TECHNIQUES FOR MAPPING A GIVE CONNECTION OR AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR RESISTANCE TO A DC OUTPUT CONNECTION OF A VOLTAGE CONVERTER SYSTEM

Abstract

Techniques are provided for correctly mapping a feedback terminal of a DC-DC converter system to a DC power output terminal of the same system. With correct mapping, measurement data from a sensor coupled to the DC-DC converter via a set of electrical conductors is fed back into a processing system and used to control a DC voltage level provided by the converter. This level accurately regulates the DC voltage at the spark ends of the electrical conductor set. Alternatively, the resistance of the electrical conductor set can be determined by regression without such mapping. Both the resistance and a measured current taken electrically from a DC power output and through the first ends of the electrical conductor set to the spark ends can be used to accurately regulate the DC voltage at the spark ends.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Italian patent application serial number 102022000014014, filed on July 1, 2022, Italian patent application serial number 102022000020622, filed on October 6, 2022, and Italian patent application serial number 102023000000303, filed on January 12, 2023; the entire contents of each of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] A direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter can be used to increase its output voltage to reduce power dissipation in electrical conductors that couple an output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter to a DC power input of a radio. The DC-to-DC voltage converter provides DC electrical power to the radio via the electrical conductors. U.S. Patent No. 9,448,576 (hereinafter the '576 patent) describes various embodiments of voltage conversion systems configured to accomplish this. The '576 patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] First ends of the electrical conductors are configured to be electrically coupled to the DC-DC voltage converter. Spark ends of the electrical conductors are configured to be electrically coupled to the radio device; the spark ends of the electrical conductors are remote from the DC-DC voltage converter.

[0004] In one embodiment described in the '576 patent, a measurement sensor is configured to measure an electrical parameter at spark ends of the electrical conductors. Measurements from the measurement sensor are fed back to the DC-DC voltage converter. The measurements are used to adjust the voltage level at the output of the DC-DC voltage converter. For example, the measurements can be used directly and essentially in real time to adjust such a voltage level by comparing the measurements to a target (or desired) DC voltage at the spark ends (a "feedback approach"). Alternatively, the measurements can be used, for example, to determine a resistance of the electrical conductors (a "resistance calculation approach").The resistance can be determined by determining the difference between a measured DC voltage level at the spark ends of the electrical conductors and the DC voltage at the output of the DC-DC voltage converter. The resistance is equal to the difference divided by the DC current drawn from the output of the DC-DC voltage converter. Once the resistance has been determined, a voltage level at the output of the DC-DC voltage converter that corresponds to the target DC voltage at the spark ends can be determined from the DC current drawn from the output of the DC-DC voltage converter and the resistance to the target DC voltage at the spark ends.

[0005] A typical cellular base station includes multiple radios and may therefore use multiple DC-DC converters. Each DC-DC converter provides power to a unique set of one or more radios.

[0006] Each radio may consume different amounts of power during a period of time, for example, due to different amounts of downlink traffic transmitted by each radio during the period. Therefore, each DC-DC converter may need to provide a different amount of voltage boost during the period.

[0007] In the feedback implementation described above, an installer of the DC-DC voltage converter system establishes a feedback connection between a measurement sensor (electrically coupled to a radio) and a first DC-DC voltage converter. However, the installer mistakenly connects electrical conductors between the measurement sensor and a second DC-DC voltage converter. In this case, incorrect or no feedback is provided to the second DC-DC voltage converter, which may result in a DC voltage at the DC power input of the radio, electrically powered by the second DC-DC voltage converter, being below or above a DC voltage input range of the radio, within which a DC voltage at the DC power input of the radio must be maintained for the radio to function properly.If the first DC-to-DC voltage converter provides DC power to a DC power input of another radio, false feedback is provided to the first DC-to-DC voltage converter, which may cause a DC voltage at a DC power input of the other radio to be below or above a DC voltage input range of the radio within which the voltage at the DC power input of the other radio must be maintained for the other radio to function properly.

[0008] As a result, the radio and / or other radio devices may no longer function properly and may even be damaged. In such a case, the base station will be unable to ensure continuity of communication services. SUMMARY

[0009] A method is provided for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first end to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and electrically coupled at its radio end to a DC power input of a unique radio device. The method comprises: providing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, measuring, during a period of time, a set of DC levels drawn from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was drawn;Receiving, at each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period through which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and via the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors;Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC levels or for the unique set of DC levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0010] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program is provided that causes at least one processor to execute a process for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which has its first ends electrically coupled to a unique power output of a DC-to-DC voltage converter system and its radio ends electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device. The method comprises: causing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided to each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system; receiving a set of DC levels measured during a period of time and drawn from each power output that provides a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was drawn;Receiving, from each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors;Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC current levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC current levels or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0011] A direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system is provided that is configured to determine a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which has its first end electrically coupled to a unique power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system and whose radio ends are electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device. The DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is configured to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is configured to provide DC power to a unique power output of the at least two DC power outputs;at least two logical or physical feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided at each of the at least two DC power outputs; receive a set of DC levels measured during a period of time and drawn from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associate each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was drawn;Receiving, from each logical or physical data port, a set of data indicative of voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period, via the electrical DC power provided from one of the at least two power outputs and via the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors; determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC current levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC current levels, or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0012] A method is provided for correctly assigning a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled via unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are remotely located from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system. The method comprises: providing, during a period of time, electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level,at at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period differ from the DC current levels drawn from any other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period; receiving measurement data measured during the period (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; measuring, during the period, the DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and using the measurement data measured during the period,received at each of the at least two feedback ports, and the DC current levels measured during the period taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at one of the at least two feedback ports at a different time, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0013] A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process to correctly associate a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors,and wherein the spark ends are arranged remotely from the DC-DC voltage converter system. The process comprises: causing, during a period of time, a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be made to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time differ from the DC levels drawn from any other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time; receiving measurement data measured during the period of time (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors, and (b) derived from a DC voltage level,which is measured by the unique one of the measuring sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; receiving, during the period, measurements of the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and using the measured data received at each of the at least two feedback ports and the measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measured data,which are received at one of the at least two feedback terminals at a different time, the assignment is configured to be used to set a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals.,

[0014] A direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system is provided and comprises: at least two DC power outputs, each configured to be coupled to a unique measurement sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause, during a period of time, a provision of DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be provided to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time are different from the DC levels drawn from any of the other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time;Receiving, during the period, measurement data (a) measured at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; Receiving, during the period, measurements of the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system;and using the measurement data received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period and the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to different measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback ports, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0015] A direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system is provided and comprises: at least two DC power outputs, each configured to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measuring sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be provided during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system;Receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port receiving measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; for each time period, determining an association between the identified feedback port and one of the at least two DC output ports that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique time period, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports;wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals;

[0016] A method is provided for correctly assigning a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled via unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are remotely located from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system. The method comprises: providing electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level,during a unique one of consecutive time periods at a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port receiving measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each time period, determining an association between the identified feedback port and one of the at least two DC output ports,which provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period of time, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals.

[0017] A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process to correctly associate a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors,and wherein the spark ends are located remotely from the DC-DC voltage converter system. The method comprises: causing a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port that receives measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels,which exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each period, determining an association between the feedback terminal that has been identified and one of the at least two DC output terminals that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback terminals.

[0018] A method is provided for correctly assigning a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output. The method comprises: providing a voltage waveform to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein each DC power output (a) receives a voltage waveform from a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system and (b) is configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device;Receiving measurement data (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback port using the received measurement data and the provided voltage waveform; and (a) wherein providing the voltage waveform to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises simultaneously providing a different voltage waveform to each of the at least two DC power outputs;and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein the feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.;

[0019] A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for correctly associating one or more feedback ports of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique DC power output, the process comprising: causing a voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein each DC power output (a) receives a voltage waveform from a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, and (b) is configured toto be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; receiving measurement data (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback port using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform that was caused to be provided; and at least one of: (a) wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs,causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously at each of the at least two DC power outputs; and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.

[0020] A direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system is provided and comprises: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is configured to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique power conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measuring sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause a voltage waveform to be provided at at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein each DC power output (a) receives a voltage waveform from a unique DC-DC voltage converter of the DC-DC voltage converter system and (b) is configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; receiving measurement data received (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor uniquely coupled to a DC power output;Determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform caused to be provided; and at least one of: (a) wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously to each of the at least two DC power outputs;and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] It is understood that the drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting. The exemplary embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system; Fig. 1B illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system; Fig. 1C illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-to-DC converter; Fig. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for correctly associating a feedback terminal of a DC-DC voltage converter system and a DC power output terminal of the DC-DC voltage converter system; the Fig. 3A-D illustrate graphs of example DC current levels taken from various DC power outputs over a period of time; the Fig. 3E-H illustrate diagrams of example voltage levels of measurement data received at various feedback terminals during the period; the Fig. 4A-D illustrate graphs of a linear regression of example DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to example DC voltage levels received at a first logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period; the Fig. 4E-H illustrate linear regression plots of example DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to example DC voltage levels received at a second logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period; the Fig. 4I-L illustrate linear regression plots of example DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to example DC voltage levels received at a third logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period; the Fig. 4M-P illustrates graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to exemplary DC voltage levels received at a fourth logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period; and Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 550 for determining a resistance of at least one set of electrical conductors, each of which has its first ends electrically coupled to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and its radio ends electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device.

[0022] In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale, but rather to highlight specific features relevant to the exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this document, and in which specific illustrative embodiments are shown how the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be considered limiting.

[0024] Techniques are provided for correctly mapping a feedback terminal, e.g., a logic feedback terminal, of a DC-DC voltage converter system (or a measurement sensor communicatively coupled thereto), and a DC power output terminal of a DC-DC voltage converter system. Mapping ensures that a DC voltage level measured at the spark ends of electrical conductors (feedback approach) or a specific resistance of the electrical conductors (resistance determination approach) is used to control a DC voltage level of the DC power output electrically coupled to the electrical conductors. Alternatively, such mapping can be avoided by determining a resistance of electrical conductors electrically coupled to each DC power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention can be used for a macro cell, e.g., a cellular base station, e.g., where one or more radios and measurement sensors are mounted on a tower. In other embodiments, the system according to the invention can be used for a metro cell, e.g., comprising a small cell(s) and / or a distributed antenna system(s) configured to increase the capacity and / or coverage of a macro cell(s).

[0026] Optionally, measurement data (measured during the same time period) can be sent serially from more than one measurement sensor to a single physical feedback port of a DC-DC voltage converter system. The DC-DC voltage converter system can include logical feedback ports, each providing measurement data from a unique measurement sensor. Thus, logical feedback port means unique measurement data, e.g., from a unique measurement sensor (or unique electrical conductors configured to provide such a set of unique data), provided by the physical feedback port. (Optionally, measured voltage data from one or more (or two or more) voltage sensors is transmitted sequentially in time in a packet of measured voltage data over a same set of electrical conductors to the DC-DC voltage converter system.)The measured voltage data from each voltage sensor is sent in a unique time slot of the packet. Thus, each time slot of a packet of measured voltage data from one or more (or two or more) voltage sensors can be considered a logical feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system. Optionally, a data buffer or deserializer can be used to convert the sequential data (where a data set is transmitted sequentially at different times over the same set of electrical conductors) into parallel data (where the same data is sent in parallel at the same time over different sets of electrical conductors). Optionally, a logical feedback port is configured to receive data and transmit this data to an application program.Optionally, such an application program may be configured to at least partially perform the method 220 described elsewhere herein. Each logical feedback port is communicatively coupled to a unique measurement sensor.

[0027] Through correct mapping, measurement data from a measurement sensor coupled to a DC-DC voltage converter is fed back to a processing system and used to control a DC voltage level provided by the DC-DC voltage converter. The processing system is configured to adjust a DC voltage provided by the DC-DC voltage converter so that a parameter measured by the measurement sensor corresponds to a target DC electrical parameter, e.g., a DC voltage level or a DC current level. This technique can be used to control any feedback terminal (e.g.,each logical feedback port) of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system (or a measurement sensor communicatively coupled thereto) to a unique DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system to provide a DC voltage level to a DC power input of a radio that is within a DC voltage power input range of the radio within which the voltage level must be maintained for the radio to function properly. The DC power input is coupled to a measurement sensor that is communicatively coupled to the unique power output and provides measurement data to a feedback port, e.g., each logical feedback port. Such measurement data is received by the processing system and used by the processing system to control the DC voltage level provided by a DC-to-DC voltage converter that is electrically coupled to the unique DC power output.This correct assignment avoids the problems mentioned above.

[0028] Techniques are also provided for identifying an error in an initial mapping(s) between (a) a feedback port, e.g., a logic feedback port (or a measurement sensor communicatively coupled thereto), and (b) a DC power output port of a DC-DC voltage converter (and thus the DC-DC voltage converter). Optionally, the initial mapping(s) are provided by an installer of the DC-DC voltage converter system and / or a network operator operating the base station and thus the DC-DC voltage converter system.Optionally, additional techniques are provided for correcting such error(s); as a result, a feedback signal from a measurement sensor is used to control a DC voltage provided by a DC-to-DC voltage converter electrically coupled to a radio device whose DC power input is coupled to the measurement sensor. The feedback signal is transmitted via a feedback connection between the measurement sensor and the processing system coupled to the DC-to-DC voltage converter. Optionally, additional techniques can provide an installer and / or network operator with notification of such erroneous assignment(s) and / or corrections to such erroneous assignment(s).

[0029] Fig. 1A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system 102. The DC-DC voltage converter system 102 includes a processing system (or processing circuit) 102A, N DC-DC voltage converters 102B-1, 102B-N, a DC power input 102C, N DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-N, and N feedback ports 102E-1, 102E-N. N is an integer greater than one. Each in Fig. The feedback port illustrated in Figure 1A is a physical feedback port. Each of the N DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-N is a DC power output of a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter and thus of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102. Each DC-to-DC voltage converter 102B-1, 102B-N is configured to build up the DC voltage at a corresponding DC power output 102D-1, 102D-N. Optionally, each DC-to-DC voltage converter 102B-1, 102B-N is a boost converter or a buck-boost converter.

[0030] The DC power input 102C is configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power source 106. The DC power source 106 is configured to provide DC electrical power to the DC-DC voltage converter system 102 via the DC power input 102C. The DC electrical power provided by the DC power source 106 has a DC power source voltage level, e.g., -54 volts DC (VDC), which is also provided to the DC power input 102C of the DC-DC voltage converter system 102. Optionally, the DC power source voltage level is provided at an input of each DC-DC voltage converter 102B-1, 102B-N of the DC-DC voltage converter system 102. Optionally, the DC power source 106 includes an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) (AC / DC) power supply, at least one battery, at least one solar cell, and / or any other type of DC power source.

[0031] Each DC-DC voltage converter 102B-1, 102B-N and each feedback port 102E-1, 102E-N is electrically coupled to the processing system 102A. Each i-th DC-DC voltage converter 102B-1, 102B-N is electrically connected to an i-th DC power output. Each j-th DC power output is configured to be coupled via j-th electrical conductors to a j-th measurement sensor and a j-th radio device. Optionally, each coupled pair of measurement sensor 104A-1, 104A-N and radio device 104A-2, 104A-N can be part of a radio system, e.g., a first radio system 104-1 and an N-th radio system 104-N. Optionally, a radio system comprises a housing that includes a measurement sensor and a radio device.

[0032] Each measurement sensor is configured to measure an electrical DC parameter value, e.g., a DC voltage level or a DC current level; therefore, a measurement sensor may optionally be a voltage sensor or a current sensor. The measurement sensor may also be referred to herein as a measurement circuit. For pedagogical purposes, each measurement sensor 104A-1, 104N-1 is included in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B as being electrically coupled in series between the electrical conductors 107A, 107N and a radio device 104A-2, 104N-2; however, alternatively, if the measuring sensor is a magnetically coupled current sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, the measuring sensor may be magnetically coupled, for example, to the electrical conductors 107A, 107N and is not electrically coupled in series as illustrated.

[0033] Each feedback port 102E-1, 102E-N is configured to be communicatively coupled to a measurement sensor 104A-1, 104A-N via a feedback connection (or feedback communication connection) 108A, 108N. Each feedback connection 108A, 108N may be a wired or wireless connection configured to transmit analog or digital data. Optionally, the wired connection may be a parallel or serial wired connection using a wired communication protocol, e.g., according to an RS-485 standard. For clarity, the RS-485 standard is used throughout as an example of a serial data interface; other serial data interface protocols may be used instead of the RS-485 standard. Optionally, the wireless connection may use a wireless communication protocol, e.g., suitable for local area networks (e.g., an IEEE-compliant 802.11a / b / g / n).11 protocol) or personal area networks (e.g., a Bluetooth protocol). Thus, each measurement sensor includes a transmitter (or transceiver) corresponding to the communication protocol used; each feedback port includes a receiver (or transceiver) configured for the communication protocol used.

[0034] The DC-DC voltage converter system 102 optionally includes a data input circuit 102F electrically coupled to the processing system 102A. Optionally, the data input circuit 102F includes an input / output interface (e.g., a touchscreen) and / or a receiver (or transceiver) (e.g., configured for a wide area network, a local area network, and / or a personal area network) configured to receive externally provided data from an external computer system, e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, or any remote computer system. The data input circuit 102F is optionally configured to receive, e.g., externally provided initial assignment(s) of a feedback terminal and a DC power output terminal of a DC-DC voltage converter (and thus of the DC-DC voltage converter), e.g., from the installer and / or the network operator (as described elsewhere herein).

[0035] Processing system 102A may be any type of computing system, e.g., a state machine, a neural network, and / or another type of computing system. In one embodiment, processing system 102A includes processor circuitry electrically coupled to memory circuitry. Processing system 102A includes registers 102A-1, e.g., of the memory circuitry. Optionally, processing system 102A includes a clock 102A-2 configured to measure time. The optionally received initial assignment(s) of (a) a feedback terminal and (b) a DC power output terminal of a DC-to-DC voltage converter (and thus of the DC-to-DC voltage converter) is / are configured to be stored as such registers 102A-1.

[0036] Registers 102A-1 are optionally configured to store the final assignment(s) of (a) a feedback terminal and (b) a DC power output terminal of a DC-to-DC voltage converter (and thus the DC-to-DC voltage converter). Registers 102A-1 are also optionally configured to store data representative of a waveform provided at each DC power output of a corresponding DC-to-DC voltage converter, and optionally a start and stop time of each waveform. Registers 102A-1 are also optionally configured to store data representative of waveforms received at each feedback terminal. Registers 102A-1 are further optionally configured to store the target DC electrical parameter described elsewhere herein.

[0037] Fig. 1B illustrates a block diagram of another embodiment of a DC-DC voltage converter system 102. In this another embodiment, a single feedback connection 108 communicatively couples measurement data from each measurement sensor 104A-1, 104N-1 to a single, i.e., physical, feedback port 102E. The single feedback connection 108 may be a wired or wireless connection configured to transmit analog or digital data. Optionally, measurement data measured substantially simultaneously by each measurement sensor 104A-1, 104N-1 may be transmitted in a serial and / or parallel data interface format over the single feedback connection 108. Optionally, when data is transmitted serially over the single feedback connection 108, an IEEE RS-485 protocol is used.

[0038] The DC-DC voltage converter system 102 of the Fig. 1B includes a data combiner (data combiner circuit) 105 and a data decombiner (or data decombiner circuit) 102A-3. The data combiner 105 is configured to be located remotely from the DC-DC voltage converter system 102 and proximate to, e.g., the measurement sensors 104A-1, 104N-1. The data combiner 105 serially and / or parallelly combines measurement data measured substantially simultaneously by each measurement sensor 104A-1, 104N-1 and transmits the substantially simultaneously measured and serially and / or parallel combined measurement data via the feedback connection 108N. Optionally, no data combiner 105 may be used; the data outputs of the individual measurement sensors may be serially chained together.

[0039] For educational purposes, the data decombiner 102A-3 is illustrated as part of the processing system 102A; however, the data decombiner 102A-3 may also be located outside of the processing system 102A. The data decombiner 102A-3 is configured to extract measurement data measured by each measurement sensor 104A-1, 104N-1 at substantially the same time and combine it in series or parallel. Although the DC-DC voltage converter system 102 includes a single physical feedback terminal 102E, the output of the data decombiner 102A-3 may be viewed as comprising a set of logical feedback terminals that implement the Fig. 1A. Measured (or measurement) data received from a unique measurement sensor and provided by the output of data decombiner 102A-3 corresponds to a unique logical feedback port of the set of logical feedback ports. Each logical feedback port corresponds to a unique relative time or electrical output (e.g., a set of electrical conductors) of data decombiner 102A-3. Such relative times or electrical outputs may be designated by a system designer and / or system user.For example, the first measurement data (for a measurement period) of serially or parallel-provided data may be assigned to a first time slot or a first electrical output, the second measurement data (for the measurement period) may be assigned to a second time slot or a second electrical output, etc.; however, any other combination may also be used. Thus, each logical feedback port corresponds to a unique measurement sensor and provides data from that unique measurement sensor.

[0040] Fig. 1C illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a DC-to-DC converter 102B. Optionally, the illustrated DC-to-DC converter may be used to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. The DC voltage converter 102B includes an input 102Ba, a DC-DC voltage converter 102Bx, at least one or more DC electrical parameter sensors 102By, and an output 102Bb. The input 102Ba of the DC voltage converter 102B is electrically coupled to an input of the DC-DC voltage converter 102Bx. Optionally, the DC-DC voltage converter is a step-up voltage converter. An output of the DC-DC voltage converter 102Bx is coupled, e.g., magnetically or electrically, to at least one DC electrical parameter sensor(s) 102By. Optionally, the electrical DC parameter sensor(s) 102By comprise a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor. The output 102Bb of the DC-to-DC voltage converter 102B is electrically coupled to the output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter 102Bx.

[0041] Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 220 for correctly associating a physical or logical feedback port of a DC-DC voltage converter system and a DC power output port of the DC-DC voltage converter system. The DC-DC voltage converter system includes at least two logical feedback ports and at least two DC-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output. Optionally, each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled via unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are located remotely from the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0042] The methods illustrated herein may be used, for example, with the processing system 102A of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, but they may also be implemented with other systems. For educational purposes, the implementation of the methods will be described with reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. The feedback terminal(s) described in this method may be a physical feedback terminal(s) or a logical feedback terminal(s).

[0043] The flowchart blocks have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it should be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be appreciated that the processing associated with the methods described herein (and the blocks illustrated in the figures) may be performed in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and / or is event-driven).

[0044] In optional block 220A, an initial assignment of (a) a feedback port (or a measurement sensor communicatively coupled thereto) and (b) a DC power output port of a DC-to-DC voltage converter (and thus the DC-to-DC voltage converter) is received, e.g., by processing system 102A. Optionally, the initial assignment is received, e.g., from an installer who installed DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102 and / or from a network operator operating a base station including a radio powered by DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102. Optionally, the initial assignment is received by processing system 102A via data input circuitry 102F and stored as register 102A-1.

[0045] In block 220B, a constant DC voltage level is provided to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; the constant DC voltage level can be provided sequentially or in parallel. Optionally, the constant DC voltage level is equal to or greater than a minimum DC voltage level of a radio (required by the radio for operation) plus a worst-case voltage drop in the electrical conductors (due to current flow therein) that electrically connect a DC power output to a DC power input of the radio.Optionally, the constant DC voltage level is provided by the DC power source 106 directly to one or more DC power outputs, rather than by a voltage converter whose output is electrically connected to each of the one or more DC power outputs; alternatively, the constant DC voltage level is provided by each DC voltage converter whose output is electrically connected to one of the one or more DC power outputs. Optionally, the constant DC voltage level is a voltage level provided by the DC power source 106, e.g., at the DC power input 102C, or a voltage level that is different from, e.g., greater than, the voltage level provided by the DC power source 106.

[0046] Optionally, the constant DC voltage level is provided to the at least two DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-N in parallel, i.e., substantially simultaneously for each DC power output. Optionally, the constant DC voltage level is provided to the at least two DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-N sequentially. When provided sequentially, the constant DC voltage level means a fixed DC voltage level provided to only one DC output terminal during a unique period of time and which differs from the DC voltage level(s) provided to other DC output terminals during the unique period of time; for example, the other DC output terminals may provide a constant or non-constant DC voltage level during the unique period of time, which may differ (e.g.,(in voltage magnitude and / or by variation over time) from the constant DC voltage level provided at the single DC output terminal. The constant DC voltage differs sufficiently from the other DC voltage level(s) so that the other constant DC voltage can be distinguished from the other DC voltage level(s) and thus detected.

[0047] Providing the constant DC voltage level in parallel to the at least two DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-n means providing the constant DC voltage level at each DC power output in the same period of time. Sequentially providing the constant DC voltage level at the at least two DC power outputs 102D-1, 102D-n means providing the constant DC voltage level at each DC power output in a different period of time. Optionally, the processing system 102A is configured to cause the DC-DC voltage converter to provide the constant DC voltage level, e.g., sequentially or in parallel, at an output of two or more DC voltage converters 102B-1, 102B-N. Optionally, each power output is electrically coupled, e.g., B. via unique electrical conductors, with a DC power input of a unique radio device and a unique measuring sensor, each located nearby, e.g.at the sparking ends of the electrical conductors.

[0048] In block 220C, measurement data is received at each logical or physical feedback port from a unique measurement sensor derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique measurement sensor at the spark ends of the unique electrical conductors. Optionally, the measurement data is received at each logical or physical feedback port sequentially (i.e., at different time periods) or in parallel (i.e., at the same time period).

[0049] In one embodiment, a constant DC voltage level is provided sequentially (i.e., at different time periods) to each DC power output 102D-1, 102D-N. Optionally, when the constant DC voltage level is provided sequentially (i.e., at different time periods) to each DC power output 102D-1, 102D-N, each radio device 104A-2, 104N-2 does not need to be electrically turned on or disconnected from electrical power, e.g., it does not even need to be installed. The electrical conductors 107A, 107N only need to be electrically coupled to the corresponding measurement sensors 104A-1, 104N-1. In such a case, no current is drawn through the electrical conductors electrically configured to connect the radio device to a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102. As a result, the DC voltage at the spark ends (The spark ends of each electrical conductor are remote from the DC-DC voltage converter system 102 and nearby, e.g.B. on, a radio system, e.g., a radio device to which they are electrically coupled.) of the electrical conductors of the constant DC voltage provided at the DC power output at the first ends of the electrical conductors. Thus, such constant DC voltage is measured or detected during the unique period of time by a measuring sensor coupled to the radio ends of the electrical conductors (opposite the first ends of the electrical conductors); during the unique period of time, the other measuring sensors detect different DC voltage levels, as described above.

[0050] If the radio is electrically connected to a power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102 during the sequential provision of the constant DC voltage level via electrical conductors and the radio is powered on, the radio may draw power from the DC power output via the electrical conductors. Due to a voltage drop across the electrical conductors, the DC voltage at the spark ends of the electrical conductors may not correspond to the constant DC voltage provided at the DC power output at the first ends of the electrical conductors. Due to such a voltage drop, a different constant DC voltage may be measured or detected during each period by a measurement sensor coupled to the spark ends of the electrical conductors as described above; during each such period, the other measurement sensors detect different DC voltage levels, as described above.The other constant DC voltage is sufficiently different from the other DC voltage level(s) so that the other constant DC voltage can be distinguished from the other DC voltage level(s) and thus detected.

[0051] Regardless of whether the radio is electrically connected to the electrical power or switched on or not, because the constant DC voltage is provided sequentially (i.e., at different time periods) to each DC power output 102D-1, 102D-N, only one measurement sensor, e.g., a voltage sensor, will provide a voltage measurement that is different from, and distinguishable from, the other voltage measurements provided by other measurement sensors. Optionally, with a sequential provision of the constant DC voltage level, the voltage measurement that is different from the other voltage measurements can be distinguished by the magnitude of the measured voltage, or an average thereof, exceeding a voltage threshold level.Such voltage measurement data is provided via electrical conductors or a wireless connection that couples only such a measurement sensor to a unique (physical or logical) terminal of the DC-DC voltage converter system 102. Optionally, when the constant DC voltage level is provided sequentially, the DC-DC voltage converter system 102, e.g., the processing system 102A, is configured to store, e.g., in a table, the DC output terminal providing the constant DC voltage level and a time or period when the DC output terminal provides the constant DC voltage level.

[0052] Optionally, for sequential provision of the constant DC voltage level, blocks 220B, 220C, 220E, and optionally 220D can be executed sequentially. This means that the provision of the electrical DC power, the reception of the measurement data, and the assignment determination can be repeated for each DC power output to which the constant DC voltage level is provided. Thus, only one pair of a DC output terminal and a logical or physical feedback terminal is assigned at a time. Optionally, after assigning a DC output terminal and a logical or physical feedback terminal, the DC levels taken from the logical or physical feedback terminal no longer need to be analyzed when determining subsequent assignments of DC output terminal(s) and logical or physical feedback terminal(s).

[0053] Optionally, when the constant DC voltage level is provided in parallel (i.e., during a same period of time) at each DC power output 102D-1, 102D-N, measurement data, e.g., a voltage level, is provided at each measurement sensor and during such a same period of time at a logical or physical feedback terminal electrically connected to the measurement sensor. Parallel provision of the constant DC voltage may also be referred to herein as simultaneous provision of the constant DC voltage. Optionally, the DC-DC voltage converter system 102, e.g., the processing system 102A, is configured to store the measurement data received at each logical or physical feedback terminal, e.g., during the same period of time.

[0054] In optional block 220D, at least one DC electrical parameter is measured via the DC power provided at each DC power output. Optionally, if the constant DC voltage is provided at each DC power output sequentially (i.e., at different time periods), the DC electrical parameter sensor(s) 102By of each DC-to-DC voltage converter 102B includes a voltage sensor configured to measure a DC voltage level at the DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter 102B; the DC-to-DC voltage converter system 102, e.g., the processing system 102A, is configured to store, e.g., in a table, (a) a time or period when a non-zero DC voltage is measured at an output of a DC-to-DC voltage converter electrically connected to a unique power output, and (b) the unique DC power output.Optionally, when the constant DC voltage is provided in parallel (i.e., at an equal time period) to each DC power output, the DC electrical parameter sensor(s) 102By of each DC voltage converter 102B comprise(s) a current sensor configured to measure a DC current level taken from the DC power output of the DC voltage converter 102B. During the time period in which the constant DC voltage is provided in parallel, DC current levels (taken from an output of each DC voltage converter electrically connected to a unique DC power output) are measured; optionally, each of these DC current levels and the unique power output from which they are taken is stored, e.g., in a table.

[0055] Optionally, when performing method 220 for providing the constant DC voltage in parallel, a measure of variation of at least one of the at least one DC electrical parameter (e.g., direct current) measured during the period is determined. For educational purposes, the at least one of the at least one DC electrical parameter is referred to as direct current. Such a measure of variation may, for example, be a statistical parameter, e.g., a standard deviation for a set of DC current levels drawn from a DC power output during the period. Alternatively, the measure of variation may be an amount of difference between the largest amount of a DC current level and an average DC current level of the set. This may be performed for each set of DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period.The degree of variation can then be compared to a variation threshold. If the degree of variation exceeds the variation threshold, the remaining blocks of method 220 can be performed. If the degree of variation does not exceed the variation threshold, the execution of method 220 is stopped and not completed.

[0056] Using the measurement data received at each of the at least two logical feedback ports and at least one value of a DC electrical parameter of the electrical power provided at a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs, an assignment (e.g., a final assignment) between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least one logical or physical feedback port is determined in block 220E.Optionally, when sequential provision of the constant DC voltage is used, such an association may be made using received measurement data at unique time periods by identifying pairs of a DC power output providing the constant DC voltage and a logical or physical feedback port receiving measurement data comprising voltage levels whose magnitudes, or the average of such magnitudes, exceed a voltage threshold level.

[0057] Optionally, if a parallel (or simultaneous) supply of the constant DC voltage is used, such a mapping can be performed by correlating every possible combination of (a) measured DC levels taken from each DC power output during a period of time and (b) received measurement data measured at each logical or physical feedback terminal during the period of time. Optionally, such DC levels and measurement data are stored, e.g., in memory circuits of the processing system. The Fig. 3A-D illustrate graphs of example DC current levels taken from various DC power outputs during the period. Fig. 3E-H illustrate diagrams of example voltage levels of measurement data received at various feedback terminals during the period. For educational purposes, the measurement data in the Fig. 3A-H is illustrated as a voltage level, but this does not have to be the case.

[0058] During the period in which the constant DC voltage is provided in parallel (or simultaneously), the levels of DC current drawn from each DC power output by a radio device should be different; as a result, due to a voltage drop in each electrical conductor (electrical coupling of a DC power output to a radio device), the measurement data derived from a voltage measured at the radio ends of each electrical conductor will then be different. The DC current level drawn from a DC power output during the period is correlated with measurement data derived from a voltage level measured by a measuring sensor coupled to the radio ends of an electrical conductor electrically connected to the DC power output. This is defined in the Fig. 3A-H illustrates.

[0059] Variations in DC power levels may occur during the period during normal operation of each radio electrically coupled to and powered by the at least two DC output terminals. Such variations in DC currents may occur, for example, due to changes in operating mode (e.g., idle or active) and / or changes in the amount of data transmitted by each radio; the higher the amount of data transmitted by a radio, the more DC power the radio draws from a corresponding DC power output. Alternatively, the DC current may be varied by sequentially powering on, e.g., initializing, each radio during the period; as a result, each radio will begin drawing higher amounts of DC power at different times during the period.For example, each radio may be switched on by (a) providing the constant DC voltage to each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and by sequentially switching on each radio with a baseband unit or manually, or (b) switching on all radios and sequentially providing the constant DC voltage to each of the at least two DC power outputs.

[0060] A correlation is determined between every possible combination of (a) measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs and (b) measurement data received at each of the at least two logical feedback terminals. The at least two DC power outputs (or output terminals) at which electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to N power outputs. N is an integer value. N pairs of each of such DC current levels and the measurement data having the greatest correlations of all determined correlations are determined. For each of the N pairs, one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with the DC current level of a pair and one of the at least two logical feedback terminals associated with the measurement data of the pair are identified.Optionally, such a correlation may comprise performing preprocessing, such as inversion (i.e., changing the sign) of measurement data or measured values ​​of one or more electrical DC parameters, normalization of measurement data or measured values ​​of one or more electrical DC parameters, and / or other processes; for example, preprocessing of the correlation may comprise determining an average of the measurement data or measured values ​​of one or more electrical DC parameters, subtracting the average from corresponding ones of the measurement data or measured values ​​of the one or more electrical DC parameters, inverting corresponding ones of the measurement data or measured values ​​of the one or more electrical DC parameters, and adding the average to corresponding ones of the measurement data or measured values ​​of the one or more electrical DC parameters.

[0061] Alternatively and optionally, if a parallel (or simultaneous) supply of the constant DC voltage is used, such a mapping can be made by performing a linear regression of every possible combination of (a) measured DC levels taken from each DC power output during a period of time and (b) measurement data (measured during the period of time) received at each logical or physical feedback terminal. Optionally, such DC levels and measurement data are stored, e.g., in memory circuits of the processing system. The Fig. 4A-D illustrate graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to exemplary DC voltage levels received at a first logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period. Fig. 4E-H illustrate graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to exemplary DC voltage levels received at a second logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period. Fig. 41-L illustrate graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to exemplary DC voltage levels received at a third logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period. Fig. 4M-P illustrates graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC current levels taken from various four DC power outputs during the period with respect to exemplary DC voltage levels received at a fourth logical or physical feedback terminal and measured during the same period.

[0062] The Fig. 4A, Fig. 4E, Fig. 4I and Fig. 4M illustrate graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC voltage levels received at four different logical or physical feedback terminals and measured during the period with respect to exemplary DC current levels taken from a first DC power output during the period. Fig. 4B, Fig. 4F, Fig. 4 years and Fig. 4N illustrate graphs of a linear regression of example DC voltage levels received at four different logical or physical feedback terminals and measured during the period with respect to example DC current levels taken from a second DC power output during the period. Fig. 4C, Fig. 4G, Fig. 4K and Fig. 4O illustrate graphs of a linear regression of exemplary DC voltage levels received at four different logical or physical feedback terminals and measured during the period with respect to exemplary DC current levels taken from a third DC power output during the period. Fig. 4D, Fig. 4H, Fig. 4L and Fig. 4P illustrates graphs of a linear regression of example DC voltage levels received at four different logical or physical feedback terminals and measured during the period with respect to example DC current levels taken from a fourth DC power output during the period.

[0063] Thus, a linear regression can be performed for: (a) for each feedback terminal, DC voltage levels received at a feedback terminal and derived from measurements during the period, in relation to measurements of DC current levels taken from each DC power output during the period, (b) for each DC power output, DC current levels drawn from a DC power output during the period in relation to DC voltage levels received at each feedback terminal and derived from measurements during the period; or (c) any combination of (x) DC voltage levels received at a feedback terminal and derived from measurements during the period, and (y) measurements of DC current levels taken from a DC power output during the period.

[0064] A linear regression of each possible combination of (p) measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs and (q) measurement data received at each of the at least two logical feedback terminals is performed, and a standard deviation of the DC current levels and measurement data used for the linear regression is determined with respect to a line determined by the linear regression. The at least two DC power outputs at which electrical DC power, including a constant voltage level, is provided correspond to M power outputs. M is an integer value. M pairs of each such DC current level and the measurement data with the smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations are determined.For each of the M pairs, one of at least two DC power outputs associated with the DC level of a pair and a logic feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair are identified.

[0065] In block 220F, corrections made to the original mappings to obtain the final mapping(s) are identified. The corrections are determined by comparing the final mapping(s) with the initial mapping(s) and identifying any differences between the final mapping(s) and the initial mapping(s). In optional block 220G, the corrections are communicated to an installer, a grid operator, and / or a system that tracks such corrections to inform them of the corrections.

[0066] In optional block 220H, using the mapping, e.g., the final mapping, and other measurement data received at the feedback port from the measurement sensor, a DC voltage level provided by a DC-to-DC voltage converter to the DC power output is applied. Optionally, the DC voltage level lies within a DC voltage input range of the radio in which only the radio will operate properly. Optionally, such a DC voltage level provided at the radio's DC power input exceeds a nominal DC voltage level, e.g., -48V, specified by the radio manufacturer to be provided at the radio's DC power input, thereby mitigating DC power loss in the electrical conductors.

[0067] The aforementioned techniques allow each physical or logical feedback terminal to be assigned (or mapped) to a unique DC power output, which is coupled to a physical or logical feedback terminal via a unique measurement sensor. Alternative techniques are provided that determine a resistance of the electrical conductors coupled to the DC power output terminals, so that such assignment (or mapping) need not be performed and can be avoided. Corresponding embodiments are described below.

[0068] Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 550 for determining a resistance of at least one set of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first ends to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and is electrically coupled at its radio ends to a DC power input of a unique radio device. The methods illustrated herein may be implemented, for example, with the processing system 102A of the system described with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, but they may also be implemented with other systems. For educational purposes, the implementation of the methods will be described with reference to the Fig. 1A and Fig.1B. The feedback terminal(s) described in this method may be a physical feedback terminal(s) or a logical feedback terminal(s).

[0069] Portions of method 550 may be performed once, twice, or more than once to determine the resistance of the electrical conductors coupled to each power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system. Optionally, the resistance may be determined for one or more (but not more than a total number of) the power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system during each performance of method 550.

[0070] The flowchart blocks have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it should be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be appreciated that the processing associated with the methods described herein (and the blocks illustrated in the figures) may be performed in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and / or is event-driven).

[0071] In block 550A, a constant DC voltage level is provided to each of at least one power output (e.g., at least two power outputs) of the DC-DC voltage converter system. Each of the at least one power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system is configured, when the constant DC voltage level is provided, to deliver DC electrical power (at a DC power input of each radio device electrically coupled via electrical conductors to one of the at least one power output) with parameters sufficient to enable operation of the radio device.For example, such a constant DC voltage level provided by one of the at least one DC power outputs is sufficiently large such that the one of the at least one DC power outputs provides a DC voltage level (at the DC power input of a radio device electrically coupled to the one of the at least one power outputs) that exceeds a minimum operating voltage rating of the radio device. Optionally, a constant DC voltage level may be provided at all or a subset of all power outputs; in the latter case, certain blocks of method 550 would be repeated for those power outputs at which no constant DC voltage level was provided, and until an electrical conductor resistance is determined for each of the electrical conductors coupling a unique power output to a unique measurement sensor.Optionally, the constant DC voltage level provided at each of two or more power outputs can be different.

[0072] In block 550B, a set of DC current levels taken from each power output providing the constant DC voltage level is measured during a period of time. Each set of DC current levels is associated with a power output from which it was taken.

[0073] In block 550C, a set of data is received at each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, indicating voltage levels measured during the period at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors through which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least one power output and via the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors. A number of logical or physical data ports is equal to or greater than a number of power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system and provides, for example, a constant DC voltage level.Because there is no mapping between logical or physical data pins and power output pins of the DC-DC voltage converter system, even if a constant DC voltage level is provided to a subset of all power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system in block 550A, a set of data is received at each logical or physical data pin of the DC-DC voltage converter system. Optionally, each set of data indicating voltage levels includes voltage levels. Optionally, each set of data is measured and provided by a unique measurement sensor. Optionally, each logical data pin may be implemented as described elsewhere herein.

[0074] The logical or physical data port at which a set of data indicating voltage levels was received need not and must not be associated with such a set. Even if associated with the set, the logical or physical data port may optionally be obfuscated by removing a label associated with such a data port or replacing it with another label, such as a randomly generated label, that has no association with the data port at which the set was received.

[0075] In optional block 550D, it is determined whether a measure of dispersion (MD) for each set of direct current (DC) levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level. This block 550D determines whether there is sufficient variation in each set of DC levels to enable the execution of block 550E, i.e., determining a pair of a set of data indicative of voltage levels and a set of DC levels that exhibit the highest statistical dependence. The DC dispersion threshold level can be set by a developer and / or a user of the DC-DC voltage converter system. The measure of dispersion with respect to a set of DC levels means a measure of the variation of the set of DC levels. Such a measure of dispersion can be characterized in various ways, e.g.,by determining a standard deviation or variance of a set of DC levels, or by determining a magnitude of a difference between the highest DC level of the set and the lowest DC level of the set. If the degree of dispersion of each set of DC levels measured during the period is not greater than the DC dispersion threshold level, continue to block 550A, e.g., providing a constant DC voltage level at the same power outputs that previously provided a constant DC voltage level in the last operation of block 550A; optionally, also increasing the time duration of the period, e.g., by 1.5 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, etc., at least for the next execution of block 550A. If the degree of dispersion of each set of DC levels measured during the period is greater than the DC dispersion threshold level, continue to block 550E.Optionally, block 550D includes determining a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the time period. .

[0076] In block 550E, at least two pairs are determined, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC current levels, each pair comprising a greatest statistical dependency, e.g., a correlation, for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC current levels or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels. Optionally, this is achieved by determining a set of statistical dependencies for each set of DC current levels. Each set of statistical dependencies for a set of DC current levels is determined by determining a statistical dependency of each set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period with respect to a set of DC current levels.Thus, statistical dependencies are determined for two or more pairs of (i) a set of data indicating the voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) the set of DC levels. Then, the pair of (i) a set of data indicating the voltage levels measured during a period and (ii) the set of DC levels that exhibits the greatest statistical dependence is determined. Statistical dependence means a statistical relationship, e.g., determined by a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, a coefficient of determination (or r). 2 , ie the square of a correlation coefficient), a mean square error, a root of the mean square error, a mean absolute error and / or any other indication of a statistical relationship.

[0077] Optionally, it is determined whether each largest statistical dependency determined for each set of DC levels lies within a statistical dependency threshold range. If each largest statistical dependency lies within the statistical dependency threshold range, the program continues with block 550F. If the largest statistical dependency does not lie within the statistical dependency threshold range, the program continues with block 550A and repeats blocks 550A-550C and 550E, and optionally block 550D, for each power output where a constant DC voltage level was provided during the last execution of block 550A. Optionally, increase the period by 1.5x, 2x, 3x, etc. when repeating such blocks.

[0078] In optional block 550F, it is determined whether there are additional power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system at which DC levels are to be measured. Block 550F is not required if a set of DC levels taken from each power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system has been measured in block 550B. After determining that there is at least one power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system from which a set of DC levels is to be measured, the process continues with block 550A. Blocks 550A-550C, 550E, and 550F (and optionally block 550D) are repeated one or more times until a set of DC levels taken from each power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system has been measured and paired with a set of data indicating the voltage levels (in block 550E).

[0079] In block 550G, for each of the at least two pairs, (a) a linear regression is performed on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of the voltage levels of a pair, and (b) using a slope coefficient or a magnitude of a slope coefficient derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was sampled is determined. The linear regression determines a slope coefficient, a, and an intercept of the DC voltage, b, where DC voltage = -a * (DC) + b.

[0080] Optionally, the resistance of the electrical conductors can be determined for each power output by performing a linear regression on the set of DC current levels (measured at a power output) and the set of data indicating the voltage levels measured during the period. Optionally, other techniques can be used to determine such resistance of the individual electrical conductors.

[0081] In optional block 550H, it is determined whether a valid resistance is determined for electrical conductors electrically coupled to each power output. Optionally, determining whether a resistance is valid includes determining whether the resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances, e.g., between 0.1 ohm and 1 ohm. If a resistance is determined not to be valid for electrical conductors electrically coupled to each power output, proceed to block 550A and repeat blocks 550A-550C, 550E, and 550F. Optionally, repeat blocks 550D and / or 550F for each power output coupled to electrical conductors for which the resistance was determined not to be valid or for all power outputs. Optionally, increase the time period by 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, etc. when repeating such blocks. If it is determined that all resistances are valid, then stop.Alternatively and optionally, determining whether a resistance is valid comprises determining whether a set of data indicative of the voltage levels measured during the period or a set of DC levels is an element of more than one pair (and thus is not unique) if used in more than one pair, then repeating for each power output coupled to electrically providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring a set of DC levels during a period and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and optionally determining the resistance.

[0082] The processing system (or processing circuitry) disclosed herein may include state machines, neural networks, and / or other types of computing systems. Such a processing system may include processing circuitry coupled to memory circuitry. The processing circuitry may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processing (DSP) elements, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor system may include or operate with software programs, firmware, or other computer-readable instructions stored, for example, in the memory circuitry to perform various processing tasks, calculations, and control functions used in the methods described herein.These instructions are typically tangibly embodied on any storage medium (or computer-readable medium) used for storing computer-readable instructions or data structures.

[0083] The memory circuit may be implemented using any available storage medium (or computer-readable medium) accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or processor, or a programmable logic unit. Suitable computer-readable media may include memory or storage media such as semiconductor, magnetic, and / or optical media. For example, computer-readable media may include conventional hard disks, volatile or non-volatile media such as random-access memory (RAM) (including, but not limited to, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and / or flash memory.

[0084] Methods of the invention may be implemented in computer-readable instructions, such as program modules or applications, that can be stored on the computer-readable medium and executed by the processing circuitry. Generally, program modules or applications include routines, programs, objects, data components, data structures, algorithms, and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0085] Example 1 includes a method for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first ends to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and is electrically coupled at its radio ends to a DC power input of a unique radio device, the method comprising: providing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level at each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, measuring, during a period of time, a set of DC levels drawn from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was drawn;Receiving, at each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors;Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC levels or for the unique set of DC levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0086] Example 2 includes the method of Example 1, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different.

[0087] Example 3 includes the method of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the set of data indicative of voltage levels includes voltage levels.

[0088] Example 4 includes the method of any of Examples 1-3, further comprising removing or obscuring an association between each set of data indicative of voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0089] Example 5 includes the method of any of Examples 1-4, further comprising: determining whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and determining that the measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period and associating each set of DC levels, and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port.

[0090] Example 6 includes the method of any of Examples 1-5, further comprising: determining whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and determining that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each power output coupled to electrical conductors for which the resistance was determined to be invalid, or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different time period and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and determining the resistance.

[0091] Example 7 includes the method of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, and a determination coefficient.

[0092] Example 8 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which has its first ends electrically coupled to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and its radio ends electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device, the process comprising: causing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided to each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; receiving a set of DC levels measured during a period of time and taken from each power output that provides a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was taken;Receiving, from each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors;Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC current levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC current levels or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0093] Example 9 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 8, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different.

[0094] Example 10 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 8-9, wherein the set of data indicating voltage levels comprises voltage levels.

[0095] Example 11 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 8-10, wherein the method further comprises removing or obscuring an association between each set of data indicating voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0096] Example 12 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 8-11, the method further comprising: determining whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period of time exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and determining that the measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period of time and associating each set of DC levels, and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port.

[0097] Example 13 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 8-12, the method further comprising: determining whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and determining that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each power output coupled to electrical conductors for which the resistance was determined to be invalid or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different period of time and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port, determining the pair, and determining the resistance.

[0098] Example 14 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 8-13, wherein correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, and a determination coefficient.

[0099] Example 15 includes a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system configured to determine a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which has its first end electrically coupled to a unique power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system and has its radio end electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device, comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is configured to be coupled to a unique measurement sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio end of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs;at least two logical or physical feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided to each of the at least two DC power outputs; receive a set of DC levels measured during a period of time and drawn from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associate each set of DC levels with a power output from which DC power was drawn;Receiving, from each logical or physical data port, a set of data indicative of voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period, via the electrical DC power provided from one of the at least two power outputs and via the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors; determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC current levels, and each pair having a greatest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC current levels, or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels;and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken.;

[0100] Example 16 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 15, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different.

[0101] Example 17 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-16, wherein the set of data indicative of voltage levels includes voltage levels.

[0102] Example 18 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-17, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to remove or obscure an association between each set of data indicative of voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system.

[0103] Example 19 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-18, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and determine that the measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period, and associating each set of DC levels and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port.

[0104] Example 20 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-19, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and determine that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each power output coupled to electrical conductors for which the resistance was determined to be invalid or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different period of time and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and determining the resistance.

[0105] Example 21 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 15-20, wherein the correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, and a determination coefficient.

[0106] Example 22 includes a method for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system includes at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: providing, during a period of time, electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level,at at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period are different from the DC current levels drawn from any other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period; receiving measurement data measured during the period (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; measuring, during the period, the DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and using the measurement data measured during the period,received at each of the at least two feedback ports, and the DC current levels measured during the period taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at one of the at least two feedback ports at a different time, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0107] Example 23 includes the method of Example 22, further comprising: receiving an initial mapping between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping.

[0108] Example 24 includes the method of Example 23, further comprising transmitting the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system.

[0109] Example 25 includes the method of any one of Examples 22-24, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided corresponds to N power outputs, and wherein N is an integer value; determining N pairs of each such DC current level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations;and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair;

[0110] Example 26 includes the method of any one of Examples 22-25, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: performing a linear regression of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC current levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to M power outputs, and where M is an integer value;Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measured data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measured data of the pair.

[0111] Example 27 includes the method of any of Examples 22-26, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each DC power output is different. Example 28 includes the method of any of Examples 22-27, further comprising, after determining the assignment, using the assignment and the other measurement data received at the other time at one of the at least two feedback ports to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-to-DC voltage converter at the one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been assigned to the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0112] Example 29 includes a computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system,the method comprising: causing, during a period of time, a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be made to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC current levels drawn during the period from each of the at least two DC power outputs differ from the DC current levels drawn during the period from one of the other of the at least two DC power outputs; receiving, during the period of time, measurement data (a) measured at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; receiving, during the period of time, measurements of the DC current levels,taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and using the measurement data received at each of the at least two feedback ports and the DC current levels measured during the period taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback ports, the association is configured to be used to set a DC voltage level,which is provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to one of the at least two feedback terminals.

[0113] Example 30 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 29, the method further comprising: receiving an initial mapping between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping.

[0114] Example 31 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 29-30, the method further comprising causing transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, and a system.

[0115] Example 32 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 29-31, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided corresponds to N power outputs, and where N is an integer value; determining N pairs of each such DC current level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations;and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair;

[0116] Example 33 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 29-32, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: performing a linear regression of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC current levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to M power outputs, and where M is an integer value;Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair.

[0117] Example 34 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 29-33, wherein the constant DC voltage levels provided at each DC power output are different.

[0118] Example 35 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 29-34, the method further comprising, after determining the association, using the association and the other measurement data received at the other time at the one of the at least two feedback ports to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter at the one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0119] Example 36 includes a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each configured to be coupled to a unique measurement sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause, during a period of time, a provision of DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be provided to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time are different from the DC levels drawn from any of the other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time;Receiving, during the period, measurement data (a) measured at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; Receiving, during the period, measurements of the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system;and using the measurement data received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period and the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to different measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback ports, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0120] Example 37 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 36, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: receive an initial mapping between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports; and using the determined mapping, identify a correction to the initial mapping.

[0121] Example 38 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 36-37, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system.

[0122] Example 39 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 36-38, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC power levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided corresponds to N power outputs, and wherein N is an integer value; determining N pairs of each such DC power level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations;and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair;

[0123] Example 40 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 36-39, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: performing a linear regression of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC power levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC power levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided correspond to M power outputs, and where M is an integer value;Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair.

[0124] Example 41 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 36-40, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each DC power output is different.

[0125] Example 42 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 36-41, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to, after determining the assignment, use the assignment and the other measurement data received at the other time at the one of the at least two feedback ports to cause an adjustment of a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter at one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been assigned to the one of the at least two feedback ports.

[0126] Example 43 includes a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each configured to be coupled to a unique measurement sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level, to be provided during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system;Receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port receiving measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; for each time period, determining an association between the identified feedback port and one of the at least two DC output ports that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique time period, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports;wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals;

[0127] Example 44 includes a method for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system includes at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: providing DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level,during a unique one of consecutive time periods at a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port receiving measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each time period, determining an association between the identified feedback port and one of the at least two DC output ports,which provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period of time, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals.

[0128] Example 45 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprises at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, wherein each of the at least two DC power outputs is coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, wherein the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device are electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and wherein the radio ends are located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system,the method comprising: causing a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; receiving, during each time period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback ports of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback port receiving measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each time period,Determining an association between the identified feedback terminal and one of the at least two DC output terminals that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period of time, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the association is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback terminals.

[0129] Example 46 includes a method for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output, the method comprising: providing a voltage waveform to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, each DC power output (a) receiving a voltage waveform from a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system and (b) being configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device;Receiving measurement data (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback port using the received measurement data and the provided voltage waveform; and at least one of: (a) wherein providing the voltage waveform to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises simultaneously providing a different voltage waveform to each of the at least two DC power outputs;and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein the feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.;

[0130] Example 47 includes the method of Example 46, further comprising: receiving an initial mapping between the DC power output and the feedback port; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping.

[0131] Example 48 includes the method of any one of Examples 46-47, further comprising transmitting the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system.

[0132] Example 49 includes the method of any one of Examples 46-48, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis.

[0133] Example 50 includes the method of any of Examples 46-49, further comprising, after determining the mapping, using other measurement data received at the feedback port to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output.

[0134] Example 51 comprises the method of Example 50, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by a radio manufacturer to be provided at a DC power input of the radio.

[0135] Example 52 includes providing a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for correctly associating one or more feedback ports of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein the DC-to-DC voltage converter system includes at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, the process comprising: causing a voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, wherein each DC power output (a) receives a voltage waveform from a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, and (b) is configured toto be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; receiving measurement data received (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback port using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform that was caused to be provided; and at least one of: wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs,causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously at each of the at least two DC power outputs; and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.

[0136] Example 53 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 52, the process further comprising: receiving an initial mapping between the DC power output and the feedback port; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping.

[0137] Example 54 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 52-53, wherein the process further comprises causing transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, and a system.

[0138] Example 55 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of Examples 52-54, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis.

[0139] Example 56 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claims 52-55, wherein the process further comprises, after determining the association, using other measurement data received at the feedback port to cause adjusting a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output.

[0140] Example 57 includes the non-transitory computer-readable medium of Example 56, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by a radio manufacturer to be provided at a DC power input of the radio.

[0141] Example 58 includes a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each configured to be coupled to a unique measurement sensor via unique power conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor;and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to each DC-to-DC voltage converter and each DC-to-DC voltage converter and configured to: cause a voltage waveform to be provided at at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, each DC power output (a) receiving a voltage waveform from a unique DC-to-DC voltage converter of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system and (b) being configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; receiving measurement data received (a) at a feedback port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor uniquely coupled to a DC power output;Determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback port using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform caused to be provided; and at least one of: wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously to each of the at least two DC power outputs;and wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals.;

[0142] Example 59 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of Example 58, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: receive an initial mapping between the DC power output and the feedback port; and, using the determined mapping, identify a correction to the initial mapping.

[0143] Example 60 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 58-59, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system.

[0144] Example 61 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 58-59, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis.

[0145] Example 62 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 58-61, wherein determining the at least one association between a corresponding DC power output and a corresponding feedback port is performed using at least one of pattern matching and correlation.

[0146] Example 63 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any of Examples 58-62, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to, after determining the mapping, use other measurement data received at the feedback port to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output.

[0147] Example 64 includes the DC-DC voltage converter system of any one of Examples 62-63, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by a radio manufacturer to be provided at a DC power input of the radio.

[0148] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described, as defined by the following claims. However, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9,448,576

[0002]

Claims

[1] A method for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first ends to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and is electrically coupled at its radio ends to a DC power input of a unique radio device, the method comprising: Providing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level at each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; Measuring, during a period of time, a set of DC current levels drawn from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level and associating each set of DC current levels with a power output from which DC current was drawn; Receiving, at each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors; Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC levels, and each pair having a largest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC levels or for the unique set of DC levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels; and for each of the at least two pairs, performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then determining, from a slope coefficient or a magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was taken. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different. [3] The method of claim 1, wherein the set of data indicative of voltage levels comprises voltage levels. [4] The method of claim 1, further comprising removing or obscuring an association between each set of data indicative of voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system. [5] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determining whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and Determining that the degree of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period of time, and associating each set of DC levels and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port. [6] The method of claim 1, further comprising: Determining whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and Determining that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each electrical conductor-coupled power output for which the resistance was determined to be invalid, or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different time period and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and determining the resistance. [7] The method of claim 1, wherein correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, and a determination coefficient. [8] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a process for determining a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first ends to a unique power output of a DC-DC voltage converter system and is electrically coupled at its radio ends to a DC power input of a unique radio device, the process comprising: Causing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided at each of the at least two power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; Receiving a set of DC current levels measured during a period of time and taken from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC current levels with a power output from which DC current was taken; Receiving, from each logical or physical data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors; Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC levels, and each pair having a largest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC levels or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels; and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or a magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was sampled. [9] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different. [10] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the set of data indicative of voltage levels comprises voltage levels. [11] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the process further comprises removing or obscuring an association between each set of data indicative of voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system. [12] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: Determining whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and Determining that the degree of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period of time, and associating each set of DC levels and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port. [13] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: Determining whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and Determining that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each electrical conductor-coupled power output for which the resistance was determined to be invalid, or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different time period and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and determining the resistance. [14] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient, and a determination coefficient. [15] A direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system configured to determine a resistance of at least two sets of electrical conductors, each of which is electrically coupled at its first ends to a unique power output of the DC-DC voltage converter system and is electrically coupled at its radio ends to a DC power input of a unique radio device, comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is adapted to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-DC voltage converters, each of which is configured to provide DC power to a unique power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two logical or physical feedback ports, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and Processing circuits communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: Causing a constant direct current (DC) voltage level to be provided to each of the at least two DC power outputs; Receiving a set of DC current levels measured during a period of time and taken from each power output providing a constant DC voltage level, and associating each set of DC current levels with a power output from which DC current was taken; Receiving, from each logical or physical data port, a set of data indicating voltage levels measured at spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors during the period across which DC electrical power is provided from one of the at least two power outputs and across the first ends to the spark ends of the unique set of electrical conductors; Determining at least two pairs, each pair comprising (i) a unique set of data indicative of voltage levels measured during the period and (ii) a unique set of DC levels, and each pair having a largest correlation of a set of correlations whose correlations are determined for the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels with respect to all sets of DC levels or for the unique set of current levels with respect to all sets of data indicative of voltage levels; and for each of the at least two pairs, (a) performing a linear regression on the unique set of DC levels and the unique set of data indicative of voltage levels of a pair, and then (b) determining, from a slope coefficient or a magnitude thereof derived from the linear regression, a resistance of a set of electrical conductors electrically coupled to a power output with which the unique set of DC levels was sampled. [16] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each of the at least two power outputs is different. [17] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the set of data indicative of voltage levels comprises voltage levels. [18] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to remove or obscure an association between each set of data indicative of voltage levels and a unique logical or physical feedback data port of the DC-DC voltage converter system. [19] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Determining whether a measure of dispersion for each set of DC levels measured during the period exceeds a DC dispersion threshold level; and Determining that the degree of dispersion for each set of DC levels does not exceed the DC dispersion threshold level, then repeatedly providing the constant DC voltage level, measuring the set of DC levels during a period of time, and associating each set of DC levels and receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data port. [20] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Determining whether each resistance is within a predetermined range of resistances; and Determining that at least one resistance is not within the predetermined range of resistances, then repeating for each electrical conductor-coupled power output for which the resistance was determined to be invalid, or for each of all power outputs, measuring a set of DC levels during a different time period and associating each set of DC levels, receiving the set of data indicative of voltage levels at each logical or physical data terminal, determining the pair, and determining the resistance. [21] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 15, wherein the correlation is one of: a correlation coefficient, a magnitude of the correlation coefficient and a coefficient of determination. [22] A method for correctly assigning a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique power output, each of the at least two DC power outputs being coupled via unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device being electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and the radio ends being located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: Providing, during a period of time, electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time are different from the DC levels drawn from any other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time; Receiving measurement data measured during the period (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; Measuring, during the period, the DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and Using the measured data received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period and the measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at one of the at least two feedback terminals at a different time, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [23] The method of claim 22, further comprising: Receiving an initial association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback terminals; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [24] The method of claim 23, further comprising transmitting the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, or a system. [25] The method of claim 22, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback terminals comprises: Determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback terminals during the period, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided correspond to N power outputs, and wherein N is an integer value; Determining N pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations; and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair. [26] The method of claim 22, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback terminals comprises: Performing a linear regression of every possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback terminals during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC current levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to M power outputs, and wherein M is an integer value; Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measured data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measured data of the pair. [27] The method of claim 22, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each DC power output is different. [28] The method of claim 22, further comprising, after determining the assignment, using the assignment and the other measurement data received at the other time at one of the at least two feedback ports to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter at the one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been assigned to the one of the at least two feedback ports. [29] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a method for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique power output, each of the at least two DC power outputs being coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device being electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and the radio ends being located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: Causing, during a period of time, a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time are different from the DC levels drawn from any of the other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time; Receiving measurement data measured during the period (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; Receiving, during the period, measurements of the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and Using the measured data received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period and the measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [30] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving an initial association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback terminals; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [31] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the method further comprises causing transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, and a system. [32] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: Determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback terminals during the period, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided correspond to N power outputs, and wherein N is an integer value; Determining N pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations; and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair. [33] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback ports comprises: Performing a linear regression of every possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback terminals during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC current levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to M power outputs, and wherein M is an integer value; Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair. [34] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each DC power output is different. [35] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the method further comprises, after determining the association, using the association and the other measurement data received at the other time at the one of the at least two feedback ports to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter at the one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback ports. [36] Direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system, comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is adapted to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-DC voltage converters, each of which is configured to provide DC power to a unique power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and Processing circuits communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: Causing, during a period of time, a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, to at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, wherein DC levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time are different from the DC levels drawn from any of the other of the at least two DC power outputs during the period of time; Receiving measurement data measured during the period (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system by a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors near spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; Receiving, during the period, measurements of the DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; and Using the measured data received at each of the at least two feedback ports during the period and the measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period, determining an association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback ports, wherein the at least two feedback ports are either logical feedback ports or physical feedback ports; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [37] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 36, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Receiving an initial association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and a unique one of the at least two feedback terminals; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [38] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 37, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to cause transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system. [39] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 36, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback terminals comprises: Determining a correlation of each possible combination of (a) measured DC current levels taken from each of the at least two DC power outputs and (b) measurement data received at each of the at least two feedback terminals, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to N power outputs, and wherein N is an integer value; Determining N pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with the largest correlations of all determined correlations; and for each of the N pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair. [40] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 36, wherein determining the association between each of the at least two DC power outputs and the unique one of the at least two feedback terminals comprises: Performing a linear regression of every possible combination of (a) the measured DC current levels drawn from each of the at least two DC power outputs during the period and (b) the measurement data measured and received at each of the at least two feedback terminals during the period, and then determining a standard deviation of the DC current levels and the measurement data with respect to a line determined by the linear regression, wherein the at least two DC power outputs at which the DC electrical power, including the constant DC voltage level, is provided, correspond to M power outputs, and wherein M is an integer value; Determining M pairs of each such DC level and the measurement data with smallest standard deviations of all determined standard deviations; and for each of the M pairs, identifying one of the at least two DC power outputs associated with a DC level of a pair and a feedback terminal associated with the measurement data of the pair. [41] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 36, wherein the constant DC voltage level provided at each DC power output is different. [42] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 36, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to, after determining the association, use the association and the other measurement data received at the other time at the one of the at least two feedback terminals to cause an adjustment of a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter at one of the at least two DC power outputs that has been associated with the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [43] Direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system, comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is adapted to be coupled to a unique measuring sensor via unique electrical conductors at the radio ends of the unique electrical conductors and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-DC voltage converters, each of which is configured to provide DC power to a unique power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and Processing circuits communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: Causing a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; Receiving, during each period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback terminal that receives measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; for each period, determining an association between the feedback terminal that was identified and one of the at least two DC output terminals that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [44] A method for correctly assigning a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique power output, each of the at least two DC power outputs being coupled via unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device being electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and the radio ends being located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: Providing DC electrical power, including a constant DC voltage level, during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; Receiving, during each period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback terminal that receives measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each period, determining an association between the feedback terminal that was identified and one of the at least two DC output terminals that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [45] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a method for correctly associating a feedback port of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique power output, each of the at least two DC power outputs being coupled by unique electrical conductors to a unique measurement sensor and a DC power input of a unique radio device, the unique measurement sensor and the DC power input of the unique radio device being electrically coupled to radio ends of the unique electrical conductors, and the radio ends being located remotely from the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the method comprising: Causing a provision of electrical DC power, including a constant DC voltage level, during a unique one of consecutive time periods to a unique one of the at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system; Receiving, during each period, measurement data (a) at each of the at least two feedback terminals of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a unique one of the measurement sensors and (b) each derived from a DC voltage level measured by the unique one of the measurement sensors electrically connected to and proximate spark ends of a unique set of electrical conductors; for each time period, identifying a feedback terminal that receives measurement data derived from one of the DC voltage levels that exceeds a voltage threshold level; and for each period, determining an association between the feedback terminal that was identified and one of the at least two DC output terminals that provide the constant DC voltage level during a unique period, wherein the at least two feedback terminals are either logical feedback terminals or physical feedback terminals; wherein, in response to other measurement data received at a different time at one of the at least two feedback terminals, the assignment is configured to be used to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to one of the at least two DC power outputs assigned to the one of the at least two feedback terminals. [46] A method for correctly assigning a feedback terminal of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system to a DC power output terminal of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback terminals and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each of which is coupled to a unique DC power output, the method comprising: Providing a voltage waveform to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, each DC power output (a) receiving a voltage waveform from a unique DC-DC voltage converter of the DC-DC voltage converter system and (b) being configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; Receiving measurement data (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; Determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal using the received measurement data and the provided voltage waveform; and at least one of: (a) wherein providing the voltage waveform to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises simultaneously providing a different voltage waveform to each of the at least two DC power outputs; and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; where the feedback pins are all logical feedback pins or all physical feedback pins. [47] The method of claim 46, further comprising: Receiving an initial association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [48] ​​The method of claim 47, further comprising transmitting the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, or a system. [49] The method of claim 46, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis. [50] The method of claim 46, further comprising, after determining the association, using other measurement data received at the feedback port to adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output. [51] The method of claim 50, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by a radio manufacturer to be provided at a DC power input of the radio. [52] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes at least one processor to execute a method for correctly associating one or more feedback ports of a direct current (DC)-to-DC voltage converter system with a DC power output port of the DC-to-DC voltage converter system, the DC-to-DC voltage converter system comprising at least two feedback ports and at least two DC-to-DC voltage converters, each coupled to a unique DC power output, the method comprising: Causing a voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, each DC power output (a) receiving a voltage waveform from a unique DC-DC voltage converter of the DC-DC voltage converter system and (b) being configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; Receiving measurement data received (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; Determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform that was caused to be provided; and at least one of: (a) wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously to each of the at least two DC power outputs; and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals. [53] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 52, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving an initial association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [54] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 53, wherein the process further comprises causing transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a network operator, and a system. [55] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 52, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis. [56] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 52, wherein the method further comprises, after determining the association, using other measurement data received at the feedback port to cause adjusting a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output. [57] The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 56, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by a radio manufacturer to be provided at a DC power input of the radio. [58] Direct current (DC)-DC voltage converter system, comprising: at least two DC power outputs, each of which is adapted to be coupled via unique power conductors to a unique measuring sensor and electrically coupled to a unique radio device; at least two DC-DC voltage converters configured to provide DC power to a unique DC power output of the at least two DC power outputs; at least two feedback ports, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the unique measurement sensor; and Processing circuits communicatively coupled to each DC-DC voltage converter and each DC-DC voltage converter and configured to: Causing a voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of at least two DC power outputs of the DC-DC voltage converter system, each DC power output (a) receiving a voltage waveform from a unique DC-DC voltage converter of the DC-DC voltage converter system and (b) being configured to be electrically coupled to a DC power input of a unique radio device; Receiving measurement data received (a) at a feedback port of the DC-DC voltage converter system from a measurement sensor that is uniquely communicatively coupled to the feedback port, and (b) derived from a voltage waveform received from the measurement sensor that is uniquely coupled to a DC power output; Determining an association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal using the received measurement data and the voltage waveform that was caused to be provided; and at least one of: (a) wherein causing the voltage waveform to be provided to at least one of the at least two DC power outputs comprises causing a different voltage waveform to be provided simultaneously to each of the at least two DC power outputs; and (b) wherein determining the association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal comprises comparing at least one of: (i) a time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, and (ii) a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the measurement data with a characteristic derived over time from the time-varying parameter of the voltage waveform, wherein each of the measurement data and the voltage waveform comprises at least one time-varying parameter; wherein feedback terminals are any logical feedback terminals or any physical feedback terminals. [59] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 58, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: Receiving an initial association between the DC power output and the feedback terminal; and using the determined mapping, identifying a correction to the initial mapping. [60] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 59, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to cause transmission of the correction to at least one of an installer, a grid operator, or a system. [61] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 58, wherein comparing comprises performing at least one of (a) pattern matching, correlation, and statistical analysis. [62] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 57, wherein determining the at least one association between a corresponding DC power output and a corresponding feedback port is performed using at least one of pattern matching and correlation. [63] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 58, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to, after determining the association, adjust a DC voltage level provided by a DC-DC voltage converter to the DC power output using other measurement data received at the feedback terminal. [64] The DC-DC voltage converter system of claim 63, wherein the DC voltage level exceeds a nominal DC voltage level specified by the manufacturer of a radio to be provided at a DC power input of the radio.

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