Abstract: A universal substrate includes an input/output (I/O) layer having a fixed I/O assignment of I/O locations for connection with a printed circuit board or the like. A chip receiving layer is provided for receiving one of at least two different but allied semiconductor chips, wherein each of the at least two different but allied chips include a set of bond pads and have a unique wire-out requirement. A first layer includes a plurality of bond pads and vias, the plurality of bond pads including at least two sets of bond pads, wherein each set is adapted for bond connection with a respective one of the at least two different semiconductor chips when received by said receiving means and further in accordance with a respective wire-out requirement.

Abstract: An improved mask for screening a conductive paste onto a microelectronic substrate is disclosed. The mask comprises a metal foil having a thickness of less than about 200 microns, having a stencil formed in the foil and extending inwardly to a first depth from a first exterior surface of the foil, said stencil comprising a plurality of voids corresponding to the desired pattern, and having a mesh formed in the foil and extending inwardly to a second depth from a second exterior surface of the foil opposite said first exterior surface, said mesh comprising a plurality of voids in communication with the voids of the stencil, wherein the ratio of said first depth to said second depth is less than 60:40, and wherein the mask is produced from an essentially homogenous metal sheet. Such masks are useful for fabricating microelectronic substrates having screened lines of conductive paste.