5G small base station power supply design

What is a small cell in 5G?

Small cells are a new part of the 5G platform that increase network capacity and speed, while also having a lower deployment cost than macrocells. The compact size of a small cell requires that all components – especially power converters – provide high eficiency, better thermals and eventually the best power density possible.

How do small cells fit into the 5G ecosystem?

A cell tower (also called a macrocell) is a huge umbrella used to provide radio signals to thousands of users in large areas with minimal obstructions. To extend the coverage of a macrocell, distributive antenna systems (DASs) are used in conjunction with the cell tower.

How does a 5G base station reduce OPEX?

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.

How will mmWave based 5G affect PA & PSU designs?

Site-selection considerations also are driving changes to the PA and PSU designs. The higher the frequency, the shorter the signals travel, which means mmWave-based 5G will require a much higher density of small cells compared to 4G. Many 5G sites will also need to be close to street level, where people are.

Why do small cells need a 5G antenna?

Increasing the frequency increases the speed of sending/ receiving signals and helps shrink the size of the antenna, which in turn shrinks the size of the cell. Shorter wavelengths result in a decrease in signal penetration and radius, reinforcing the need for small cells. How do small cells fit into the 5G ecosystem?

Are small cells the future of 5G?

The traditional wireless infrastructure approach to 5G has certain limitations, however, including penetration ability and signal reach due to a higher spectrum. That’s where small cells come in. Small cells increase the amount of trafic that can be handled in an area while also increasing speed.