Abstract: A variety of improved substrate structures and substrate fabrication techniques for use in integrated circuit packaging are described. In one aspect, a substrate strip fabrication technique that facilitates strip testing of the dice mounted thereon is described. The described technique works well even when landings on the substrate are electrolytically plated. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is formed in a manner that facilitates the use of non-stick detection during wire bonding. In a distinct aspect of the invention the substrate strip has a plurality of distinct molding area tiles that each have a two dimensional array of substrate segments formed thereon. The substrate segments each have a die attach area, a plurality of landing one surface and a plurality of contact pads on the other. The contact pads are positioned substantially across from the landings and are electrically connected thereto by associated vias.