Reliable cabling of communication networks in rolling stock The control units, diagnostic devices, and communication systems in modern railway vehicles are networked via Ethernet. The train control system places high demands on the data cabling used.

Application

The train control system is frequently set up in a hierarchy. It consists of multiple control levels with different functions and requirements:

ETB train bus (Ethernet Train Backbone, A-coded)
The top control level, or train bus, is relevant for safety and approval. It spans the entire rail vehicle and enables consistent data communication throughout all parts of the train. Its availability must be continuously ensured. As such, high demands are placed on the cabling and other infrastructure components.

ECN vehicle bus (Ethernet Consists Network, D-coded)
On this level, the train functions are controlled and the safety-related monitoring of brakes, doors, or air conditioning is performed. The requirements on this level are equal to those of the train bus.

Auxiliary systems (X-coded)
In trains, there are other systems that are not relevant to safety or approval. Availability and demand for higher data rates are key here.

The solution

Robust M12 networking for rail traffic

Molded connectors from the M12 RAIL series from Phoenix Contact provide a reliable cabling system for all control levels in the train. As such, suitability especially with regard to fire behavior is taken into account. The material used for our connectors and cables complies with fire protection requirements in accordance with EN 45545-2. A special vibration brake ensures secure locking and is shock- and vibration-resistant in accordance with EN 61373. All molded M12 cables are fully electrically tested. This means you can avoid the time-consuming troubleshooting that often results with manually assembled cables.

Reliable network separation for railway applications

Different grounding concepts result in potential differences between car bodies and devices. The FL ISOLATOR safely isolates these and prevents failures caused by overvoltage – for stable and interference-free data communication in trains. It provides electrical isolation in copper-based Ethernet networks and protects sensitive devices against potential differences of up to 4 kV. This significantly increases immunity in harsh industrial environments.