CABLES & OLE TECHNOLOGY
Cat7 cables for high-speed data connections on trains
Urs Meissner of Huber+Suhner’s Low Frequency Division discusses a major challenge for railway vehicles – reliably distributing increasing volumes of data.
T
he right choice of connectivity components is decisive for building secure and powerful
Ethernet networks. So is the migration of on-board communication networks from conventional bus technology classes (MVB or WTB) to more modern switched technology classes (Ethernet Consist Network or Ethernet Train Backbone) as defined in the IEC 61375- 1 standard for train communication networks.
This migration is motivated by several factors such as cost reduction, proven robustness and the higher bandwidth capabilities of industrial Ethernet as an enabler for new applications. There is a growing need for new applications with larger bandwidth or higher reliability requirements: CCTV, Passenger Information Systems (PIS),
Passenger Entertainment
Systems (PES), Internet on board, train control system buses, event recorders etc. Today, these applications already require data rates of up to 1 Gbit/s and this is expected to rise to 10 Gbit/s in the near future. At such data rate levels, signal perturbations due to EMI become significant (especially for ‘safety-critical’ applications).
When using high-frequency, copper-based connections (e.g., up to 600 MHz Cat7 cables according to IEEE
802.an), it is necessary to take into account complex parameters that have an effect on transmission. The quality, durability and monitoring of the screening and twisting of the pairs in a cable and in a connector are key criteria for achieving the required specification. Degradation of any of these parameters results in excessive ‘noise’ in the cable, which affects the signal-to-noise ratio and impacts on the quality of transmission.
If the system is preassembled and tested before being delivered to the application no noises are expected.
As a recognised manufacturer of speciality data cables, Huber+Suhner has also contributed to the increased viability of this technology for use in harsh environments. Recently, the introduction of electron beam cross-linked Radox Railcat cables has brought together a unique combination of competences (insulation material design, e-beam cross linking process and cable manufacturing) with a particular focus on rolling-stock applications. Fire safety, mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance, as well as ease of installation (low bending radius), are the key drivers for the development of our rolling stock Radox Railcat CAT7 cables.
Our competences in the design and manufacturing of our connector solutions for harsh environments also enable us to assess the various connector solutions available on the market and advise on those most appropriate for the project environment of our rail customers.
Resistance to shock and vibrations, ease
of installation, reliability, maintainability and optical performance are the key factors to be considered when selecting a suitable connector solution. We offer our customers complete cable system solutions that are fully terminated and tested in line with their mechanical and functional requirements.
Our strong engineering team and an efficient global production network allow us to guarantee
on-time deliveries and Huber+Suhner quality on all continents.
For a rolling stock environment that places strict requirements on mechanical resistance, fire performance, and the like, the cost of an over-moulded cabling infrastructure is much less than that of a field mountable cabling infrastructure. In such cases, the quality requirements of the transmitted signal are at their highest and require copper cables, connectors and their related ecosystem to cope with highly challenging performance requirements.
Huber+Suhner Group
Huber+Suhner is a global company with headquarters in Switzerland that develops and manufactures components and system solutions for electrical and optical connectivity. With cables, connectors and systems – developed from the three core technologies of radio frequency, fibre optics and low frequency – the company serves customers in the communication, transportation and industrial sectors. The products deliver high performance, quality, reliability and long life – even under harsh environment conditions. Our global production network, combined with group companies and agencies in
over 60 countries, puts Huber+Suhner close to its customers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: +41 44 952 2352 E:
urs.meissner@
hubersuhner.com W:
hubersuhner.com
rail technology magazine Feb/Mar 14 | 101
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