Millions of telecom equipment installations operate with 48-volt dc power systems. According to a universal standard, they must provide several hours of battery reserve power in case of a blackout.
Using wide-bandgap technology allows a reduction in power conversion steps to increase efficiency. This also translates into lower power consumption and a smaller footprint.
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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
What is telecom power supplies? Even the shortest downtime can be catastrophic in today’s highly connected, data-driven business landscape. It can mean lost revenue, missed opportunities, and a tarnished reputation. Fortunately, protecting equipment and critical data with uninterruptible power supplies that deliver clean and consistent backup power is possible.
UPS systems use backup batteries to power networks and devices when there are instantaneous voltage dips or power failures. If necessary, the system monitors power conditions and will switch to battery power within a predefined window to ensure you have enough time to safely shut down your network equipment.
The type of UPS you need depends on the level of protection you want and the equipment it will protect. Different UPS topologies can handle different input voltage ranges and offer varying levels of runtime. You can choose an online, line-interactive, or hybrid rotary UPS model.
Standby UPS models are the least expensive but only guard against common power anomalies such as sags and surges. In addition, these UPS systems frequently use the battery, reducing their runtime and service life. In contrast, line-interactive UPS models can accept a broader range of voltage fluctuations without sacrificing the battery’s life. They can filter out line noise and balance voltage by clipping peaks and valleys, boosting power, and switching to battery backup.
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
The power distribution unit (PDU) is essential to supply reliable electricity to multiple items simultaneously, allowing equipment in data centers and telecom applications to work together despite a power surge. These PDUs typically do the same job as a power strip, except they’re designed to be mounted in different equipment rack enclosures, delivering alternating current (AC) power to network devices, such as switches, routers, and servers.
There are many options for PDUs, from basic to advanced models. The most basic ones distribute AC power without additional features, while intelligent PDUs can offer power management capabilities to help minimize downtime and reduce energy costs.
These include power metering, remote monitoring, and switched outlet control. By monitoring real-time power usage, it’s possible to identify inefficiencies and make changes to reduce energy consumption in data centers or IT cabinets.
Other advanced PDUs also support out-of-band remote monitoring and control communications, which can be particularly useful for global applications. This can be especially important in data centers, where different electrical standards and compliance requirements can complicate SKU sprawl and add to supply chain complexity. Some PDUs can even communicate with other devices on the network, such as out-of-band management tools like serial consoles or KVM switches. For more information, check out our PDU buying guide.
Rectifiers
Rectifiers are devices that convert alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power. They consist of diodes that allow current to flow in only one direction, removing the negative part of the AC waveform. This allows the rectifier to minimize power dissipation in telecom equipment.
Telecom rectifiers are used in macro and micro tower applications and distributed antenna systems (DAS). With 5G on the horizon, there will be even more demand for robust telecom infrastructure. This will include more micro towers, which are so compact that they can be placed indoors. These micro towers will need to be powered efficiently and reliably, which requires a class 4 telecom DC power supply and rectifier system.
In a traditional telecom DC power supply and rectifier system, the power source (the transformer or generator) is connected to storage batteries that receive the direct current from the rectifiers and invert it back into alternating current. This provides a backup power source that can be used to maintain communications when the AC line fails.
The distribution panel is another vital component in a telecom DC power supply and rectifier system. This is responsible for distributing the DC power to telecom equipment and includes components like fuses and breakers that protect the equipment from any power surges or other electrical disturbances.
Battery Backup
The hardware devices that allow us to connect — whether through the cell towers upon which we depend for our phone services, the landlines, and cables that deliver internet to the masses, or even the satellite dishes that enable us to watch our preferred TV networks — all need a reliable power source. This power source can be supplied by various means, including a battery backup.
Batteries are telecoms’ main backup power supply, storing energy that can be used when a primary power source fails. Telecom batteries must be efficient, compact, and powerful enough to keep systems running for as long as possible. They also must be able to withstand harsh environments.
In the past, lead-acid batteries were the standard telecom backup battery, but these are now being replaced by lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. These batteries are more environmentally friendly, have a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries, and can be charged quickly.
Alpine offers a complete “cradle-to-grave” service, recycling sealed and wet (VLA, flooded) telecom backup batteries. Our team follows strict IEEE, NERC, and OSHA guidelines for safely disposing of outdated batteries. We can also provide new telecom batteries for your power needs and replace and maintain existing ones. Contact us today to learn more.
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