Abstract: An interconnect structure for connecting an integrated circuit (IC) chip to a supporting substrate is described. The supporting substrate serves to communicate signals between the IC chip and the "outside world," such as other IC chips. In one embodiment, the interconnect structure comprises an interconnect substrate having a first post disposed on one of its surfaces and a second post disposed on another of its surfaces. One post is for contacting the IC chip and the other is for contacting the major substrate. Each post comprising an elongated body having top and bottom ends, with the bottom end being mounted to one of the substrate surfaces and the top end having a substantially flat surface which is substantially co-planer with the substrate surface. The interconnect substrate further comprises a means for de-concentrating the mechanical stain present at one or both of the top and bottom ends of each post.