Abstract: According to one embodiment a method is provided including positioning and bonding a plurality of first semiconductor chips in a coplanar relation on a first substrate, laminating at least a plurality of second semiconductor chips on the first semiconductor chips, cutting the first substrate for separation into a discrete chip lamination, aligning an electrode pad provided on a surface of the discrete lamination with an electrode pad on a second substrate, and temporarily connecting the electrode pads on the lamination and the second substrate in an opposing relation to the first substrate, providing electrical connection between the electrode pads by a reflow process, flowing a liquid resin from the side of the first substrate towards the second substrate to seal the chip lamination and spaces between the chip lamination and the first and second substrate, and cutting the chip lamination to form a discrete device.

Abstract: A method includes placing a plurality of dummy dies over a carrier, placing a plurality of device dies over the carrier, molding the plurality of dummy dies and the plurality of device dies in a molding compound, forming redistribution line over and electrically coupled to the device dies, and performing a die-saw to separate the device dies and the molding compound into a plurality of packages.

Abstract: Embodiments of forming a semiconductor device structure are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first semiconductor wafer and a second semiconductor wafer bonded via a hybrid bonding structure, and the hybrid bonding structure includes a first conductive material embedded in a first polymer material and a second conductive material embedded in a second polymer material. The first conductive material is bonded to the second conductive material and the first polymer material is bonded to the second polymer material. The semiconductor device also includes at least one through silicon via (TSV) extending from a bottom surface of the first semiconductor wafer to a metallization structure of the first semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor device structure also includes an interconnect structure formed over the bottom surface of the first semiconductor wafer, and the interconnect structure is electrically connected to the metallization structure via the TSV.

Abstract: A three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D-IC) which incorporates a glass interposer and a method for fabricating the three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D-IC) with the glass interposer are described herein. In one embodiment, the 3D-IC incorporates a glass interposer which has vias formed therein which are not filled with a conductor that allow for precision metal-to-metal interconnects (for example) between redistribution layers. In another embodiment, the 3D-IC incorporates a glass interposer which has vias and has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is different than the CTE of silicon which is 3.2 ppm/° C.

Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device includes a first and second semiconductor device having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the first major surface of the first and second semiconductor devices include active circuitry. The first and second semiconductor devices are stacked so that the first major surface of the first semiconductor device faces the first major surface of the second semiconductor device. At least one continuous conductive via extends from the second major surface of the first semiconductor device to the first major surface of the second semiconductor device. Conductive material fills a cavity adjacent to the contact pad and is in contact with one side of the contact pad. Another side of the contact pad of the first semiconductor device faces and is in contact with another side of the contact pad of the second semiconductor device.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a substrate with a cavity formed through first and second surfaces of the substrate. A conductive TSV is formed through a first semiconductor die, which is mounted in the cavity. The first semiconductor die may extend above the cavity. An encapsulant is deposited over the substrate and a first surface of the first semiconductor die. A portion of the encapsulant is removed from the first surface of the first semiconductor die to expose the conductive TSV. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the first surface of the first semiconductor die. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the conductive TSV. An interposer is disposed between the first semiconductor die and second semiconductor die. A third semiconductor die is mounted over a second surface of the first semiconductor die. A heat sink is formed over a surface of the third semiconductor die.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a chip stacked structure. The chip stacked structure may include, but is not limited to, first and second semiconductor chips. The first semiconductor chip has a first thickness. The second semiconductor chip has a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor die. An encapsulant is disposed around the first semiconductor die. A first stepped interconnect structure is disposed over a first surface of the encapsulant. An opening is formed in the first stepped interconnect structure. The opening in the first stepped interconnect structure is over the first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is disposed in the opening of the first stepped interconnect structure. A second stepped interconnect structure is disposed over the first stepped interconnect structure. A conductive pillar is formed through the encapsulant.

Abstract: A package includes a first package component having a top surface, a second package component bonded to the top surface of the first package component, and a plurality of electrical connectors at the top surface of the first package component. A molding material is over the first package component and molding the second package component therein. The molding material includes a first portion overlapping the second package component, wherein the first portion includes a first top surface, and a second portion encircling the first portion and molding bottom portions of the plurality of electrical connectors therein. The second portion has a second top surface lower than the first top surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electronic assembly includes fabricating first and second interconnects. The first interconnect is adapted to interconnect a first die to a substrate. The second interconnect is adapted to interconnect the first die to a second die. The method further includes assembling the first die, the second die, and the substrate together such that the first die is disposed above the substrate, and the second die is disposed below the first die.

Abstract: The stack package includes a first semiconductor package and a second semiconductor package. The first semiconductor package includes a first substrate having a first modulus and at least one semiconductor chip mounted on the first substrate. The second semiconductor package stacked on the first semiconductor package and includes a second substrate having a second modulus and at least one semiconductor chip mounted on the second substrate. The second modulus is less than the first modulus. Even in the event that the first semiconductor package is under severe warpage due to a temperature change, the flexible second substrate, which includes e.g., polyimide or poly ethylene terephthalate, of the second semiconductor package may be less sensitive to the temperature change, thereby improving reliability of the stack package.

Abstract: A method includes placing a plurality of bottom units onto a jig, wherein the plurality of bottom units is not sawed apart and forms an integrated component. Each of the plurality of bottom units includes a package substrate and a die bonded to the package substrate. A plurality of upper component stacks is placed onto the plurality of bottom units, wherein solder balls are located between the plurality of upper component and the plurality of bottom units. A reflow is performed to join the plurality of upper component stacks with respective ones of the plurality of bottom units through the solder balls.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for fabricating stacked microelectronic packages are provided, as are embodiments of a stacked microelectronic package. In one embodiment, the method includes arranging microelectronic device panels in a panel stack. Each microelectronic device panel includes a plurality of microelectronic devices and a plurality of package edge conductors extending therefrom. Trenches are formed in the panel stack exposing the plurality of package edge conductors. An electrically-conductive material is deposited into the trenches and contacts the plurality of package edge conductors exposed therethrough. The panel stack is then separated into partially-completed stacked microelectronic packages. For at least one of the partially-completed stacked microelectronic packages, selected portions of the electrically-conductive material are removed to define a plurality of patterned sidewall conductors interconnecting the microelectronic devices included within the stacked microelectronic package.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a structure that includes a first package substrate, a first component, a second package substrate, a second component, and a third component. The first package substrate has a first area. The first component has a first height and is positioned on the first area. The second package substrate is coupled to the first package substrate. The second package substrate has second and third areas. The second area of the second package substrate vertically overlaps with the first area of the first package substrate The third area of the second package substrate is non-overlapping with the first area of the first package substrate. The second component has a second height and is positioned on the second area. The third component is positioned on the third area. The third component has a third height that is greater than each of the first and second heights.

Abstract: A stack package includes a lower package including a lower package substrate and a lower semiconductor chip disposed on the lower package substrate, an upper package including an upper package substrate and an upper semiconductor chip disposed on the upper package substrate, a fastening element formed between a top surface of the lower semiconductor chip and a bottom surface of the upper package substrate, and a halogen-free inter-package connector connecting the lower package substrate to the upper package substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a semiconductor device package with a die to interposer wafer first bond are disclosed and may include bonding a plurality of semiconductor die comprising electronic devices to an interposer wafer, and applying an underfill material between the die and the interposer wafer. A mold material may be applied to encapsulate the die. The interposer wafer may be thinned to expose through-silicon-vias (TSVs) and metal contacts may be applied to the exposed TSVs. The interposer wafer may be singulated to generate assemblies comprising the semiconductor die and an interposer die. The die may be placed on the interposer wafer utilizing an adhesive film. The interposer wafer may be singulated utilizing one or more of: a laser cutting process, reactive ion etching, a sawing technique, and a plasma etching process. The die may be bonded to the interposer wafer utilizing a mass reflow or a thermal compression process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stacked semiconductor package in which semiconductor chips having various sizes are stacked. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a stacked semiconductor package includes a first semiconductor chip structure provided with a first semiconductor chip, a first mold layer surrounding the first semiconductor chip, and a first penetration electrode passing through the first mold layer and electrically connected to the first semiconductor chip, and a second semiconductor chip structure vertically stacked on the first semiconductor chip structure and provided with a second semiconductor chip and a second penetration electrode electrically connected to the first penetration electrode, wherein the first semiconductor chip structure may have the same size as the second semiconductor chip structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die and a first encapsulant deposited over the first semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the first semiconductor die and first encapsulant. A modular interconnect structure including a conductive via is disposed adjacent to the first semiconductor die. The first encapsulant is deposited over the modular interconnect structure. An opening is formed in the first encapsulant extending to the modular interconnect structure or to the interconnect structure. A second semiconductor die is disposed over the first semiconductor die. A bond wire is formed over the second semiconductor die and extends into the opening in the first encapsulant. A cap is formed over an active region of the second semiconductor die. A second encapsulant is deposited over the second semiconductor die and bond wire. Alternatively, a lid is formed over the second semiconductor die and bond wire.

Abstract: An inventive semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor chip; a second semiconductor chip having a front surface opposed to a front surface of the first semiconductor chip; a first electrode region including a first electrode provided between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip to electrically connect the first semiconductor chip to the second semiconductor chip; and a juncture portion provided between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip as surrounding the first electrode region to connect the first semiconductor chip to the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes at least one semiconductor die having an active surface, an interposer element having an upper surface and a lower surface, a package body, and a lower redistribution layer. The interposer element has at least one conductive via extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The package body encapsulates portions of the semiconductor die and portions of the interposer element. The lower redistribution layer electrically connects the interposer element to the active surface of the semiconductor die.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes: a first circuit formed on a chip having a main surface; first to nth penetration electrodes penetrating through the chip, where n is an integer more than 1; first to nth main terminals arranged on the main surface of the chip and vertically aligned with the first to nth penetration electrodes, respectively, each of kth main terminal being electrically connected to k+1th penetration electrode, where k is an integer more than 0 and smaller than n, and the nth main terminal being electrically connected to the first penetration electrode; a sub-terminal arranged on the main surface of the chip; and a selection circuit electrically connected to predetermined one of the first to nth main terminals, the sub-terminal, and the first circuit, wherein the selection circuit connects the first circuit to one of the predetermined main terminal and the sub-terminal.

Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate having a seal ring region and a circuit region, forming a seal ring structure over the seal ring region, forming a first frontside passivation layer above the seal ring structure, etching a frontside aperture in the first frontside passivation layer adjacent to an exterior portion of the seal ring structure, forming a frontside metal pad in the frontside aperture to couple the frontside metal pad to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure, forming a first backside passivation layer below the seal ring structure, etching a backside aperture in the first backside passivation layer adjacent to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure, and forming a backside metal pad in the backside aperture to couple the backside metal pad to the exterior portion of the seal ring structure. Semiconductor devices fabricated by such a method are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments include semiconductor structures. In one embodiment, the semiconductor structure includes a chip having a body having a polyhedron shape with a pair of opposing sides; and a solder member extending along a side that extends between the pair of opposing sides of the polyhedron shape.

Abstract: The embodiments described provide methods and structures for forming support structures between dies and substrate(s) of a three dimensional integrated circuit (3DIC) structures. Each support structure adheres to surfaces of two neighboring dies or die and substrate to relieve stress caused by bowing of the die(s) and/or substrate on the bonding structures formed between the dies or die and substrate. The cost of the support structures is much lower than other processes, such as thermal compression bonding, to reduce the effect of bowing of dies and substrates on 3DIC formation. The support structures improves yield of 3DIC structures.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating multi-die assemblies including a base semiconductor die bearing a peripherally encapsulated stack of semiconductor dice of lesser lateral dimensions, the dice vertically connected by conductive elements between the dice, resulting assemblies, and semiconductor devices comprising such assemblies.

Abstract: Provided are semiconductor packages and methods of fabricating the same. The method may include, stacking a lower semiconductor chip on a lower package substrate, forming a lower molding layer on the lower package substrate, forming a connecting through-hole and an element through-hole by performing a laser drilling process on the lower molding layer, and stacking an upper package substrate having a bottom surface to which a passive element is bonded on the lower package substrate to insert the passive element into the element through-hole.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same includes providing a first semiconductor chip which has first connection terminals, providing a second semiconductor chip which comprises top and bottom surfaces facing each other and has second connection terminals and a film-type first underfill material formed on the bottom surface thereof, bonding the first semiconductor chip to a mounting substrate by using the first connection terminals, bonding the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip by using the first underfill material, and forming a second underfill material which fills a space between the mounting substrate and the first semiconductor chip and covers side surfaces of the first semiconductor chip and at least part of side surfaces of the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A multilayer semiconductor device structure having different circuit functions on different semiconductor device layers is provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a first semiconductor device layer fabricated on a bulk substrate. The first semiconductor device layer comprises a first semiconductor device for performing a first circuit function. The first semiconductor device layer includes a patterned top surface of different materials. The semiconductor structure further comprises a second semiconductor device layer fabricated on a semiconductor-on-insulator (“SOI”) substrate. The second semiconductor device layer comprises a second semiconductor device for performing a second circuit function. The second circuit function is different from the first circuit function. A bonding surface coupled between the patterned top surface of the first semiconductor device layer and a bottom surface of the SOI substrate is included.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor device with through-silicon vias (TSVs) that comprises a primary TSV group, a plurality of signal lines connected to the primary TSV group, a redundant TSV group and connection circuitry responsive to a control signal having a predetermined value to electrically connect the signal lines to the redundant TSV group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for packaging a backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor or a BSI sensor device with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) are disclosed. A bond pad array may be formed in a bond pad area of a BSI sensor where the bond pad array comprises a plurality of bond pads electrically interconnected, wherein each bond pad of the bond pad array is of a small size which can reduce the dishing effect of a big bond pad. The plurality of bond pads of a bond pad array may be interconnected at the same layer of the pad or at a different metal layer. The BSI sensor may be bonded to an ASIC in a face-to-face fashion where the bond pad arrays are aligned and bonded together.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: preparing a semiconductor wafer including a plurality of semiconductor chips arranged in the shape of a matrix, the semiconductor wafer having a first bump electrode formed on one face thereof; forming a depressed portion on a first face of the semiconductor wafer, the depressed portion partitioning the semiconductor wafer into respective semiconductor chips; placing the first face of the semiconductor wafer onto a support tape; and cutting the semiconductor wafer along the depressed portion from a second face opposite to the first face of the semiconductor wafer by the use of a dicing blade having a width smaller than the width of the depressed portion to thereby divide the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips.

Abstract: The semiconductor package includes semiconductor chips, each chip having one or more bonding pads. The semiconductor chips are stacked in a stepped configuration over the surface of the substrate without covering one or more bonding pads. An encapsulation member encapsulates the stacked semiconductor chips on the surface of the substrate. Via wirings in the encapsulation member electrically connect to a bonding pad of at least one of the semiconductor chips. Redistributions are formed over the encapsulation member such that the one or more redistributions are electrically coupled to the via wirings.

Abstract: A package structure including: a first semiconductor device including a first semiconductor substrate and a first electronic device, the first semiconductor device having a first side and a second side, wherein at least part of the first electronic device being adjacent to the first side, and the first semiconductor device has a via-hole formed through the first semiconductor device, wherein the via-hole has a first opening adjacent to the first side; an interconnection structure disposed in the first semiconductor device, wherein the interconnection structure includes: a via structure disposed in the via-hole without exceeding the first opening; a first pad disposed on the first side of the first semiconductor device and covering the via-hole; and a second semiconductor device vertically integrated with the first semiconductor device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first electrode is formed on a first face of a first semiconductor chip, and a second electrode and a protrusion are formed on a second face of a second semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are spaced from one another by the protrusion in such a manner that the first face and the second face face each other. The first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are subject to reflow to be electrically connected to each other, and then the protrusion is cured at a temperature lower than a reflow temperature.

Abstract: A package includes package includes a first package component including a first plurality of electrical connectors at a top surface of the first package component, and a second plurality of electrical connectors longer than the first plurality of electrical connectors at the top surface of the first package component. A first device die is over the first package component and bonded to the first plurality of electrical connectors. A second package component is overlying the first package component and the first device die. The second package component includes a third plurality of electrical connectors at a bottom surface of the second package component. The third plurality of electrical connectors is bonded to the second plurality of electrical connectors. A fourth plurality of electrical connectors is at a bottom surface of the second package. The second and the fourth plurality of electrical connectors comprise non-solder metallic materials.

Abstract: A semiconductor package comprises a board including a board pad, a plurality of semiconductor chips mounted on the board, the semiconductor chips including chip pads. Bumps are disposed on the chip pads, respectively, and a wire is disposed between the chip pads and the bumps. The wire electrically connects the chip pads of the plurality of semiconductor chips and the board pad to each other.

Abstract: A method for processing a semiconductor device, the method including; providing a first semiconductor layer including first transistors; forming interconnection layers overlying the transistors, where the interconnection layers include copper or aluminum; forming a shielding heat conducting layer overlaying the interconnection layers; forming an isolation layer overlaying the shielding heat conducting layer; forming a second semiconductor layer overlying the isolation layer, and processing the second semiconductor layer at a temperature greater than about 400° C., where the interconnection layers are kept at a temperature below about 400° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes an interposer and a first semiconductor package comprising a first substrate, and a first semiconductor chip mounted on the first substrate. The device also includes at least two second semiconductor packages electrically connected to a top surface of the interposer, the second semiconductor packages spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the top surface of the interposer. Each of the second semiconductor packages comprises a second substrate, a second semiconductor chip mounted on the second substrate and a mold part disposed on the second substrate to protect the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A PoP (package-on-package) package includes a bottom package coupled to a top package. Terminals on the top of the bottom package are coupled to terminals on the bottom of the top package with an electrically insulating material located between the upper surface of the bottom package and the lower surface of the top package. The bottom package and the top package are coupled during a process that applies force to bring the packages together while heating the packages.

Abstract: A method of forming a wafer stack includes providing a sub-stack comprising a first wafer and a second wafer. The sub-stack includes a first thermally-curable adhesive at an interface between the upper surface of the first wafer and the lower surface of the second wafer. A third wafer is placed on the upper surface of the second wafer. A second thermally-curable adhesive is present at an interface between the upper surface of the second wafer and the lower surface of the third wafer. Ultra-violet (UV) radiation is provided in a direction of the upper surface of the third wafer to cure a UV-curable adhesive in openings in the second wafer and in contact with portions of the third wafer so as to bond the third wafer to the sub-stack at discrete locations. Subsequently, the third wafer and the sub-stack are heated so to cure the first and second thermally-curable adhesives.

Abstract: A semiconductor sensor die grid array package includes a semiconductor die having an active surface and an opposite backside surface. The active surface has external die connection pads. Conductive runners respectively connect the die connection pads to external connection mounts of the package. An encapsulant covers the semiconductor die. The encapsulant has a base surface proximal to the conductive runners and a stacking surface opposite the base surface. A sensor die is supported on the stacking surface. The sensor die has an active surface and an opposite backside surface that faces the stacking surface, and the sensor active surface has sensor connection pads. Conductive vias engage with the conductive runners and also are wire bonded to one of the sensor connection pads.

Abstract: A device includes a first semiconductor chip including a first face, wherein a first contact pad is arranged over the first face. The device further includes a second semiconductor chip including a first face, wherein a first contact pad is arranged over the first face, wherein the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip are arranged such that the first face of the first semiconductor chip faces in a first direction and the first face of the second semiconductor chip faces in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first semiconductor chip is located laterally outside of an outline of the second semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging semiconductor device is provided. An embodiment comprises forming vias over a carrier wafer and attaching a first die over the carrier wafer and between a first two of the vias. A second die is attached over the carrier wafer and between a second two of the vias. The first die and the second die are encapsulated to form a first package, and at least one third die is connected to the first die or the second die. A second package is connected to the first package over the at least one third die.

Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device includes a first and second semiconductor device having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the first major surface of the first and second semiconductor devices include active circuitry. The first and second semiconductor devices are stacked so that the first major surface of the first semiconductor device faces the first major surface of the second semiconductor device. At least one continuous conductive via extends from the second major surface of the first semiconductor device to the first major surface of the second semiconductor device. Conductive material fills a cavity adjacent to the contact pad and is in contact with one side of the contact pad. Another side of the contact pad of the first semiconductor device faces and is in contact with another side of the contact pad of the second semiconductor device.

Abstract: A first semiconductor device die is provided having a bottom edge incorporating a notch structure that allows sufficient height and width clearance for a wire bond connected to a bond pad on an active surface of a second semiconductor device die upon which the first semiconductor device die is stacked. Use of such notch structures reduces a height of a stack incorporating the first and second semiconductor device die, thereby also reducing a thickness of a semiconductor device package incorporating the stack.

Abstract: A method including a printed circuit board electrically coupled to a bottom of a laminate substrate, the laminate substrate having an opening extending through the entire thickness of the laminate substrate, a main die electrically coupled to a top of the laminate substrate, a die stack electrically coupled to a bottom of the main die, the die stack including one or more chips stacked vertically and electrically coupled to one another, the die stack extending into the opening of the laminate substrate, and an interposer positioned between and electrically coupled to a topmost chip and the printed circuit board, the interposer providing an electrical path from the printed circuit board to the topmost chip of the die stack.

Abstract: An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes a first substrate including a first pad, a second substrate upwardly spaced apart from the first substrate and including a second pad opposite to the first pad. At least one electrode is coupled between the first pad and the second pad. The semiconductor package includes a guide ring formed at a periphery of the electrode between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: An assembly component and a technique for assembling a chip package using the assembly component are described. This chip package includes a set of semiconductor dies that are arranged in a stack in a vertical direction, which are offset from each other in a horizontal direction to define a stepped terrace at one side of the vertical stack. Moreover, the chip package may be assembled using the assembly component. In particular, the assembly component may include a pair of stepped terraces that approximately mirror the stepped terrace of the chip package and which provide vertical position references for an assembly tool that positions the set of semiconductor dies in the vertical stack during assembly of the chip package.

Abstract: A pressure sensor package includes a pressure sensor having a first side with a pressure sensor port, a second side opposite the first side, and electrical contacts. A logic die stacked on the pressure sensor has a first side attached to the second side of the pressure sensor and a second side opposite the first side with electrical contacts. The logic die is laterally offset from the electrical contacts of the pressure sensor and operable to process signals from the pressure sensor. Electrical conductors connect the electrical contacts of the pressure sensor to the electrical contacts of the logic die. Molding compound encapsulates the pressure sensor, the logic die and the electrical conductors, and has an opening defining an open passage to the pressure sensor port. External electrical contacts are provided at a side of the pressure sensor package.

Abstract: Internal nodes of a constituent integrated circuit (IC) package of a multichip module (MCM) are protected from excessive charge during plasma cleaning of the MCM. The protected nodes are coupled to an internal common node of the IC package by respectively associated discharge paths. The common node is connected to a bond pad of the IC package. During MCM assembly, and before plasma cleaning, this bond pad receives a wire bond to a ground bond pad on the MCM substrate.