Connectors for railway applications

Connectors for railway applications

While modern rail networks allow comfortable and fast travel from one city to another, traffic volumes are constantly increasing.

Railway connectors are devices used to transmit data and signals over various types of rolling stock, including signaling systems and rail power systems. Connectors installed on all types of railway systems or equipment ensure efficient, safe and reliable operation of any electrical or electronic equipment.

The demand for fast, efficient and reliable transportation systems increases the complexity of the technologies used to build trains. In fact, the rolling stock is designed to operate continuously under environmental conditions. Every day engines and wagons are exposed for many hours to continuous mechanical stresses such as vibration and impacts : this means that every electronic system, including the connectors used to transmit signals, these harsh operations circumstances. Become stronger.

One of the most stressful parts is the interaction between the various electronic systems in the train. Cables and connectors are often installed in open spaces and are therefore subject to demanding environmental and mechanical conditions. It is therefore important that such components always work under all environmental conditions.

Categories of connectors

The rail connection is a critical component and must be carefully selected based on the specifics of the application. In addition to electrical properties such as voltage and current, additional conditions must be taken into account: environmental conditions and usage, strength, inoperability, salt and flame resistance, ease of use, number communication and others.

In principle, the best communication system can be selected based on power, equipment and the environment in which the group must remain. They are working current and current, maximum current consumption time, degree of isolation and electromagnetic connection. Mechanical properties include the type of connection (DIN, coaxial, circular, rectangular, Ethernet, and optical fiber), the minimum number of connections to be supported, and the area where the connection is installed. Examples of environmental performance include operating temperature, resistance to impact, corrosion and protection from water.

It is also important to choose a cable that meets the requirements of the application for power transmission and information transmission connections: the component part and the outer part of the conductor and insulator is the seal These are electrical describing topics wire properties. . .

Spherical connections are most popular in the railway sector, as they are easier to handle and more robust, especially in harsh environmental conditions and for communications than the reversible bayonet mount. For high voltage connections, where the current reaches 1000 A, bayonet or square connections with one (1) section for every five (5) sections are generally used. Specialized connections, on the other hand, have the characteristics of accepting different types of modules for different types of applications: data and Ethernet communication, coaxial connections, fiber optics, power supplies or other types of signals. It is a highly flexible solution that meets many information and communication needs such as passenger management, internet and Wi-Fi connection, display, lighting, brake, fire and door opening/closing alarms. For important work. The network’s main application areas are: automotive, branding and enterprise.

Business uses include building control, maintenance and control of lighting, air conditioning, alarm systems, power supplies, seats, doors and brakes. Features include ERTMS / ETCS (European Railway Traffic Management System / European Traffic Control System), train management via a special communication bus and an audio-visual information management system for passengers . Finally, developments include digital applications through GSM-R mobile communications, communications and ground systems, video surveillance and handling.of signals. There are many types of rail connections in the market today manufactured by certified companies that meet the standards of various countries. These devices can support any type of communication required in the railway sector.

Reference standards

The design of the rail network must adhere to a number of specific criteria. to ensure a high level of quality and reliability. If the connection is designed and tested in an exceptional way it can be installed and used completely safely. The common DIN EN 50155 standard (International Version of IEC 60751) is the main reference for all communication equipment and electronic devices used in automobiles.

This level includes all aspects related to the production and use of electronics in the railway sector: satisfaction level. Observation of electromagnetic communication Test model and technical information Even in the special case of railway networks, the IEC 61373:2010 standard deals with impact and vibration tests transmitted by equipment for installation on railway tracks. Random testing ensures that the machines under test can withstand the normal vibration conditions encountered in train operation.

The values presented by this standard are the result of specialized measurements by organizations worldwide.

Most rail connections are designed to be cold sealed with protection class IP67 or higher.Ensure connections meet other standards. It depends on the specific application. Depending on conditions and other wagons shock resistance as well as vibration and already high levels of adverse environments Rail connections are designed to be very reliable over time: most devices on the market have warranties equal to or more than 60-70 years.