The Central Power Hub (CPH) is the source of power for the Small Cells. It includes all the components necessary to connect to the grid, convert utility power to standard -48Vdc, and elevate that DC voltage to a higher level for distribution over regular copper telephone lines to Small Cells located up to a few thousand feet away. Our Central Power Hubs come in a variety of sizes and capacities, and can be pole- or pad-mounted. The CPH contains all the power and cable connection equipment necessary to power up to 72 Small Cell devices. The CPH can also be equipped with batteries, providing backup for all connected Small Cells. The CPH is designed for outdoor applications, meeting the rigorous requirements for deployment in harsh environments.

The upconverter is the heart of the Remote Line Power solution. Located at the Central Power Hub, this special DC-DC converter elevates conventional -48Vdc power to ±190Vdc, enabling the power to extend greater distances over standard OSP copper cables. Alpha’s Upconverters are part of our LPS36 family of remote power products. Each LPS36 system includes an IP-enabled intelligent controller that allows the operator to remotely turn power on or off to individual small cells, a particularly useful means of rebooting a small cell without requiring a truck roll.

The downconverter is located at the Small Cell site. It is another special DC-DC converter, transforming the ±190Vdc voltage from the OSP cables back to the nominal -48 volts needed by the Small Cell. Alpha’s featured down-converter is the LPR48-300, a compact, lightweight, sealed unit that accepts up to four (4) twisted copper pairs and delivers up to 300W to the Small Cell. Designed for deployment in outdoor environments, the LPR48-300 can be mounted to a pole or wall, or connected to a strand to avoid pole attachment fees.

For AC-powered Small Cell radios, Alpha’s univerter, converts the DC output of a downconverter into the AC voltage required by the radio. Alpha’s univerter is called the INV90AC-400, and is designed with a similar look and feel to our downconverters. It is a sealed unit, designed for outdoor environments, and can be mounted to a pole or wall, or connected to a strand. The output of the Univerter is up to 400W at 89, 90, or 120Vac.