Abstract: A high density integrated circuit module is comprised of a plurality of integrated circuit chips; each of the chips has top and bottom surfaces and thin sides; and all of the chips are arranged in a stack in which the sides of the chips form multiple faces of the stack. Also, in accordance with the invention, a selected face of the stack has a zigzag shape which exposes a portion of the top surface of each chip on that face; and, bonding pads for carrying input/output signals to/from the chips are located on the exposed top surface portion of the chips. This zigzag shape is produced by (a) providing an indentation in the side of each of the chips which lie along the selected stack face; or (b) by offsetting the sides of the chps from each other as they lie along the selected stack face; or (c) by providing respective spacers between the chips and indenting them from the chips along the selected stack face.

Abstract: A module for packaging and electrically interconnecting integrated circuit chips comprises: a porous ceramic substrate which has a major surface that is pitted by a portion of the pores. Voltage planes and ground planes lie internal to the substrate, and metal filled via holes feed through the substrate. A second material fills the pores in the major surface to form a pit free surface. This second material is of a type which resists abrasion substantially less than the ceramic substrate. And metal lines are disposed over the pit free surface for interconnecting the metal filled via holes to the integrated circuits.