Programmable Power Supply Voltage Adjustment for Cellular Base Station Cable Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in cellular base stations is the significant power loss and increased costs associated with delivering DC power to remote radio heads located at the top of tall towers, due to long coaxial cables, which degrade signal quality and require larger, more expensive trunk cables and backup batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method using a programmable power supply that adjusts voltage output based on current drawn by the remote radio head, determining the resistance of the power cable to maintain a constant voltage near the maximum specified value, reducing power loss and the need for larger cables and backup batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If DC power is delivered to remote radio heads at the top of tall towers through long power cables, then the radio equipment can be positioned at elevated locations for improved coverage, but significant power loss occurs in the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power supply to maintain a constant voltage near the maximum specified value for the remote radio head. By adjusting the voltage parameter dynamically based on cable resistance and current draw, the system optimizes power delivery to minimize power loss while ensuring adequate signal quality at the remote location.
2Loss of energy
If larger trunk cables are used to reduce power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but cable cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical size of the cables, the patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of the power supply. By maintaining constant voltage near the maximum specified value and adjusting current based on actual power needs and cable resistance, the system achieves efficient power delivery without requiring larger, more complex cable infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If higher voltage is used to reduce current and power loss, then power loss decreases, but the risk of exceeding maximum voltage specifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply continuously monitors the actual voltage at the remote radio head and adjusts its output to maintain constant voltage near the maximum specified value. This feedback control ensures that the system operates at optimal voltage levels without exceeding specifications, thereby minimizing power loss while maintaining reliability and compliance with voltage requirements.
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 operating costs by maintaining a constant voltage near the maximum specified for the remote radio head, enhancing signal quality and extending battery backup time during outages.
Implementation Method 1
determining the resistance of the power cable coupling a programmable power supply to the remote radio head
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided. The method comprises determining configuration data; wherein the configuration data comprises a resistance of a bypass circuit coupled between a remote radio head and a power cable; using the configuration data, determining the resistance of the power cable coupling a programmable power supply to the remote radio head mounted on a mounting structure, comprising: entering a calibration mode; setting an output voltage of the programmable power supply; measuring an output current of the programmable power supply; storing the output current; and determining the cable resistance; and storing the resistance of the power cable.