RADOX® TWINFIX fiber-optic cables for rail vehicles
In response to the increasing demand for data throughput on trains, both from operators and customers, Huber+Suhner has been supplying fiber-optic cables for data backbone networks in rail vehicles since the early 1990s. The needs for higher throughput are mainly driven by CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi connection of passengers, vehicle monitoring, on-board network for vehicle operators, GSM repeaters… The advantages over standard Ethernet cables are lighter design, higher flexibility and durability, resistance to EMC radiation, and last but not least, almost infinite bandwidth. Huber+Suhner now produces cables up to 100 Gbit/s.
The origin of HUBER and SUHNER dates back to 1864; the merger in 1968 created a company with a long tradition of innovation, maintaining its leadership in metallic, radio frequency, and optical connectivity for demanding applications.
areas of use
optical backbone network in the rail vehicle
The backbone network is based on inter-vehicle and vehicle jumper cables. Inter-vehicle jumper cables are mainly manufactured using Harting connector bodies, incorporating Huber+Suhner Q-ODC inserts and connectors. However, inter-vehicle cables can also be made using other manufacturers' approved connectors.
RADOX® Twinfix
Both inter-vehicle and vehicle jumper cables are based on the Radox Twinfix cable. Cable fully developed by Huber+Suhner and certified for rail applications. Furthermore, according to the company’s internal rules, it is tested for 1 million cycles of various bends simulating the movement of the train on the track outside cities, as well as for operation in depots, repair shops…. Q-ODC connectors are manufactured in three types, namely Q-ODC2, Q-ODC-12, and Q-ODC24, i.e., depending on the number of fibers required. Huber+Suhner has also established cooperation with manufacturers of optical Ethernet switches, and part of the portfolio is already manufactured on Q-ODC connectors.
The maintenance of fiber-optic cables is not as difficult as it may seem at first sight. For fixed installations, no maintenance is required at all; for installations where fiber-optic cables are disconnected, very simple tools are used to clean the optics.
extensive experience in optical technology
Huber+Suhner fiber-optic cables for rail applications are not new, the first installation was carried out in 1992. We currently have over 150 different projects and cables installed on over a thousand vehicles. The cables are ready for the near and distant future, so there is no need to change them to accommodate for higher throughput.
Ing. Jiří Lošťák
