Remote Radio Power Supply Feedback for Long Cable Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of delivering DC power to remote radio heads at the top of cellular towers with minimal power loss and maintaining a consistent voltage level due to long cable lengths and varying current demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmable power supply that adjusts the voltage output based on cable resistance and current draw to maintain a constant voltage at the remote radio head, using DC-to-DC converters or feedback loops to optimize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If DC power is delivered over long cable lengths to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then power can be supplied to remote locations, but power loss increases and voltage level becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures the actual voltage at the remote radio head and communicates this information back to the power supply. The power supply then adjusts its output voltage based on this feedback to compensate for cable resistance and maintain the correct voltage level at the remote end, thereby reducing power loss while enabling remote power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the output voltage parameter of the power supply based on measured cable resistance and remote voltage conditions. By adjusting the voltage parameter in response to changing conditions, the system optimizes power delivery efficiency and maintains consistent voltage levels despite long cable lengths
2Ease of operation
If DC power is delivered over long cable lengths to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then power can be supplied to remote locations, but voltage level becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to continuously monitor the voltage at the remote radio head and adjusts the power supply output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that voltage variations caused by long cable lengths and varying current demands are compensated, maintaining stable and consistent voltage levels at the remote location
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of cable resistance before power delivery and uses this information to pre-adjust the output voltage. This preliminary action compensates for expected voltage drops before they occur, ensuring consistent voltage levels from the start of power delivery
3Power
If higher current is used to deliver power over long distances, then sufficient power reaches the remote radio head, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on measured conditions. By increasing voltage and correspondingly decreasing current (since P=VI), the system delivers sufficient power to remote radio heads while minimizing I²R power losses in the cables. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between power delivery capability and power loss
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
Reduces power loss and operating costs by maintaining a consistent voltage level, thereby decreasing the need for backup batteries and equipment at the tower site.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage level of the DC power signal that is output from the power supply is adjusted so that the DC power signal at a radio end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply has a substantially constant voltage notwithstanding variation in a current level of the DC power signal
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.