Hot-Swappable Power Distribution Module for Wireless RAUs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributed antenna systems face challenges in safely and efficiently inserting or removing power distribution modules while power is active, as this can lead to electrical arcing and contact erosion, disrupting communication services for all connected RAUs.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of power distribution modules capable of 'hot' connection and disconnection, which allows for the installation or removal of power modules without disabling power to other RAUs, using a power controller to manage power enable signals and prevent arcing or erosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power distribution modules are inserted or removed while power is active, then system flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but electrical arcing and contact erosion occur causing reliability degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module insertion/removalVSAvoidrisk of electrical arcing and contact erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting module insertion/removal events and proactively adjusting power delivery before physical contact is fully established or broken. The head-end unit detects the event and sends power adjustment commands to prevent arcing during the transition period, resolving the contradiction by preparing the system in advance of the actual contact change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the head-end unit receives status information from power distribution modules about their insertion/removal state, and automatically adjusts power delivery parameters in response. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt power delivery dynamically, allowing hot-swapping while preventing electrical damage through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If power is disabled during module insertion/removal, then electrical safety is improved, but communication services are disrupted causing productivity loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safety during module changeVSAvoidcommunication service continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary power adjustment actions before module removal is complete, gradually reducing power delivery while the module is still functional. This allows the system to prepare for module removal without sudden power interruption, maintaining service continuity while ensuring electrical safety during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous power delivery to remaining functional modules throughout the insertion/removal process. By selectively adjusting power to specific modules rather than disabling the entire system, the useful action of providing communication services continues uninterrupted while safe module changes are performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular power distribution is implemented, then system adaptability and ease of configuration are improved, but complexity of power management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of power configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of power management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-end unit performs multiple functions including module detection, power adjustment command generation, and system coordination through a single integrated controller. This universal control approach manages the complexity of modular power distribution by consolidating control functions, allowing flexible configuration without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Power distribution modules autonomously execute power adjustment commands received from the head-end unit, managing their own power delivery without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability distributes the management complexity across individual modules rather than requiring centralized control of every detail, enabling adaptability while managing system complexity through decentralized execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11114852B2Power distribution module(s) capable of hot connection and/or disconnection for wireless communication systems, and related power units, components, and methods

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 ANI ACQUISITION SUB LLC

AI summary

Power distribution modules are configured to distribute power to a power-consuming component(s), such as a remote antenna unit(s) (RAU(s)). By “hot” connection and/or disconnection, the power distribution modules can be connected and/or disconnected from a power unit and/or a power-consuming component(s) while power is being provided to the power distribution modules. Power is not required to be disabled in the power unit before connection and/or disconnection of power distribution modules. The power distribution modules may be configured to protect against or reduce electrical arcing or electrical contact erosion that may otherwise result from “hot” connection and/or connection of the power distribution modules.