ADI and Vodafone delivering more sustainable networks

These advancements enable the power amplifier, a primary energy consumer in RANs, to switch off when no data is being transmitted.

The initiative promises up to 30% energy savings in typical use cases, with potential reductions reaching as high as 90% under specific low-usage scenarios. This reduction in energy is particularly important as global energy demand continues to rise, driven by an increasing reliance on data-driven services. Whether it's streaming videos, gaming, or everyday browsing, mobile networks must find ways to meet these growing demands while consuming less power.

The ADI-Vodafone project addresses two important challenges for mobile network operator, one: the rising cost of electricity, and two: the need to reduce carbon emissions. By refining power usage while maintaining quality of service, this collaboration benefits operational expenses and aligns with environmental, social, and governance goals.

Our Associate Editor, Sheryl Miles, spoke to Alberto Van Burgh, Key Account Manager Wireless Network Operators and Ecosystems EMEA at ADI, at electronica 2024 about how ADI’s embedded features in its RadioVerse Transceiver SoC are driving energy efficiency in radio access networks.

Van Burgh explained: “This is a project we are working on closely with Vodafone. The majority of the power in a RAN is used in the radio, accounting for roughly 70%. Our technology allows the power amplifier to be switched off during idle periods, saving significant energy without compromising the quality of service that customers expect.”

Optimising power savings

ADI and Vodafone are pushing this project beyond simple energy-saving measures by exploring ways to further maximise power savings by adapting the technology to real-world conditions. For example, the ability to reconfigure carriers or switch off entire cells during low-usage periods offers another layer of optimisation.

Imagine an urban office area or an exhibition centre where mobile activity drops dramatically overnight – switching off those cells entirely could amplify energy savings without affecting users, as Van Burgh explained to me: “In areas such as gaming or financial services, where ultra-low latency is critical, operators may prioritise performance over power savings. For less time-sensitive applications like browsing, we can bundle data transmissions, enabling longer off-periods for amplifiers.”

This adaptability is integral to the project’s success because it allows operators to strike a balance between energy efficiency and user demands, creating a network that is not only greener but also smarter in its approach.

Embedded efficiency

ADI’s RadioVerse Transceiver SoC, particularly the ADRV904x series, leverages microsecond gaps in data transmissions to reduce radio unit (RU) energy consumption by over 40%. Importantly, this is achieved without requiring additional costs or technology upgrades, making it a practical solution for operators looking to improve sustainability.

Van Burgh noted: “This innovation works autonomously, capturing idle moments in data flow to power down the amplifier. It’s like switching off lights in an empty room, a simple yet impactful principle applied at the micro-second scale.”

These built-in efficiencies are critical in tackling the broader challenge of global energy demand. By cutting power use in RANs, the industry can save electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operating costs.

Driving innovation

The ADI-Vodafone collaboration is just one example of the importance of partnerships in driving progress. Van Burgh highlighted that achieving these results isn’t something either company could accomplish alone: “This isn’t a one-off solution. By working together, we aim to push the boundaries of what’s achievable, iterating on these technologies to find the ideal balance between sustainability and business viability.”

This iterative approach is essential in an industry which is constantly changing, and while the current project demonstrates significant energy savings, the journey doesn’t stop there. ADI and Vodafone are already exploring next-generation technologies that could further enhance sustainability in mobile networks.

The challenge, however, lies in maintaining high-quality service as energy consumption drops. For operators, customer satisfaction remains paramount. Whether it’s delivering low-latency performance for gamers or real-time data for financial analysts, finding the right balance between power savings and service quality is an ongoing process.