Retrofitting of High-Speed Ethernet for rail vehicles

The TLM-X uses a robust transmission method that is ideal for retrofit projects with older, partially unshielded wiring. It particularly demonstrates its strength in environments with high electromagnetic interference, and at contact and coupling transitions prone to disturbances. Under these conditions, the TLM-X often enables a stable high-speed Ethernet connection with speeds of up to 950 Mbps between train sections, which is especially advantageous for time-critical applications. The TLM-20, on the other hand, relies on a transmission method that can fully exploit its advantages in technically superior infrastructure, allowing bandwidths of up to 2 Gbps. Both Train Line Modems support the use of video technology, infotainment, operator terminals, passenger counting systems, LCD/TFT displays, WLAN modules, GPS, and mobile applications, as well as the reservation system on an Ethernet network basis. Both modems will soon also be available in variants with Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for a separate power supply.

The two Train Line Modems use existing lines for communication and modulate and demodulate their signals there. The TLMs act like a cable and ensure a transparent connection for all participants, keeping data traffic undisturbed, which simplifies the retrofitting of Ethernet in existing vehicles. After network discovery, the modems establish 128-bit AES-encrypted communication between all devices. To ensure optimal data throughput, the modems continuously monitor the bandwidth using a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The TLMs are configured via the TLM Config Tool, which offers comprehensive features for management, diagnostics, and updating the modems, including network settings, management of seeds for parallel networks, configuring the heartbeat, and saving and loading personal configurations.

The TLMs feature a wide-range input that supports a DC voltage of 24 V to 110 V and are therefore suitable for worldwide use in all rail networks, both diesel and electric vehicles. Both models are fully rail-compatible and meet the relevant standards for vibration and shock loads, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and fire protection according to EN 50155, EN 50121-3-2, EN 50124-1, and EN 61373. Continuous operation is guaranteed in a temperature range from -40 °C to +70 °C.

Typical applications of the Train Line Modems include direct data transmission over the vehicle coupling or within a vehicle, especially in long vehicle configurations. TLMs can also be used as a redundant system across the coupling to ensure faster and more reliable data transmission. By using additional redundant TLM pairs in the train, availability can be increased and safety-critical applications can also be transmitted.

24. - 27. September 2024
Hall 27, Stand 650