Patent ID: 6959856

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a solder bump, comprising: depositing an intermediate layer over a contact pad; forming a first photoresist over a surface of the intermediate layer; patterning the first photoresist to define at least one opening which partially exposes the surface of the intermediate layer; filling the at least one opening of the first photoresist with a metal; removing the first photoresist to expose the metal, wherein the metal forms at least one metal protrusion extending upwardly from the surface of the intermediate layer; and embedding the at least one metal protrusion in a solder material formed over the intermediate layer, wherein said embedding the at least one protrusion comprises forming a second photoresist which is patterned to expose a solder bump region over the intermediate layer and the at least one metal protrusion, filling the solder bump region with the solder material, removing the second photoresist, and reflowing the solder material.