Abstract: A method and structure for coupling a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a semiconductor chip) to an organic substrate (e.g., a chip carrier). The coupling interfaces a solder member (e.g., a solder ball) to both a conductive pad on the semiconductor substrate and a conductive pad on the organic substrate. Thermal strains on the solder member during thermal cycling may be reduced by having a surface area of the pad on the semiconductor substrate exceed a surface area of the pad on the organic substrate. Thermal strains on the solder member during thermal cycling may also be reduced by having a distance from a centerline of the solder member to a closest lateral edge of the semiconductor substrate exceed about 0.25 mm.

Abstract: A method of fabrication are provided in which permanent external electrical connection to active circuitry in a semiconductor structure can be made through either a wire bond pad or metal bump formed thereon. A final metallization including a wire bond pad is disposed over and electrically connected with the active circuitry. An insulating material film is disposed over the final metallization leaving the wire bond pad and a portion of the final metallization laterally displaced from the pad exposed. A metal bump contacts the laterally displayed exposed portion of the final metallization. The wire bond pad is electrically coupled with and laterally displaced from the metal bump through the final metallization. The metal bump and wire bond pad are configured to facilitate electrical connection of the semiconductor structure with an external connector, such as a modular packaging substrate.