Feature: Rail


Enabling the future of smart rail R


By Karen James, Product Manager, PEI-Genesis mid-2030s, starting with a line between Tokyo and Niigata. All these eff orts signal a wider shiſt


ail transport is heading toward autonomy, promising increased effi ciency, safety and sustainability. Central to this transformation


are connectors, which ensure seamless communication between various subsystems. From real-time diagnostics to autonomous navigation, connectors underpin the intelligent infrastructure driving modern rail innovation.


Powered by investments Rail operators are making signifi cant investments in digitalisation and automation, worldwide. In Germany, Deutsche Bahn is trialling fully automated trains in Hamburg as part of its ‘Digital Rail Germany’ initiative, with plans to increase capacity and reduce emissions without expanding the physical infrastructure. Meanwhile, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is advancing its plans to introduce driverless Shinkansen bullet trains by the


toward rail systems built with AI at the heart, with real-time analytics and high- speed communication, all of which depend on reliable interconnect technology.


Connecting complexity However, the railway environment has some of the most severe conditions for electrical cables and connectors. Rolling stock and trackside hardware are exposed to constant vibration, harsh temperature extremes from -55°C to +200°C, as well as high humidity. Equally, connectors are also exposed to contaminants like dust, oil and de-icing agents. T en, there is electromagnetic


interference (EMI) generated by traction drives and overhead cables, which can aff ect signal integrity, unless connectors are eff ectively shielded. Connectors designed for rail applications must be ruggedised to meet stringent


38 July/August 2025 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


international standards such as EN 50155 and EN 45545-2, NFPA 130, VG 95234 and MIL-DTL-5015. T ese benchmarks defi ne the connector’s ability to withstand shock, vibration, fi re exposure and long- term environmental stress. RoHS and REACH variations along with corrosion resistant plating make for rugged and reliable connector solutions in the harshest environments. Autonomous trains bring added demands


on the connectors: T ey must be capable of supporting high-speed data transmission protocols such as Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet (typically Cat 6A and Cat 7), USB 3.1 and fi bre optic interfaces. All these protocols are essential for


handling real-time data streams from sensors, LiDAR systems, onboard diagnostics and communication networks. Data rates in these environments can exceed 10Gbps, especially when multiple high-bandwidth systems, such as video surveillance, telemetry and predictive maintenance sensors are operating concurrently.


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