Abstract: Standard ribbon bonds are utilized as clamp-like mechanical fasteners to attach an IC die in a “flip-chip” orientation to a support structure (e.g., a package base substrate or printed circuit board). Electrical connections between the support structure and the IC die are achieved by curved micro-springs that extend through an air-gap region separating the upper structure surface and the active surface of the IC die. The micro-springs have an anchor portion fixedly attached to one of the support structure and the IC die, and a free (tip) end that is in nonattached contact with an associated contact pad disposed on the other of the support structure and the IC die. Once the IC die is placed on the support structure, the ribbon bonds are formed between the support structure and the IC die using conventional wedge bonder, but the ribbon bonds connected to the non-active surface of the IC die.