Robust and Reliable Connectivity Solutions

The rail industry is continuing to evolve and develop with new trends placing higher demands on rail transit Technologies

Improving reliability and efficiencies, simplifying system structures and reducing the overall number of components are key trends in the market. In addition, energy-saving and sustainability must also be considered when developing new rail technologies.

HARTING is constantly developing and refining its connectivity solutions to improve the transmission of data, signals and power in railway applications, the aim being to deliver future proof solutions via cutting edge products and hi-tech developments.

For example, the Han® HPR series is already a proven solution for rail as it is ideal for transmitting high power, high voltage, signal or Ethernet data in exposed areas. It can be used for bogie mounting, roof mounting and as jumper cables between carriages. To expand the range to cover harsh environments with limited installation space, HARTING has added Han® HPR Compact hoods and housings to the series.

The Han® HPR Compact requires 20 per cent less installation space and is 25 per cent lighter than conventional solutions. The product is available in sizes 6, 10, 16 and 24B and has a special feature that enables the housings ‘to grow with demand’, even after installation.

Up to two frame extenders can be attached to the bulkhead mounted housing, each frame expanding the height of the enclosure by three centimetres, increasing the space available for connections and reducing cable stress. Thanks to savings in installation space and weight, Han® HPR Compact housings also contribute towards sustainability by reducing energy consumption.

The HPR Compact follows on from three other recent additions to the HPR range. They are all part of a complete system of cabling that extends from the vehicle roof to the underfloor distribution, delivering benefits including include shorter installation times, weight reduction and standardised assembly processes.

The Han® HPR (High Pressure Railway) VarioShell is a housing system which has been specially designed for jumper applications. As the cover is removable, the hood can be installed from both inside and outside the rail vehicle. This also simplifies servicing and maintenance because the housing cover can be opened and faulty components replaced without disconnecting all the connections.

The Han® HPR HPTC (High Performance Transformer Connector) has been developed to ensure the connections between pantograph, transformer and train busbar remain stable over the long term. It has been specially designed for simple assembly, maximum safety and to minimise the number of components used. The hoods and housings are metallically contacting on all sides, which means the cover and underside are connected across the entire contact surface. This is a new development, being the first transformer connector that is specially designed for shielded connections.

The Han® HPR TrainPowerLine (TPL) replaces existing solutions such as UIC, power or Y-distributors for train busbars. It is tailored to modern trains running in a network and offers weight advantages of up to ten kilograms per rail vehicle compared to previous standards. As a result, very little space is required to reliably supply all the electrical equipment and systems of the train.

As a uniform solution, it replaces the many variants that were previously required for busbar construction, meaning the number of parts has been significantly reduced. Previous interfaces for the underfloor were often hard-wired but the TPL is designed so that all connection points are now pluggable. The housing is made of corrosion-resistant aluminium and is ideally suited for use in harsh environmental conditions and outdoor applications.

Alongside these new solutions for weight reduction and efficient power distribution, HARTING has also considered the topic of future-proofed data transmission. A powerful, secure data network is now an essential cornerstone of rail technology. Not only do passengers demand high speed internet for business and entertainment while travelling, functions relevant to the train itself, including seat displays, passenger information systems and CCTV, mean larger bandwidths and interferencefree transmission is essential.

The Han-Modular® series offers versatile solutions for data transmission in trains. The Han® Gigabit module enables Ethernet transmission of Cat. 6A or Cat. 7A, to ensure future-proof data delivery. At the same time, all the relevant requirements such as resistance to shock and vibration and EMC shielding are fully met. Thanks to its robustness, this module is particularly suitable for jumper cable connections.

HARTING has also developed a Han® M12 module for data transmission. It integrates two interfaces, either D- or X-coded, in one insulation body. As the packing density is doubled, it allows more space available in the hinged frame for other modules. The M12 module can also be preassembled and mounted separately.

For the connection of WLAN equipment, X-coded M12 PushPull connectors enclosed in a box build are the ideal solution. The two connector sections are clicked into place by hand, a tool-free installation method which simplifies tricky installations and means the assembly density can be significantly increased, helping to save valuable space.

To further improve their modular offerings, HARTING has recently launched the Han-Modular® Domino range, which offers 50 per cent space savings against existing designs. Just as dominoes have two separate squares, a domino module is made up of two building blocks or ‘cubes’. The Han-Modular® mating face is divided in two, resulting in an almost square surface in which even larger contacts can be accommodated.

With the addition of the new Domino range there are now over 250 modules to choose from and many thousands of potential combinations available, increasing design flexibility. The new Domino modules are also compatible with standard components of the Han-Modular® series, so they can be easily integrated into existing systems.

As well as new rolling stock, HARTING has also considered the topic of retrofitting. To ensure data networks are fast enough to meet future demands and all systems can function safely, it is necessary to upgrade the entire train to the same technology level. This can be achieved via jumper cables, which ensure the smooth transmission of power, data and signals throughout the entire train.

HARTING can provide a broad portfolio of both connectors and ready-made cabling solutions. Its design experts can also tailor the layout and design, ensuring all retrofit solutions are suitable for your requirements.

Their specialisms include cable assemblies, box builds and inter-car jumpers, which are built and tested at their fully IRIS-certified manufacturing facility in Northampton.

No matter what the degree of complexity, HARTING has the capacity to produce project-specific assemblies to suit your needs, including installing components, routing cable harnesses and fabrication. The design team can also create a 3D CAD visualisation of your build to ensure absolute accuracy before manufacturing begins.

Tel: 01604 827500

Email: salesuk@harting.com

Visit: www.harting.com

LinkedIn: @HARTING Twitter: @hartinguk

Address: HARTING Ltd 51 Caswell Road, Brackmills Industrial Estate Northampton NN4 7PW