Patent Publication Number: US-2016240711-A1

Title: Diode cell modules

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/623,390, filed on 20 Sep. 2012, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 61/627,363, filed on 11 Oct. 2011. These applications are hereby incorporated reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to bypass diode cells. In particular, bypass diode cells configured to form bypass diode cell modules that may be use direct electric current away from shaded portions of photovoltaic panels to inhibit or prevent the panels from malfunctioning. In addition, fully integrated bypass diode cell modules with approved heat dissipating characteristics are described. 
     Many known bypass circuits used in photovoltaic systems are unsatisfactory. For example, many existing circuits include Schottky diodes that are ill-suited for handling the level of current and heat to which they are often exposed when the bypass circuit is engaged due to photovoltaic solar module panel shading during normal operation. Many conventional Schottky diodes include axial-leaded or jumper-wire based packages that include thin wires connected, often by solder, to one or both of the diodes&#39; terminals. The solder junctions where these wires are Connected to diodes&#39; dies may define “solder voids” formed when connecting the wires. These solder voids may impede heat dissipation from diode&#39;s die when a current is applied to a corresponding die. 
     Further, because the tips of wires used are small, they are soldered to only a relatively small area of the diodes&#39; dies to form little direct contact. This is an inadequate design to support the levels of current typically passing through bypass diodes during operation. Further, this minimal contact reduces wires&#39; ability to direct heat away from the dies. 
     These and other shortcomings of conventional bypass diode, circuit designs cause bypass diodes to generate and trap excessive heat during operation. In many conventional bypass circuits, this can lead to catastrophic equipment failure. Equipment failure may lead to expensive maintenance, repairs, parts replacement, and downtime. 
     Despite conventional bypass diodes&#39; insufficient thermal regulation measures, most bypass circuits (or junction boxes housing them) do very little to promote heat dissipation away from bypass diodes or the bypass circuit. Many conventional bypass circuits include diodes that are electrically connected to photovoltaic panels in a plastic junction box that protects against environmental damage, but the plastic housing also denies the bypass circuit effective means to dissipate heat and thus traps heat inside the bypass circuit. The combination of deficiencies in bypass diode structure and bypass circuit design force bypass diodes to operate at unacceptably high temperature levels, which either reduces their reliability or results in catastrophic failure. 
     Indeed, in many conventional bypass circuits, diodes are simply positioned within an enclosed space within a junction box. Often no additional measures are taken to regulate their operating temperature, either with the junction box or the physical design of the circuit. Accordingly, many conventional bypass circuits fail to include appropriate physical structures that regulate heat and avoid malfunctions. 
     Thus, there exists a need for diode circuits, and modules including die same, that improve upon and advance the design of known diode circuits. Examples of new and useful diode cell modules relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs is provided in the detailed description below. An example of a reference relevant to photovoltaic bypass systems include U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,036. The complete disclosure of the above patent is herein incorporated reference for all purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to Diode cell modules for use within photovoltaic systems, including lead frames including first leads extending from the first outlet terminal, second leads spaced from the first leads, second outlet terminals extending from the second leads, and diodes. In some examples, first leads define base portions connected to the first outlet terminal and diode portions extending from the base portions transverse to the first outlet terminal. In some examples, second leads may define a base portion and diode portions extending from the base portion substantially parallel to the diode portion of the first lead. In some examples, diodes may be in electrical contact with the diode portion of the first lead and with the diode portion of the second lead. In some examples, the first leads and second leads may be thermally conductive. In some examples, diodes may define die interfaces that are substantially fully engaged with diode portions of leads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first example of a diode cell module. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a circuit including the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1  electrically connected to a photovoltaic panel. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a diode included in the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a junction box housing the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1  supported on a photovoltaic panel. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the junction box shown in  FIG. 5  in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross sectional taken about the line  7 - 7  showing the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1  engaged with a photovoltaic panel. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a lead frame included in the diode cell module shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom cutaway view of a second example of a diode cell module. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an example of a lead frame that may be used in various examples of diode cell modules described in this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed diode cell modules will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various diode cell nodules are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features of be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , a first example of a diode cell module, module  100 , will now be described. As shows, module  100  includes a lead frame  110 , a first diode  180 , a second diode  192 , a third diode  193 , a encapsulation case  170 , an encapsulant  176 , and a thermal dissipating member  178 . Module  100  includes a circuit including plurality of diodes electrically connected through electrically conductive lead frame  110 . 
     Module  100  may be useful, for example, in photovoltaic panel bypass circuits. As  FIG. 3  illustrates, module  100  includes a compact design and includes features that allow module  100  to dissipate heat more effectively than many existing bypass circuits. For example, module  100  draws heat away from the diodes by directing heat away from the diode with one or more thermally conducting features. 
     Module  100  may be used as a bypass circuit connected to a photovoltaic system. For example, module  100  may be connected to photovoltaic panel  50  to serve as a bypass circuit, as shown schematically in  FIG. 2 . As  FIG. 2  illustrates, panel  50  includes three strings of photovoltaic cells, first string  52 , second string  54 , and third string  56 . As  FIG. 2  shows, each string includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal and is configured to generate current directed from the negative terminal toward the positive terminal when exposed to light. The three strings are connected in series; for example, the negative terminal of first string  52  is connected to the positive terminal of second string  4  and the negative terminal of second string  54  is connected to the positive terminal of third string  56 . When exposed to light, series of strings typically generate current that flows from third string  56 &#39;s negative terminal toward first string  52 &#39;s positive terminal. 
     As  FIG. 2  shows, panel leads extend from the ends of each of the panels. For example, a first panel lead  58  extends from the positive terminal of first string  52 , a second panel lead  60  extends from the connection between first string  52  and second string  54 , a third panel lead  62  extends from the connection between second string  54  and third string  56 , and a fourth panel lead  64  extends from the negative terminal of third string  56 .  FIG. 6  shows an example physical implementation of these leads, wherein the leads extend through the rear of panel  50 . As  FIG. 6  shows, the panel leads may allow module  100  to connect to panel  50 &#39;s circuitry. 
     When exposed to light, each photovoltaic cell acts primarily as a current source directed toward the associated positive terminal, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . When shaded, however, each photovoltaic cell may act as an open circuit parallel with a reverse-biased diode. This may produce backflow current that can cause malfunction or damage to previous cells or strings. 
     The leads allow bypass diodes to be connected on the exterior of the panels. Bypass diodes may allow backflow current to bypass one or more of the panel strings and route it toward an output which is, in this case, electrically connected with fourth panel lead  64 ). In typical cases, module  100  is connected to panel  50  with first diode  180 , second diode  192 , and third diode  193  each connected in parallel with a corresponding string of photovoltaic cells. Each diode provides a bypass route for backflow current resulting from shaded cells, which may prevent additional cells from malfunctioning or damage. 
     In some cases, module  100  may be connected to panel  50  by fitting it within in junction box  75  and connecting junction box  75  to panel  50 . As  FIG. 5  shows, junction box  75  includes a first system cable  77 , a second system cable  79 , a junction box enclosure  81 , and a junction box cap  83 . As  FIG. 6  illustrates, junction box  75  additionally includes a first external cable lead  85 , a second external cable lead  87 , and four panel lead openings, panel lead opening  83   i,  panel lead opening  83   ii,  panel lead opening  83   iii,  and panel lead opening  83   iv.  In some cases, junction boxes may include a single open space on the side facing the panel, through which all of the panel leads are routed. 
     Junction box  75  encloses an environmentally protected enclosed space  82 , within which module  100  may electronically interface with panel  50  with a reduced risk of environmental harm, such as from precipitation. As  FIG. 5  illustrates, junction box  75  may be attached to the rear of panel (opposite the exposed photovoltaic cells) near the panel&#39;s leads. In some examples, junction box  75  may be attached by applying an environmentally adhesive to its perimeter and adhering junction box  75  to the rear of a photovoltaic panel junction box cap  83  may be removably affixed above enclosed space  82  to similarly seal the side of enclosed space  82  opposite panel  50  while leaving it accessible for maintenance. 
     First system cable  77  and second system cable  79  may be connected to external electronic systems. They may be used, for example, to output current generated by panel  50  to external loads and power systems, such as the panel owner&#39;s own use or external power systems. As  FIG. 6  illustrates, first external cable lead  83  and second external cable lead  87  may be used to connect first system cable  77  and second system cable  79  to module  100 &#39;s circuitry within enclosed space  82 . In some examples, first system cable  77  may direct current generated panel  50  toward external loads. 
     In some examples, junction box enclosure  81  and junction box cap  83  may include thermally conductive material, such as metals, to dissipate of heat out of enclosed space  82 . In some examples, junction box  75  may additionally or alternatively be joined to panel  50  using a thermally conductive adhesive, which allow junction box  75  to dissipate heat through panel  50 &#39;s metal structures. 
     As  FIG. 6  shows, each of the panel lead openings, panel lead opening  83   i,  panel lead opening  83   ii,  panel lead opening  83   iii,  and panel lead opening  83   iv,  are each configured to receive a corresponding panel lead, which may then be connected to module  100  within enclosed space  82 . 
     As  FIG. 3  illustrates, module  100  includes three bypass diodes, first diode  180 , second diode  192 , and third diode  193 , supported by lead frame  110 . As  FIG. 2  illustrates, each bypass diode may be connected, in parallel, to a photovoltaic string to provide a path for backflow current to bypass shaded cells and thereby reduce the likelihood of the corresponding panel malfunctioning or being damaged. 
     As  FIG. 3  shows, first diode  180  includes several features may increase its efficacy in directing current and dissipating generated heat away from diodes&#39; dies, First diode  180  defines a Schottky diode including features supporting its heat transfer abilities. 
     As  FIG. 4  illustrates, first diode  180  includes a bottom die interface  190 , a die  186 , a top die interface  184 , and a silicone layer  182 . First diode  180  includes several features that provide improved current flow and heat transfer compared to many traditional diode designs. For example, first diode  180  provides, through bottom die interface  190  and top die interface  184 , a greater amount of conductive surface area available to connect first diode  180  to external circuitry. This allows first diode  180  to be connected over a larger surface area than the wires of many traditional diodes, thereby allowing greater current capacity and better thermal conduction away from die  186 . 
     Bottom die interface  190 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 , defines an electrically conductive, silver-plated copper slug in electrical communication with die  186 . Bottom die interface  190 &#39;s defines a bottom surface area  189 , which is substantially planar to allow bottom surface area  189  to electrically communicate across substantially all of its surface area, allowing bottom die interface  190  to electrically and thermally communicate with external bodies over a significantly greater surface area than many existing diode designs, such as axial-leaded or wire-jumper based diode designs. Further, as  FIG. 4  illustrates, die  186  defines a bottom die area  185  which is smaller than top surface area  191  and may be substantially electrically communicate with top surface area  191  over substantially all of its surface area when first diode  180  is in an assembled configuration. Because die  186  is able to electrically communicate with bottom die interface  190  over substantially all of its surface area, bottom die interface  190  may allow greater thermal and electrical conductivity between die  186  and external bodies than afforded in some traditional diode designs. In some examples, die  186  may be soldered to bottom die interface  190 , though this is not specifically required. 
     As  FIG. 4  illustrates, die  186  is configured to fit between top die interface  184  and bottom die interface  190  when in an assembled configuration. As  FIG. 4  shows, die  186  defines a top die area projection  187  defining a glass ring surrounding a top die area  188 . As  FIG. 4  illustrates, die  186  also defines bottom die area  185  opposite top die area  188 . Die  186  defines a glass-passivated Schottky diode die, with an anode proximate bottom die area  185  and a cathode proximate top die area  188 . Because it is in electrical communication with bottom die area  185 , bottom die interface  190  is able to conduct current and heat between die  186 &#39;s anode an external bodies. 
     As  FIG. 4  shows, top die it  184  defines a substantially rectangular slug configured to fit within top die area projection  187 . As  FIG. 4  illustrates, top die interface  184  defines a bottom surface area  183  and a top surface area  181 . As  FIG. 4  shows, bottom surface area  183  fits within top die area projection  187  to be put in electrical communication with substantially all of top die area  188 . In some examples, die  186  may be soldered to top die interface  184 , but this is not specifically required. Likewise, as  FIG. 4  shows, top surface area  181  is similar in size to top die area  188 . Because top die interface  184  is electrically and thermally conductive, it able to conduct current between die  186 &#39;s cathode and external circuits more effectively than similar connectors in some other traditional diode designs. 
     As  FIG. 4  shows, silicone layer  182  fits around bottom die interface  190 , die  186 , and top die interface  184  to provide additional protection to these components. Silicone layer  182  may also provide stress protection for module  100  when first diode  180  is supported by lead frame  110 . 
     By increasing the surface area with which external circuitry may connect to die  186 &#39;s anode and cathode, first diode  180  is able to conduct current more effectively than some existing diode designs. For example, some traditional, axial-leaded designs are connected by two wire leads that are each soldered to a die. Other traditional diode examples, such as TO-220 packaged diodes, include jumper wires that connect the anode of the diode to external circuitry. In each of these designs, the wires&#39; tiny cross-sectional areas compared to the corresponding dies&#39; substantially reduces dies&#39; useful area for conducting current flow and dissipating heat away from the dies. These design flaws, which disclosed modules overcome, may help contribute to catastrophic diode failures as a result of die overheating. 
     Second diode  192  and third diode  193  share a substantially similar design with first diode  180 , and the reader should reference the discussion of first diode  180  above to reference the detail of their designs. 
     As  FIG. 3  illustrates, lead frame  110  provides support to and electrically connects first diode  180 , second diode  192 , and third diode  193  with one another. Lead frame  110  additionally provides terminals that may be used to connect panel  50 &#39;s circuitry, such as through panel leads, and external circuits, such as through system cables, to module  100 &#39;s circuitry. As  FIG. 8  shows, lead frame  110  includes a first outlet terminal  112 , a second outlet terminal  126 , a third outlet terminal  140 , a fourth outlet terminal  154 , a first lead  114 , a second lead  128 , a third lead  142 , and a fourth lead  156 . 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, first outlet terminal  112  defines a metallic, rigid, and electrically conductive body. First outlet terminal  112  extends from a first end within circuit space  172  to a second end outside of circuit space  172  when module  100  is assembled. As  FIG. 6  shows, first outlet terminal  112  may be connected in electric communication which first system cable  77  via first external ca le lead  85  to connect module  100  and panel  50  to external systems. As  FIG. 6  illustrates, first outlet terminal  112  may further be connected in electrical communication with first panel lead  58 . Although not specifically required in all examples, the diode cells, leads, and outlet terminals of lead frame  110  are connected with solder. In some examples, the solder used to connect lead frames may define a melting temperature that is lower than solder used construct the diodes. 
     As  FIG. 6  shows, a two-pronged clip  199   i  may be Fitted on first outlet terminal  112  to connect first outlet terminal  112  to first external cable lead  85  and first panel lead  58 . Two-pronged clip  199   i  is electrically conductive and is configured to slidingly receive first panel lead  58  and first external cable lead  85 . Two-pronged clip  199   i  may define a double heads tat-on connector, but this is not specifically required. 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, first lead  114  defines a metallic, thermally and electrically conductive metallic body connected to first outlet terminal  112  in electric communication. As  FIG. 7  shows, first lead  114  may be partially or wholly positioned within circuit space  172 . As  FIG. 8  shows, first lead  4  defines a base portion  115 , a first diode portion  116 , and a second diode portion  118 . As  FIG. 8  shows, first diode portion  116  extends toward fourth lead  156  from base portion  115  and second diode portion  118  extends from second lead  128  toward second lead  128 , substantially transverse to first diode portion  116 . As  FIG. 9  illustrates, base portion  115  structurally allows first lead  114  to conform to encapsulation case  170 &#39;s rectangular design. 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, second diode portion  118  defines a diode surface  119  engaged with substantially all of top surface area  181  of first diode  180 . As  FIG. 8  illustrates, base portion  115 , first diode portion  116 , and second diode portion  118  all define surfaces on their top that are aligned with one another. Because these surfaces are aligned, they may be simultaneously substantially engaged with electrically insulating layer  173  when lead frame  110  is positioned partially within circuit space  172 , such as seen in  FIG. 7 . This portion of first lead  114  that may be engaged with electrically insulating layer  173  defines a dissipation portion  113 . Because first lead  114  is thermally conductive, first lead  114  is able to dissipate heat away from first diode  180  and direct it to pass through thermally conductive electrically insulating layer  173  and subsequently unload it onto thermal dissipating member  178 . First lead  114 &#39;s effectiveness in directing heat to electrically insulating layer  173  and thermal dissipating member  178  is greater the more proximate dissipation portion  113  is to electrically insulating layer  173 . Dissipation portion  113  may be, but is not required to be, engaged with electrically insulating layer  173 . 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, lead frame  110  includes second lead  128 , a metallic, electrically and thermally conductive body spaced from first lead  114 . As  FIG. 8  shows, second lead  128  defines a base portion  129 , a first diode portion  130 , a second diode portion  132 , a first connecting portion  138 , and a sec and connecting portion  139 . As  FIG. 8  illustrates, first diode portion  130  defines a first diode surface  131  vertically spaced from diode surface  119  to define a diode space  121  sized to fit first diode  180 . First lead  114  and second lead  128  are configured to retain first diode  180  in diode space  121 , with substantially all of top surface area  181  joined in electric communication with first diode surface  131  and all of bottom surface area  189  joined with diode surface  119 . In some examples, solder or thermally and electrically conducting adhesive may be used to join first diode  180  with first lead  114  and second lead  128 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, diode surface  119  of first lead  114  and first diode surface  131  of second lead  128  may define surface areas substantially similar to or larger than that defined by the contact points of diodes placed in diode space  121 . For example, diode surface  119  defines a larger surface area than bottom surface area  189 , allowing bottom surface area  189  to be substantially fully engaged with diode surface  119 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, second lead  128  defines a base portion  129  that is vertically spaced from first diode portion  130 . Accordingly, first connecting portion  138  extends at an angle to connect first diode portion  130  in electronic and thermal communication with base portion  129 . The precise angle by which first connecting portion  138  extends from first diode portion  130  may be adjusted to maximize the size of base portion  129  (and thus, maximize the amount of surface area available to engage electrically insulating layer  173  and direct heat away from second lead  128 ). As  FIG. 8  illustrates, first connecting portion  138  extends from first diode portion  130  at a 90 degree angle. In some examples, connecting portions may define a number of angles; in other examples, connecting portions may follow non-linear paths along their lengths. As  FIG. 8  shows, base portion  129  is vertically positioned to engage with electrically insulating layer  173 , additionally or alternatively to dissipation portion  113 . As a result, base portion  129  may additionally or alternatively be included with lead frames&#39; dissipating portions. Other base portions or other portions of additional or alternative leads may be aligned with first lead  114  and base portion  129  to additionally engage with electrically insulating layer  173 . For example, third lead  142  is substantially aligned with first lead  114  and fourth lead  156  defines a base portion aligned with base portion  129 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, second diode portion  132  is connected to base portion  129  via second connecting portion  139 , substantially similar to first diode portion  130 &#39;s connection. As  FIG. 8  illustrates, second diode portion  132  extends substantially transverse to first diode portion  130 . As  FIG. 8  shows, second diode portion  132  defines a second diode surface  133  configured to engage the bottom surface area of second diode  192 &#39;s bottom slug or the top surface area of second diode  192 &#39;s top slug. 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, second outlet terminal  126  extends From second lead  128  inside circuit space  172  to a second end outside circuit space  172 , substantially similar to first outlet terminal  112 . As  FIG. 8  shows, however, second outlet terminal  126  is longitudinally rotated 90 degrees compared to first outlet terminal  112 . As  FIG. 6  illustrates, second outlet terminal  126  may be connected electric communication with second panel lead  60 . As  FIG. 6  further shows, a lead coupler  198   i  configured to slidingly receive second panel lead  60  may be attached to second outlet terminal  126 . Lead coupler  198   i  may define a female fast-on terminal, but this is not specifically required. 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, third lead  142  is a metallic, electrically and thermally conductive body spaced from second lead  128 . Third lead  142  is substantially similar to first lead  114 , albeit arranged in a mirrored configuration. As  FIG. 8  shows, third lead  142  includes a first diode portion.  144  defining a first diode surface  145 , substantially similar to first diode portion  116 . As  FIG. 8  additionally shows, third lead  142  includes a second diode portion  148  defining a second diode surface  149 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, second diode surface  133  of second lead  128  and first diode surface  145  of third lead  142  are configured to retain second diode  192  in a second diode space  135 , substantially similar to first diode  180  in diode space  121 . Second diode  192  is joined with its bottom die interface&#39;s bottom surface area engaged first diode surface  145  of third lead  142  and its top die interface&#39;s top surface area engaged with second diode surface  133  of second lead  128 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, third outlet terminal  140  extends from third lead  142  inside circuit space  172  to a second end outside circuit space  172 , substantially similar to second outlet terminal  126 . As  FIG. 6  illustrates, third outlet terminal  140  may be connected in electric communication with third panel lead  62 . As  FIG. 6  further shows, a lead coupler  198   ii  configured to slidingly receive third panel lead  62  may be attached to third outlet terminal  140 . Lead coupler  198   ii  may define a female fast-on terminal, but this is not specifically required. 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, fourth lead  156  defines a metallic, electrically and thermally conductive body spaced from third lead  142 . Fourth lead  156  is substantially similar to second lead  128 , albeit arranged in a mirrored configuration. As  FIG. 8  shows, fourth lead  156  includes a first diode portion  160  defining a first diode surface  161 , substantially similar to first diode portion  130  of second lead  128  and a second diode portion  157  substantially similar to second diode portion  132  of second lead  128 . 
     As  FIG. 8  shows, second diode surface  133  of third lead  142  and First diode surface  145  of fourth lead  156  are configured to retain third diode  193  in a third diode space  149 , substantially similar to first diode  180  in diode space  121 . Third diode  193  is joined with its bottom slug&#39;s bottom surface area engaged with first diode surface  161  of fourth lead  156  and its top slug&#39;s top surface area engaged with second diode surface  149  of third lead  142 . 
     As  FIG. 8  illustrates, lead frame  110  does riot support a circuit element (such as a diode) in the space between first diode portion  116  of first lead  114  and second diode portion  157  fourth lead  156 . In some examples, however, circuit elements, such as an additional diode or integrated circuit, may be positioned therein. 
     As  FIG. 1  shows, module  100  defines a bore  105  routed through encapsulation case  170  and contained elements. In some examples, a fastener, such as a screw, may be routed through the bore to retain module  100  engaged with external bodies. This may be useful, for example, to fasten module  100  to bodies capable of receiving heat dissipated from module  100 , such as heat sinks, photovoltaic panel structures, and other thermally conductive bodies. 
     As  FIG. 3  shows, encapsulation case  170  is substantially rectangular in shape. As  FIG. 3  shows, encapsulation case  170  partially encloses a dissipating space  171  on a first longitudinal side of encapsulation case  170  and a circuit space  172  on a second longitudinal side of encapsulation case  170  opposite first longitudinal side. As  FIG. 3  illustrates, encapsulation case  170  defines an electrically insulating layer  173  between dissipating space  171  and circuit space  172 . As  FIG. 3  shows, encapsulation case  170  is configured to retain thermal dissipating member  178  a and lead frame  110  positioned near one another. 
     As  FIG. 3  shows, lead frame  110  may be positioned with one or more of the lead frame&#39;s leads&#39; dissipation portions engaged with electrically insulating layer  173  when module  100  is assembled. Encapsulant  176  may be deposited in circuit space  172  around the contained portions of lead frame  110  to retain lead frame  110  proximate electrically insulating layer  173 . In some examples, encapsulant  176  may be deposited around an encapsulated portion of a lead frame before permanently cured under elevate temperatures. For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates encapsulant  176  with a removed section that illustrates where the encapsulated portion of lead frame  110  will be positioned when module  100  is assembled. 
     Encapsulant  176  may, in some examples, define a liquid and electric resistant thermosetting material. Additionally or alternatively, encapsulant  176  may define a molding epoxy (which may also have liquid and electric resistant properties). Using an epoxy, as some examples do, may provide benefits over some other encapsulant materials, such as silicon, are poor thermal conductors. While this disclosure considers that various examples that embody the inventive subject matter of this disclosure may include encapsulant including or defining silicon, this disclosure notes that examples with encapsulants that include epoxy may provide improved thermal conductivity characteristics compared to silicon encapsulant examples. 
     Electrically insulating layer  173  defines a thermally conductive, electrically insulating layer that extends across encapsulation case  170  cross-sectional area between circuit space  172  and dissipating space  171 . Thermal dissipating member  178  defines an thermally conductive body made of alumina that substantially fills dissipating space  171 . 
     As  FIG. 7  illustrates, lead frame  110 , electrically insulating layer  173 , and thermal dissipating member  178  may each define layers of a thermally conductive path  102  that allows heat to dissipate from lead frame  110 &#39;s circuit. Thermally conductive path  102  may, for example, dissipate heat proximate a first end proximate one or more of first diode  180 , second diode  192 , and third diode  193 , to a second end within the ambient space proximate thermal dissipating member  178 . For example, lead frame  110  is thermally conductive, thereby allowing nodule  100 &#39;s diodes to dissipate heat through lead frame  110 . Lead frame  110 &#39;s proximity to electrically insulating layer  173  allows lead frame  110  to dissipate heat to thermal dissipating member  178  while directing any electric current away from electrically insulating layer  173  and toward lead frame  110 &#39;s outlet terminals. In some examples, encapsulant  176  may define an electrically insulating but thermally conductive material, such as epoxy, which may increase module  100 &#39;s effectiveness in dissipating heat away from lead frame  110  and the diodes. In additional or alternative examples, encapsulant may define thermally insulating material that effectively directs a greater percentage of heat dissipated from lead frame  110  toward electrically insulating layer  173 . 
     As  FIG. 7  shows, thermally conductive path  102  may be engaged with external dissipating structures. For example, thermally conductive path  102  may be engaged with panel  50 &#39;s structure by engaging thermal dissipating member  178  to thermally conductive portions of panel  50 . This may be particularly useful, for example, when portions of panel  50  include a thermally conductive material, such as a metal. This disclosure notes the benefit engaging the thermally conductive path to dissipating structures that include a large amount of surface area exposed to ambient space, such as glass or metal. This may, fir example, allow module  100  to use panel  50  as an external heat sink, allowing module  100  to dissipate heat generated by the first diode  180 , second diode  192 , and third diode  193  to the environment surrounding panel  50 . In some examples, dissipating structures may include other examples external heat sinks, such as standalone heat sinks which may, in some examples, include a design including one or more projections designed to increase exposed surface area. For example, as  FIG. 5  shows, panel  50  includes a metal rack  51  defining an opening  49 . In some examples, module  100  may be fastened to metal rack  51  using a fastener routed through bore  105  and opening  49 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a second example diode cell module, module  200 . Module  200  includes many similar or identical features to module  100  combined in unique and distinct way Thus for the sake of brevity, each feature of module  200  not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between module  200  and module  100  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two diode cell modules. 
     As  FIG. 9  illustrates, many of the features of embodied by module  100  are not limited to any particular shape or configuration.  FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a lead frame  210  supported within an encapsulation case with an encapsulant, substantially similar to module  100 &#39;s configuration. Like lead frame  110 , module  200  includes linear lead frame  210  configured with four leads direct current through module  200 , including first lead  214 , second lead  228 , third lead  242 , and fourth lead  256 . As  FIG. 9  shows, linear lead frame  210 &#39;s internal leads are configured to route current across three diodes, similar to lead frame  110 . 
       FIG. 9  draws attention to differences between module  200  and module  100 .  FIG. 9  illustrates that lead frame  210  has a linear configuration and module  200 &#39;s circuit physically forms a substantially linear path, differing from the rectangular path taken by lead frame  110 . Each configuration is substantially the same electrically, however. Accordingly, module  200  illustrates that features disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to any particular shape. 
     Further, module  200 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , a slightly different configuration for connecting to panel leads. As  FIG. 8  shows, linear lead frame  210  includes a first outlet terminal  212  extending from first lead  214  and second outlet terminal  254  extending from fourth lead  256 . As  FIG. 9  additionally illustrates, linear lead frame  210  includes four panel outlet terminals, first panel outlet terminal  280  extending from first lead  214  spaced from and extending substantially opposite to first outlet terminal  212 , second parcel outlet terminal  282  extending from second lead  228 , third panel outlet terminal  284  extending from third lead  242 , and fourth panel outlet terminal  286  extending from fourth lead  256  spaced from and extending substantially opposite to second outlet terminal  254 . Each of these outlet terminals are configured to attach to system cables, whereas each panel outlet terminal is configured to connect to panel leads extending from an associated panel. As  FIG. 9  shows, first outlet term al  214  and second outlet terminal  254  are each attached to the internal circuitry separate from corresponding panel leads. This may simplify module  200  with an attached panel and connection within junction box. While many diode cell modules examples will include four outlet terminals, such as module  100 , this disclosure equally contemplates having more or fewer outlet terminals, as the example shown in  FIG. 9  illustrates. 
     Further, examples may have more or fewer diodes. For example, many configurations may have one or two diodes; this may be particularly useful in smaller photovoltaic generation facilities. In several such examples, outlet terminals will often be connected to the anodes and cathodes of each diode. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an additional or alternative example of a lead frame, lead frame  310 . Lead frame  310  includes many similar or identical features to lead frame  110  combined in unique and distinct ways. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of lead frame  310  will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between lead frame  310  and lead frame  110  will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the two lead frames. 
     As  FIG. 10  shows, lead Frame  310  is substantially similar to lead frame  110 . As  FIG. 10  shows, however, lead frame  310  includes two additional outlet terminals: first supplemental outlet terminal  307  connected to lead frame  310 &#39;s first lead  314  and spaced from first outlet terminal  312  and second supplemental outlet terminal  308  connected to lead frame  310 &#39;s fourth lead  356  and spaced from fourth outlet terminal  354 . Lead frame  310 &#39;s supplemental outlet terminals allow system cables and panel leads to be connected to lead frame  310 &#39;s first and fourth leads without using the two-pronged clip  199   i  or other similar electrical splitting device. While electrically identical, this produces a cleaner de sign with fewer discrete parts. Accordingly, lead frame  310 &#39;s design is less likely to malfunction during use than module  100 . 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the lave ns includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.