Remote Radio Power Supply With Dynamic DC Boost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power supply systems for cellular base stations face significant power loss when delivering DC voltage to remote radio heads located at the top of tall antenna towers, due to the length of coaxial cables used.
Innovation Solution
A power system that includes input and output conductors, a current sensor, and a converter circuit. The converter circuit adjusts the DC voltage level based on the measured current, outputting a boost voltage when the current exceeds a threshold and the electrical path length is sufficient, thereby reducing power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the length of power cable is increased to deliver DC voltage to remote radio heads at the top of tall antenna towers, then the coverage and signal quality are improved, but the power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power supply system by introducing a boost voltage mode. The power supply can operate at either a standard voltage level or a boosted voltage level, depending on the cable length. When the cable length exceeds a threshold (indicating significant power loss), the system automatically switches to boost voltage mode to compensate for the increased resistance and reduce power loss in the extended cable run.
2Loss of energy
If the DC voltage level is increased to compensate for voltage drop in long cables, then the power loss is reduced, but the risk of overvoltage damage to the radio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply continuously monitors cable length (either directly or through power loss calculations) and adjusts the output voltage accordingly. The control circuit receives information about the cable length and automatically selects the appropriate voltage mode (standard or boost), preventing overvoltage conditions while ensuring sufficient power delivery. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual intervention and prevents harmful overvoltage effects.
3Reliability
If a fixed high voltage is always output to ensure adequate power at the remote end, then the power delivery is improved, but the power loss in short cable scenarios increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic voltage adjustment capability to the power supply system. Instead of using a fixed high voltage, the system dynamically adapts its output voltage based on real-time conditions such as cable length and power loss requirements. The power supply can switch between standard voltage mode (for short cables with minimal loss) and boost voltage mode (for long cables with significant loss), optimizing energy efficiency while ensuring reliable power delivery in all scenarios.
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
The proposed power system reduces power loss by selectively outputting a boost voltage when conditions are appropriate, thereby minimizing voltage drop and maintaining the power signal within the acceptable range for the remote radio head.
Implementation Method 1
a converter circuit configured to transform a first direct current (DC) voltage level to a second DC voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems of powering a radio that can be mounted on a tower of a wireless communication system are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) voltage is provided to the radio over a power cable from a power supply configured to change the direct current (DC) output from the power supply based on a measured current level. The power supply is configured to change the DC voltage from a first voltage level to a second voltage level in response to the measured current being greater than or equal to a first threshold value.