Packaging device for semiconductor die, semiconductor device incorporating same and method of making same

The packaging device includes a substrate, a mounting pad, a connecting pad and an interconnecting element. The substrate is substantially planar and has opposed major surfaces. The mounting pad is conductive and is located on one of the major surfaces. The connecting pad is conductive and is located on the other of the major surfaces. The conductive interconnecting element extends through the substrate and electrically interconnects the mounting pad and the connecting pad. The packaging device has a volume that is only a few times that of the semiconductor die and can be fabricated from materials that can withstand high-temperature die attach processes. The packaging device can be configured as the only packaging device used in the semiconductor device or as a submount for a semiconductor die that requires a high-temperature die attach process.