Telecom power supply system: The "Invisible Cornerstone" of the Telecommunication System

Telecom power supply system: the "invisible cornerstone" to ensure network stability - in-depth analysis of its structure, principle and importance

Keywords: telecom power supply, uninterruptible power supply, DC power supply, AC power supply, -48V power supply, battery, 5G power supply, telecom system guarantee

In today's high-speed information flow, we enjoy convenient telecom services, but rarely pay attention to the hero behind all this - the telecom power supply system. It is like the "heart" and "energy housekeeper" of the telecom network. Although it does not directly participate in signal transmission, it is the cornerstone of the stable, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the entire system. Without it, even the most powerful telecommunication equipment will be "paralyzed" in an instant. This article will take you to deeply understand the core composition, working principle and irreplaceable importance of the telecommunication power supply system.

1. telecommunication power supply: Why is it so important?

• Definition: telecommunication power supply is a general term for a series of facilities that provide stable, highly reliable and uninterrupted power (including AC alternating current and DC direct current) for all equipment in the telecommunication system. 

• Core role: Imagine that even if the network signal is full, if the equipment loses a continuous and stable power supply, information transmission will be interrupted immediately. telecommunication power supply is the lifeline to ensure the continuous, reliable and efficient operation of all telecommunication equipment. It is a prerequisite for the uninterrupted operation (24/7) of the telecommunication network.
   

2. The "three-level guarantee" architecture of the telecommunication power supply system

In order to ensure the reliability of power supply at different levels, my country's telecommunication power supply system usually adopts a hierarchical design, which is divided into three key levels:

First level: energy introduction and primary distribution

• Composition: mains power introduction, generator set, AC low-voltage distribution panel. 

• Function: Responsible for the introduction and preliminary distribution of external energy (mainly mains power).

• Core features: Provide basic energy, do not guarantee uninterrupted power supply. Mains power introduction is graded according to importance, and the highest level requires the introduction of dual-channel mains power from different substations (commonly 10kV, large sites have higher voltage). Generator sets serve as important backup power sources (modern units are mostly microcomputer-controlled, automatically started, and unattended).

Second level: Core security layer (uninterruptible power supply core)

• Composition: rectifier, battery pack, DC distribution panel, UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

• Function: Directly provide uninterruptible DC and AC power for telecommunication equipment.

• Core features: Achieve key uninterruptible power supply capabilities. The rectifier converts the mains power (AC 380V/220V) into the DC power required by the telecommunication equipment (mainstream -48V, +24V was used in the early days; high-efficiency high-frequency switching rectifiers are generally used now). The battery pack seamlessly takes over the power supply when the mains power is interrupted. The DC distribution panel is responsible for distributing power (high-resistance distribution is often used to reduce interference between devices).

Third level: Equipment self-provided power supply (fine conversion)

• Composition: Module power supply inside the telecommunication equipment.

• Function: Convert the stable AC/DC power provided by the second level into a variety of required voltage levels (such as +5V, -12V, etc.) according to the internal circuit requirements of the equipment. 

• Core features: Miniaturization, modularization, standardization, and direct installation on the equipment circuit board. For example, the current base station equipment generally needs to convert -48V to other working voltages.
  

3. Detailed explanation of the two core subsystems

• AC power supply system: the source of energy
  • it is the basis of the entire telecommunication power supply system.
  • The core lies in the high-reliability mains power introduction (on-demand grading) and powerful backup power generation capacity (automatic units).
  • Matching transformers, high and low voltage distribution equipment, etc.
• DC power supply system: the "staple food" of telecommunication equipment
  •  Because the core of most telecommunication equipment uses direct current (mainly -48V), the DC system is the core of telecommunication power supply.
  •  Core components:
    •  Rectifier: key equipment for AC to DC (high-frequency switching is the mainstream).
    • DC distribution panel: accurate distribution of DC power (high-resistance distribution improves stability).
    • Other conversion equipment: such as DC/AC inverters and DC/DC converters to meet the needs of special equipment.

4. The cornerstone of uninterruptible power supply: battery pack

• Core function: Achieve millisecond-level seamless switching, immediately power the equipment when the mains is interrupted, and ensure zero telecommunication interruption.
• Working mode:
  • Normal mains: The rectifier powers the equipment and float charges the battery.
  • Main power interruption: The battery pack discharges instantly to maintain the operation of the equipment.
•  Mainstream technology:
  • Valve-regulated sealed lead-acid battery (VRLA): Long-term mainstream choice, due to its stable voltage, strong large current discharge capacity, maintenance-free, can be installed in the same room with the equipment, and long life. Usually a battery pack is composed of 2V monomers in series (such as 24 in series to get -48V), and is configured with master and standby.
•  Important trend: With the advent of the 5G era, higher requirements are placed on power energy density and charging and discharging performance. Lithium batteries (especially lithium iron phosphate batteries) are gradually replacing lead-acid batteries with their advantages and becoming a new choice for telecommunication power storage.
  

5. Summary: Indispensable "energy steward"

The telecommunication power system is a sophisticated and powerful "energy steward" behind the telecommunication network. It ensures that telecommunication equipment can obtain stable, reliable and uninterrupted power supply under any circumstances through various technical means such as hierarchical protection (three-level power supply architecture), energy conversion (AC/DC) and energy storage (battery), so as to protect the smooth transmission of information. A deep understanding of the composition and principle of telecommunication power supply not only helps us to understand its key importance, but also allows us to understand the cornerstone of high reliability of modern complex telecommunication systems.

Want to know more about telecommunication power supply solutions or power supply technology changes in the 5G era? Welcome to leave a message to discuss!

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