Telecom or cellular towers house the antennas and transmitters that keep us connected. However, unexpected power disruptions can lead to lost data or interrupted communication. Most telecommunications equipment requires -48 V DC power, provided by multiple parallel-redundant rectifiers charged by lead-acid batteries. This centralized power system is easy to maintain and complies with standard safety specs.
Reliability
The convergence of IT equipment and telecommunications networks has resulted in a wide range of power requirements. These requirements demand equally high reliability from DC and AC power systems.
The first step to ensuring telecommunications equipment has a reliable power supply is to ensure that the DC input voltage meets its specific power requirements. This is accomplished by using a DC voltage regulator.
These regulators have several outputs isolated from the battery, allowing them to distribute their regulated voltage without affecting other equipment in the system. They also meet safety specifications, including EN60950 and UL950. In addition to the ability to be paralleled, these telecom power supplies have a low working temperature due to CoolSiC technology. This helps reduce the thermal stress on equipment and increase reliability.
Another factor in telecommunications equipment’s reliability is the time it takes to transition from one power source to another. This is often referred to as the switchover time. It is an important metric for network providers, as it determines how long the data can be transmitted before experiencing an interruption. A reputable provider has the right power system if you are looking for a high-performance, energy-efficient telecom rectifier or an embedded power solution. These telecom power systems deliver up to 98% energy efficiency, enabling them to save OPEX and help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Efficiency
Powering the world’s interconnected networks requires more than just reliable battery technology. Telecom batteries must also deliver efficiency so that you can keep using phone calls, texts, and Internet services when the grid goes down. And they need to do all this without sacrificing longevity or capacity. Telecom batteries are the unsung heroes that charge our connected world. They enable us to stay connected despite power disruptions, supporting critical infrastructure and enabling connectivity in urban and remote areas. They’re the reason we can talk, text, and upload photos to social media. And with ongoing advancements, they can even do more.
This device technology provides superior reliability in telecom applications thanks to a unique combination of features. Its high TAMB (temperature above absolute maximum rating) supports the heightened requirements of power devices in telecom systems. The higher TAMB means that CoolSiC devices can operate at lower temperatures than their silicon counterparts in naturally cooled PSUs, making them ideal for demanding telecom and 5G base station applications. Redundancy is a key feature of telecom network design that minimizes the impact of failures or disruptions. Providers can mitigate the effects of localized disasters or human-made incidents by establishing redundant data centers, transmission links, and network hubs in different locations. This helps ensure uninterrupted communication and increases user satisfaction.
Redundancy
A reliable telecommunications power supply system can help minimize outages and downtime, ensuring connectivity and a seamless communication experience in today’s interconnected world. Effective electrical work enables efficient, scalable systems that support the expansion of telecom networks. This is especially crucial for telecommunication towers, which require robust backup power systems to ensure their operation.
Among telecom equipment’s most critical power requirements are high reliability, wide input voltage range, efficient power conversion, protection against power surges, and compliance with industry standards. The telecommunications power supply PCB (printed circuit board) is the backbone of these systems, converting incoming energy into different voltages and currents that other telecom devices need.
The telecommunications power supply market is growing due to the increasing popularity of 5G technology and expanding telecom network coverage. This expansion requires more capacity, increased network density, and extensive range, driving the demand for telecom power systems to sustain these demanding operations. Additionally, a growing interest in renewable power sources is expected to boost the telecommunications power supply market, as these systems can provide a clean and uninterrupted energy source while reducing operating costs. Moreover, they can help align with corporate social responsibility goals and minimize environmental impact.
Sustainability
Power systems used in telecom exchanges must not only support various input requirements but also provide high levels of availability. This ensures that major and minor faults do not interrupt communication services, especially during emergencies. Modern telecom facilities’ complex mix of power supply systems makes this a difficult task and increases the risk of error by operating, maintenance, and installation teams.
Telecom equipment typically uses 48V DC power supplies to run various subsystems and ICs operating at 24V, 12V, 5V, 3.3V, and 2.5V. In addition, some devices require a -48V DC voltage derived from a centralized 48V supply with battery backup. This DC is isolated and floated if needed to allow for negative biasing and provides the regulated outputs required for operation. The polarity of the -48V DC is set up to be negative to prevent corrosion in metal elements like copper wires and battery terminals, which can quickly occur with positive voltage. Negative polarity also protects against electrochemical reactions that can eat through the copper inside cables, rendering them useless. This important safety feature reduces costs and improves the system’s reliability.
