A semiconductor device includes a first die pad having a main surface, a second die pad having a second main surface, a first switching element connected to the first main surface, a second switching element connected to the second main surface, a first connecting member connecting the first main surface electrode of the first switching element to the second die pad, an encapsulation resin encapsulating the first switching element, the second switching element, the first die pad, the second die pad, and the first connecting member, and leads projecting out of one of the resin side surfaces of the encapsulation resin.

A electrical connection element includes a planar mating surface adapted for mating with a metal bonding surface, a rim that forms an enclosed shape around the planar mating surface, and a plurality of outgassing grooves formed in the planar mating surface, wherein each of the outgassing grooves comprises a proximal end that is spaced apart from the rim and a distal end that intersects the rim, and wherein a cross-sectional area of each of the outgassing grooves increases along a lengthwise direction going from the proximal end to the distal end.