What is a 5G base station?

A 5G network base-station connects other wireless devices to a central hub. A look at 5G base-station architecture includes various equipment, such as a 5G base station power amplifier, which converts signals from RF antennas to BUU cabinets (baseband unit in wireless stations).

How much power does a 5G base station use?

Each nation has a different 5G strategy. For 5G, China uses 3.5GHz as the frequency. Then, a 5G base station resembles a 4G system, but it’s on a much larger scale. For sub-6GHz in 5G, let’s say you have a macro base station. The power levels at the antenna range from 40 watts, 80 watts or 100 watts.

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.

Should a 5G power amplifier be combined with a power amplifier?

For 5G, infrastructure OEMs are considering combining the radio, power amplifier and associated signal processing circuits with the passive antenna array in active antenna units (AAU). While AAUs improve performance and simplify installation, they also require the power supply to share a heatsink with the power amplifier for cooling.

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.