Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module may be configured to be installed on a roofing substrate. The photovoltaic module may comprise a frontsheet, a backsheet, and an encapsulated solar cell between the frontsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet may comprise at least one layer. The at least one layer of the backsheet may comprise a polymer and a graphene component. The at least one layer of the backsheet may be a heat conducting layer. The photovoltaic module may comprise a film as a heat conducting layer.

Abstract: A bonding pad structure including a first sub-bonding pad and a second sub-bonding pad and a touch panel are provided. The first sub-bonding pad has a first connection terminal at an opposite side of a first end terminal. A width of the first connection terminal is greater than a width of the first end terminal. The first sub-bonding pad has a second connection terminal at an opposite side of a second end terminal. A width of the second connection terminal is greater than a width of the second end terminal. The first connection terminal is close to the second end terminal and the second connection terminal is close to the first end terminal. A first outline of the first sub-bonding pad and a second outline of the second sub-bonding pad are formed as a pair in a complementary manner to construct a configuration of the bonding pad structure.

Abstract: A transparent networking system for meter infrastructure within a network. The system has a single transparent meshed communication network comprising a first ZigBee network provided within a first spatial region and a second ZigBee network provided within a second spatial region. The network has a powerline carrier configured between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee network to facility transfer of bi-directional information packet by packet between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee networks.

Abstract: System and method for repeater in a power line network. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for power line communication network. The method includes providing a virtual local area network (VLAN), which VLAN includes at least a repeater, a client, and a gateway. The VLAN is associated with a network encryption key. The repeater is associated with a first identification. The client is associated with a second identification. The gateway is associated with a third identification. The first identification and the third identification are a service identification type. The second identification is a client identification type. The method also includes providing a power line network that is configured to transmit data through OFDM signaling. The method includes sending a first data packet in first format from the client through the power line network.

Abstract: A method of making a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide capable of being integrated with a surface-mounted component is presented. The method entails etching a silicon substrate to form a slanted wall, forming a nonreflective waveguide portion on the silicon substrate, and depositing a reflective layer on the slanted wall. Light travels through the nonreflective waveguide portion in substantially a first direction, and the light from the nonreflective waveguide portion strikes the reflective layer to be redirected in a second direction. The second direction may be the direction toward the surface-mounted component. A PLC waveguide device made with the above method is also presented.

Abstract: A powerline signal test apparatus has a housing, a pair of prongs protruding from the housing, a powerline module coupled to the pair of prongs within an interior region of the housing. The powerline module is configured to process a first data signal in a first format. The apparatus further has a processor coupled to the powerline module. The processor is configured to initiate transfer of first test data characterized by a first data rate from the pair of prongs through a portion of a powerline network to a target node and initiate receipt of second test data characterized by a second data rate. Moreover, the apparatus has a signal strength indication for the portion of the powerline network associated with the second test data characterized by the second data rate. Furthermore, the apparatus has an output device coupled to the housing and configured to output the signal strength indication.

Abstract: A method of making a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide capable of being integrated with a surface-mounted component is presented. The method entails etching a silicon substrate to form a slanted wall, forming a nonreflective waveguide portion on the silicon substrate, and depositing a reflective layer on the slanted wall. Light travels through the nonreflective waveguide portion in substantially a first direction, and the light from the nonreflective waveguide portion strikes the reflective layer to be redirected in a second direction. The second direction may be the direction toward the surface-mounted component. A PLC waveguide device made with the above method is also presented.

Abstract: A method of making a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide capable of being integrated with a surface-mounted component is presented. The method entails etching a silicon substrate to form a slanted wall, forming a nonreflective waveguide portion on the silicon substrate, and depositing a reflective layer on the slanted wall. Light travels through the nonreflective waveguide portion in substantially a first direction, and the light from the nonreflective waveguide portion strikes the reflective layer to be redirected in a second direction. The second direction may be the direction toward the surface-mounted component. A PLC waveguide device made with the above method is also presented.

Abstract: A powerline signal test apparatus has a housing, a pair of prongs protruding from the housing, a powerline module coupled to the pair of prongs within an interior region of the housing. The powerline module is configured to process a first data signal in a first format. The apparatus further has a processor coupled to the powerline module. The processor is configured to initiate transfer of first test data characterized by a first data rate from the pair of prongs through a portion of a powerline network to a target node and initiate receipt of second test data characterized by a second data rate. Moreover, the apparatus has a signal strength indication for the portion of the powerline network associated with the second test data characterized by the second data rate. Furthermore, the apparatus has an output device coupled to the housing and configured to output the signal strength indication.

Abstract: A method of making a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide capable of being integrated with a surface-mounted component is presented. The method entails etching a silicon substrate to form a slanted wall, forming a nonreflective waveguide portion on the silicon substrate, and depositing a reflective layer on the slanted wall. Light travels through the nonreflective waveguide portion in substantially a first direction, and the light from the nonreflective waveguide portion strikes the reflective layer to be redirected in a second direction. The second direction may be the direction toward the surface-mounted component. A PLC waveguide device made with the above method is also presented.

Abstract: System and method for repeater in a power line network. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for power line communication network. The method includes providing a virtual local area network (VLAN), which VLAN includes at least a repeater, a client, and a gateway. The VLAN is associated with a network encryption key. The repeater is associated with a first identification. The client is associated with a second identification. The gateway is associated with a third identification. The first identification and the third identification are a service identification type. The second identification is a client identification type. The method also includes providing a power line network that is configured to transmit data through OFDM signaling. The method includes sending a first data packet in first format from the client through the power line network.

Abstract: Methods for improving adhesion between various materials utilized in the fabrication of integrated circuits. A first method relates to improving adhesion between a silicon nitride layer and a silicon dioxide layer. The method includes treating a surface of the silicon dioxide layer with a nitrogen plasma in a reactive ion etching process prior to depositing the silicon nitride film on the surface of the silicon dioxide layer. A second method relates to improving adhesion between a silicon nitride layer and a polyimide layer. The method includes the step of treating a surface of the silicon nitride layer with a oxygen/argon plasma in a reactive ion etching process prior to depositing the polyimide layer film on the surface of the silicon nitride layer. A third method relates to improving adhesion between a photoresist layer and a metal.