A interconnect assembly features a prefabricated interconnect structure
metallurgically bonded to a terminal of a larger structure. Fabrication
of the interconnect structure's independently and separate from the
larger structure enables the use of economic mass fabrication techniques
that are well-known for miniature scale sheet metal parts. During
fabrication, positioning and attachment, each interconnect structure is
combined with and/or held in a carrier structure from which it is
separated after attachment to the terminal. The interconnect structure is
configured such that an attachment tool may be brought into close
proximity to the attachment interface between the interconnect structure
and the terminal for a short and direct transmission of bonding energy
onto the attachment interface. The attachment interface provides for an
electrically conductive and a bending stress opposing mechanical
connection between the interconnect structure and the terminal. The
interconnect assembly is preferably part of a probe apparatus.