Due to the growing information needs of train passengers, the number of monitors and other passenger information components in the exterior and interior of trains is increasing (now more than 30 monitors in a new double-decker coach). These elements are typically networked with Ethernet cabling, which means:
- Large cable lengths, weight and space requirements due to Ethernet network topology.
- High cost, for Ethernet cables, connectors, hubs, etc.
Quelle Abbildung: www.btobrail.com
Innovative approaches are therefore needed to reduce the amount of cables and costs for passenger information as well as operational systems in a train compartment (e.g. ventilation/air conditioning systems, health monitoring, etc.).
The transmission of data via the power supply networks using Power Line Communication (PLC) is one such approach, as dedicated data lines can be avoided
CC ISN has developed a PLC/PLUS-based data network for train compartments (PLUS-Power Line Train-Consist-Network PLUS-PCN) in cooperation with national and international train system suppliers as well as train operators. Since January 2019, a PLUS-PCN test has been running with a BLS AG train in operational service, i.e. in winter at temperatures below -10 °C and in summer at above 40 °C.
The tests have shown that the total throughput of PLUS-PCN is 20 Mbps. Although lower than for Ethernet, this is sufficient to enable the required passenger information system applications.
