Methods and apparatus for die assembly. A method includes forming a trench extending from an active surface of a semiconductor substrate comprising a plurality of integrated circuit dies having connector terminals extending from the active surface, the trench extending into, but not through, the semiconductor substrate; forming a protective layer overlying the active surface of the semiconductor substrate and the trench, and covering the lower portion of the connector terminals; opening a pre-dicing opening in the protective layer and within the trench; applying a tape over the active surface of the semiconductor wafer, the protective layer and the connector terminals; and performing an operation on a backside of the semiconductor substrate to remove material until the pre-dicing opening is exposed on the backside of the semiconductor wafer. An apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate with integrated circuits and a protective layer surrounding connector terminals of integrated circuits.