Power Distribution Module for Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed antenna systems face challenges in providing power to remote units, as existing solutions are limited by regulations to 100 watts per power link, which can be insufficient for units requiring more power to support multiple services.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of power distribution modules that use two power links to provide power to a single or multiple remote units, allowing for split power distribution to comply with regulations while supplying more than 100 watts when needed, using a configuration with two power inputs electrically isolated from each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is provided to remote units through a single power link, then the system complies with power regulations, but the power available to each remote unit is limited to 100 watts which is insufficient for units requiring more power to support multiple services
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple power links (first power link and second power link) that can be independently configured. Each power link operates separately with its own power input and isolation, allowing the total power to be divided across multiple segments rather than relying on a single high-power link. This enables compliance with per-link power limits while achieving higher total power delivery through parallel segmentation.
2Power
If two power links are used to provide power to a single remote unit, then more than 100 watts can be supplied, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary power distribution module is introduced between the power sources and remote units. This module contains the logic for configuring multiple power links, managing electrical isolation, and routing power appropriately. The intermediary handles the complexity of multi-link configuration internally, presenting a simplified interface to both the power sources and remote units, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the underlying multi-link architecture.
3Reliability
If power links are electrically isolated from each other, then regulatory compliance is maintained, but the system flexibility to allocate power dynamically is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows power links to be electrically connected or isolated based on operational requirements. The system can transition between different configurations: fully isolated for regulatory compliance, partially connected for power consolidation, or dynamically reconfigured to allocate power to different remote units based on demand. This dynamic adaptability maintains regulatory compliance while providing operational flexibility.
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 solution enables compliance with power limitations while ensuring that remote units receive sufficient power, supporting increased service requirements without exceeding regulatory power limits per link.
Implementation Method 1
a first power input configured to receive a first power signal from a power distribution module through a first power medium and a second power input electrically isolated from the first power input
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A power distribution module can be installed in and connected to a power unit for providing power to a power-consuming DAS component(s), such as a remote unit(s) (RU(s)) as a non-limiting example. The RU may include an antenna, and may sometimes be referred to as a remote antenna unit or RAU. Power from the power distribution module is distributed to any power-consuming DAS components connected to the power distribution modules including but not limited to remote units. The power distribution modules distribute power to the power-consuming DAS components to provide power for power-consuming components in the power-consuming DAS components. In a first configuration, the power distribution module uses two power links to provide power to a single RU. In a second configuration, the power distribution module uses two power links to provide power to two RUs.