The fifth generation of wireless communications is coming. 5G has the telecom world buzzing about the possibilities from greater speed and capacity to download or stream data, lower latency for improved responsiveness and potentially lower power consumption in both networks and handsets.

One of the main features of 5G communication is the use of large-scale antenna arrays to boost signal and capacity. It increases the network capacity and access rates of wireless base stations enabling networks to cope better with high-demand applications, while at the same time lowering transmission latency.

A leading wireless equipment manufacturer needed a power system for its latest antenna array system. It required high power density, efficiency and reliability for its radio frequency power amplifier. Artesyn’sADH700half-brick DC-DC power module, combined with the power of Artesyn’sADQ500quarter-brick DC-DC power supply to drive the system’s digital management unit, offered the perfect solution.

Both the ADH700 and ADQ500 power modules are integrated with a digital controller IC so offer remarkably higher power density, efficiency and reliability than older-generation units based on analog controller IC solutions. High efficiency is essential for a power converter in a 5G power amplifier application.

With an output of 700W at full load, the ADH700 power supply consumes less power than older-generation 700 watt units, which were typically full-brick size. For antenna and pole-mounted systems, size and mass are critical so this space-saving module was the ideal fit.

The ADQ500 series uploads its data to the system in real-time via a PMBus interface and can reset all parameters relating to the power supply to enhance fault protection, enabling the system to better control the power supply through smart management.

The stability and reliability of Artesyn’s standard power modules make them a popular choice for telecoms manufacturers and they have been used in telecom equipment in around one million 2G, 3G and 4G base stations. This particular customer was able to use standard modules from Artesyn’s extensive portfolio and create their 5G large-scale antenna array quickly and reliably.