Rail system designs are filled with electrical connectors, and the demand for these connectors continues to grow as advances are made in navigation and signaling systems, onboard entertainment, and autonomous driving capabilities. Each of these systems requires high-quality, high-speed connectivity to function properly, and that simply is not possible without the appropriate electrical connectors.
Rail connectors must be able to operate reliably in harsh environments that include wide temperature ranges, vibration, and shock loadings. In addition, these connectors must be resistant to a wide variety of physical contaminants, including water, salt, dust, dirt, sand, and other debris. From a more technical point of view, if the connectors are made from metal, they must be highly corrosion resistant – especially in areas where they will be exposed to salt. Furthermore, rail connectors must be rated IP65 or higher to be compliant to all relevant railway standards.
Railway connectors also need to be both easy to install and repair, which in turn means they should be easy to swap out as needed. These rail connectors are exposed to a significant amount of wear and tear, so they need to last. In fact, longevity is often a key factor when specifying a rail connector.
There is a definite shift in the transportation market toward the use of electricity as a primary power source, and the rail industry is no exception. As the demand for electric drivetrains rises, so does the need for high-voltage component connectors that are critical to both charging and operation. Additionally, high-speed data transmission is crucial to navigation, communications, signaling, and passenger connectivity. As the technologies of the rail market continue to develop, the multiple types of rail applications within one rail system each call for a unique connector specification.
The importance of a reliable lighting system cannot be overstated, and an excellent option for both interior lighting and LED applications in railroads is the Amphenol Luminus connector series. These durable electrical connectors are well-adapted to situations where space is limited, and they are both lightweight and cost-effective. They have AS39029 MIL Spec contacts for broad compatibility and an IP67 environmental seal rating, and they are RoHS compliant and suitable for blind-mating. The Amphenol Luminus connectors also have a locking mechanism, known as a “scoop-proof” connector, for added stability.
For air conditioning, which is vital for the comfort of passengers and employees alike, a reliable
Another key aspect of any railroad design is the driver’s cab where life-or-death decisions must
Another option for use in a driver’s cab would be one of several D-Sub connectors available from leading manufacturers such as, Positronic, ITT Cannon, and Cinch Connectivity Solutions. D-Sub connectors can be assembled to order with a wide variety of styles and contact layouts.
Modern rail systems need electrical connectors that are designed to survive in harsh environments, are easy to repair and replace, and can withstand long periods of wear and tear. Connectors such as the Amphenol Luminus and PT/451 series, the ITT Cannon CA-B / CB series, and custom-designed D-Sub connectors have been found ideal for the latest in railroad system technology, from passenger comfort applications to critical systems, such as braking and controls.
PEI-Genesis is a trusted resource for major railway equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, signaling, and infrastructure companies. By providing rail connectors for an array of applications such as power transmission, data transmission, braking, controls, signaling, navigation, communication, and more, you gain access to a PEI-Genesis total rail connector solution.