Patent ID: 7205486

Claim:
A laminate comprising: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer disposed over the first conductive layer; an insulator disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; a conductive via extending through the insulator and electrically connecting the first and second conductive layers, at least one conductive trace electrically connects the via to at least one of the first and second conductive layers, and the at least one conductive trace extends non-linearly between the via and at least one of the first and second conductive layers; and a channel in the insulator, the channel extending far enough around the via and far enough into the insulator to reduce mechanical stress on the electrical connection between the via and at least one of the first and second conductive layers due to swelling of the insulator, the mechanical stress reduced enough to preserve electrical connectivity of the first and second conductive layers by the via in spite of the swelling.