Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: Systems for low power distribution in a power distribution network (PDN) contemplate using multiple low-power conductors to convey power from a power source to a remote sub-unit. The multiple conductors are isolated from one another to help prevent overcurrent conditions in a fault condition. In a first exemplary aspect, the isolation is provided by galvanic isolation. In a second exemplary aspect, the isolation is provided by diodes at the remote sub-units. Further, current sensors may be used at the power source to detect if any of the multiple low-power conductors are carrying current above a defined threshold current. By providing one or more of these safety features, a multiplexer may not be needed at the remote sub-unit, thus providing cost savings while preserving the desired safety features.

Abstract: An intermediate power supply unit for distributing lower voltage power to remote devices is disclosed. The intermediate power supply unit includes a higher voltage power input configured to receive power distributed by a power source and a power coupling circuit configured to couple the higher voltage power input to a plurality of power coupling outputs. If it is determined that a wire coupling the power source to the higher voltage power input is touched, the higher voltage power input is decoupled from the power coupling outputs. The intermediate power supply unit also includes a power converter circuit configured to convert voltage on higher voltage inputs to a lower voltage applied to one or more lower voltage outputs. The power converter circuit is also configured to distribute power from the one or more lower voltage outputs over a power conductor coupled to an assigned remote device.

Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: Systems and methods for power start up in a multi-unit power distribution network contemplate selectively disconnecting and reconnecting a remote subunit from a power conductor in a power distribution network at a relatively low frequency while providing short current pulses (at a low duty cycle) with enough energy transfer to power conditioning elements within the remote subunit during a start-up sequence. Once the power conditioning elements are properly charged, the remote subunit may change frequencies of the disconnecting and reconnecting so as to synchronize such disconnections to an expected frequency at the power source. Circuitry at the power source may measure activity on the power conductors regardless of frequency to detect an unwanted load on the power conductors (e.g., a human contacting the power conductors).

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing subunits a multi-unit power distribution network contemplate selectively opening and closing a switch at the power source to disconnect and reconnect the power source to power conductors to send a synchronization signal to one or more remote subunits. Once the remote subunits are synchronized and able to disconnect from the power conductors, leak detection at the power source may be enabled to detect inadvertent loads on the power conductors (e.g., a human touching the power conductors). Further, the remote subunits may power off and on based on the synchronization signal thereby ensuring that an end device may receive power concurrently from multiple remote subunits so as to meet the power requirements of the end device. Enabling the leak detection improves the safety features of the power distribution network and synchronized power delivery to the end device prevents improper shut downs.

Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: Power management techniques in distributed communication systems are disclosed herein. Related components, systems, and methods are also disclosed. In embodiments disclosed herein, services within a remote unit of the distributed communication system are selectively activated and power consumption is measured. From at least two measurements, a maximum power available may be calculated and compared to power requirements of the remote unit.

Abstract: An intermediate power supply unit for distributing lower voltage power to remote devices is disclosed. The intermediate power supply unit includes a higher voltage power input configured to receive power distributed by a power source and a power coupling circuit configured to couple the higher voltage power input to a plurality of power coupling outputs. If it is determined that a wire coupling the power source to the higher voltage power input is touched, the higher voltage power input is decoupled from the power coupling outputs. The intermediate power supply unit also includes a power converter circuit configured to convert voltage on higher voltage inputs to a lower voltage applied to one or more lower voltage outputs. The power converter circuit is also configured to distribute power from the one or more lower voltage outputs over a power conductor coupled to an assigned remote device.

Abstract: Distributing higher currents demanded by a power consuming load(s) exceeding overcurrent limits of a current limiter circuit for a power source in a power distribution system. The power distribution system receives and distributes power from the power source to a power consuming load(s). The power distribution circuit is configured to limit current demand on the power source to not exceed a designed source current threshold limit. The power distribution circuit includes an energy storage circuit. The power distribution circuit is configured to charge the energy storage circuit with current supplied by the power source. Current demanded by the power consuming load(s) exceeding the source current threshold limit of the power source is supplied by the energy storage circuit. Thus, limiting current of the power source while supplying higher currents demanded by power consuming load(s) exceeding the source current limits of the power source can both be accomplished.

Abstract: Power management techniques in distributed communication systems in which the power available at a remote unit (RU) is measured and compared to the power requirements of the RU. Voltage and current are measured for two dummy loads at the RU and these values are used to solve for the output voltage of the power supply and the resistance of the wires. From these values, a maximum power available may be calculated and compared to power requirements of the RU.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an alternating current (AC) input selection for a power transformer are disclosed. In particular, a connector is provided that is pre-wired to utilize internal wiring in the power transformer to provide a desired connection. A first option allows two transformers' input winding to be in series while a second option allows the two transformers' input winding to be in parallel. By moving the wiring into the connector, installation is simplified as the wiring has already been done. The installer need only attach the correct plug based on the desired voltage and couple the plug to the transformer. Further, the manipulation of thick wires is also avoided by the installer, further simplifying the installation process.

Abstract: Line capacitance discharge in a power distribution system employing safety power disconnection is disclosed. The power distribution system is configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying electrical conductors (“power conductors”) to remote units to provide power-to-power consuming components of the remote units for operation. The power distribution system is configured to detect an unsafe condition, such as a touching or causing of a short circuit on the power conductors by a human. A line discharge circuit is provided in the power distribution system that is coupled to the power conductors and the controller circuit. The line discharge circuit is configured to be controlled to discharge charge from the power conductors in response to disconnection of the remote unit(s) from the power conductors.

Abstract: An intermediate power supply unit for distributing lower voltage power to remote devices is disclosed. The intermediate power supply unit includes a higher voltage power input configured to receive power distributed by a power source and a power coupling circuit configured to couple the higher voltage power input to a plurality of power coupling outputs. If it is determined that a wire coupling the power source to the higher voltage power input is touched, the higher voltage power input is decoupled from the power coupling outputs. The intermediate power supply unit also includes a power converter circuit configured to convert voltage on higher voltage inputs to a lower voltage applied to one or more lower voltage outputs. The power converter circuit is also configured to distribute power from the one or more lower voltage outputs over a power conductor coupled to an assigned remote device.

Abstract: Power management techniques in distributed communication systems are disclosed herein. Related components, systems, and methods are also disclosed. In embodiments disclosed herein, services within a remote unit of the distributed communication system are selectively activated and power consumption is measured. From at least two measurements, a maximum power available may be calculated and compared to power requirements of the remote unit.

Abstract: Power management techniques in distributed communication systems in which the power available at a remote unit (RU) is measured and compared to the power requirements of the RU. Voltage and current are measured for two dummy loads at the RU and these values are used to solve for the output voltage of the power supply and the resistance of the wires. From these values, a maximum power available may be calculated and compared to power requirements of the RU.

Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficient power conversion in a power supply in a power distribution system are disclosed. In particular, a low frequency transformer having high conversion efficiency is coupled to an input from a power grid. An output from the transformer is rectified and then converted by a power factor correction (PFC) converter before passing the power to the distributed elements of the power distribution system. By placing the transformer in front of the PFC converter, overall efficiency may be improved by operating at lower frequencies while preserving a desired power factor and providing a desired voltage level. The size and cost of the cabinet containing the power conversion circuitry is minimized, and operating expenses are also reduced as less waste energy is generated.

Abstract: Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include combining power from isolated power paths for powering remote units in distributed antenna systems (DASs). In one example, a remote unit(s) is configured to include multiple input power ports for receiving power from multiple power paths. The received power from each input power port is combined to provide a combined output power for powering the remote unit. Thus, a remote unit can be powered by the combined output power. To avoid differences in received power on the multiple input power ports causing a power supply to supply higher power than designed or regulated, the input power ports in the remote unit are electrically isolated from each other. Further, the received power on the multiple power inputs ports can be controlled to be proportionally provided to the combined output power according to the maximum power supplying capabilities of the respective power supplies.