Abstract: A solder structure comprising a radially-curved exterior surface enclosing a predetermined-sized cavity used for flexibly joining together at predetermined conductive contact points two planar elements having dissimilar properties. By assembling the two planar elements in a tiered arrangement, one planar element having an annular conductive pad and the other planar element having either a corresponding annular or circular conductive pad, separated by a spherical solder compound comprised of solder and a fluxing agent, a hollow solder structure can be created during a melting and subsequent cooling of the solder compound. The plasticity/resiliency characteristics of the resulting hollow solder structure absorbs lateral movement of the two planar elements relative to each other without degradation of the solder joint.

Abstract: A circuit board having heating elements and a hermetically sealed multi-chip package. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of semiconductor chips, a substrate electrically coupled to the plurality of semiconductor chips, heat dissipation means, and a plurality of thermal interfaces disposed between the semiconductor chips and the heat dissipation means. The heat dissipation means forms a hermetically sealed cavity that encloses the semiconductor chips and at least a portion of the substrate. The circuit board includes a chip mounting surface, a chip mounting area on the chip mounting surface, the chip mounting area including a plurality of lands, and heating elements connected to the lands, the heating elements capable heating a joint formed between the lands and electrode pads of a semiconductor chip.