At the RVE Exhibition, the HARTING technology Group is featuring its wide range of connectivity solutions and new developments in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) targeted at rail applications.
RVE - Rail Vehicle Enhancement Exhibition Riverside Centre, Derby, 8th October 2015
Key products on show include the M12 range of robust circular connectors, the Han® Modular range of heavy-duty connectors, inter-car jumper cables, har-port service interfaces for USB and Ethernet communications, and RFID systems for vehicle or lineside based monitoring and tracking systems.
A major new development from HARTING is a new design of pluggable inter-car jumper cable assemblies which carry electrical power, data and control signals. The jumpers use Han(R) HPR rectangular connectors to ensure a robust connection to the vehicles, with the addition of industrial-grade Ha-VIS RFID transponders built into the connectors to improve the management and maintenance regime.
The RFID transponder tags give each jumper cable a unique identification, allowing full traceability from the tag attached to the connector. In conjunction with an antenna, lineside readers and purpose-designed software, the transponders allow the operator to monitor the performance of each jumper cable throughout its life. This includes the precise evaluation of wear, facilitating a switch to a condition-based rather than a periodic maintenance regime, reducing both downtime and cost.
HARTING's RFID systems also allow data recording from fast-moving trains. Successful tests have been carried out on complete HARTING RFID systems involving robust, metal-housed transponders and communications software to allow the recording of data from trains travelling at over 120 km/h. Here, the transponders are mounted on the train and the RFID reader is typically housed in a switching cabinet mounted near the track in conformity with railway standards.
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