Remote diagnostics of power cables powering radio units in radio sites

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of detecting a defect in a connection member (21-26) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio site (10) and an apparatus (18) performing the method. In a first aspect, there is provided a method of detecting a defect in a connection member (21-26) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio site (10). The method comprises: applying (S101) an artificial radio traffic load to a first radio unit (11) and at least a second radio unit (12) of the plurality of radio units such that the radio traffic load experienced by the first radio unit (11) and the second radio unit (12) is at the same level; measuring (S102) a power provided to the first radio unit (11) via a first connection member (21) and a power provided to the second radio unit (12) via a second connection member (22) at an end of each connection member (21, 22) terminating at an apparatus (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16); and determining (S103) from the measured powers and an expected nominal power loss of the first connection member (21) and the second connection member (22) whether there is a power loss in at least one of the first connection member (21) and the second connection member (22) indicative of a defect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for detecting defects in the connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station, and an apparatus for performing the method. This disclosure also relates to a computer program for causing the apparatus to perform the method, and a computer program product including a computer-readable medium having the computer program thereon. Background Technology

[0002] At radio sites (e.g., rooftop or tower sites), power cables have a significant impact on performance, and deterioration in the quality of power cables (including their connectors) can affect the overall performance of the radio site.

[0003] The power cables supplying power from the distribution unit (PDU) to the radio unit (RU) at the site may be damaged during the installation of the radio site, may be damaged during site operation (e.g., during routine site upgrades or service checks), or their quality may simply deteriorate over time (e.g., due to weather conditions).

[0004] Power cables can be bundled together to connect the RU to the PDU, but they can also be scattered across the radio site (since RUs are not necessarily adjacent to each other at the radio site), or distributed by sector. For example, at a rooftop radio site, RUs can be placed in every corner of the building to achieve the maximum possible radio coverage.

[0005] One problem with damaged or defective cables (e.g., resulting in poor insulation or shielding) is that the performance of a radio station may be affected. For example, damaged cable shielding or cable core may cause increased resistance or voltage drop in power cables, leading to increased power loss, or may result in interference from adjacent cables or equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One objective is to address or at least mitigate this problem in the art, and thus provide a method for detecting defects in the connection components of radio units in a radio station.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for detecting a defect in a connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station. The method includes: applying an artificial radio traffic load to a first radio unit and at least a second radio unit of the plurality of radio units such that the radio traffic load experienced by the first and second radio units is at the same level; measuring the power supplied to the first radio unit via the first connection member and the power supplied to the second radio unit via the second connection member at the end of each connection member terminated at a device configured to supply power to the plurality of radio units; and determining, based on the measured power and the expected nominal power loss of the first and second connection members, whether a power loss indicating a defect exists in at least one of the first and second connection members.

[0008] In a second aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by an apparatus configured to detect defects in a connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing unit, thereby enabling the apparatus to: apply artificial radio traffic load to a first radio unit and at least a second radio unit of the plurality of radio units such that the radio traffic load experienced by the first and second radio units is at the same level; measure the power supplied to the first radio unit via the first connection member and the power supplied to the second radio unit via the second connection member at each connection member terminating at an end of a device configured to supply power to the plurality of radio units; and determine, based on the measured power and the expected nominal power loss of the first and second connection members, whether a power loss indicating a defect exists in at least one of the first and second connection members.

[0009] In a third aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for detecting a defect in a connecting member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station. The method includes: applying an artificial radio traffic load to the at least one radio unit; measuring the difference between the power supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connecting member at an end of the connecting member connected to a device configured to supply power to the plurality of radio units and the power supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connecting member at an end of the connecting member connected to the at least one radio unit; and determining, based on the measured power difference and the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member, whether a power loss indicating a defect exists in the connecting member.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by an apparatus configured to detect defects in a connecting member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station, the apparatus including a processing unit and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing unit, thereby operable to: apply an artificial radio traffic load to the at least one radio unit; measure the difference between the power supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connecting member at an end of the connecting member connected to an end of a device configured to supply power to the plurality of radio units and the power supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connecting member at an end of the connecting member connected to the at least one radio unit; and determine, based on the measured power difference and the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member, whether a power loss indicating a defect exists in the connecting member.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a method for detecting a defect in a connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station. The method includes: applying an artificial radio traffic load to the at least one radio unit; measuring a voltage supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connection member at an end of the connection member terminated at the at least one radio unit and at an end of the connection member terminated at a device configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units; and determining whether any variation in the measured voltage exceeds a threshold at which the connection member is indicated to be defective.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by an apparatus configured to detect defects in a connecting member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station, the apparatus including a processing unit and a memory containing instructions executable by the processing unit, thereby operable to: apply an artificial radio traffic load to the at least one radio unit; measure a voltage supplied to the at least one radio unit via the connecting member at an end of the connecting member terminated at the at least one radio unit and at an end of the connecting member terminated at a device configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units; and determine whether any variation in the measured voltage exceeds a threshold in which the connecting member is indicated to be defective.

[0013] In one aspect, an artificial radio traffic load is applied to the first and second radio units such that the total radio traffic load experienced by both units (i.e., artificial load plus actual load) is at the same level. Furthermore, the artificial radio traffic load level is applied such that the levels of radio traffic load experienced by the first and second radio units do not vary significantly. It is conceivable that the artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the level of experienced radio traffic load is only allowed to vary within a predetermined, relatively small span over a given period of power measurement. In the example, this level may be allowed to vary within a span of 4-6% higher than the predicted maximum actual load caused by the mobile terminals served by the first and second radio units.

[0014] Subsequently, while the total service load of the first radio unit and the second radio unit was kept at the same high level by the applied varying artificial load, the power supplied to the first power cable and the second power cable was measured.

[0015] Now, for each radio unit, the power output from the power cable should be the same at each radio unit, because the applied artificial load will cause both radio units to experience the same total radio traffic load.

[0016] Therefore, by measuring the power supplied to the first and second power cables, it is possible to infer whether either of the two power cables is defective; if the two measured power levels are significantly different, then one of the cables may be defective.

[0017] Therefore, based on the measured power and the expected nominal power loss of the first and second power cables, it is determined whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in either the first or second power cable (or in the connector at each end of the power cable).

[0018] Advantageously, detecting a defect in power cables can alert maintenance personnel, for example, by sending a service order to a maintenance center, enabling the defective power cable to be repaired or replaced. If the defect is deemed serious, the corresponding radio unit can be temporarily shut down, and any traffic can be reassigned to one or more other radio units. Therefore, using the described embodiments, the status of power cables at a radio station can be monitored remotely.

[0019] In one embodiment, an artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the loaded radio unit does not vary outside a defined span.

[0020] In one embodiment, the expected nominal power loss of the connection member is obtained from the specifications of the connection member or measured during the installation of the connection member.

[0021] In one embodiment, a machine learning (ML) model determines the expected nominal power loss of the first and second connecting members before they are installed at the radio station.

[0022] Further embodiments will be described in detail.

[0023] Generally, all terms used in the claims will be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless otherwise expressly defined herein. All references to “a / an / the element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.” will be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc., unless otherwise expressly stated. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed unless explicitly stated otherwise. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Aspects and embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A radio station that can implement the embodiments is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for detecting defects in the connection components of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 An exemplary configuration for detecting defective power cables according to one embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 An example of applying artificial radio traffic load in a radio unit is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for detecting defects in the connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station according to another embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for detecting a defect in the connection member of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station according to yet another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 An example is shown. Figure 1A radio station, wherein voltage is measured at the inputs of the first and second radio units; and

[0032] Figure 8 An apparatus configured to detect defects in power cables is shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

[0034] However, these aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of all aspects of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0035] Figure 1 A radio station 10, which may implement an embodiment, is shown. The radio station 10 includes, for example, six radio units (RUs, 11-16) located on a roof and / or in a radio tower. The station 10 also includes a power distribution unit (PDU, 17) configured to supply power to each of the RUs 11-16 via respective power cables 21-26. A baseband (BB) unit 18 is also shown, through which the RUs 11-16 are configured to communicate with, for example, a radio base station (RBS) that may be part of or separate from the PDU 17.

[0036] The protocol typically used in communication between BB Unit 18 and RUs 11-16 is the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) or evolved CPRI (eCPRI). Therefore, CPRI defines the interface between the REC (Radio Equipment Control) and the RE (Radio Equipment). For example, the REC could be a PDU 17 or a ground-based RBS, while the RE could be a RU located in a tower and connected to the PDU / RBS via a fiber optic link.

[0037] As mentioned earlier, damaged or defective cables can affect the performance of radio station 10. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to monitor the condition of power cables 21-26 and detect any degradation in their performance.

[0038] In this field, it is typically done by giving an indication, for example, of an increase in power consumption at radio station 10, which commands maintenance personnel to visit station 10 to perform manual measurements to determine if there is a problem with power cables 21-26. This is a lengthy and resource-intensive method.

[0039] Figure 2A flowchart illustrating a method for detecting defects in the connection components of at least one of a plurality of radio units in a radio station according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a "connection component" refers to power cable 21 and / or a connector configured to connect one end of power cable 21-26 to PDU 17 and the other end to corresponding RU 11-16. Therefore, even if the power cable may not be damaged, the connector is very likely to be damaged, which may degrade the overall performance to the same extent as a damaged power cable.

[0040] Figure 3 An exemplary configuration is shown for determining whether a first power cable 21 connected between PDU 17 and the first RU 11 is defective, or whether a second power cable 22 connected between PDU 17 and the second RU 12 is defective. The power input from PDU 17 to the cables at the ends of power cables 21 and 22 that terminate at PDU 17 is represented as P, respectively. IN1 and P IN2 The power output from the power cables 21 and 22 at the ends connected to the RU to the first RU 11 and the second RU 12 is represented as P. OUT1 and P OUT2 Note that BB unit 18 is in Figure 3 Not shown in the image.

[0041] The dashed lines indicate that RU 11 and 12 can communicate with PDU 17, and vice versa.

[0042] In this embodiment, artificial service loads will be introduced in the first RU 11 and the second RU 12. This can be achieved by using a so-called air interface load generator (AILG) arranged in each RU.

[0043] Such AILGs can utilize a method of generating artificial workloads, commonly known as Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs).

[0044] Further reference Figure 4 This illustrates that the RU will experience real, actual traffic load caused by mobile terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) served by the RU. These mobile terminals will be referred to as User Equipment (UE). In addition to the actual traffic load, an artificial load will be applied to the RU in this embodiment, such that after the initial transient period of the artificial load being applied to the RU, the total traffic load experienced by the RU (i.e., the applied artificial load plus the actual load) remains at a uniformly high level (in... Figure 4 (represented as x). It should be noted that this artificial load will not affect any UE served by the RU.

[0045] In practice, AILG is controlled to generate a certain level of artificial service load, such that the total service load experienced by the RU will be, for example, 5% higher than the predicted maximum actual load caused by the UE served by the RU, with a confidence interval of, for example, 99.7%.

[0046] Therefore, given the total workload experienced, the power consumed by the RU will also be at a uniform level and will not change with the actual workload experienced by the RU, which in practice usually changes rapidly.

[0047] Refer again Figure 2 In the first step S101, artificial radio traffic load is therefore applied to the first radio unit 11 and the second radio unit 12. The artificial load is applied to the first radio unit 11 and the second radio unit 12 such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the first radio unit 11 and the second radio unit 12 (i.e., artificial load plus actual load) is at the same level for both RUs 11 and 12. This can be performed simultaneously or sequentially on the first radio unit 11 and the second radio unit 12.

[0048] In addition, as previously stated Figure 4 As shown, the artificial radio traffic level is applied such that the level x of radio traffic load experienced by the first RU 11 and the second RU 12 varies little. It is conceivable that the artificial radio traffic level x is applied such that it is only allowed to vary within a predetermined, relatively small span over a given period of time during which the power is measured. In the example, this level x could be allowed to vary within a span 4-6% higher than the predicted maximum actual load caused by the UEs served by the first RU 11 and the second RU 12.

[0049] In the second step S102, as Figure 4 As shown, while the total service load of the first RU 11 and the second RU 12 is kept at the same high level x by the applied varying artificial load, the power P supplied by the PDU 17 to the first power cable 21 and the second power cable 22 is measured respectively. IN1 P IN2 .

[0050] Now, for each RU 11, 12, the power P output from the power cables 21, 22 to the first RU 11 and the second RU 12 at the ends of the power cables 21, 22 connected to the RU is... OUT1 P OUT2 They should be the same, because the applied artificial load will cause both RUs to experience the same total radio traffic load.

[0051] In this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the first power cable 21 and the second power cable 22 are of the same type and the same length, which means that unless either of the cables is defective, the cables should exhibit the same power loss. That is, the two power cables 21 and 22 should exhibit the same expected nominal power loss.

[0052] Therefore, by measuring the power P supplied by PDU 17 to the first power cable 21 and the second power cable 22 in step S102... IN1 P IN2 It can be deduced whether either of the two power cables 21 or 22 is defective; if P IN1 With P IN2 Significantly different (e.g., P) IN1 =700W and P IN2 If the second power cable 22 is defective (e.g., 800W), then the second power cable 22 may be defective. For example, the second power cable 22 may suffer from shielding damage, resulting in higher power loss than expected.

[0053] Therefore, in step S103, based on the measured power P IN1 P IN2 The expected nominal power loss of the first power cable 21 and the second power cable 22 is used to determine whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in either the first power cable 21 or the second power cable 22 (or in the connector that connects the power cables to the PDU and RU).

[0054] Advantageously, in the example described above, the detection of a defect in the second power cable 22 may alert maintenance personnel, for example, by sending a service command to the maintenance center, enabling repair or replacement of the second power cable 22. If the defect is deemed serious, the second RU 12 may be temporarily shut down. Any traffic handled by the second RU 12 may be reassigned to one or more other RUs. Thus, using the described embodiments, the status of the power cables at radio station 10 can be remotely monitored.

[0055] In the example above, it is assumed that the two power cables 21 and 22 are of the same type and the same length (and RUs are of the same type), meaning that the two power cables have the same expected nominal power loss. However, this is not necessarily the case at a radio station, in which case the difference in expected nominal power loss between power cables 21 and 22 must be taken into account.

[0056] For example, the expected nominal power loss based on physical properties (e.g., cable material and type, internal impedance, wire gauge, length, ambient temperature, round mils, voltage drop, etc.) can be considered from the power cable specifications. It is also conceivable to measure the expected nominal power loss of cables 21 and 22 during cable installation. The advantage of the first option is that the correct power loss value can still be used even if any cable is damaged during installation, while the second option allows for consideration of actual radio site conditions.

[0057] As a result, when using different types of power cables 21 and 22, if, for example, the expected nominal power loss of the second power cable 22 is 100W higher than the expected nominal power loss of the first power cable 21 due to its longer cable length, then the measured P IN1 =700W and P IN2 An input power of 800W may indeed mean that there are no defects in the cable. Therefore, when determining whether one or more cables are defective, the expected nominal power loss of the power cable must be taken into account.

[0058] It is understandable that if all six RUs 11-16 are of the same type, there is no need to distinguish between the individual RUs. However, there may be situations where, for example, three RUs 11-13 are of one type while the remaining three RUs 14-16 are of another. In such cases, it might be necessary to detect any defects in cables 21-23 by comparing RUs 11-13 in the first group and any defects in cables 24-26 by comparing RUs 14-16 in the second group; comparing RUs in the first group with those in the second group could lead to erroneous conclusions.

[0059] In another aspect, refer to Figure 5 The flowchart and the previously described Figure 3 The configuration, if, when an artificial load is applied, in addition to measuring the power P supplied by PDU 17 to power cable 21, IN1 In addition, the power P supplied from power cable 21 to RU (e.g., first RU 11) is also measured. OUT1 This allows for the identification of any defects in the power cable 21 without involving other RUs.

[0060] In the first step S201, an artificial radio traffic load is applied to the first radio unit 11. Similarly, the artificial load is applied to the first radio unit 11 such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the first radio unit 11 (i.e., the artificial load plus the actual load) is at a uniform level. In other words, as previously stated... Figure 4As shown, the artificial radio traffic level is applied such that the level x of the radio traffic load experienced by the first RU 11 varies little. As previously discussed, it is conceivable that the artificial radio traffic level x is applied such that it is only allowed to vary within a predetermined, relatively small span over a given period of time when the power is measured.

[0061] In the second step S202, the power P supplied by the PDU 17 to the cable is measured at the end of the first power cable 21 that is connected to the PDU 17. IN1 The power P supplied to the first RU 11 via the first power cable 21 is measured at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the first RU 11. OUT1 The power difference is determined to be P. IN1 -P OUT1 .

[0062] Therefore, assuming PDU 17 will P IN1 =700W is supplied to the first power cable 21, and P is connected to the other end of the power cable 21. OUT1 =500W is provided to the first RU 11; if the expected nominal power loss of the first power cable 21 is known to be approximately 200W (e.g., according to specifications or according to measurements), there is no indication that the first cable 21 is defective.

[0063] On the other hand, if the expected nominal power loss of the first power cable is known to be, for example, about 100W, then there is a clear indication that the first power cable 21 is defective, since the actual power loss of the first power cable 21 is twice the expected nominal power loss.

[0064] Therefore, in step S203, based on the measured power difference P IN1 -P OUT1 The expected nominal power loss of the first power cable 21 is used to determine whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in the cable 21.

[0065] In yet another aspect, refer to Figure 6 Flowcharts and Figure 7 Configuration ( Figure 7 It shows Figure 1The setup (showing voltage variations at the inputs of the first RU 11 and the second RU 12) can detect power cable defects by identifying interference between two or more adjacent power cables. In this aspect, an artificial load is applied to the first RU 11, but not to the second RU 12. Therefore, the second RU 12 only experiences radio traffic load caused by the UE it serves. Note that for the inter-cable interference to be detected, the first RU 11 and the second RU 12 must be physically reasonably adjacent to each other so that the two RUs 11, 12 can actually physically affect each other in the form of interference. However, even if the two cables are not adjacent to each other, the cables may still be subject to interference from, for example, radio emissions from the air interface or lightning.

[0066] In the first step S301, artificial radio traffic load is therefore applied to the first radio unit 11, but not to the second radio unit 12 (or any other RU, even though this example only mentions the first RU 11 and the second RU 12), which will therefore only experience the actual traffic load caused by the UEs it serves. It is conceivable that artificial radio traffic load is applied sequentially to the RUs (to a single RU or a group of RUs, i.e., one after another, two after two, three after three, etc.). This can be performed using appropriate machine learning (ML) algorithms.

[0067] Similarly, artificial load is applied to the first radio unit 11 so that the total radio traffic load experienced by the first radio unit 11 (i.e., artificial load plus actual load) is at a uniform level. In other words, as previously stated in Figure 4 As shown, the artificial radio traffic level is applied such that the level x of the radio traffic load experienced by the first RU 11 varies little. As previously discussed, it is conceivable that the artificial radio traffic level x is applied such that it is only allowed to vary within a predetermined, relatively small span over a given period of time when the power is measured.

[0068] The actual workload experienced by the second RU 12 usually changes rapidly, while the workload experienced by the first RU 11 will be at a more uniform level.

[0069] In step S302, the voltage output to the first RU 11 is measured at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the first RU 11 and at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the PDU 17.

[0070] In step S302, when measuring the output voltage at the end of the first cable 21 connected to the first RU 11 and at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the PDU 17, the measured voltage variation should be small due to the uniform radio service load experienced by the first RU 11 (assuming the first power cable 21 is defect-free). Note that it is possible for the measured voltage variation to be larger at one end of the cable 21 and smaller at the other end. For example, if the variation is larger at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the PDU 17 and smaller at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the first RU 11, this would mean that the first power cable 21 is interfered with at the PDU end but not at the RU end.

[0071] Conversely, if the voltage is measured at the end of the second cable 21 where it is connected to the second RU 12 and at the end of the second cable 21 where it is connected to the PDU 17, the measured voltage may vary considerably because the variation will follow the actual business load experienced by the second RU 12.

[0072] Therefore, by measuring the voltage at the end of the first cable 21 connected to the first RU 11 in step S302 and at the end of the first power cable 21 connected to the PDU 17, and by determining in step S303 whether the change at each end of the first cable 21 is small enough (e.g., the voltage change does not exceed a predetermined threshold), it can be inferred whether the first power cable 21 is defective.

[0073] If the measured voltage change is small enough, it is determined in step S303 that the first power cable 21 has not suffered any defects. On the other hand, if the voltage change exceeds a threshold, it is inferred in step S303 that the first power cable 12 is subject to interference from, for example, signals (with large variations) carried on the second power cable 22 or radio transmissions from the air interface. Such interference will only occur if there is a certain defect in the first power cable 21 (e.g., damaged cable shielding).

[0074] Subsequently, the method may continue to apply artificial service load to the second RU 12 without applying artificial load to any other RU (or at least not to adjacent RUs), and so on, until all power cables 21-26 have been tested.

[0075] The method for determining the defect of power cable 21 can be performed, for example, by RU 11 to which the power cable is connected, by PDU 17, by BB unit 18, or even by a remote device communicating with PDU 17 and / or RU 11-16.

[0076] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4When an artificial radio traffic load (where the level x of the total traffic load experienced should be relatively stable) is applied to one or more of RUs 11-16, the artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total traffic load experienced by the RU is slightly higher than the highest expected actual traffic load, for example, 5% higher. The highest expected actual traffic load can be predicted using machine learning (ML) implemented at each RU.

[0077] In another embodiment, artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the level of total traffic load experienced by the RU fluctuates by no more than 5% within a given measurement period (e.g., 60 seconds).

[0078] Figure 8 A BB unit 18 according to one embodiment is shown. The steps of the method for detecting defects in the power cables (or connectors) of a RU in a radio station, performed by the BB unit 18, are in practice performed by a processing unit 30 embodied in the form of one or more microprocessors arranged to execute a computer program 31 downloaded to a suitable volatile storage medium 32 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) or non-volatile storage medium (e.g., flash memory or hard disk drive) associated with the microprocessor. The processing unit 30 is arranged to cause the BB unit 18 to perform the method according to the embodiment when the suitable computer program 31, including computer-executable instructions, is downloaded to the storage medium 32 and executed by the processing unit 30. The storage medium 32 may also be a computer program product including the computer program 31. Alternatively, the computer program 31 may be transferred to the storage medium 32 via a suitable computer program product (e.g., a digital multifunction disc (DVD) or memory stick). As another alternative, the computer program 31 may be downloaded to the storage medium 32 via a network. Alternatively, the processing unit 30 may be embodied in the form of a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or the like.

[0079] Therefore, BB unit 18 should be able to signal to RU that an artificial load should be applied and continuously send control signals to RU to control the level of the applied artificial load, so that the total load experienced during the measurement of power or voltage changes remains at a uniform level. Typically, BB unit 18 is able to measure the power and / or voltage at each end of the power cable. Alternatively, BB unit 18 can communicate with PDU 17 and the corresponding RUs 11-16 to obtain the power and / or voltage values ​​measured at the ends of the power cable terminated at PDU 17 and the corresponding RUs 11-16.

[0080] As previously mentioned, ML can be implemented in a device that performs a method for detecting defects in cables or connectors, such as BB unit 18. Therefore, performing such an ML algorithm on BB unit 18 can process the power and / or voltage measured at PDU 17 and RU 11-16 to determine any power differences or interference used for detecting defects in power cables 21-26.

[0081] When radio service conditions and consequently power and voltage values ​​change rapidly in non-repetitive patterns, traditional mathematically based parametric models are ineffective for analysis and prediction because they cannot adapt to these rapidly changing patterns. Therefore, nonparametric machine learning (ML) algorithms should be used for detection.

[0082] A well-designed ML model can be, for example:

[0083] • Measure the real-time radio traffic load of the RU;

[0084] • Estimate the maximum radio traffic load of the RU;

[0085] • Control the application of artificial radio service load;

[0086] • Measure the input power and voltage level of the RU;

[0087] • Measure the PDU output power and voltage level;

[0088] • Determine the expected nominal power loss of the cable, for example, during site installation.

[0089] It is also conceivable that ML models can even determine the expected nominal power loss of the cable before installation occurs, which would be advantageous in taking into account the possibility of cable damage during installation.

[0090] The foregoing has primarily described various aspects of this disclosure with reference to some embodiments and examples. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments besides those disclosed above are also possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0091] Therefore, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, wherein the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting defects in the connecting member (21-26) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), comprising: Artificial radio traffic load is applied (S101) to a first radio unit (11) and at least a second radio unit (12) of the plurality of radio units such that the radio traffic load experienced by the first radio unit (11) and the second radio unit (12) is at the same level, wherein the artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. Measurement (S102) measures the power supplied to the first radio unit (11) via the first connecting member (21) and the power supplied to the second radio unit (12) via the second connecting member (22) at the end of the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16) at each connecting member (21, 22); and Based on the measured power and the expected nominal power loss of the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), determine (S103) whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in at least one of the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22).

2. A method for detecting a defect in the connecting member (21) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), comprising: (S201) An artificial radio traffic load is applied to the at least one radio unit (11), wherein the artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. The measurement (S202) measures the difference between the power supplied to at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16) and the power supplied to the at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the at least one radio unit (11); and Based on the measured power difference and the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member (21), determine (S203) whether there is power loss indicating a defect in the connecting member (21).

3. A method for detecting a defect in the connecting member (21) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), comprising: (S301) An artificial radio traffic load is applied to the at least one radio unit (11), wherein the artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. Measurement (S302) of the voltage supplied to the at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the at least one radio unit (11) and at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16); and Determine (S303) whether any change in the measured voltage exceeds the threshold at which the connection member (21) is indicated to be defective.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The expected nominal power loss of the connecting member is obtained from the specifications of the connecting member or measured during the installation of the connecting member.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The machine learning (ML) model determines the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member before it is installed at the radio station (10).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the steps of the method are performed by a machine learning (ML) model.

7. A computer program product including computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions being configured to cause the device (17) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-6 when executed on a processing unit (30) included in the device (17).

8. A computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions being configured to cause the device (17) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-6 when executed on a processing unit (30) included in the device (17).

9. A device (18) configured to detect defects in the connection members (21-26) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), the device (18) comprising a processing unit (30) and a memory (32) containing instructions (31) executable by the processing unit (30), thereby operating the device (18) to: Artificial radio traffic loads are applied to a first radio unit (11) and at least a second radio unit (12) of the plurality of radio units, such that the radio traffic loads experienced by the first radio unit (11) and the second radio unit (12) are at the same level, wherein, The artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. The power supplied to the first radio unit (11) via the first connecting member (21) and the power supplied to the second radio unit (12) via the second connecting member (22) are measured at the end of each connecting member (21, 22) terminated at the end of the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16). as well as Based on the measured power and the expected nominal power loss of the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22), determine whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in at least one of the first connecting member (21) and the second connecting member (22).

10. A device (18) configured to detect defects in a connection member (21) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), the device (18) comprising a processing unit (30) and a memory (32) containing instructions (31) executable by the processing unit (30), thereby operating the device (18) to: Artificial radio traffic load is applied to the at least one radio unit (11), wherein, The artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. The difference between the power supplied to at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16) and the power supplied to at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the at least one radio unit (11); as well as Based on the measured power difference and the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member (21), determine whether there is a power loss indicating a defect in the connecting member (21).

11. A device (18) configured to detect defects in a connection member (21) of at least one of a plurality of radio units (11-16) in a radio station (10), the device (18) comprising a processing unit (30) and a memory (32) containing instructions (31) executable by the processing unit (30), thereby operating the device (18) to: Artificial radio traffic load is applied to the at least one radio unit (11), wherein, The artificial radio traffic load is applied such that the total radio traffic load experienced by the radio unit to which the load is applied does not vary outside a defined span. Measure the voltage supplied to the at least one radio unit (11) via the connecting member (21) at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the at least one radio unit (11) and at the end of the connecting member (21) connected to the device (17) configured to provide power to the plurality of radio units (11-16); and Determine whether any change in the measured voltage exceeds the threshold at which the connection member (21) is indicated to be defective.

12. The device (18) according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The expected nominal power loss of the connecting member is obtained from the specifications of the connecting member or measured during the installation of the connecting member.

13. The device according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, A machine learning (ML) model is implemented in the device (18) to determine the expected nominal power loss of the connecting member before it is installed at the radio station (10).

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