Dielectric buffer layer

Embodiment of the present disclosure are directed to methods for forming an LMI landing pad on a silicon wafer. The method includes forming, on a substrate, a redistribution layer (RDL); forming, on the RDL and the substrate, a passivation layer covering the substrate and the RDL; forming, on the passivation layer, a patternable dielectric material layer; processing the patternable dielectric material layer to expose a portion of the passivation layer covering the RDL; processing the portion of the passivation layer covering the RDL to expose a portion of the RDL; and forming, on the exposed portion of the RDL, an LMI landing pad. The resulting wafer can include a redistribution line having a top portion and a sidewall portion; a passivation layer covering the sidewall portion; a dielectric layer covering the passivation layer; and a metal interface covering the top portion of the redistribution line.