A design methodology reduces electromigration in integrated circuit joints
such as flip-chip bumps by seeking to produce a more uniform current
distribution at the interface between the integrated circuit pad and the
joint while maintaining an interface form that coincides with standard
integrated circuit designs is presented. The design methodology addresses
the current distribution at the pad by introducing an intermediate trace
routing design between the current delivering trace and the pad that
distributes the inflow of current from the trace to multiple points of
entry on the pad. The intermediate trace routing design includes an outer
trace channel connected to the current delivering trace. A plurality of
conductive trace leads connect the outer trace channel to the pad.
Preferably, each of the plurality of conductive trace leads is
characterized by a respective trace impedance so as to distribute equal
current flow through each of the leads to the pad.