Abstract:
A microelectronic assembly (210) includes a substrate (212) having a first surface (214) and a second surface (216) remote from the first surface (214). A microelectronic element (222) overlies the first surface (214) and first electrically conductive elements (228) are exposed at one of the first surface (214) and the second surface (222). Some of the first conductive elements (228) are electrically connected to the microelectronic element (222). Wire bonds (232) have bases (234) joined to the conductive elements (228) and end surfaces (238) remote from the substrate (212) and the bases (234), each wire bond (232) defining an edge surface (237) extending between the base (234) and the end surface (238). An encapsulation layer (242) extends from the first surface (214) and fills spaces between the wire bonds (232) such that the wire bonds (232) are separated by the encapsulation layer (242). Unencapsulated portions of the wire bonds (232) are defined by at least portions of the end surfaces (238) of the wire bonds that are uncovered by the encapsulation layer (242).