Abstract: A universal substrate includes an input/output (I/O) layer having a fixed I/O assignment of I/O locations for connection with a printed circuit board or the like. A chip receiving layer is provided for receiving one of at least two different but allied semiconductor chips, wherein each of the at least two different but allied chips include a set of bond pads and have a unique wire-out requirement. A first layer includes a plurality of bond pads and vias, the plurality of bond pads including at least two sets of bond pads, wherein each set is adapted for bond connection with a respective one of the at least two different semiconductor chips when received by said receiving means and further in accordance with a respective wire-out requirement.