Abstract: A method for designing a carrier substrate includes configuring at least one die-attach location and one or more terminals that protrude from a surface of the carrier substrate so as to prevent adhesive material from contaminating connection surfaces thereof. The method may also include configuring the carrier substrate to include one or more recessed areas that laterally surround at least a portion of the die-attach location to receive excess adhesive.

Abstract: A solder mask for use on a carrier substrate includes a device-securing region positionable over at least a portion of a die-support location of the carrier substrate. Dams of the solder mask are positionable laterally adjacent to at least portions of the peripheries of corresponding terminals of the carrier substrate. A carrier substrate includes at least one die-attach location and one or more terminals that protrude from a surface of the carrier substrate so as to prevent adhesive material from contaminating connection surfaces thereof. The solder may be positioned or formed on the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate and solder mask may each include one or more recessed areas that laterally surround at least portions of their die-attach location and device-securing region, respectively, to receive excess adhesive.