Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) receiver package or module which includes a uniquely configured frame interconnect to facilitate the electrical connection of a receiver die of the CPV module to the conductive pattern of an underlying substrate thereof. In each embodiment of the present invention, a single piece of sheet metal is bent to form features to fit over the bus bar on the receiver die and bond pads of the conductive pattern on the substrate. Electrical connections can be made by soldering or conductive paste attach. Elevated, flat areas between connections facilitates vacuum pick up and automatic assembly and provides high potential insulation between connects. Additionally, in each embodiment of the present invention, the piece of bent sheet metal used to form the frame interconnect of the CPV module includes a solderable surface finish, and defines a window to accommodate an optical prism or other light guide for concentrating solar rays.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to semiconductor devices, and more particularly to a robust, cost effective frame interconnect structure suitable for a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) receiver module. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Photovoltaic cells are a well known means for producing electrical current from electromagnetic radiation. Traditional photovoltaic cells comprise junction diodes fabricated from appropriately doped semiconductor materials. Such devices are typically fabricated as thin, flat wafers with the junction formed parallel to and near one of the flat surfaces. Photovoltaic cells are intended to be illuminated through their so-called “front” surface. Electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the semiconductor produces electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor. These electron-hole pairs may be separated by the electric field of the junction, thereby producing a photocurrent. 
     There is currently known in the electrical arts semiconductor devices known as CPV receiver die packages or modules. Currently known CPV modules typically comprise a ceramic substrate having a conductive pattern disposed on one side or face thereof. Attached to the substrate and electrically connected to the conductive pattern are electrical components, including a pair of preformed wire connectors and a packaged diode. Also attached to the substrate and electrically connected to the conductive pattern thereof is a receiver die. The electrical connection between the receiver die and the conductive pattern is often facilitated by a pair of punched thin metal foil or braided ribbon/mesh connectors which extend along and are welded or soldered to respective ones of opposed sides of the receiver die, which typically has a quadrangular or square configuration. In certain existing CPV modules, the electrical connection of the receiver die to the conductive pattern is facilitated by the use of multiple wires bonded to the bus bar on the receiver die and the bond pads of the conductive pattern of the substrate, the wires being used as an alternative to the aforementioned braided ribbon or mesh interconnects. The CPV module may further include a light concentration means which is adapted to concentrate solar radiation onto the front surface of the receiver die. 
     Current CPV receiver die packages or modules typically generate up to ten amps of electrical current. In order to carry such high current, the above-described ribbons made of metal foil or braided wire mesh, or the above-described multiple wire bonds are used to form the interconnection between the bus bars on the top of the receiver die and the bond pads of the conductive pattern on the substrate. However, the use of the ribbon/mesh type interconnects or, alternatively, the wire bonds give rise to certain deficiencies in currently known CPV modules which detract from their overall utility. More particularly, the ribbon/mesh type interconnects do not have good shape control for automatic pick up, and require the use of specialized welding equipment for the fabrication of the CPV module using the same. Stated another way, it is often difficult to control the shape of the ribbon/mesh type interconnects for automatic pick up and placement, with the fabrication process being mostly done through the use of special welding equipment or manual soldering which is more labor intensive and thus more costly. When wire bonds are used as an alternative to the ribbon/mesh type interconnects, such wire bonds require encapsulation protection for long-term reliability of the CPV module including the same. In addition, in those CPV modules including bond wires, problems may arise in relation to current crowding if too few wires are used. As indicated above, the wires also require encapsulation, over-molding, or other protection from the environment. Moreover, the use of the soldered or welded ribbon/mesh interconnects or bond wires creates concerns regarding the electrical current carrying capability of the CPV module including the same. The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings of prior art CPV modules, as will be described in more detail below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) receiver package or module which includes a uniquely configured frame interconnect to facilitate the electrical connection of a receiver die of the CPV module to the conductive pattern of an underlying substrate thereof. In each embodiment of the present invention, a single piece of sheet metal is bent to form features to fit over the bus bar on the receiver die and bond pads of the conductive pattern on the substrate. Electrical connections can be made by soldering or conductive paste attach. Elevated, flat areas between connections facilitates vacuum pick up and automatic assembly and provides high potential insulation between connects. Additionally, in each embodiment of the present invention, the piece of bent sheet metal used to form the frame interconnect of the CPV module includes a solderable surface finish, and defines a window to accommodate an optical prism or other light guide for concentrating solar rays. In one embodiment of the CPV module of the present invention, the frame interconnect thereof includes extra bent features around the window opening defined thereby to help with the alignment and anchoring of the glass prism or other optical light guide, i.e., the inner edges or corners of the frame are formed to assist in the alignment and anchoring of the optical prism or other light guide. In another embodiment of the CPV module, the frame interconnect is provided with integrated, folded metal features that form an integrated cable connector. In yet another embodiment of the CPV module of the present invention, the frame interconnect has a bent metal tab on one side thereof to form an electrical interconnect to a bypass diode of the CPV module. 
     Advantageously, the frame interconnect of each embodiment of the CPV module provides high current carrying capacity in a solid metal sheet, and continuous contact with the bus bar of the receiver die of the CPV module with no current crowding. Moreover, encapsulation is not required during the fabrication process for the CPV module including the frame interconnect of the present invention, with the fabrication of such CPV module being compatible with standard automated assembly equipment. Further, during such the fabrication process, solder or other conductive paste attachment methods may be used as an alternative to welding, with elevated areas between connections providing high voltage potential leak prevention. As previously explained, the frame interconnect of each embodiment of the CPV module of the present invention includes integrated features for aligning a glass prism or other optical light guide, and may optionally include an integrated electrical contact to serve as an interconnect to a bypass diode, or an integrated cable connector. The frame interconnect also forms a light shield around the receiver die in each embodiment of the CPV module to protect other components from intense solar energy damage. 
     More particularly, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module has a frame interconnect which is made out of a single, bent metal sheet with a solderable surface finish. Flat areas included on the top surface of the frame interconnect facilitate pick up in an automated assembly process. The frame interconnect also includes contact areas for soldering or other methods of attachment for electrical conduction and mechanical strength. Additionally, in the frame interconnect included in the CPV module of the first embodiment, the window defined by the frame interconnect includes inner edges which are adapted to align and anchor a glass prism or other light guide to the receiver die of the CPV module. 
     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a frame interconnect similar to that described above in relation to the first embodiment, but having electrical contacts with straight edges instead of flanged edges to increase placement accuracy. The frame interconnect of the CPV module of the second embodiment also includes added upwardly bent tabs to increase the rigidity of the structure. 
     In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a frame interconnect similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment, but wherein the inner edges defining the window of the frame interconnect have chamfered corners such that only point contacts are defined with the glass prism/light guide to reduce optical coupling loss and scratching on the optical surface thereof. 
     In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a frame interconnect similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment, but wherein the frame interconnect further includes an added folded cable connector on one side thereof to capture the exposed end of an insulated cable which forms an electrical connection with the CPV module. The added folded cable connector in the frame interconnect of the CPV module of the fourth embodiment eliminates the need for a separate connector or a directly welded or soldered cable. 
     Finally, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the CPV module includes a frame interconnect similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment, but wherein the frame interconnect has one section of an upward tab shaped and bent downward to form electrical contact with a bypass diode mounted on the substrate of the CPV module. The inclusion of the bent contact in the frame interconnect included in the CPV module of the fifth embodiment eliminates the need to multiple wire bond and encapsulate the bypass diode in a separate procedure. The bent metal sheet also provides better current carrying capability and reliability against harsh environments. 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a CPV module constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the frame interconnect of the CPV module shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a CPV module constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the frame interconnect of the CPV module shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a CPV module constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the frame interconnect of the CPV module shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a CPV module constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the frame interconnect of the CPV module shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front-elevational view of a CPV module constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side-elevational view of the CPV module constructed in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the frame interconnect of the CPV module shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1-3  depict a CPV module  10  constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The module  10  comprises a substrate  12  which has a generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular, square) configuration. When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 2 , the substrate  12  defines a generally planar top surface  14 , and an opposed, generally planar bottom surface  16 . Extending generally perpendicularly between the top and bottom surfaces  14 ,  16  is a peripheral side surface  18  of the substrate  12 . Disposed on the top surface  14  of the substrate  12  is an electrically conductive pattern  20  which may be formed in any one of a multiplicity of different configurations or arrangements on the top surface  14 . 
     The module  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention further comprises a receiver die  24 , the back or bottom surface of which, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 2 , is mounted and electrically connected to a prescribed portion of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . The receiver die  24  has a generally quadrangular (e.g., square) configuration, and includes two contact strips or bus bars  26  disposed on the front or top surface thereof. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bus bars  26  extend in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other along respective ones of an opposed pair of side edges of the receiver die  24 . Though not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is further contemplated that the module  10  may include an electronic device such as a packaged diode or a rectifier die which is mounted and electrically connected to a prescribed portion of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . 
     In addition to the substrate  12  and receiver die  24 , the module  10  constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention includes a frame interconnect  28  which is shown individually in  FIG. 3 . As will be described in more detail below, the frame interconnect  28  facilitates the electrical connection of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24  to prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . In the module  10 , the frame interconnect  28  is fabricated from a single metal sheet with a solderable finish which is bent to define various structural features. In particular, the frame interconnect  28  is formed to define a generally planar main body portion  30  which has a generally quadrangular configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the main body portion  30  has a generally rectangular configuration defining an opposed, generally parallel pair of outer longitudinal sides  32 , and an opposed, generally parallel pair of outer lateral sides  34 . Though the main body portion  30  is shown in  FIGS. 1-3  as having a rectangular configuration, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the main body portion  30  may alternatively be provided in a generally square configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The frame interconnect  28  of the module  10  includes a window  36  which is disposed in the approximate center of the main body portion  30  thereof. Like the main body portion  30 , the window  36  has a generally rectangular configuration, and is collectively defined by an opposed, generally parallel pair of inner longitudinal sides  38  and an opposed, generally parallel pair of inner lateral sides  40  of the main body portion  30 . Though the window  36  is shown in  FIG. 3  as having a generally rectangular configuration, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the window  36  may alternatively be formed to have a generally square configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In addition to the main body portion  30 , the frame interconnect  28  includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured outer contact portions  42  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the outer lateral sides  34  of the main body portion  30 . When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the outer contact portions  42  extend downwardly from respective ones of the outer lateral sides  34  at a slight outward angle, i.e., each of the outer contact portions  42  is flared slightly outwardly relative to the main body portion  30 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame interconnect  28  further includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured outer flange portions  44  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the outer contact portions  42 . More particularly, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each outer flange portion  44  extends outwardly from that side of a respective one of the outer contact portions  42  which is opposite the side extending along and integrally connected to a respective one of the outer lateral sides  34  of the main body portion  30 . In the frame interconnect  28 , the main body portion  30  resides on a first plane, with the outer flange portions  44  residing on a common second plane which extends in spaced, generally parallel relation to the first plane. 
     The frame interconnect  28  of the module  10  further includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured inner contact portions  46  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the inner lateral sides  40  of the main body portion  30 . When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inner contact portions  46  extend generally perpendicularly downward from respective ones of the inner lateral sides  40 . Though the inner contact portions  46  are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as an opposed pair, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the frame interconnect  28  may be fabricated to include only one inner contact portion  46  extending along any inner lateral side  40  or any inner longitudinal side  38  in the event that the receiver die  24  includes only a single, corresponding bus bar  26 . Further, if two inner contact portions  46  are included, the frame interconnect  28  may be alternatively configured such that the inner contact portions  46  extend along respective ones of the inner longitudinal and/or inner lateral sides  38 ,  40  in any combination, it being contemplated that the particular combination will correspond to the arrangement of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24 . 
     As further seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , the frame interconnect  28  also includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured inner flange portions  48  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the inner contact portions  46 . More particularly, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each inner flange portion  48  extends inwardly from that side of a respective one of the inner contact portions  46  which is opposite the side extending along and integrally connected to a respective one of the inner lateral sides  40  of the main body portion  30 . As indicated above, in the frame interconnect  28 , the main body portion  30  resides on a first plane, with the outer flange portions  44  residing on a common second plane which extends in spaced, generally parallel relation to the first plane. The inner flange portions  48  reside on a common third plane which extends between and in generally parallel relation to the first and second planes. 
     As indicated above, the frame interconnect  28  is used to facilitate the electrical connection of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24  to prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . More particularly, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , such electrical connection is facilitated by the mounting and electrically connecting the inner flange portions  48  of the frame interconnect  28  to respective ones of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the frame interconnect  28  is sized and oriented relative to the receiver die  24  such that the lengths of the inner flange portions  48  are roughly equal to the lengths of the bus bars  26 , with each inner flange portion  48  thus extending along the entire length of the corresponding bus bar  26  when mounted and electrically connected thereto. The mounting and electrical connection of each inner flange portion  48  to a respective one of the bus bars  26  is preferably facilitated through the use of solder or a suitable conductive paste. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the shape of the frame interconnect  28  allows for the mounting and electrical connection of the outer flange portions  44  to corresponding prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12  when the inner flange portions  48  are mounted and electrically connected to respective ones of the bus bars  26  in the above-described manner. The mounting and electrical connection of the outer flange portions  44  to respective prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  is also preferably facilitated through the use of solder or a suitable conductive paste. As is further seen in  FIG. 2 , when the frame interconnect  28  is mounted and electrically connected to both the receiver die  24  and the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12  in the aforementioned manner, the main body portion  30  is raised or elevated by a prescribed height H above the top surface  14  of the substrate  12 . Such elevation of the main body portion  30  relative to the substrate  12  prevents high voltage shorting between the main body portion  30  of the frame interconnect  28  and that portion of the conductive pattern  20  which resides below the main body portion  30  and to which the receiver die  24  is electrically connected. In this regard, the portion of the conductive pattern  20  to which the receiver die  24  is electrically connected may be of an opposite polarity to that portion of the conductive pattern  20  to which the outer flange portions  44  of the frame interconnect  28  are electrically connected, thus creating the aforementioned shorting risk which is alleviated by the elevation of the main body portion  30  above the top surface  14  of the substrate  12  by the height H. 
     As explained above, the frame interconnect  28  of the module  10  is made of a single, bent metal sheet with a solderable surface finish. The flat area defined by the top surface of the main body portion  30  when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 2  facilitates pick up in an automated assembly process. The outer and inner flange portions  44 ,  48  of the frame interconnect  28  provide contact areas for soldering or other methods of attachment to the receiver die  24  and conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . Further, the window  36  defined by the frame interconnect  28 , and in particular the inner longitudinal and lateral sides  38 ,  40  of the main body portion  30  defining the window  36 , are adapted to align and anchor a glass prism or other light guide to the receiver die  24  of the module  10 . As will be recognized, such light guide is adapted to facilitate the concentration of solar energy or rays onto the front or top surface of the receiver die  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown in cross-section a CPV module  100  constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The module  100  is similar in structure to the above-described module  10 , with only the distinctions between the modules  100 ,  10  being described below. 
     The sole distinction between the CPV modules  100 ,  10  lies in the structural attributes of the frame interconnect  128  included in the module  100 , in comparison to the frame interconnect  28  of the module  10 . In the module  100 , the frame interconnect  128  is fabricated from a single metal sheet with a solderable finish which is bent to define various structural features. In particular, the frame interconnect  128  is formed to define a generally planar main body portion  130  which has a generally quadrangular configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the main body portion  130  has a generally rectangular configuration defining an opposed, generally parallel pair of outer longitudinal sides  132 , and an opposed, generally parallel pair of outer lateral sides  134 . Though the main body portion  130  is shown in  FIG. 5  as having a rectangular configuration, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the main body portion  130  may alternatively be provided in a generally square configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The frame interconnect  128  of the module  100  includes a window  136  which is disposed in the approximate center of the main body portion  130  thereof. Like the main body portion  130 , the window  136  has a generally rectangular configuration, and is collectively defined by an opposed, generally parallel pair of inner longitudinal sides  138  and an opposed, generally parallel pair of inner lateral sides  140  of the main body portion  130 . Though the window  136  is shown in  FIG. 5  as having a generally rectangular configuration, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the window  136  may alternatively be formed to have a generally square configuration without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In addition to the main body portion  130 , the frame interconnect  128  includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured outer contact portions  142  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the outer lateral sides  134  of the main body portion  130 . When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the outer contact portions  142  extend generally perpendicularly downward from respective ones of the outer lateral sides  134 . The frame interconnect  128  of the module  100  further includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured inner contact portions  146  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the inner lateral sides  140  of the main body portion  130 . When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the inner contact portions  146  extend generally perpendicularly downward from respective ones of the inner lateral sides  140 . In the frame interconnect  128 , the heights of the identically configured inner contact portions  146  are slightly less than those of the identically configured outer contact portions  142  when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 4 . As a result, the distal edges defined by the inner contact portions  146  are slightly elevated above the distal edges defined by the outer contact portions  142 . 
     As further seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the frame interconnect  128  also includes an opposed pair of generally planar, rectangularly configured tab portions  150  which are integrally connected to and extend along the lengths of respective ones of the outer longitudinal sides  132  of the main body portion  130 . More particularly, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each tab portion  150  extends generally perpendicularly upward relative to the main body portion  130  from a respective one of the outer longitudinal sides  132  defined thereby. 
     In the module  100 , the frame interconnect  128  is used to facilitate the electrical connection of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24  to prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . More particularly, as seen in  FIG. 4 , such electrical connection is facilitated by the mounting and electrically connecting the inner contact portions  146  of the frame interconnect  128  to respective ones of the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24 . The frame interconnect  128  is preferably sized and oriented relative to the receiver die  24  such that the lengths of the inner contact portions  146  are roughly equal to the lengths of the bus bars  26 , with each inner contact portion  146  thus extending along the entire length of the corresponding bus bar  26  when mounted and electrically connected thereto. The mounting and electrical connection of each inner contact portion  146  to a respective one of the bus bars  26  is preferably facilitated through the use of solder or a suitable conductive paste. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the shape of the frame interconnect  128  allows for the mounting and electrical connection of the outer contact portions  142  to corresponding prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12  when the inner contact portions  142  are mounted and electrically connected to respective ones of the bus bars  26  in the above-described manner. The mounting and electrical connection of the outer contact portions  142  to respective prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  is also preferably facilitated through the use of solder or a suitable conductive paste. As will be recognized, the height differential between the inner contact portions  146  and the outer contact portions  142  in the frame interconnect  128  is roughly equal to the height or thickness of the receiver die  24 . 
     The frame interconnect  128  of the module  100  is made of a single, bent metal sheet with a solderable surface finish. The flat area defined by the top surface of the main body portion  130  when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 4  facilitates pick up in an automated assembly process. The outer and inner contact portions  142 ,  146  of the frame interconnect  128  provide contact areas for soldering or other methods of attachment to the receiver die  24  and conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . Further, the window  136  defined by the frame interconnect  128 , and in particular the inner longitudinal and lateral sides  138 ,  140  of the main body portion  130  defining the window  136 , are adapted to align and anchor a glass prism or other light guide to the receiver die  24  of the module  100 . The inclusion of the tab portions  150  in the frame interconnect  128  add structural rigidity thereto. Additionally, the straight distal edges defined by the outer and inner contact portions  142 ,  146  (due the absence of structures like the above-described outer and inner flange portions  44 ,  48 ) increases placement accuracy when the frame interconnect  128  is mated to the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24  and the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown in cross-section a CPV module  200  constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The module  200  is substantially similar in structure to the above-described module  100 , with the sole distinction between the CPV modules  200 ,  100  lying in the inclusion of a slight structural modification in the frame interconnect  228  included in the module  200 , in comparison to the frame interconnect  128  of the module  100 . In this regard, only the structural differences between the frame interconnects  228 ,  128  will be described below. The frame interconnect  228  is shown in  FIG. 7  separate from the module  200 . 
     More particularly, in the frame interconnect  228 , each adjacent pair of inner longitudinal and lateral sides  138 ,  140  is separated from each other by a chamfered corner  252 . Thus, in the frame interconnect  228  included in the module  200 , the window  136  thereof is collectively defined by the inner longitudinal and lateral sides  138 ,  140  and chamfered corners  252  of the main body portion  130 . As described above in relation to the CPV module  100 , the window  136  defined by the frame interconnect  128 , and in particular the inner longitudinal and lateral sides  138 ,  140  of the main body portion  130  defining the window  136 , are adapted to align and anchor a glass prism or other light guide to the receiver die  24 . In the frame interconnect  228  included in the module  200 , only point contacts are created between the frame interconnect  228  and the glass prism/light guide, such point contacts being defined between the glass prism/light guide and each of the four chamfered corners  252 . The point contacts defined between the chamfered corners  252  and the glass prism/light guide effectively reduce optical coupling loss and scratching on the optical surface of the glass prism/light guide when the same is partially advanced through the window  136  of the frame interconnect  228 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown in cross-section a CPV module  300  constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The module  300  is similar in structure to the above-described module  100 , with the sole distinction between the CPV modules  300 ,  100  lying in the inclusion of a structural modification in the frame interconnect  328  included in the module  300 , in comparison to the frame interconnect  128  of the module  100 . In this regard, only the structural differences between the frame interconnects  328 ,  128  will be described below. The frame interconnect  328  is shown in  FIG. 9  separate from the module  300 . 
     More particularly, the frame interconnect  328  includes a cable connector portion  354  which is integrally connected to one of the outer contact portions  142  thereof. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the cable connector portion  354  is integrally connected to and extends along a portion of the distal edge of one of the outer contact portions  142 . Though, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the length of the cable connector portion  354  is less than that of the outer contact portion  142  to which it is integrally connected, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the cable connector portion  354  may alternatively be sized to have a length which is equal to or exceeds that of the corresponding outer contact portion  142 . Further, the cable connector portion  354  is preferably formed such that the height thereof, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , exceeds that of the corresponding outer contact portion  142 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the height of the cable connector portion  354  may alternatively be substantially equal to or less than that of the corresponding outer contact portion  142 . As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the cable connector portion  354  is preferably formed to have a tubular, generally square cross-sectional configuration, with one of the four walls defining the same preferably being disposed in abutting contact with the outer contact portion  142  to which the cable connector portion  354  is integrally connected. 
     In the module  300 , the cable connector portion  354  of the frame interconnect  328  is adapted to capture the exposed end of an insulated cable (shown in phantom in  FIG. 8 ) to facilitate the electrical connection of such insulated cable to the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . Along these lines, the bottom wall of the cable connector portion  354 , when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 8 , is mounted and electrically connected to a prescribed portion of the conductive pattern  20 , thus facilitating the electrical connection of the insulated cable to the conductive pattern  20  when such insulated cable is advanced into the hollow interior of the cable connector portion  354 . As is also apparent from  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the cable connector portion  354  is preferably outfitted with an integral pair of retention tabs  356  which are adapted to assist in maintaining the insulated cable within the hollow interior of the cable connector portion  354 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is provided front and side elevational views of a CPV module  400  constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The module  400  is similar in structure to the above-described module  100 , with the sole distinction between the CPV modules  400 ,  100  lying in the inclusion of a structural modification in the frame interconnect  428  included in the module  400 , in comparison to the frame interconnect  128  of the module  100 . In this regard, only the structural differences between the frame interconnects  428 ,  128  will be described below. The frame interconnect  428  is shown in  FIG. 12  separate from the module  400 . 
     More particularly, in the frame interconnect  428 , a section of one of the tab portions  150  is bent downwardly when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12  and shaped to define a supplemental contact portion  458  of the frame interconnect  428 . The supplemental contact portion  458  is specifically sized and configured to facilitate the electrical connection of the frame interconnect  428  to an electrical component such as a bypass diode  460  which is mounted and electrically connected to a prescribed portion of the conductive pattern  20  of the substrate  12 . Thus, in addition to being electrically connected to the bus bars  26  of the receiver die  24  and to prescribed portions of the conductive pattern  20  through the use of the outer and inner contact portions  142 ,  146 , the frame interconnect  428  of the module  400  may be simultaneously electrically connected to the bypass diode  460  through the use of the supplemental contact  458  thereof. As is most easily seen in  FIG. 12 , the distal edge of the tab portion  150  modified to include the supplemental contact portion  458  is not continuous, but rather is interrupted as a result of the formation of the supplemental contact portion  458  therein. Additionally, in the frame interconnect  428 , the topmost section of the supplemental contact portion  458  when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 12  is preferably substantially flush or continuous with the main body portion  130  of the frame interconnect  428 . Advantageously, when the bypass diode  460  is included in the module  400 , the inclusion of the supplemental contact portion  458  in the frame interconnect  428  eliminates the need to wire bond and encapsulate such bypass diode  460 . 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a structure such as the supplemental contact portion  458  may optionally be added to the above-described frame interconnects  128 ,  228 ,  328 . Additionally, structural features like the chamfered corners  252  of the frame interconnect  228  may be added to the frame interconnects  328 ,  428  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, although the frame interconnect  428  is shown and described above as including only one supplemental contact portion  458 , one or more additional supplemental contact portions  458  may be formed in either or both of the tab portions  150 . Along these lines, in the frame interconnect  428 , the supplemental contact portion  458  can be located anywhere within the corresponding tab portion  150 , and not necessarily solely in the location shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . 
     This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.