Remote combiner powers small cell networks

By combining up to eight discrete Class 2 power cicuits, the remote combiner delivers reliable, bulk-48VDC power to non-Class 2 loads on the network. In doing this, the system conforms to NEC requirements for Class 2 power systems as power circuits are not connected in parallel. In heavily populated areas, traditional approaches to providing wireless sevice are not successful at providing high-bandwidth data services. With a DAS or small-cell overlay, telecommunications carriers can increase the bandwidth capacity of the network and improve user experience. 

To power small-cell/DAS communications nodes, low-voltage NEC Class 2 100VA circuits can be used. Instead of a seperate electrical conduit, the cabling for Class 2 power circuits can be utilised in a data-cable raceway. With similar cabling for Class 2 power circuits and Class 2 data circuits for LANs or USB cables, both material and installation times and costs are reduced. If a hybrid/fibre power cable is then used within this raceway the deployment of the high-bandwidth network can be sped up as power and data can be delivered in one step. 

“The challenge is that some remote nodes cannot accommodate Class 2 power because they need more power or the nodes are not configured to handle multiple, discrete Class 2 power feeds,” said Terrell Moorer, Product Line Manager, GE’s Critical Power business. “The Power Express Remote Combiner can bundle up to eight Class 2 power circuits to deliver a reliable, bulk -48V DC power on any small-cell/DAS node regardless of location or power requirement.”