The EN 50155 standard plays a crucial role in the railway sector. It defines the criteria for the design and manufacture of on-board electronic equipment in trains. It ensures that these systems operate reliably in harsh rail conditions.

At Syscom-Prorep, we focus on the integration of EN 50155-compliant electronic solutions. Our railway PCs, for example, are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 70°C. They are also designed to withstand the shocks and vibrations inherent to the railway environment.

EN 50155 covers a wide range of applications, from signaling to safety monitoring. It ensures that embedded electronic equipment meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. That's why our fanless PCs are designed for long life and optimized energy consumption.

Key points to remember

  • EN 50155 is the reference standard for railway electronics
  • It guarantees equipment reliability under extreme conditions
  • Compliant PCs operate from -40°C to 70°C
  • The standard covers signalling, safety and control
  • Fanless systems offer durability and energy efficiency

Introduction to the rail standard

The EN 50155 standard is crucial in the railway environment. It imposes strict requirements on electronic equipment used on trains. This European standard guarantees the reliability and safety of on-board systems, even in harsh conditions.

The importance of standards in the railway sector

Safety standards are vital to the efficiency and safety of rail transport. They define precise requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, resistance to extreme temperatures and vibration. These standards ensure the harmonization of industry practices.

Standardization objectives

Standardization aims to improve equipment interoperability and reduce risks. It simplifies maintenance and system lifecycle management. By establishing common criteria, EN 50155 facilitates the design and certification of railway equipment.

Impact on passenger safety

Application of the EN 50155 standard has a direct impact on passenger safety. It ensures that electronic systems operate reliably under all operating conditions. This includes control, monitoring and passenger information systems, essential for a safe and comfortable journey.

EN 50155: Fundamentals and applications

The EN 50155 standard plays a crucial role in the railway sector for on-board electronics. It sets strict standards for train equipment. These standards guarantee their reliability in the face of extreme environmental conditions.

This standard covers several key aspects:

  • Resistance to variable temperatures
  • Humidity tolerance
  • Electromagnetic compatibility
  • Shock and vibration resistance
On-board rail electronics

Manufacturers must pass rigorous tests to obtain certification. The salt spray test (ISO9227) assesses corrosion resistance. Vibration and shock tests (NF F01-373 / EN 61-373) verify equipment durability.

Application of the EN 50155 standard guarantees the reliability of on-board electronics in harsh railway environments. It guides the design of essential systems such as passenger information, train control and monitoring.

By meeting these requirements, manufacturers develop robust equipment. This equipment is capable of withstanding the unique challenges of rail transport. This enhances the safety and reliability of modern train systems.

Temperature requirements in railway environments

Railway equipment has to cope with extreme environmental conditions. The EN 50155 standard establishes an extended operating temperature range. This guarantees reliability in all situations.

Operating temperature range

Rail systems must operate between -40°C and +85°C. Some critical components must withstand this range for 10 minutes at start-up. For example, the tBOX520 and tBOX500-510-FL operate from -40°C to +70°C, in accordance with EN 50155 OT4.

Passive cooling systems

To ensure efficient cooling, the equipment uses passive methods. Robust housings act as heat sinks, evacuating heat without moving parts. This approach improves reliability and reduces maintenance requirements.

Thermal management of components

Thermal management is crucial to performance. Power supplies incorporate dissipation devices to operate efficiently under various voltage and load conditions. This design enables systems to withstand the extreme temperature variations of the railway environment.

Resistance to extreme mechanical conditions

Resistance to shock and vibration is essential in the railway environment. Equipment must meet rigorous safety standards. This ensures reliability under extreme conditions.

Vibration tests to EN 61373

Vibration tests reproduce actual railway operating conditions. Equipment is subjected to severe tests, with frequencies of up to 1500 Hz. This certification confirms their ability to perform optimally, even in the face of constant vibration.

Rail shock and vibration resistance

Shock certification

Shock resistance is assessed by impacts of up to ±10000g. Robust aluminum housings protect sensitive components. This certification guarantees equipment durability in the face of sudden impacts.

Anti-vibration mounting solutions

Innovative mounting systems reduce vibrations transmitted to equipment. Fanless designs minimize mechanical failure points. These solutions extend the life of on-board systems in harsh rail conditions.

  • Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
  • Protection class: IP67
  • Resistant ports: 9 Ethernet M12, 4 USB 3.2
  • Applications: video analysis, object detection, tunnel inspection

These specifications illustrate the robustness of modern railway equipment in the face of mechanical challenges. Their design meets the requirements of EN 50155 and EN 45545-2. They ensure safe, reliable operation on board trains.

Power supply specifications

The EN 50155 standard sets demanding criteria for power supplies in the railway sector. It covers a range of input voltages, from 24V to 110V DC. This variability makes it possible to adapt to different train electrical systems.

DC/DC converters are essential in this context. They must ensure maximum flexibility with an input voltage range of at least 4:1. Some models, such as Traco Power's TEQ series, achieve an impressive 12:1 range.

Surge protection is crucial. RIA12 standards require immunity up to 8.5 kV. What's more, equipment must withstand extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 75°C. This ensures reliable operation in all conditions.

The use of PoE (Power over Ethernet) power supplies is gaining ground in modern trains. It can supply up to 200W at 48V DC. This simplifies the installation of many on-board devices.

  • Input voltage range: 24 to 56V DC
  • M23 redundant power supply interface
  • Alarm relay: 1A capacity, 24V DC

These stringent requirements ensure the reliability of our electronic rail systems. They work flawlessly, even under the most difficult conditions.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

Electromagnetic compatibility plays a fundamental role in the railway environment. Standards EN 50155 and EN 50121-3-2 lay down stringent requirements for electronic devices. These are indispensable in trains, buses, streetcars and subways.

Standards EN 50121-3-2 and EN 50121-4

They define electromagnetic performance criteria. These standards ensure that equipment does not cause undesirable interference. EMC testing is essential for rail equipment certification.

Electromagnetic compatibility in the railway environment

Protection against interference

Equipment must be resistant to electromagnetic interference. Shielding and filtering techniques are frequently used. They ensure that systems function properly in the harsh conditions of the rail environment.

Emission and immunity requirements

Standards set strict limits on electromagnetic emissions. Devices must also demonstrate immunity to external interference. These requirements are designed to ensure the reliability and safety of embedded systems.

Electromagnetic compatibility is crucial to rail transport safety. It guarantees the smooth operation of all on-board electronic equipment.

Equipment durability and life cycle

Safety standards for on-board railway electronics call for outstanding durability. EN 50155 stipulates that systems must operate without interruption for 30 years, equivalent to around 250,000 hours. This longevity requirement is essential to guarantee equipment reliability and profitability.

To meet these demands, manufacturers are implementing innovative strategies:

  • SNCF Voyageurs uses sensors to proactively detect and resolve equipment problems.
  • TRANSDEV monitors rail temperature variations to prevent technical incidents.
  • FRET SNCF uses a pressure monitoring system for locomotive fuel tanks.

These approaches deliver a rapid return on investment, between 6 and 24 months. EN 50155 certification confirms that the equipment operates reliably under difficult conditions, including temperature, humidity, shock and vibration.

Additional standards such as EN 61373, EN 50121-3-2 and MIL-STD-810G guarantee vibration resistance, electromagnetic compatibility and equipment longevity. Standards EN 45545-2 and EN 62368-1 ensure fire safety and protection against overvoltage.

The growth of the rail sector, driven by population growth and the need for sustainable development, underlines the importance of these standards for on-board electronics.

Embedded applications and solutions

On-board electronics are essential in today's railway environment. EN 50155-compliant equipment brings innovations. These innovations aim to enhance the passenger experience and optimize rail operations.

Passenger information systems

EN 50155-certified Panel PCs are central to passenger information systems. The ITA-7220, with its 48V DC input and M12 connectors, ensures reliable information distribution. The ARS-P2800, a 28" LCD screen, offers optimum visibility for real-time announcements and timetables.

Control and monitoring

Railway safety relies on robust control systems. The ITA-5231S, an EN 50155-certified rack PC, is designed for monitoring systems. It supports a 24V DC power supply and features multiple ports for extensive connectivity. The ITA-8100, a ruggedized Panel PC, ensures vehicle monitoring with IP65 protection.

Entertainment solutions

In-flight entertainment enhances passenger comfort. The EN 50155-certified ITA-5231W is specially designed for entertainment systems. It operates with a 48V DC input and offers a variety of connectivity options to meet the needs of modern passengers.

These on-board solutions, designed to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +70°C, guarantee reliable performance in the demanding railway environment. Their fanless design and M12 connectors ensure exceptional durability.

System performance and reliability

The rail industry demands reliable, state-of-the-art electronic systems. The EN 50155 standard lays down strict criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure the proper operation of equipment under extreme conditions.

MTBF and service life

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is essential for the reliability of railway systems. Equipment must meet high MTBF requirements. This requires the use of high-quality components. Power supply lifetime is set at 20 years, with performance guaranteed for 30 years or around 250,000 hours.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial to maintaining long-term performance. Systems must operate between -40°C and +85°C. Some components must start up in these extreme conditions within 10 minutes. Power supplies must have an efficiency of 85% or more, and handle wide voltage fluctuations.

  • Input voltage ranges: 10-40V, 18-72V, and 40-160V
  • Power failure management: output maintained for 10 ms
  • EMC compliance to EN 50121-3-2 to avoid interference

These rigorous specifications guarantee the reliability of rail systems in harsh environments. They ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Certification and compliance

EN 50155 plays a crucial role in the production of electronic equipment for the railway sector. It imposes stringent temperature requirements, ranging from -40°C to +85°C. Components must operate in this temperature range for at least 10 minutes after start-up. The standard also specifies input voltage ranges, from 10-40V to 40-160V, to ensure optimum system design.

Mechanical strength is another crucial dimension, with categories defined according to the location of the equipment: body-mounted, bogie-mounted or axle-mounted. Shock and vibration tests, in compliance with EN 61373, are designed to confirm the solidity of the equipment in these difficult conditions. Electromagnetic compatibility, regulated by EN 50121-3-2, prevents electromagnetic interference, ensuring trouble-free performance.

To obtain certification, manufacturers must pass an exhaustive series of tests. These include visual inspections, performance tests, tests under extreme temperature conditions, and electromagnetic compatibility checks. Optional tests, such as humidity cycling or leak testing, may be required depending on the intended use. This comprehensive approach guarantees the reliability and quality of EN 50155-compliant equipment, essential for the safety and efficiency of rail transport.

FAQ

What is EN 50155?

EN 50155 is a European standard defining the requirements for electronic equipment in the railway sector. It covers resistance to extreme conditions, electromagnetic compatibility and mechanical reliability.

Why is EN 50155 important in the rail sector?

It is essential for standardizing practices, improving safety and ensuring equipment interoperability. It contributes to system reliability and passenger safety.

What are the main temperature requirements of EN 50155?

The standard imposes a wide operating temperature range, reflecting real-life conditions in railway environments. It demands strict thermal management and cooling requirements.

How does EN 50155 address mechanical strength?

It requires vibration and shock resistance, tested to EN 61373. It includes specifications for shock certification and encourages the use of anti-vibration solutions.

What are the power supply specifications according to EN 50155?

The standard defines standard voltage ranges for rolling stock. It requires protection against power surges and interruptions. The aim is to ensure a robust and flexible power supply.

What does EN 50155 cover in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)?

EMC is governed by standards EN 50121-3-2 and EN 50121-4. These standards specify electromagnetic emission and immunity requirements. The standard specifies methods of protection against interference.

How does EN 50155 address equipment durability?

The standard focuses on the design of systems that are reliable over long periods under harsh conditions. It influences the choice of materials and manufacturing processes to ensure long operational life.

What are the typical applications for EN 50155-compliant equipment?

Common applications include passenger information systems, control and monitoring systems, and on-board entertainment solutions. These systems must meet the strict requirements of the standard, while offering advanced functionality.

What is MTBF and why is it important in the context of EN 50155?

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is a crucial indicator of the reliability of railway systems. EN 50155 requires equipment with a high MTBF to ensure optimum performance and reliability.

How do you obtain EN 50155 certification?

EN 50155 certification requires rigorous testing covering all aspects of the standard. Equipment must demonstrate compliance with all specified requirements before certification is granted.

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