Abstract: A semiconductor device having C-4 solder connections is joined to a chip carrier having pads suitable for receiving the C-4 solder connections. Sacrificial solder is formed on the chip carrier pads and then planarized to result in a good, planar surface profile for joining to the semiconductor device.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is the development of new alloys along with new processing approaches for the utilization of the alloys. A particular class of alloys comprises at least one noble metal selected from the group comprising gold, palladium, silver and copper and an amount of between about 0.20 weight percent and about 0.80 weight percent of at least one metalloid selected from the group of metalloids consisting of boron, phosphorous, silicon and lithium. Rapid solidification technology in powder fabrication and the addition of metalloids have been combined to produce a new class of palladium based alloys. The metalloid additions greatly increase the hardness, enhance the fine grain structure and aid sintering densification. Net-shape forming is a benefit derived from the characteristics of the new alloys.