIG. 13, during a molding process, the recessed portions 51 are filled with the elastic sub-member 75 , the resin 66 is injected in a state where there is no space between the cavity 64 A and the high-frequency circuit board 32 A.

Accordingly, during a molding step, even if the base materials 45 is biased due to a pressure exerted by the resin 66 , the base material 45 is supported by the elastic sub-member 75 and its deformation is restricted.

Thus, during a molding step, the deformation of each of the high-frequency circuit boards 32 A can be restricted. Therefore, it is also possible in the present embodiment to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 A and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Also, in contrast to the sub-member 70 , since the elastic sub-member 75 elastically deforms, only one elastic sub-member 75 is required for various thin-film resin substrate having different number of lands 49 A or different pattern. In other words, with the sub-member 70 with protruded parts 71 and recessed portions 70 of the first embodiment, one wishes to implement the molding process for various high-frequency circuit board with different number of lands 49 A or different pattern, various types of sub-members 70 must be prepared for various types of high-frequency circuit boards.

With the molding process of the present embodiment, there is no need to prepare different types of elastic sub-member 75 for various types of the land portions 49 A of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce cost required for the molding process.

Also, in the present embodiment, the elastic sub-member 75 is provided as sheet member of polyimide resin. Therefore, the same material is used for the elastic sub-member 75 and for the base material 45 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A. Accordingly, in the molding process performed under heated environment, any stress due to the difference of thermal expansion can be prevented from being produced between the base material 45 and the elastic sub-member 75 .

Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 through 18.

In each of the embodiments described above, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A during the molding process is restricted by supporting the recessed portions 51 of the base material 45 using the sub-member 70 or the elastic sub-member 75 . Whereas in the present embodiment, in order to restrict the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A, the recessed portions 51 are reinforced so as to improve the structure of the high-frequency module.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the high-frequency module 30 B of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line A—A of FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 14 . FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the high-frequency module 30 B. Further, FIG. 18 the high-frequency circuit board 32 B in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 14 to 18 , those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

As has been described above with reference to FIG. 7, during the molding process, the base material 45 is deformed at positions of the recessed portions 51 where the base material 45 is exposed between neighboring land portions 49 A. Thus, by mechanically reinforcing the recessed portions 51 , the deformation of the base material 45 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, supporting parts 76 A are formed in the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 B constituting the high-frequency module 30 B. As shown in FIG. 17, the supporting parts 76 A are formed integral with the ground layer 48 A. As shown in FIG. 16, the thickness of the supporting parts 76 A and the thickness of the land portions 49 A are equal. When the width L 2 of the recessed part 51 is, for example, 600 μm, the width L 1 of the supporting part 76 A is preferably 100 μm≦L 1 ≦300 μm.

In the manufacturing process of the high-frequency module 30 B of the above-described structure, the supporting parts 76 A are formed before forming the resin package 35 . As has been described above, since the supporting parts 76 A are formed integral with the ground layer 48 A, the ground layer 48 B and the land portions 49 A may be formed simultaneously. Accordingly, even if the supporting parts 76 A are provided, the manufacturing process of the high-frequency module 30 B will not become complicated. Also, the manufacturing process can be simplified in comparison to a method in which the supporting parts 76 A are formed in a forming process that is separate from the process of forming the ground layer 48 A and the land portions 49 A.

In the molding process, as shown in FIG. 18, the high-frequency circuit board 32 B provided with the supporting parts 76 A is placed in the mold 60 A and then the resin 66 is injected. When the high-frequency circuit board 32 B is placed in the mold 60 A, the land portions 49 touches the cavity 64 of the lower mold 62 A. In this state, the supporting parts 76 A having the same height as the land portions 49 A also touches the cavity 64 . Accordingly, the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A are supported by the supporting parts 76 A.

Thus, even if the base materials 45 is biased due to a pressure exerted by the resin 66 during the molding step, the base material 45 is supported by the supporting parts 76 A and its deformation is restricted. Thus, deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 A can also be restricted with the molding process of the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 B and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Accordingly, since the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 B is restricted, the high-frequency module 30 B that is manufactured with the manufacturing process described above can be mounted to a mounting board with an improved mounting ability. When the high-frequency module 30 B is mounted on the mounting board, the land portions 49 A for providing electrical connection touches the mounting board, and the supporting portions 76 A also touches the mounting board. Therefore, the high-frequency module 30 B of the present embodiment can be mounted on the mounting board with a high stability. Accordingly, the land portions 49 A and the mounting board can be soldered with an improved soldering ability.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, supporting parts 76 A are positioned between neighboring land portions 49 A. Also, the supporting parts 76 A are formed integral with the ground layer 48 B that is grounded. Thus, since a pair of neighboring land portions 49 A is electro-magnetically separated from the supporting part 76 A, the land portions 49 A can be securely isolated from one another.

Accordingly, with the high-frequency module 30 B of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the interference between the land portions 49 A through which the high-frequency signals are input/output. As shown in FIG. 19 for the high-frequency circuit board 32 V, curved parts 77 , 78 are formed at corners of the land portions 49 B and the supporting parts 76 B. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the interference between the land portions 49 B.

Now, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 through 22.

This embodiment is also characterized in that the recessed portions 51 are reinforced by adding improved feature to the structure of the high-frequency module. Accordingly, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 D is reduced.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the high-frequency module 30 C of the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 20 . FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 14 . Further, FIG. 22 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 D in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 20 to 22 , those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit boards 32 B, 32 C is restricted by providing the supporting parts 76 A and 76 B in the recessed portions 51 . Whereas in the present embodiment, in order to restrict or to reduce the deformation of the base material 45 , the recessed portions 51 are mechanically reinforced using various interconnections provided on the high-frequency module 30 C.

In detail, in the present embodiment, the positions of the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 B, 37 B and the DC circuit interconnection 38 B are altered such that they are provided on the base material 45 at positions opposing the recessed portions 51 . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 B, 37 B and the DC circuit interconnection 38 B are provided above the recessed portions 51 with the base material 45 being interposed therebetween.

The high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 B, 37 B and the DC circuit interconnection 38 B formed simultaneously with the DC circuit interconnection 39 . Also, the positions of the interconnections 36 A to 38 B can be easily altered by altering the mask pattern used for forming the interconnections 36 B to 38 B and 39 . Also, the thickness of each of the interconnections 36 B to 38 B is, for example, 35 μm.

In the manufacturing process of the high-frequency module 30 C of the above structure, the interconnections 36 B- 38 B and 39 B are formed before forming the resin package 35 . In the molding process, as shown in FIG. 22, the high-frequency circuit board 32 D provided with the interconnections 36 B to 38 B is placed in the mold 60 A and the resin 66 is injected.

When the high-frequency circuit board 32 D is placed in the mold 60 A, the land portions 49 A touches the cavity 64 A of the lower mold 62 A. In this state, gaps are formed at positions corresponding to the recessed portions 51 . However, as has been described above, the interconnections 36 B to 38 B are formed on the first surface of the base material 45 opposing the recessed portions 51 . Accordingly, the mechanical strength at the recessed portions 51 is increased.

Therefore, even if the base material 45 is biased due to pressure exerted by the resin 66 during molding, the base material 45 is reinforced by the interconnections 36 B to 38 B and its deformation will be restricted.

Thus, during a molding process, deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 D can be restricted. Therefore, it is also possible in the present embodiment to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 A and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Accordingly, since the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 D is restricted, the high-frequency module 30 C of the present embodiment can be mounted on the mounting board with a high stability.

Now, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 through 27.

This embodiment is also characterized in that the mechanical strength at the recessed portions 51 is increased. Accordingly, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 E is reduced.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the high-frequency module 30 D of the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line A—A of FIG. 23 . FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the high-frequency module 30 D. Further, FIG. 27 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 E in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 23 to 27 , those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

The present embodiment is characterized in that embedded members 79 are provided in the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 E that is provided in the high-frequency module 30 D (see FIGS. 25 and 26 for detailed illustration). The embedded member 79 is made of an insulating material such as a polyimide resin. In order to form the embedded members 79 , the insulating material is heated until it becomes soft, and then the insulating material is filled in the recessed portions 51 . Thus, the recessed portions 51 are filled with the embedded members 79 and the bottom surface of the high-frequency module 30 D becomes flat.

In the manufacturing process of the high-frequency module 30 D of the above-described structure, the embedded members 79 are formed before forming the resin package 35 . Screen-printing may be used for providing the embedded members 79 so that the embedded members 79 can be easily provided in the recessed portions 51 .

In the molding process, as shown in FIG. 27, the high-frequency circuit board 32 E provided with the embedded members 79 in the recessed portions 51 is placed in the mold 60 A and then the resin 66 is injected. When the high-frequency circuit board 32 E is placed in the mold 60 A, the land portions 49 A touches the cavity 64 A of the lower mold 62 A. In this state, the embedded members 79 also touches the cavity 64 A. Accordingly, the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 E are supported by the embedded members 79 .

Thus, even if the base materials 45 is biased due to a pressure exerted by the resin 66 during the molding step, the base material 45 is supported by the embedded members 79 and its deformation is restricted. Thus, deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 E can also be restricted with the molding process of the present embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 B and the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 A, 37 A, 38 A, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

Accordingly, since the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 E is restricted, the high-frequency module 30 D that is manufactured with the manufacturing process described above can be mounted to a mounting board with an improved mounting ability. When the high-frequency module 30 D is mounted on the mounting board, the land portions 49 A for providing electrical connection touches the mounting board, and the embedded members 79 also touches the mounting board. Therefore, the high-frequency module 30 D of the present embodiment can be mounted on the mounting board with a high stability. Accordingly, the land portions 49 A and the mounting board can be soldered with an improved soldering ability.

Further, as has been described above, the embedded members 79 are made of an insulating material and are provided in the recessed portions 51 each positioned between neighboring land portions 49 A. Thus, with the embedded members 79 , the neighboring land portions 49 A can be securely isolated. Accordingly, the interference may be reduced between the electrodes whereto and wherefrom the high-frequency signals are provided.

Also, after completing the molding process of the resin package 24 , the embedded members 9 may be removed from the recessed portions 51 . With this structure, since the land portions 49 A will be protruded from the base material 45 , the high-frequency module 30 D may be connected to the mounting board with improved connecting ability.

Now, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 through 30.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of the high-frequency module 30 E of the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional diagram along line B—B of FIG. 29 . FIG. 30 shows the high-frequency circuit board 32 F in a state after being clamped in a mold 60 A and also shows how the resin 66 is injected. In FIGS. 28 to 30 , those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , 14 to 22 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

In the present embodiment, in a similar manner to the above-described fourth embodiment, the supporting parts 76 A are formed in the recessed portions 51 of the high-frequency circuit board 32 F (see FIGS. 14 to 18 ). Further, the present embodiment is characterized in that, in a similar manner to the above-described fifth embodiment, the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 B, 37 B and the DC circuit interconnections 38 B are provided on the first surface of the base material 45 facing the recessed portions 51 (see FIGS. 20 to 22 ).

With the structure of the present embodiment, the recessed portions 51 are reinforced by the embedded members 79 A and by the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 B, 37 B and the DC circuit interconnections 38 B. As shown in FIG. 30, in the molding process for forming the resin package 35 , the recessed portions 51 are supported by the supporting parts 76 A and are also reinforced by the interconnections 36 B, 37 B and 38 B. Therefore, even if the base material 45 is biased due to pressure exerted by the resin 66 during molding, the deformation of the base material 45 will be restricted.

Thus, during a molding step, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 F can be restricted. Therefore, it is also possible in the present embodiment to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the high-frequency circuit board 32 F and the interconnections 36 B, 37 B, 38 B, 39 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 36 B, 37 B, 38 B, 39 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto. Accordingly, since the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 F is restricted, the high-frequency module 30 E that is manufactured with the manufacturing process described above can be mounted to a mounting board with an improved mounting ability.

Now, the supporting parts provided in the recessed portions 51 will be described in detail. In order to restrict the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 F (base material 45 ), it is preferable to provide the supporting parts 76 A that extends across the entire surface of the recessed portions 51 . However, as has been described above, the land portions 49 A needs to be isolated from one another. Therefore, if the supporting parts 76 A are made of, for example, a conductive material or a magnetic material and are provided across a great area in the recessed portions, the land portions 49 A will not be sufficiently isolated between each other.

That is to say, when the supporting parts 76 A are formed by the conductive material or the magnetic material, it is necessary to provide sufficient space within the recessed portions 51 to ensure isolation between the land portions 49 A. The width of the space required is in an order of about 300 μm. Accordingly, with the structure provided with the supporting parts 76 A in the recessed portions 51 , the deformation of the base material 45 may not be restricted for some strength of a pressure exerted by the resin 66 during molding.

However, in the present embodiment, the high-frequency module 30 E is provided with the supporting parts 76 A and with the interconnections 36 B, 37 B, and 38 B formed on the base material 45 opposing the recessed portions 51 . Thus, even if the supporting parts 76 A are formed in a shape that ensures that the land portions 49 A are isolated from one another, the recessed portions 51 will be reinforced by the interconnections 36 B, 37 B and 38 B. With such a structure, the deformation of the high-frequency circuit board 32 F can be restricted while ensuring isolation between the land portions 49 A.

Now, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 through 35.

In each of the embodiments described above, the land portions 49 A are formed on the second surface of the base material 45 , and then the resin package 35 is formed. Whereas in the present embodiment, the resin package 35 is formed before forming the land portions 49 A.

With this method, since the resin package 35 is formed while there is no land portions 49 A, there will be no unleveled portions formed on the second surface of the base material 45 . Accordingly, the deformation of the base material 45 can be restricted. In the following description, a method of manufacturing the high-frequency module 30 F of the present embodiment will be described in detail. In FIGS. 31 to 35 , those elements that are similar to elements shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 , 8 and 9 are indicated by similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail in the following description.

A method of manufacturing the resin package 35 F is as follows. As shown in FIG. 31A, the base material 45 is prepared. The base material 45 is a polyimide film of a thickness of about 25 μm to 70 μm. As shown in FIG. 31B, a copper layer 80 is provided on a surface of the base material 45 . In order to provide this copper layer 80 , firstly, a thin layer of copper is formed by copper sputtering process and then a flush copper plating is implemented.

Then, as shown in FIG. 31C, a dry film 1 is provided over the copper layer 80 . The dry film 81 is a photo-sensitive resin layer of a negative type.

Then, the method proceeds to an exposure process. As shown in FIG. 31D, a glass mask 82 having a predetermined pattern is provided and a light (such as an ultra-violet ray) is illuminated thereto.

Then, the method proceeds to a development process. Since the dry film 81 is a photo-sensitive resin layer of a negative type, the development process serves to leave only the portions of the dry film 81 that have been irradiated by light. FIG. 32A shows a state after the exposure process has been completed.

Then, the base material 45 is placed in an electrolytic plating vessel. Electrolytic plating process of copper is carried out using the copper layer 80 as electrodes. Accordingly, using the dry film 81 as a mask, a copper plating body 83 with a predetermined pattern is formed. FIG. 32B shows a state where the copper plating body 83 have been formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 32C, the dry film 81 is removed. Subsequently, the copper plating body 83 is subjected to flush etching so as to form independent copper patterns 84 . FIG. 32D shows a state where the copper patterns 84 have been formed.

Then, a finishing plating layer 85 of, for example, gold, is formed on over the copper patterns 84 such that interconnections 86 shown in FIG. 32E are formed. The interconnections 86 will serve as the high-frequency circuit interconnections 36 A, 37 A, the DC circuit interconnections 38 A, 39 , and the bias terminals 40 to 44 . After forming the interconnections 86 , the chip components 34 are soldered between the predetermined interconnections 86 as shown in FIG. 33 A.

After the interconnections 86 and the chip components 34 are provided on the base material 45 , a molding process is implemented for forming the resin package 35 on the base material 35 . In the molding process, as shown in FIG. 33B, the base material 45 is placed in the mold 60 C and the resin 66 is injected on the upper surface of the base material whereon the chip components 34 and the interconnections 86 are formed.

Then, after the above-described molding process when the resin package is provided on the base material 45 , the dry film 87 of photo-sensitive resin is provided on the lower surface of the base material 45 as shown in FIG. 33 C. Then, the dry film 87 undergoes an exposure process using a glass mask 88 having a predetermined pattern.

The dry film 87 used herein is also a photo-sensitive resin of a negative type. The pattern formed on the glass mask 88 is configured such that the light is irradiated at portions where via holes 50 are not formed.

After exposure, a development process is implemented. As shown in FIG. 34A, the dry film 87 is provided with openings 89 provided at positions opposing the via holes 50 . Then, polyimide etching is implemented using the dry film 87 as a mask. Thus, as shown in FIG. 34B, through-holes 90 are formed in the base material 45 .

Then, as shown in FIG. 34C, a copper layer 91 is formed on the second surface of the base material 45 having the through-holes 90 . In order to provide the copper layer 91 , firstly, a thin film of copper is formed by copper sputtering and then a flush copper plating is implemented.

When the copper layer 91 is formed, processes similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 31C to 32 B are implemented. As shown in FIG. 35A, using the dry film 92 as a mask, a copper plating body 93 is formed. The copper plating body 93 is formed by electrolytic plating using the copper layer 91 as electrodes. Also, since the copper plating body 93 is also formed in the through-holes 90 , the via holes 50 are formed.

After the copper plating body 93 is formed in the above-described manner, the dry film 92 is removed. Then, the copper plating body 93 undergoes a flush etching process, so as to provide independent copper patterns. Then, a finishing plating layer 94 of, for example, gold is formed over the copper patterns. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 35B, the high-frequency module 30 F having the via holes 50 and the land portions 49 A is manufactured.

Now, a molding process of the resin package 35 of the above-described method will be described in detail.

As has been described above, the deformation of the base material 45 during the molding process is due to unleveled portions produced before molding as a result of the formation of the land portions 49 A of the second surface of the base material 45 . However, with the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the resin package 35 is formed before forming the land portions 49 A on the base material, or, before the second surface of the base material 45 becomes unleveled.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 33B, during the molding process, the second surface of the base material 45 is flat and thus there is no gap between the lower mold 62 C of the mold 60 C and the base material 45 . Therefore, even if the base material 45 is biased due to pressure exerted by the resin 66 during molding, the base material 45 is supported by the lower mold 62 C and its deformation will be restricted. The present embodiment also restricts the deformation of the base material 45 during molding. Therefore, it is also possible in the present embodiment to prevent the chip components 34 from falling off from the interconnections 86 and the interconnections 86 from peeling off from the base material 45 . Further, it is possible to prevent the interconnections 86 from being disconnected due to stress applied thereto.

In the embodiments described above, a transfer molding process has been described as an example of a method of forming the resin package 35 . However, it is to be noted that the method of forming the resin package 35 is not limited thereto. Instead, it can be widely applied for cases where a resin forming method is used in which biasing force is exerted on a high frequency circuit board while forming the resin package 35 by method such as compression molding.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present application is based on Japanese priority application No. 2000-196965 filed on Jun. 29, 2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.