Abstract
In this contribution, the authors perform a detailed analysis relating to the use of the multiconductor UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer) cables as a broadband data transmission channel onboard regional trains. The analysis is performed evaluating the channel frequency response and the channel capacity as a function of the distance between communication devices, in the 2–30 MHz frequency range of broadband powerline communications. The per unit length (p.u.l.) parameters are measured and simulated in a finite element method (FEM) code, allowing accurate full multiconductor simulations to evaluate the attenuations of the selected channel for communication and the cross-talk between cables. This study has been conducted considering that there are other signals carried by the cable, during regular train operation, and their integrity needs to be taken into account. The results show that, as a matter of fact, UIC cables can be used to transmit high-speed data; this can be exploited for introducing additional facilities (i.e., infotainment, safety features and so on) onboard regional trains, at a reasonably low cost, since no new cabling harnesses need be installed.
Highlights
Modern railway systems follow trends in the automotive market: The modern traveler expects to be offered services such as onboard entertainment, high-speed internet connection, detailed information about the trip and so on
Nowadays, the increase in the need for onboard safety leads to the requirement of onboard cameras located in each hauled stock. All this new equipment requires more dedicated cable networks but is characterized by the following drawback: New cables mean additional costs, weight and space. This holds for new trains, while for old trains, the revamping procedure could be extremely expensive, basically making it impossible to be realized
The model to used for the simulation is based on the multiconductor transmission line (MTL) theory, The model used for the the simulation is based on the multiconductor transmission line 7 shows of a three-conductor transmission line relating to (MTL)
Summary
Modern railway systems follow trends in the automotive market: The modern traveler expects to be offered services such as onboard entertainment, high-speed internet connection, detailed information about the trip and so on. Nowadays, the increase in the need for onboard safety leads to the requirement of onboard cameras located in each hauled stock All this new equipment requires more dedicated cable networks but is characterized by the following drawback: New cables mean additional costs, weight and space (the latter ones being secondary problems in railways systems if compared to cars, airplanes or satellites). The use of PLC technology to communicate with high-speed data rates over the UIC cables was a novel proposal by the authors, and the literature on PLC onboard trains is scarce In this context, this work presents a complete characterization of the channel, extending and completing previous work where the authors already performed a feasibility study and selected a potential candidate cable for carrying the broadband signal, mainly the UIC cable comprising the remote control and communication line ([14,15,16,17]). It is fundamental to underline that these results show the eventual theoretical feasibility of the BPL implementation, but a thorough experimental measurement campaign is needed to assess the simulation results and verify the practical feasibility
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