Patent ID: 7423337

Claim:
A singulated integrated circuit die, comprising: an active surface; a plurality of substantially spherical solder bumps formed on the active surface of said die such that base junctions between said solder bumps and their associated surfaces of formation define first wetting angles, wherein each of said substantially spherical solder bumps is formed from a single homogenous material; and a single support coating formed on said active surface of said die such that mid-level wetting angles are formed at mid-level junctions where the upper surface of said single support coating meets said solder bumps, wherein said single support coating has been fully cured prior to any reflow of said plurality of solder bumps, wherein the height of said single support coating is from about 20 percent to about 70 percent of the pre-reflow height of said solder bumps, wherein said single support coating and said solder bumps are arranged such that when the solder bumps are reflowed as part of a soldering operation to secure said singulated integrated circuit die to a support, the resulting mid-level wetting angles remain sufficiently high such that said mid-level junctions do not become the primary location for solder joint failure, and the resulting first wetting angles are at least approximately 50 degrees, and wherein said single support coating consists of the only coating formed on said active surface of said singulated integrated circuit die.