How to modify the base station power supply for better use

This technique reduces opex by putting a base station into a “sleep mode,” with only the essentials remaining powered on. Pulse power leverages 5G base stations' ability to analyze traffic loads. In 4G, radios are always on, even when traffic levels don't warrant it, such as transmitting reference signals to detect users in the middle of the night.

This is when the PSU is no longer powering the PA, which is the main power draw, but still needs to power other electronics. The current target for low-load efficiency is about 30 W. Some OEMs would like to see that drop to nearly 10 W.

During quiescent periods—typically 5 ms to 100 ms—the PSU must minimize all load power with the basic functions of the antenna unit remaining active. It also must be able to ramp up to full power whenever the antenna wants to check for any active users within its range.

Minimizing heat and interference Another design being considered is based on the integration of the PSU within the RRU to reduce the RRU's size and weight. In this architecture, the PSU shares the heatsink with the PA.

Also, to reduce weight, OEMs are driving for PSUs to be physically smaller yet delivering the same or higher output power. This requires new switching technologies—such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC)—which are widely used in solar system inverters and electric vehicles.

While AAUs improve performance and simplify installation, they also require the power supply to share a heatsink with the power amplifier for cooling. An integrated architecture reduces power consumption, which MTN Consulting estimates currently is about 5% to 6 % of opex.