What is a small cell in 5G?

Small cells are a new part of the 5G platform that increase network capacity and speed, while also having a lower deployment cost than macrocells. The compact size of a small cell requires that all components – especially power converters – provide high eficiency, better thermals and eventually the best power density possible.

How does a 5G base station reduce OPEX?

This technique reduces opex by putting a base station into a “sleep mode,” with only the essentials remaining powered on. Pulse power leverages 5G base stations’ ability to analyze traffic loads. In 4G, radios are always on, even when traffic levels don’t warrant it, such as transmitting reference signals to detect users in the middle of the night.

How will mmWave based 5G affect PA & PSU designs?

Site-selection considerations also are driving changes to the PA and PSU designs. The higher the frequency, the shorter the signals travel, which means mmWave-based 5G will require a much higher density of small cells compared to 4G. Many 5G sites will also need to be close to street level, where people are.

Why does 5G cost more than 4G?

This percentage will increase significantly with 5G because a gNodeB uses at least twice as much electricity as a 4G base station. The more operators spend on electricity, the more difficult it is to price their 5G services competitively and profitably.

How does a small cell base station affect a smartphone's battery life?

When a mobile device is close to a small-cell base station, the power needed to transmit the signal is much lower compared to the power needed to transmit a signal from a cell tower far away, thus extending smartphone battery life.

How do small cells fit into the 5G ecosystem?

A cell tower (also called a macrocell) is a huge umbrella used to provide radio signals to thousands of users in large areas with minimal obstructions. To extend the coverage of a macrocell, distributive antenna systems (DASs) are used in conjunction with the cell tower.