Communication equipment and communication system

Abstract

The invention provides communication equipment and a communication system. The communication equipment comprises a first power supply, a second power supply and a main control unit, the first power supply is connected with the main control unit; the main control unit is also connected with the second power supply; when the first power supply is turned on, the second power supply is turned off; the first power supply is used for supplying power to the main control unit and the business unit when started; under the condition that the first power supply is turned off, the second power supply is turned on; the second power supply is used for supplying power to the main control unit when turned on; and after the second power supply is turned on, the main control unit is used for controlling the first power supply to be turned on to supply power to the service unit under the condition that the communication equipment receives a service request. According to the invention, while the energy consumption of the communication equipment is reduced, timely processing of the service request is ensured, meanwhile, a single-point fault problem is not caused, and the reliability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of power supply control technology, and in particular to a communication device and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] When there is no user access for a long time or the amount of service data processed is significantly reduced, the communication equipment is idle. Since the energy consumption of the communication equipment is still high when it is idle, the communication equipment can be switched to energy-saving mode when it is idle to reduce energy consumption.

[0003] Typically, a communication device includes a main power supply and a main control unit, and the main control unit is powered by the main power supply. When the communication device is unloaded, the main control unit can send an energy-saving instruction to turn off the main power supply so that the communication device enters an energy-saving mode. After a preset sleep time, the communication device wakes up the main power supply again so that the communication device enters an operating mode. However, since the main power supply is turned off in the energy-saving mode, the main control unit stops working, and the communication device cannot process the communication service, resulting in the communication service being processed only when the communication device is woken up next time. Therefore, how the communication device can achieve energy saving while ensuring the processing of the communication service is a technical problem that technicians in this field urgently need to solve. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication device and a communication system, which can reduce the energy consumption of the communication device while ensuring the timely processing of business requests, and will not cause single point failure problems, and has high reliability.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a first power supply, a second power supply, a main control unit and a service unit; the first power supply is connected to the main control unit and the service unit, and the main control unit is also connected to the second power supply;

[0006] When the first power supply is turned on, the second power supply is turned off; the first power supply is used to supply power to the main control unit and the business unit when turned on;

[0007] When the first power supply is turned off, the second power supply is turned on; the second power supply is used to supply power to the main control unit when turned on;

[0008] After the second power source is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the first power source to turn on to supply power to the service unit when the communication device receives a service request.

[0009] In this solution, the communication device powers the main control unit and each service unit by turning on the first power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the service unit to process the service request. When the first power supply is turned off, the main control unit is powered by the second power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the first power supply to turn on to power the service unit, so that the service unit can process the service request in time. This can reduce the energy consumption of the communication device while ensuring the timely processing of the service request, and will not cause single point failure problems, with high reliability.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes an isolation unit, a positive terminal of the isolation unit is connected to the second power supply, a negative terminal of the isolation unit is connected to the first interface of the main control unit, and the first interface is also connected to the first power supply;

[0011] The isolation unit is used to isolate the current flowing from the first power source to the second power source.

[0012] In this solution, when the first power supply and the second power supply are both connected to the first interface of the main control unit, the communication device isolates the first power supply and the second power supply through the isolation unit to prevent the current output by the first power supply from flowing to the second power supply when the first power supply is turned on and the second power supply is turned off, thereby avoiding failure of the second power supply.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit via a first interface in the main control unit, and the second power supply is connected to the main control unit via a second interface in the main control unit.

[0014] In this solution, the first power supply can supply power to the main control unit through the first interface of the main control unit, and the second power supply can supply power to the main control unit through the second interface of the main control unit, thereby avoiding interference between the first power supply and the second power supply.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a third power supply, and the third power supply is used to supply power to the first power supply; the third power supply is also connected to the main control unit;

[0016] After the second power supply is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the third power supply to turn on to supply power to the first power supply and control the first power supply to turn on when the communication device receives the service request.

[0017] In this solution, the communication device supplies power to the first power supply through the third power supply so that the first power supply operates. The main control unit can control the first power supply to turn on or off when the first power supply operates. The above-mentioned main control unit is also connected to the third power supply to control the third power supply to turn on or off. Further, when the first power supply is turned off and the second power supply is turned on, when the communication device receives a service request, the main control unit can control the third power supply to turn on to supply power to the first power supply before controlling the first power supply to turn on.

[0018] In a possible implementation, when the first power source is turned off, the third power source is turned off.

[0019] In this solution, when the third power supply is turned on, the third power supply can supply power to the first power supply, so that the first power supply is turned on to supply power to the main control unit and the service unit. Further, when the first power supply is turned off, the third power supply can be turned off to further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the main control unit is used to control the third power supply to be turned off after the service unit completes the service request.

[0021] In this solution, after the service unit completes the service request, the main control unit can control the third power supply to be turned off to further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a power control module, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit via the power control module, and the power control module is used to control the first power supply to be turned off according to a preset instruction.

[0023] In this solution, the first power supply is connected to the power supply control module, and the communication device can control the first power supply to be turned off or on through the power supply control module. Specifically, the power supply control module can control the first power supply to be turned off or on according to a preset instruction, thereby realizing automatic sleep and wake-up of the communication device, which has strong applicability.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a power control module, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit via the power control module, and the power control module is used to control the first power supply to be turned off according to an instruction of the main control unit.

[0025] In this solution, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit through the power control module, and the main control unit can control the first power supply to be turned off or on through the power control module. Specifically, the main control unit can send an instruction to the power control module, and the power control module controls the first power supply to be turned off or on according to the received instruction. Among them, the main control unit can control the first power supply to be turned off or on according to the amount of data requested by the service, and then the communication device can be put into sleep when the communication device does not receive a service request for a long time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the main control unit is used to control the first power supply to be turned off after the service unit completes the service request.

[0027] In this solution, after the service unit completes the service request, the main control unit can control the first power supply to be turned off to further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0028] In a possible implementation, after the second power source is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the first power source to be turned on to supply power to the main control unit when the communication device receives a service request.

[0029] In this solution, when the communication device receives a service request, the main control unit can control the first power supply to turn on, so that the service unit can process the service request in time.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication system, the aforementioned communication system comprising a communication device as described in any one of the aforementioned first aspects.

[0031] The beneficial effects of the solution provided in the second aspect can be referred to the description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 Another structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 Another structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 Another structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6Another structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the embodiment of the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more. In the embodiment of the present application, "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating three relationships that can exist independently. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, B exists alone, or A and B exist at the same time. The description methods such as "at least one (or at least one) of a1, a2, ... and an" used in the embodiment of the present application include the situation where any one of a1, a2, ... and an exists alone, and also include any combination of any multiple of a1, a2, ... and an, and each situation can exist alone; for example, the description method of "at least one of a, b and c" includes the situation where a is alone, b is alone, c is alone, a and b are combined, a and c are combined, b and c are combined, or a, b, c are combined.

[0040] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0041] The embodiments of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The communication device 100 shown includes a main power supply 110, a main control unit 120, and a plurality of service units. The plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ..., service unit N.

[0043] The main power supply 110 is connected to each service unit and the main control unit 120 respectively. The main power supply 110 can supply power to each service unit and the main control unit 120 so that each service unit and the main control unit can operate and work. It can be understood that the communication device 100 can receive a communication service request through the main control unit 120 during operation, and process the communication service request through each service unit during operation, thereby completing the communication service.

[0044] Exemplarily, it is assumed that the above-mentioned communication device 100 is a remote radio unit (RRU), and the communication device 100 can receive and send radio frequency signals under the control of a baseband processing unit (Building Base band Unit, BBU). Specifically, when the main power supply 110 in the communication device 100 supplies power to each business unit and the main control unit 120, the main control unit 120 runs and receives a communication service request sent by the BBU. Assume that the communication service request is that the BBU requests the RRU to send a radio frequency signal through the business unit 1. Then, when the main control unit 120 receives the communication service request, it can control the business unit 1 to send a radio frequency signal according to the communication service request. At the same time, since the main power supply 110 supplies power to the business unit 1, the business unit can realize the transmission of the radio frequency signal, thereby completing the above-mentioned communication service request.

[0045] It can be seen that the communication device 100 supplies power to the main control unit through the main power supply 110, so that the main control unit can operate and then receive communication service requests. At the same time, the main power supply 110 supplies power to each service unit, so that each service unit can operate, and then each service unit can process when receiving a communication service request. On the contrary, when the main power supply 110 in the communication device 100 is disconnected from the main control unit 120, the main control unit 120 has no power signal input and stops working, and the main control unit 120 cannot receive communication service requests. Similarly, when the main power supply 110 in the communication device 100 is disconnected from each service unit, each service unit has no power signal input and stops working, and the service unit cannot process communication service requests.

[0046] It should be noted that the amount of data requested for communication services in different time periods is significantly different. Among them, the amount of data requested for communication services can be understood as the number of communication service requests within a certain period of time, for example, the number of communication service requests received by the communication device in the time period from 10 am to 11 am. Alternatively, the amount of data requested for communication services can be understood as the total amount of data processed for communication service requests within a certain period of time, for example, the total amount of data received and processed by the communication device in the time period from 10 am to 11 am. It can be understood that the amount of data requested for communication services in different time periods is related to the user's demand for communication services. The higher the user's demand for communication services, the higher the amount of data requested for communication services.

[0047] Exemplarily, assuming that the above-mentioned communication device is an RRU in a base station, during the daytime period, the user's demand for communication services is high, then the amount of data of the radio frequency signals sent and received by the RRU in the base station is large, and the amount of data of the communication service requests processed by the communication device is large. On the contrary, during the early morning period, the user's demand for communication services is low, then the amount of data of the radio frequency signals sent and received by the RRU in the base station is small, and the amount of data of the communication service requests processed by the communication device is small. For ease of explanation, in the embodiment of the present application, the time period when the user's demand for communication services is low may be referred to as an idle time period, and the time period when the user's demand for communication services is high may be referred to as a busy time period.

[0048] It should be noted that, usually, during the idle time period, the communication equipment still keeps the main power on, so that the main control unit and each business unit can continue to operate and respond to communication service requests in a timely manner. However, due to the static loss and leakage loss of each component in the main control unit and the business unit in the communication equipment, as well as the no-load loss of the main power supply itself, the communication equipment also has a high energy consumption when there is no communication service request. In other words, the energy consumption of the communication equipment does not decrease as the amount of data requested by the communication service decreases. Although the amount of data requested for communication services during the idle time period is relatively small, the energy consumption of the communication equipment is still very large. It can be seen that the communication equipment has the problem of high energy consumption and waste of resources.

[0049] In some feasible implementations, the communication device can solve the above technical problems by shutting down the main power supply at a fixed time. Figure 1 . Figure 1 The communication device 100 shown also includes a power control module 130 and an auxiliary power supply 140. The power control module 130 is connected to the main control unit 120, the main power supply 110 and the auxiliary power supply 140 respectively, and the power control module 130 can control the main power supply 110 to turn on or off. The main control unit 120 can send a control instruction to the power control module 130 to control the main power supply 110 to turn on or off through the power control module 130. The auxiliary power supply 140 is also connected to the main power supply 110, and can supply power to the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130. The auxiliary power supply 140 supplies power to the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130, which can be understood as the auxiliary power supply 140 supplies power to the main power supply 110 and the control chip and each power device inside the power control module 130, so that the main power supply 110 can supply power to the above-mentioned various business units and the main control unit 120, and the power control module 130 can control the main power supply 110 to turn on or off. That is, the auxiliary power supply 140 supplies power to the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130 , so that the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130 can operate.

[0050] In order to reduce the energy consumption of the communication device 100 during the idle time period, the main control unit 120 can control the main power supply 110 to be turned off through the power control module 130 during the idle time period to put the communication device 100 into sleep mode. Then, after a preset time, the power control module 130 can control the main power supply 110 to be turned on to wake up the communication device 100. It can be understood that since the main control unit 120 and each service unit stop working due to lack of power signal input when the main power supply 110 is turned off, when the communication device 100 receives a communication service request during sleep mode, the main control unit 120 and each service unit cannot respond to and process the communication service request, resulting in the communication service request being processed only when the communication device 100 is woken up next time, thereby affecting the real-time performance of the communication.

[0051] In some feasible implementations, in order to reduce energy consumption and ensure timely processing of communication service requests, the communication device 100 can supply power to the main control unit 120 through the auxiliary power supply 140 when the main power supply 110 is turned off. Figure 1 , Figure 1 The auxiliary power supply 140 shown is also connected to the main control unit 120. It should be noted that during the idle time period, after the main control unit 120 controls the main power supply 110 to be turned off through the power control module 130, the auxiliary power supply 140 is still turned on, so that the main control unit 120 can be powered. Thereby, the main control unit 120 can still operate after the main power supply 110 is turned off, and then can receive communication service requests. Further, after receiving the communication service request, the main control unit 120 can control the main power supply 110 to be turned on through the power control module 130 to wake up the communication device 100 to process the communication service request.

[0052] However, since the auxiliary power supply 140 is connected to the main control unit 120 and supplies power, when the main control unit 120 fails, the auxiliary power supply 140 will also fail. For example, in the case of a short circuit in the main control unit 120, the auxiliary power supply 140 will be disconnected for protection, that is, the auxiliary power supply 140 will stop working. As can be seen from the above content, the auxiliary power supply 140 supplies power to the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130. When the auxiliary power supply 140 is powered off and does not supply power to the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130, the main power supply 110 and the power control module 130 cannot operate, and the communication device 100 is shut down.

[0053] That is to say, during the idle time period, the communication device 100 supplies power to the main control unit 120 through the auxiliary power supply 140. Although this allows the communication device 100 to respond to communication service requests in a timely manner, a failure of the main control unit 120 will cause the entire communication device 100 to lose basic functions and even shut down, resulting in a serious single point failure problem.

[0054] Based on the above technical issues, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device that can reduce the energy consumption of the communication device while achieving timely processing of communication service requests, and ensure the reliability of the communication device to avoid single point failure problems.

[0055] For details, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The communication device 200 shown includes a first power supply 210, a second power supply 220, a main control unit 230, and a plurality of service units. The plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ..., and service unit N.

[0056] The first power supply 210 is connected to the main control unit 230. The first power supply 210 can supply power to the main control unit 230 when turned on, so that the main control unit 230 can operate. As can be seen from the above content, the main control unit 230 can control the first power supply 210 to be turned on or off when it is running. In addition, the main control unit 230 can also receive a service request when it is running, and forward the service request to the corresponding service unit for processing.

[0057] In some feasible implementations, the first power supply 210 is connected to the main control unit 230 via a power supply line and a signal line, respectively. The first power supply 210 can provide a power signal to the main control unit 230 via the power supply line, that is, the main control unit 230 is powered via the power supply line. And the main control unit 230 sends a control instruction to the first power supply 210 via the signal line to control the first power supply 210 to turn on or off. It is understood that this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] The first power supply 210 is also connected to a plurality of service units. The first power supply 210 can supply power to the plurality of service units when turned on, so that the plurality of service units can operate. As can be seen from the above content, the service units can process service requests when operating, so as to realize communication services.

[0059] Exemplarily, assuming that the above-mentioned communication device 200 is an RRU in a base station, each service unit in the communication device 200 can be used to send and receive radio frequency signals. When the first power supply 210 is turned on to enable the main control unit 230 and each service unit to operate, when the main control unit 230 receives a service request, the main control unit 230 can control the corresponding service unit to process the service request. For example, assuming that the service request is that service unit 1 sends a radio frequency signal, the main control unit 230 can control service unit 1 to send a radio frequency signal after receiving the service request to complete the communication service.

[0060] It is understandable that, during the busy time period, the first power supply 210 in the communication device 200 can supply power to the main control unit 230 and each service unit when turned on, so that the communication device 200 can respond to and process service requests. From the above content, it can be seen that during the idle time period, the first power supply 210 is turned on, which will cause the energy consumption of the communication device 200 to be higher. In order to reduce energy consumption and ensure timely processing of service requests, in the embodiment of the present application, the communication device 200 supplies power to the main control unit 230 through the second power supply 220 during the idle time period.

[0061] The second power supply 220 is connected to the main control unit 230. The second power supply 220 can supply power to the main control unit 230 when it is turned on, so that the main control unit 230 can control the first power supply 210 to turn on when receiving a service request. Then the first power supply 210 supplies power to each service unit, and each service unit can operate. Then each service unit can process the service request received by the main control unit 230, so as to respond to and complete the communication service in a timely manner.

[0062] In some feasible implementations, during the idle time period, the first power supply 210 is turned off and the second power supply 220 is turned on. At this time, the first power supply 210 does not supply power to the main control unit 230 and each business unit, and the communication device 200 is dormant, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the communication device. At the same time, since the second power supply 220 is turned on to supply power to the main control unit 230, the main control unit 230 can continue to operate when the first power supply 210 is turned off, and then the first power supply 210 can be controlled to be turned on when a business request is received to wake up the communication device 200 to process the business request. Specifically, after the main control unit 230 controls the first power supply 210 to be turned on, the first power supply 210 supplies power to each business unit to enable each business unit to operate. Then, the main control unit 230 can control the corresponding business unit to process the business request, thereby achieving timely response and processing of the business request.

[0063] That is to say, the communication device 200 can reduce the energy consumption of the first power supply 210 by turning off the first power supply 210 during idle time periods, and by turning on the second power supply 220 to supply power to the main control unit 230, the main control unit 230 can turn on the first power supply 210 when receiving a service request to process the service request in a timely manner.

[0064] In some feasible implementations, during the busy time period, the first power supply 210 is turned on to supply power to the main control unit 230 and each business unit, and the main control unit 230 can operate, and then can control the corresponding business unit to process the business request when receiving the business request. At the same time, the second power supply 220 is turned off to avoid affecting the power efficiency of the communication device 200. Among them, the power efficiency of the communication device 200 can be understood as the sum of the power utilization rates of the first power supply 210 and the second power supply 220. Since both the second power supply 220 and the first power supply 210 are used to supply power to the main control unit 230, when the first power supply 210 is turned on, the second power supply 220 can be turned off to improve the power efficiency of the communication device 200.

[0065] That is, the communication device 200 enables the first power supply 210 to power the main control unit 230 and each service unit during the busy time period, so that the main control unit 230 can control the corresponding service unit to process the service request when receiving the service request. And the second power supply 220 is turned off during the busy time period to avoid affecting the power efficiency of the communication device 200.

[0066] Exemplarily, assuming that the above-mentioned communication device 200 is an RRU in a base station, each service unit in the communication device 200 can be used to send and receive radio frequency signals. It can be understood that since the user's communication demand is higher during the day, the daytime is the busy time period of the communication device 200. Further, the communication device 200 turns on the first power supply 210 during the day to supply power to the main control unit 230 and each service unit. At the same time, in order to ensure the power efficiency of the communication device 200, the second power supply 220 is turned off. At this time, when the BBU of the base station sends a service request to the communication device 200, the main control unit 230 can receive the service request. Assume that the service request is that the BBU requests the service unit 1 of the communication device to receive the radio frequency signal. Then the main control unit 230 can control the service unit 1 to receive the radio frequency signal according to the service request to complete the communication service.

[0067] It is understandable that, since the user's communication demand is low in the early morning, the early morning is the idle time period of the communication device 200. Further, the communication device 200 can turn off the first power supply 210 in the early morning to reduce the energy consumption of the communication device 200. At the same time, in order to ensure that the communication device 200 can respond to the service request in time, the second power supply 220 can be turned on to supply power to the main control unit 230. Further, when the BBU of the base station sends a service request to the communication device 200 in the early morning, the main control unit 230 can receive the service request and control the first power supply 210 to turn on to supply power to each service unit and the main control unit 230. It is understandable that after the first power supply 210 is turned on, the main control unit 230 can turn off the second power supply 220 to ensure the power efficiency of the communication device 200. Assume that the above service request is that the BBU requests the service unit 2 of the communication device to send a radio frequency signal. Then, after turning on the first power supply 210, the main control unit 230 can control the service unit 2 to send a radio frequency signal according to the service request, so as to process the communication service in time during the idle time period. It should be understood that this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0068] In general, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application powers the main control unit and the business unit by turning on the first power supply, so that the communication device can process the service request, and turns off the second power supply to ensure the power efficiency of the communication device. In addition, the communication device also turns off the first power supply to reduce energy consumption. At the same time, in order to enable the communication device to respond and process the service request in time when the first power supply is turned off, the communication device also powers the main control unit by turning on the second power supply. Thus, when the first power supply is turned off, the main control unit can receive the service request and wake up the communication device in time to process the service request. Then, while reducing energy consumption, the timely processing of the service request can be guaranteed. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the second power supply is not used to power the first power supply. When the main control unit 230 fails, even if the second power supply triggers the power-off protection, the first power supply can be turned on and powered. Therefore, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application does not have the problem of single point failure, and the reliability is high. The specific implementation process is described in the subsequent description, which is not described in detail here.

[0069] In some feasible implementations, when the second power supply in the communication device supplies power to the main control unit, it can only centrally supply power to the minimum system of the main control unit, without supplying power to peripheral circuits outside the minimum system. Among them, the minimum system of the main control unit can be understood as the minimum hardware system or minimum software system required for the main control unit to receive service requests and control the first power supply to start. In other words, when the second power supply supplies power to the minimum system of the main control unit, the minimum system of the main control unit is running, and the main control unit can receive service requests and control the first power supply to start, thereby waking up the communication device. It can be understood that when the communication device is dormant, the second power supply only needs to provide a smaller current signal to the minimum system of the main control unit, so the second power supply can save power, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0070] In some feasible implementations, the communication device further comprises an isolation unit, wherein a positive terminal of the isolation unit is connected to the second power supply, and a negative terminal of the isolation unit is connected to the first interface of the main control unit, and the first interface is also connected to the first power supply.

[0071] For details, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The communication device 300 shown includes a first power supply 310, a second power supply 320, a main control unit 330, an isolation unit 340 and a plurality of service units, wherein the plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ... and service unit N.

[0072] The first power supply 310 is connected to the main control unit 330 and each business unit, and can supply power to the main control unit 330 and each business unit when turned on. The second power supply is connected to the main control unit 330, and can supply power to the main control unit 330 when turned on. Among them, the first power supply 310 is connected to the first interface IO1 of the main control unit 330, and can transmit a first current signal to the main control unit 330, that is, to supply power to the main control unit 330. And the second power supply 320 is also connected to the first interface IO1 of the main control unit 330, and can transmit a second current signal to the main control unit 330, that is, to supply power to the main control unit 330. The first current signal can be understood as a power signal provided by the first power supply 310, and the second current signal can be understood as a power signal provided by the second power supply 320.

[0073] It should be noted that when the first power supply 310 is turned on to supply power to the main control unit 330, although the second power supply 320 is turned off, since the second power supply 320 and the first power supply 310 are connected to the first interface IO1 of the main control unit 330, the first current signal transmitted by the first power supply 310 to the main control unit 330 can be transmitted to the second power supply 320 through the first interface IO1, which will cause a failure of the second power supply 320. Therefore, in order to prevent the first current signal output when the first power supply 310 is turned on from interfering with the second power supply 320, the second power supply 320 can be connected to the first interface IO1 through the isolation unit 340.

[0074] It can be understood that the positive pole of the isolation unit 340 is connected to the second power supply 320, and the negative pole is connected to the first interface IO1. When the second power supply 320 is turned on, the second current signal output by the second power supply 320 can be transmitted to the negative pole through the positive pole of the isolation unit 340, and then transmitted to the first interface IO1, so that the second power supply 320 can supply power to the main control unit 330 when it is turned on. In addition, when the second power supply 320 is turned off and the first power supply 310 is turned on, the first current signal output by the first power supply 310 can be transmitted to the first interface IO1, but because the negative pole to the positive pole of the isolation unit 340 is reversed, the first current signal cannot be transmitted to the positive pole through the negative pole of the isolation unit 340, thereby isolating the current flowing from the first power supply to the second power supply, that is, the above-mentioned first current signal, to avoid causing the second power supply 320 to fail.

[0075] In some feasible implementations, the isolation unit may be a diode. Alternatively, the isolation unit may be other devices with unidirectional conductivity, which are not described one by one in this application.

[0076] In some feasible implementations, in addition to both the first power supply and the second power supply in the communication device being connected to the first interface of the main control unit, the first power supply can be connected to the main control unit through the first interface in the main control unit, and the second power supply can be connected to the main control unit through the second interface in the main control unit, that is, the first power supply and the second power supply are connected to the main control unit through different interfaces (the first interface and the second interface).

[0077] It should be noted that, when the main control unit includes only one power supply interface, the first power supply and the second power supply both supply power to the main control unit through the power supply interface. Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The first interface IO1 shown is the power supply interface of the main control unit. In addition, if the main control unit includes two power supply interfaces, the first power supply and the second power supply can respectively supply power to the main control unit through the two power supply interfaces. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4Two power supply interfaces are shown, a first interface IO1 and a second interface IO2.

[0078] For details, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The communication device 400 shown includes a first power supply 410, a second power supply 420, a main control unit 430 and a plurality of service units, wherein the plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ... and service unit N.

[0079] The first power supply 410 is connected to the main control unit 430 and each business unit, and can supply power to the main control unit 430 and each business unit when turned on. The second power supply is connected to the main control unit 430, and can supply power to the main control unit 430 when turned on. Among them, the first power supply 410 is connected to the first interface IO1 of the main control unit 430, and can transmit a first current signal to the main control unit 430, that is, to supply power to the main control unit 430. The second power supply 420 is connected to the second interface IO2 of the main control unit 430, and can transmit a second current signal to the main control unit 430, that is, to supply power to the main control unit 430.

[0080] For some possible implementations, please refer again to Figure 4 , the main control unit 430 may further include an isolation unit 431, the positive electrode of the isolation unit 431 is connected to the second interface IO2, and the negative electrode is connected to the first interface IO1. The first interface IO1 is a power supply interface of the main control unit 430. It can be seen that, in the case where the main control unit 430 includes only one power supply interface, the main control unit 430 can use the internally integrated isolation unit 431 so that both the second power supply 420 and the first power supply 410 can supply power to the main control unit 430 without interfering with the operation of the second power supply 420.

[0081] In some feasible implementations, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include a third power supply, which is connected to the first power supply and is used to supply power to the first power supply. Figure 5 , Figure 5 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The communication device 500 shown includes a first power supply 510, a second power supply 520, a third power supply 530, a main control unit 540, and a plurality of service units, wherein the plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ..., and service unit N.

[0082] The third power supply 530 is connected to the first power supply 510, and can supply power to the first power supply 510 when it is turned on, so that the first power supply 510 can be turned on or off under the control of the main control unit 540. It should be noted that the third power supply 530 can be understood as an auxiliary power supply of the first power supply 510, that is, the third power supply 530 is used to supply power to the power control module, control chip, various power devices, etc. inside the first power supply 510, so that the first power supply 510 can supply power to the above-mentioned various business units and the main control unit 540. And the main control unit 540 can control the first power supply 510 to be turned on or off. On the contrary, when the third power supply 530 stops supplying power to the first power supply 510, the first power supply 510 stops working, and the first power supply 510 cannot supply power to the main control unit 540 and various business units. At the same time, since the first power supply 510 stops working, the main control unit 540 cannot control the first power supply 510 to be turned on or off.

[0083] It can be seen that before the first power supply is turned on, the communication device can first turn on the third power supply to power the first power supply, so that the main control unit can control the first power supply to turn on to power each service unit and the main control unit.

[0084] In some feasible implementations, when the first power supply is turned off or on, the communication device can turn on the third power supply, that is, the communication device keeps the third power supply turned on regardless of whether it is in a busy time period or an idle time period. It is understandable that since the third power supply is always in an on state, the main control unit can control the first power supply to turn on at any time period to wake up the communication device to process a service request.

[0085] Exemplarily, assuming that the above-mentioned communication device 500 is an RRU in a base station, each service unit in the communication device 500 can be used to send and receive radio frequency signals. It can be understood that since the user's communication demand is higher during the day, the daytime is the busy time period of the communication device 500. Further, the communication device 500 enables the third power supply 530 to be turned on to supply power to the first power supply during the day, and at the same time, the first power supply 510 is turned on to supply power to the main control unit 540 and each service unit. In order to ensure the power efficiency of the communication device 500, the second power supply 520 is turned off. At this time, when the BBU of the base station sends a service request to the communication device 500, the main control unit 540 can receive the service request. Assume that the service request is that the BBU requests the service unit 1 of the communication device to receive the radio frequency signal. Then the main control unit 540 can control the service unit 1 to receive the radio frequency signal according to the service request to complete the communication service.

[0086] It is understandable that, since the user's communication demand is low in the early morning, the early morning is the idle time period of the communication device 500. Further, the communication device 500 can turn off the first power supply 510 in the early morning to reduce the energy consumption of the communication device 500. At the same time, in order to ensure that the communication device 500 can respond to the service request in time, the second power supply 520 can be turned on to supply power to the main control unit 540. In addition, since the main control unit 540 can control the first power supply 510 to be turned on only when the third power supply 530 supplies power to the first power supply 510. Therefore, after the first power supply 510 is turned off, the communication device 500 can turn on the third power supply 530. Further, the communication device is dormant in the early morning, and when the BBU of the base station sends a service request to the communication device 500, the main control unit 540 can receive the service request and control the first power supply 510 to turn on to supply power to each service unit and the main control unit 540. It is understandable that after the first power supply 510 is turned on, the main control unit 540 can turn off the second power supply 520 to ensure the power efficiency of the communication device 500. And keep the third power supply 530 turned on to enable the first power supply 510 to supply power. Assuming that the above service request is that the BBU requests the service unit 2 of the communication device to send a radio frequency signal. Then, after turning on the first power supply 510, the main control unit 540 can control the service unit 2 to send a radio frequency signal according to the service request, so as to process the communication service in a timely manner during the idle time period.

[0087] In some feasible implementations, when the first power source is turned off, the communication device can turn off the third power source to further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device. Figure 6 , Figure 6 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown includes a first power supply 610, a second power supply 620, a third power supply 630, a main control unit 640, and a plurality of service units, wherein the plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ..., and service unit N.

[0088] The third power supply 630 is connected to the first power supply 610 and can supply power to the first power supply 610 when turned on, so that the first power supply 510 is turned on or off under the control of the main control unit 640. In addition, the third power supply 630 is also connected to the main control unit 640, and the main control unit 640 can control the third power supply 630 to be turned on or off. Specifically, when the first power supply 610 is turned off, the main control unit 640 can control the second power supply 620 to be turned on to supply power to the main control unit 640, and control the third power supply 630 to be turned off. It can be understood that compared to Figure 5 The third power supply 530 of the communication device 500 is always turned on. Figure 6The communication device 600 can reduce the power loss of the third power source 630 by turning off the third power source 630 when the first power source 610 is turned off, thereby further reducing the energy consumption of the communication device 600.

[0089] In some feasible implementations, when the communication device 600 is in an idle time period, the first power supply 610 and the third power supply 630 are turned off, and the second power supply 620 is turned on and supplies power to the main control unit 640. Further, when the communication device 600 receives a service request, that is, the main control unit 640 receives the service request. At this time, the main control unit 640 can first control the third power supply 630 to turn on and supply power to the first power supply 610. Then, when the main control unit 640 can supply power to the first power supply 610 with the third power supply 630, the first power supply 610 is controlled to turn on and supply power to the main control unit 640 and each service unit. Then, the main control unit 640 can control the second power supply 620 to turn off after the first power supply 610 is turned on. Finally, the main control unit can control the corresponding service unit to process the received service request, thereby completing the service request in time.

[0090] In general, Figure 6 The communication device 600 shown in the figure controls the third power supply 630 to be turned off through the main control unit 640 when the first power supply 610 is turned off, so as to further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device 600. Figure 1 The auxiliary power supply 140 of the communication device 100 supplies power to the main control unit 120, resulting in a serious single point failure in the communication device 100. The third power supply 630 in the communication device 600 provided in the embodiment of the present application is only used to supply power to the first power supply 610, and is not used to supply power to the main control unit 640. And the main control unit 640 can be connected to the third power supply 630 through a signal line, so when the main control unit 640 fails, it will not cause the third power supply 630 to fail. Therefore, the communication device 600 will not have a single point failure in the communication device 600, and has strong reliability.

[0091] In some feasible implementations, the first power supply of the communication device can be connected to an external AC power supply or DC power supply. The AC power supply or DC power supply is used to provide a power signal to the first power supply. Exemplarily, the AC power supply can be a mains power supply. The first power supply can process the input power signal, such as inverting, boosting or reducing, rectifying, filtering, etc., and then obtain the output first current signal, which can then power the main control unit and each business unit. Similarly, the second power supply of the communication device can be connected to an external AC power supply or DC power supply. The AC power supply or DC power supply is used to provide a power signal to the second power supply. The second power supply can process the input power signal, such as inverting, boosting or reducing, rectifying, filtering, etc., and then obtain the output second current signal, which can then power the main control unit. Similarly, the third power supply of the communication device can be connected to an external AC power supply or DC power supply. The AC power supply or DC power supply is used to provide a power signal to the third power supply. The third power supply can process the input power supply signal, such as performing inversion, boosting or bucking, rectification, filtering, etc., and then obtain an output third current signal, which can then power the main control unit. It is understood that this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] In some feasible implementations, it can be seen from the above content that during the idle time period, the user's demand for communication services is low, and the communication device can sleep to reduce energy consumption. When the communication device receives a service request, the main control unit can wake up the communication device to process the service request by turning on the first power supply and the third power supply. It is understandable that the communication device will re-enter the idle time period after processing the above service request. Therefore, in order to enable the communication device to continue to sleep after processing the service request in a timely manner to reduce energy consumption, in the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the main control unit is also used to control the first power supply to turn off after the service unit completes the service request, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0093] Specifically, Figure 5 In the communication device 500 shown, the third power supply 530 is always turned on. After the service unit completes the service request, the main control unit 540 can first control the second power supply 520 to turn on to supply power to the main control unit 540. Then, the main control unit 540 can control the first power supply 510 to turn off, so that the communication device 500 is dormant and reduces energy consumption.

[0094] Specifically, Figure 6In the communication device 600 shown, the main control unit 640 can control the third power supply 630 to be turned off. After the service unit completes the service request, the main control unit 640 can first control the second power supply 620 to be turned on to supply power to the main control unit 640. Then, the main control unit 640 can control the first power supply 610 to be turned off, and then control the third power supply 630 to be turned off, so that the communication device 600 further reduces energy consumption compared to the communication device 500.

[0095] In some feasible implementations, the communication device may further include a power control module. Figure 7 For details, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 The communication device 700 shown includes a first power supply 710, a second power supply 720, a third power supply 730, a main control unit 740, a power control module 750 and a plurality of service units, wherein the plurality of service units may include service unit 1, service unit 2, ... and service unit N.

[0096] The power control module 750 is connected to the first power supply 710 and the main control unit 740 respectively. The main control unit 740 can control the first power supply 710 to be turned on or off through the power control module 750 when the power control module 750 is turned on. Exemplarily, when the third power supply 730 is turned on, the first power supply 710 is turned on and the second power supply 720 is turned off, the communication device 700 can receive a service request and process it. After the service unit in the communication device 700 completes the service request, the main control unit 740 can first control the second power supply 720 to be turned on to supply power to the main control unit 740, and then control the third power supply 730 to be turned off. Further, the main control unit 740 can send a shutdown instruction to the power control module 750 after the third power supply 730 is turned off. The power control module 750 can control the first power supply 710 to be turned off according to the shutdown instruction, so that the communication device 700 is dormant to reduce the energy consumption of the communication device 700.

[0097] It is understandable that the main control unit 740 can control the first power supply 710 to be turned off, and the third power supply 730 to be turned off and the second power supply 720 to be turned on through the power control module 750 when receiving the external sleep control signal. Exemplarily, assuming that the communication device 700 is an RRU in a base station, the BBU in the base station can send a sleep control signal to the communication device 700 according to the needs of the actual scene, and then the main control unit 740 of the communication device 700 controls the communication device 700 to sleep according to the sleep control signal.

[0098] In addition, the main control unit 740 can also determine that the communication device 700 enters an idle time period when no service request is received after a preset time. Then the main control unit 740 can send an instruction to the power control module 750 without receiving an external sleep control signal, so as to control the first power supply 710 to be turned off through the power control module 750. It is understood that this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0099] In some feasible implementations, in addition to controlling the first power supply to be turned on or off under the control of the main control unit, the power control module can also control the first power supply to be turned on or off according to a preset instruction. Exemplarily, the power control module can pre-set a preset instruction according to the distribution of the busy time period and the idle time period of the communication device. Further, the power control module can control the first power supply to be turned off in the idle time period according to the preset instruction. At the same time, the power control module can also control the first power supply to be turned on in the busy time period according to the preset instruction.

[0100] Exemplarily, it is assumed that the communication device 700 is an RRU in a base station, and the daytime is the busy time period of the communication device 700, and the early morning is the idle time period of the communication device 700. Then the power control module 750 in the communication device 700 can be pre-set with a preset instruction, and the preset instruction can be: control the first power supply 710 to turn on during the daytime, and control the first power supply 710 to turn off in the early morning. Further, the power control module 750 can control the first power supply 710 to turn on during the daytime and control the first power supply 710 to turn off in the early morning according to the preset instruction. This is only an example and does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0101] In general, the main control unit in the communication device can control the first power supply to be turned on or off by sending instructions to the power control module, or the power control module in the communication device can directly control the power supply to be turned on or off. Similarly, the communication device can also control the second power supply and the third power supply to be turned on or off in the same way. The specific implementation method can refer to the above content, and this application will not be repeated here.

[0102] In some feasible implementations, after the main control unit controls the first power supply to be turned off through the power control module, the main control unit may further control the power control module to be turned off, thereby further reducing the energy consumption of the communication device.

[0103] It should be noted that the main control unit of the embodiment of the present application can control the power control module to shut down in a manner that enables shutdown. Specifically, the main control unit can send a shutdown instruction to the power control module, and the power control module can stop working after receiving the shutdown instruction, that is, the enabling shutdown is completed. At this time, although the power control module stops working, the control chip of the power control module still retains the minimum operating current. When the main control unit controls the power control module to enable opening, that is, when the main control unit sends an opening instruction to the power control module, since the control chip of the power control module retains the minimum operating current, the opening can be completed quickly.

[0104] In some feasible implementations, the main control unit of the embodiment of the present application can also control the power control module to be turned off in an electrically turned off manner. Specifically, the main control unit can control the switch of the power control module to be turned off, that is, the power is turned off. At this time, the power control module not only stops working, but also the control chip of the power control module does not have a minimum operating current, that is, the power control module is completely powered off, which can further reduce the energy consumption of the communication device. When the main control unit controls the power control module to be turned on electrically, that is, the main control unit controls the switch of the power control module to be closed, the power is turned on.

[0105] In some feasible implementations, the main control unit of the embodiment of the present application can control the second power supply or the third power supply to be turned off in an enabling manner. Specifically, the main control unit can send a shutdown command to the second power supply or the third power supply, and the second power supply or the third power supply can stop working after receiving the shutdown command, that is, the enabling shutdown is completed. At this time, although the second power supply or the third power supply stops working, the control chip of the second power supply or the third power supply still retains the minimum operating current. When the main control unit controls the second power supply or the third power supply to turn on, since the control chip of the second power supply or the third power supply retains the minimum operating current, the turning on can be completed quickly.

[0106] In some feasible implementations, the above-mentioned communication equipment may be an electronic device with communication functions such as an RRU, a switch, a router, etc. in a base station, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0107] In this solution, the communication device powers the main control unit and each service unit by turning on the first power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the service unit to process the service request. When the first power supply is turned off, the main control unit is powered by the second power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the first power supply to turn on to power the service unit, so that the service unit can process the service request in time. This can reduce the energy consumption of the communication device while ensuring the timely processing of the service request, and will not cause single point failure problems, with high reliability.

[0108] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which may include any of the communication devices described above. Exemplarily, the terminal device may be, for example, any possible vehicle, ship, aircraft, network equipment, base station, user station, mobile station, mobile station, intelligent manufacturing equipment (automatic production equipment such as CNC machine tools, automatic control cabinets or transmission equipment), smart home equipment (such as smart speakers, air conditioners, washing machines or televisions, etc.), etc. It is understandable that this is only an example and does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0109] In summary, in this solution, the communication device powers the main control unit and each service unit by turning on the first power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the service unit to process the service request. When the first power supply is turned off, the main control unit is powered by the second power supply, so that when the main control unit receives a service request, it can control the first power supply to turn on to power the service unit, so that the service unit can process the service request in time, which can reduce the energy consumption of the communication device while ensuring the timely processing of the service request, and will not cause single point failure problems, and has high reliability.

[0110] In this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same effects and functions. It should be understood that there is no logical or temporal dependency between "first", "second", and "nth", nor is there a limitation on the quantity and execution order. It should also be understood that although the following description uses the terms first, second, etc. to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0111] It should also be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0112] It should also be understood that the term “comprise” (also known as “includes,” “including,” “comprises” and / or “comprising”) when used in this specification specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0113] It should also be understood that the references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "a possible implementation" throughout the specification mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics related to the embodiment or implementation are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the references to "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment", or "a possible implementation" throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0114] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a first power supply, a second power supply, a main control unit and a service unit; the first power supply is connected to the main control unit and the service unit, and the main control unit is also connected to the second power supply; When the first power supply is turned on, the second power supply is turned off; the first power supply is used to supply power to the main control unit and the service unit when turned on; When the first power supply is turned off, the second power supply is turned on; the second power supply is used to supply power to the main control unit when turned on; After the second power supply is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the first power supply to turn on to supply power to the service unit when the communication device receives a service request.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises an isolation unit, wherein a positive terminal of the isolation unit is connected to the second power supply, a negative terminal of the isolation unit is connected to a first interface of the main control unit, and the first interface is also connected to the first power supply; The isolation unit is used to isolate the current flowing from the first power source to the second power source.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power supply is connected to the main control unit via a first interface in the main control unit, and the second power supply is connected to the main control unit via a second interface in the main control unit.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The communication device further includes a third power supply, and the third power supply is used to supply power to the first power supply; the third power supply is also connected to the main control unit; After the second power supply is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the third power supply to turn on to supply power to the first power supply and control the first power supply to turn on when the communication device receives the service request.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the first power source is turned off, the third power source is turned off.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main control unit is used for controlling the third power supply to be turned off after the service unit completes the service request.

7. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a power control module, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit via the power control module, and the power control module is used for controlling the first power supply to be turned off according to a preset instruction.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The communication device further comprises a power control module, the first power supply is connected to the main control unit via the power control module, and the power control module is used for controlling the first power supply to be turned off according to an instruction of the main control unit.

9. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The main control unit is used to control the first power supply to be turned off after the service unit completes the service request.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: After the second power supply is turned on, the main control unit is used to control the first power supply to be turned on to supply power to the main control unit when the communication device receives a service request.

11. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises the communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 above.

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