Base Station Power Interface for Remote Radio Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of delivering DC power to remote radio heads at the top of cellular towers while minimizing signal loss and noise, particularly in systems with long coaxial cables, is addressed by integrating a communication interface and programmable power supply to maintain consistent voltage levels and monitor power usage.
Innovation Solution
A communication interface and programmable power supply system is implemented, which includes a DC power signal voltage control module and a programmable power supply with a controller, current sensor, and communication module to maintain desired voltage levels and monitor power usage, enabling wireless communication with a remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radio is located at the top of the tower (RRH configuration), then signal quality is improved, but DC power delivery becomes more difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery function and communication function into a single integrated system. The power cable that delivers DC power to the RRH also serves as the communication medium, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware at the remote location and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface that couples to the power cable to enable communication between the baseband unit and the RRH. This intermediary device allows data transmission over the power delivery medium, resolving the contradiction by using the power cable as a dual-purpose conduit without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If DC power is delivered over the same coaxial cable that carries communications, then system complexity is reduced, but power delivery control and monitoring become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system into controllable units by introducing a programmable power supply that can independently control and monitor power delivery to each RRH. This segmentation allows precise control of power parameters while maintaining the simplified single-cable architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the communication interface that enables bidirectional communication between the baseband unit and the RRH. This feedback loop allows real-time monitoring of power delivery conditions and automatic adjustment of power parameters, resolving the control difficulty while maintaining system simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If a separate power cable is provided for DC power delivery, then power control is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power cable universal by enabling it to perform both power delivery and communication functions. The communication interface coupled to the power cable allows the same physical medium to serve multiple purposes, achieving power control capabilities without requiring a separate dedicated power cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power delivery and communication functions into a single integrated system. The programmable power supply and communication interface work together to provide both power and control over the same cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate cables while maintaining full power control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular base station that includes a baseband unit, at least one programmable power supply and a communication interface is provided. The baseband unit is in communication with a backhaul communication system and a radio. The at least one programmable power supply is configured to provide power to the radio through a communication circuit. The communication interface is in communication with the programmable power supply. The communication interface is configured to provide communications between the programmable power supply and a remote location regarding the communication circuit.