Programmable Power Supply for Constant Remote Radio Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular base stations face significant power loss when delivering DC power to remote radio heads located at the top of towers, due to the length and resistance of power cables, which degrades signal quality and increases operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A programmable power supply adjusts the voltage of the DC power signal based on current and cable resistance to maintain a substantially constant voltage at the remote radio head, reducing power loss by optimizing the voltage level according to the maximum voltage the radio can handle, thereby minimizing power loss along the power cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DC power is delivered over long power cables to remote radio heads at the top of towers, then the radio can be positioned remotely to improve signal quality and coverage, but significant power loss occurs due to cable resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply voltage is made dynamically adjustable based on operating conditions. The system continuously monitors current draw and cable characteristics, then automatically adjusts the output voltage to maintain optimal power delivery while minimizing losses throughout varying operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power supply output based on measured current and known cable resistance. By calculating the required voltage adjustment (V = I × R) and applying it in real-time, the system optimizes power delivery parameters to reduce energy loss while maintaining reliable signal quality at remote locations
2Loss of energy
If larger diameter power cables are used to reduce power loss, then power delivery efficiency improves, but the cost and complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical parameters of the cable (diameter, material), the system changes the electrical parameter (voltage) to compensate for cable resistance. This software-based parameter adjustment achieves power loss reduction without requiring more complex or expensive cable hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanical/hardware solution (larger diameter cables with lower resistance) with an electrical/control solution (dynamic voltage adjustment). This substitution maintains power delivery efficiency while avoiding the increased complexity and cost associated with heavier gauge cables
3Device complexity
If fixed voltage is supplied from the power supply, then the power supply design is simpler, but the voltage at the remote radio head varies with current changes causing power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power supply monitors its own current output and the known cable resistance, then adjusts its voltage output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that voltage variations at the remote end are compensated for, minimizing power loss while maintaining manageable power supply complexity through automated control
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 at the remote radio head, allowing for the use of smaller diameter power cables and longer cabling connections, while ensuring reliable power delivery and improved signal quality.
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.