Programmable Base Station Power Supply for Remote Radio Voltage Hold
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 level of the DC power signal based on the current and resistance of the power cable to maintain a substantially constant voltage at the remote radio head, reducing power loss by optimizing the voltage delivery to match the maximum voltage requirements of the radio head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If DC power is delivered over long coaxial cables to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then the radio heads can be positioned for optimal signal coverage, but significant power loss occurs in the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the DC power signal from conventional levels (e.g., 48V) to elevated levels (e.g., 80V, 100V, or higher) to reduce current and consequently reduce I²R power losses in the coaxial cables. This parameter change allows power to be delivered effectively over the long cable lengths required for tower-top radio head positioning.
2Loss of energy
If conventional voltage levels are used for DC power delivery, then equipment compatibility is maintained, but power loss increases and requires larger diameter cables
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating the voltage parameter, the patent reduces the current required for a given power level, which reduces power loss and allows the use of smaller diameter, lighter weight coaxial cables while still delivering the required power to remote radio heads.
3Loss of energy
If voltage is increased to reduce power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but equipment safety and component ratings must be considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system into distinct functional blocks: an elevated voltage power supply at the base station, elevated voltage coaxial cables, and integrated voltage reducers within the remote radio heads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific voltage level, managing voltage stress through systematic distribution rather than uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage reducer circuits as intermediary components within the remote radio heads to step down the elevated voltage to safe operating levels for internal electronics. These intermediaries enable the system to benefit from high-voltage power delivery while protecting sensitive components from voltage stress.
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 reduces power loss and operational costs by maintaining a constant voltage at the remote radio head, allowing for the use of smaller diameter power cables and longer cabling connections, while improving signal quality and reducing capital expenditures.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage level of the DC power signal output by the power supply is adjusted in response to a current level of the DC power signal output by the power supply so that a voltage of the DC power signal at a far end of the cabling connection may remain substantially constant
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.