Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electronic assembly that includes a substrate and a plurality of pads. Each of the pads includes a lower section that is embedded in the substrate and a bowl-shaped upper section that is on top of the lower section. The bowl-shaped upper section protrudes from the substrate such that the bowl-shaped upper section is adapted to be soldered to balls or pads on another electronic assembly (e.g., an electronic package that include a die). Other embodiments relate to a method that includes forming a plurality of pads on a substrate such that each of the pads includes a lower section that is embedded in the substrate and an upper section that protrudes from the substrate. The method further includes heating the plurality of pads and engaging a member with the plurality of pads to form the upper section of each pad into a bowl shape.