Programmable Base Station Power Supply for Remote Radio Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular base stations face significant power loss when delivering DC power to remote radio heads located at the top of towers, due to long coaxial cables, which degrades signal quality and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power supply adjusts the voltage of the DC power signal based on current levels and cable resistance to maintain a substantially constant voltage at the remote radio head, reducing power loss by optimizing the voltage delivery over the power cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC power is delivered over long coaxial cables to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then the radio can be positioned remotely to improve coverage and signal quality, but significant power loss occurs in the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the voltage level of the DC power signal based on the measured current and known cable resistance. The power supply transitions from providing a fixed voltage to providing a variable voltage that compensates for cable losses, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining remote radio positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the current level of the DC power signal and using this information to adjust the voltage output. The system continuously monitors current and adjusts voltage accordingly to maintain optimal power delivery, reducing power loss in the cables while supporting remote radio heads.
2Power
If the voltage of the DC power signal is increased to compensate for cable losses, then power delivery to remote radios improves, but the radio may receive excessive voltage that exceeds its maximum rating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage output adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The power supply dynamically changes the voltage level based on real-time current measurements and cable characteristics, allowing it to optimize power delivery while preventing overvoltage conditions that could damage the remote radio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to measure the actual current being drawn by the remote radio and adjusts the voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the radio receives the exact voltage it needs without exceeding its maximum rating, while still compensating for cable losses to maintain adequate power delivery.
3Loss of energy
If larger diameter cables are used to reduce cable resistance and power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but capital expenditures and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of the power signal rather than changing the physical parameters of the cable. By dynamically varying the voltage based on current and resistance measurements, the system achieves reduced power loss without requiring larger or more expensive cables.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes power loss and reduces operational costs by maintaining a stable voltage at the remote radio head, allowing for the use of smaller diameter cables and longer cabling connections, thereby improving signal quality and reducing capital expenditures.
Implementation Method 1
a power cable having a first end that receives a DC power signal from the programmable power supply and a second end that provides the DC power signal to the RRH
Implementation Method 2
A voltage level of the DC power signal that is output from the power supply is adjusted so that the DC power signal at a radio end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply has a substantially constant voltage notwithstanding variation in a current level of the DC power signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of powering a radio that is mounted on a tower of a cellular base station are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) power signal is provided to the radio over a power cable and a voltage level of the output of the power supply is adjusted so as to provide a substantially constant voltage at a first end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply. Related cellular base stations and programmable power supplies are also provided.