Adaptive power supply unit: A solution for efficient 4G macro-cell base station

As global consumption of mobile network is increasing, 4G base station must be designed in a context of improvement in power efficiency. This article presents a new concept of managing the DC-to-DC converter supplying power amplifiers in base stations, targeting a factor two reduction in power consumption. This new concepts provide new specifications for base stations but also for DC-DC converter. Details of the concept and the practical implementation of a 500 kHz and zero to 112W buck converter are discussed. Losses are analyzed and dynamic response is discussed. The prototype achieves 94% power efficiency and a good stability over the complete power range.