Contact Systems and Connectors for Data Transmission

The use of Ethernet to transmit various information and applications has taken hold in the rail industry. Because of this, a transmission system for this application was developed:

era-transceiver

Fast and gigabit Ethernet contact system for real-time transmission of high-resolution video signals and passenger information (audio and video) through automatic couplers.

An optical signal (optical radio relay) system serves to transmit Ethernet over the electrical rail coupling. The incoming Ethernet signal is transformed into an optical radio signal. The sending diode is located in front of an optical lead which is integrated into a push/push (mobile/mobile) contact system. The receiving diode on the other end transforms the optical signal back into the physical Ethernet signal. This kind of transmission represents a secure connection compared to those subject to mechanical movement and electromagnetic disturbances, and therefore provides high availability. With this solution, there are no conducting displacements between the connection points; for instance, between two railway cars. Because it is an active component, the era transceiver functions as a repeater in the network. A potential-free contact offers the possibility of displaying status or a status query. The system is designed for 100,000 coupling cycles. Please consult the data sheet for more information and specifications.

With this new variety of contact system, signals may be sent reliably and without signal loss in train sets of several tractive units coupled together, or in locomotive-hauled train sets.

Owing to the galvanic separated transmission, the signals to be transmitted are impervious to electromagnetic disturbances. This means that the system is also suited for transmitting security-relevant signals in train bus systems.

The technology used also permits the transmission of signals over stretches of open space. Thus, no physical contact is necessary to transmit signals.

With the aid of the multiplex system, next-generation electrical couplings for high-speed trains, electrical multiple units (EMUs) and diesel multiple units (DMUs), light rail vehicles (LRVs), and metros are much smaller and lighter.

The system can also be employed in hand couplings and jumper cables.

The system is available in various models: coaxial, twinaxial, or quartaxial connectors. The signal is 100% shielded over the entire contact system. Data rates are up to 100 Mbit/s.