Patent ID: 8093729

Claim:
An interconnect for electrically connecting integrated circuit chips, the interconnect comprising: a post extending above a first supporting surface of an integrated circuit chip, wherein the post includes: a rigid material comprising an end portion opposite the first supporting surface; a first electrically-conductive coating adhered to the rigid material and positioned over the end portion; and a second electrically-conductive coating adhered to the first coating and positioned over the end portion; and an electrically-conductive material surrounding at least a portion of the post and positioned over the end portion of the rigid material, wherein the electrically-conductive material comprises a malleable material that is more malleable than the rigid material, and wherein the electrically-conductive material is different than the second electrically-conductive coating; wherein the post has a first portion having a first width at the first supporting surface and a second portion having a second width at a distance from the first supporting surface, and wherein the second width is less than the first width.