Category Archives: Transport

Phoenix Contact at IRSE ASPECT 2017

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Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) was originated in the UK and it is the professional engineering institution for all those engaged or interested in railway signalling, control and communications and allied disciplines. The purpose of IRSE is to promote high standards of professionalism and to support train control technology for the benefit of public.

IRSE ASPECT 2017 is supported by Singapore and Australian Sections and it was held in Singapore from 28th-29th November.  This 9th ASPECT event is the first event to be hosted outside the UK with the themes of Metro Technologies, Professional Development, High Speed Rail and Condition Monitoring.

There were more than 200 delegates who registered for the conference inclusive of international railway signalling companies such as Siemens, Thales, Bombardier, Alstom and ST Electronics; the consultants such as CH2M, Aecom and other system and component suppliers. Aside from them, the other important delegates included those of railway authorities and operators from different parts of the world such as Singapore (e.g. LTA, SMRT Trains, SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit), Australia (e.g. Rail System Australia, Metro Trains Melbourne, Queensland Rail, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, Public Transport Authority of WA, Victorian Level Crossing Removal Authority, Transport for NSW, Public Transport Victoria, Metro Trains Sydney), Indonesia (e.g. PT Len Railway Systems, PT Lens Industri), Malaysia (e.g. MRT Corporation), Japan (e.g. East Japan Railway Company), Thailand (e.g. Bangkok Expressway and Metro), Finland (e.g. Finnish Transport Agency), UK (Ricardo Rail UK), Ireland (Northern Ireland Railways), Switzerland (e.g. Swiss Federal Railways).

Phoenix Contact had participated the 2-day exhibition on 28th and 29th November during all the breaks in the ASPECT Conference. Our key message to the participants of this event was to show the competency of Phoenix Contact as their partner for reliability and safety in signalling. The components exhibited included power supply and redundancy modules, UPS and battery, network switches, signal and power SPD, terminal blocks, heavy duty and data connectors, markers and tools.

Phoenix Contact booth at IRSE ASPECT

Thank you to those who dropped by our booth and expressed interest in our products such as MRT Corporation, E-MAS, Singapore RE, LTA, PT Len Raiway Systems, Selectrail, IEEE, STE, SMRT, Public Transport Authority Western Australia, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority etc.

On top of those components, there are three essential solutions for the railway signalling application as follows:

  1. SPD deployment solutions for both signal and power lines with easy installation, monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting.
  2. Redundant DC power supply system for critical equipment to ensure continuous operation with digital and analog signal monitoring.
  3. Customized panel solutions as per special requirements

“Speeding Test”

We also had a fun time with participants who joined our “Speeding Test” by inserting the conductors into Phoenix Contact Push-In (PT) Terminal Blocks and releasing it, with the time taken being recorded for 22 pieces of terminal blocks. The fastest speed record for inserting and releasing is 30s and 15s respectively!

If you had missed this exhibition and would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

FL 2000 Managed Switch for Railway Applications

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Highspeed commuter trainFor many years, Phoenix Contact has been a reliable partner of the Railway Industry, supplying products such as Power Supply Unit, Terminal Blocks, Heavy Duty Connectors for railway applications. In the recent years, Phoenix Contact has invested a significant amount of effort to create innovative products such as controllers and ethernet switches for automation applications.

Ethernet-based communication medium/protocols are becoming the norm in modern automation environments. Traditional serial-based communication medium/protocols are unable to support the requirements for transmission speed and data size; especially for time-critical applications.

FL 2000 Managed Switch

Phoenix Contact's FL 2000 Managed SwitchThe new FL 2000 Managed Switch was officially launched in April 2017 during the Hannover Fair. This new series of Ethernet Switch was specifically developed to bridge the gap between simple unmanaged switches and complex managed switches which are already available within Phoenix Contact product portfolio.

In railway applications, data integrity is especially critical to ensure the smooth and safe operations of the system. Transmission distances from various subway station control systems to the main control center are often in the range of kilometers, which conventional copper-based medium cannot handle. The only way to transmit the data over long distance is via Fiber Optic technology.

Our sales team spotted an opportunity to propose our FL 2000 Switch in one of the railway system upgrading project in this region. We managed to overcome several challenges despite facing strong competitions from various industrial giants. The main unique selling points of our FL 2000 Switch that met with approval of the end user and system integrators were:

  • Feature important automation features with attractive price/performance ratio
  • Easy/Flexible Configuration/Setup
  • Comprehensive approvals to meet stringent industry-specific approval requirements
  • Various connection port options: Copper and Fiber Optics; Gigabit network possible

In addition, we are also able provide a bundle offer including our UPS and Power Supply Unit.

If you would like to find out more about our FL2000 switches, check out our website or you can leave us your contact and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.

Phoenix Contact – Your Partner in Safety and Reliability for Railway Industry

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RailwayPhoenix Contact has been serving the railway industry for decades, especially for rolling stock and signalling. Safety and reliability has always been our number one concern when developing products for railway applications.

Safety on Board

The basic requirement for safety and reliability is standard compliance. Phoenix Contact has been certified by the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) since April 2008 and this standard is based on the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001, which has been extended with international railway-specific requirements. The ongoing tests during the development and production cycle of the products are essential to guarantee the product quality.

On top of that, all rail-specific products from Phoenix Contact fulfill the standards of DIN EN 50155, an international standard covering rolling stock; DIN EN 50121 electromagnetic compatibility; and EN 45545, fire protection on rail vehicle. Besides, shock and vibration test, material test and other fire protection is also critical for the railway application.

Safety should not be limited to the big ticket items and should even be extended to the passive component level. For example, the cable markings like shrink sleeve should be halogen-free and fulfill DIN 5510-2 with an oxygen index of 34.9%. besides being halogen-free, the cable ducts should enable individual bars to be broken without using any tools or resulting in any burr through defined breaking points according to EN 45545-2 (R22/R23:HL3). Behaviour in fire is another key concern and the plastic used for Phoenix Contact’s terminal blocks is halogen-free polyamide PA 6.6; which meets the highest safety requirement of UL 94 V0.

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Cable Management

Cable Management

Network on Board

Nowadays, commuters demand for “Internet on board” has made the information and infotainment systems essential in trains. The M12 network connectors with a mechanically robust design, in compliance with IEC 61076-2-101, together with high quality cables meeting the requirement of EN 45545-2 will ensure reliable communications. The heavy-duty connector, compliant with IEC 61373, with modular contact inserts form a flexible and safe transmission of signal and power circuit on rolling stock carriage connection and simultaneously ensures comprehensive protection in the event of electromagnetic interference fields.

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

M12 Network Connector

M12 Network Connector

Surge Protection

Surge voltages and lightning strikes are common issues in signalling, hence the surge protective device (SPD) become significantly important to maintain reliable signal transmission. Phoenix Contact’s SPD has been tested according to IEC 61643-21 and the plug can be disconnected for test and maintenance by using the portable test laboratory. According to IEC 62305-3, the SPD must be tested regularly and the test values should be documented and traceable. Additional features like multi-stage monitoring (green – operating, red – fail and yellow – reach performance limit) for predictive maintenance and remote signalling for early detection of overloaded SPD can help to further enhance reliability.

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power and it should at least be compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, IEC 60950-1, DIN EN 61558-2-16 and UL 508. To ensure smooth operation and maximum uptime, the redundancy setup of the power supply cannot be overlooked.

A redundant system can made up of two power supplies and a diode or Phoenix Contact’s O-RING to prevent back flow of current. An ORING being a more advanced and modern redundancy module compared to the diode, comes with auto-current balancing (ACB) technology which ensures the power supplies work equally hard. This enables the power supplies to have a longer and more consistent lifespan.

The redundancy status as well as the status of the ORING can be monitored, whereas this cannot be done with a DIODE. The PSU becomes more reliable and dependable when it is capable of sending analogue signals to control system on measurement values such as real time current, voltage and power for early detection of operational fault as well as critical information to the user.

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT ORING with ACB

QUINT ORING with ACB

Transporting You into the Future

Phoenix Contact will continue to develop the products or solutions that suit railway application and safety and reliability will always be the top concern on top of ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

To find out more about the solutions that Phoenix Contact has for the railway industry, check out our website or leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you as soon as I can.

Importance of choosing the right PCB enclosure

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What is considered important when it comes to choosing the right PCB enclosure. Let us guide you through the process.

Price? Style? Service & support? Reputation of the supplier?

In the matter of fact, all of above are essential. The engineers should select the enclosure at first and then choice the mechanical & electronic components to suit the enclosure.
We need to consider

Material
The 3 common plastic enclosures are ABS, Polycarbonate, Polyester which are high functionality, light weight, flexible in design.

The Ingress Protection
The ingress protection classification DIN EN 60529 determines and rates protection against solid particle (e.g. dust) as well as liquid incursion.

The letters IP (ingress protection) is followed by a two-digit number; the first digit indicates the level of Solid particle protection and the second digit indicate Liquid ingress protection. IP Code

Environmental Considerations
How the enclosure will last over many years of operation depends on how well you evaluate the environmental impact of elements such as UV rays, temperature, airborne debris, etc.
Different materials offer varying degrees of impact resistance.

Dimensions
The internal and external dimensions of a PCB enclosure is extremely important. Sadly, in many cases, the PCB is chosen first and this makes it difficult for the engineer to source the best fit enclosure solution.

Modification of Standard Enclosures
The enclosure supplier may need to support modifications with value-added services that include drilling, milling, printing, color, etc. Some suppliers can even provide advance services like fitting membrane keypads, displays on the enclosure, etc as a complete solution.

Ease of Assembly
A complex PCB design may make it difficult to assemble electronic and mechanical components in the enclosure, which make is an important point to consider when selecting an enclosure.

Range of PCB Enclosure

Check out Phoenix Contact’s range of enclosures here

We, at Phoenix Contact, understand your problems and offer a wide range of options for shape, color, and function when it comes to choosing the right enclosure. Whether on a wall or on a DIN rail, from light gray to sky blue, narrow or wide, many many to choose from. With the two new enclosures, Universal case system (UCS)  and Environment case system (ECS) added into the selection, it is much easier to choose your enclosure.

Please view the Enclosure brochure.

Want to find out more? Feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

UPS IQ – Smart Power for Intelligent Transport System

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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently awarded a tender for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to one of their system integrator to setup effective system for monitoring of traffic situation at junctions. The system, which is part of the Smart Nation Initiative Program, will automatically alert the operator of the traffic volume so that remedial actions can be taken promptly.

Traffic Camera

Intelligent Transport System (ITS)

The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is at the heart of what keeps us safe on the roads and tunnels system in our city. In land-scarce Singapore, ITS’s sophisticated traffic and control system will maximize road network efficiency capacity as well as monitor and manage the traffic flow.

The ITS infrastructure spans over 164km of expressways and road tunnel system, including Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway(KPE), Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE), Central Expressway (CTE), Fort Canning Tunnel (FCT) and Woodsville Tunnel (WVT).

Our partner in Singapore has worked wholeheartedly with this system integrator, from design to testing and finally, to the implementation with our UPS-IQ.

Solution

Together with our partner, we set up the actual UPS and communication system to show to the system integrator. This was to provide the proof of concept to simulate the system. A demonstration of the UPSconfigure software allowed the UPS system to be integrated seamlessly into the innovative application from the special system by the system integrator. The system will be manned by LTA.

UPS IQ

UPS IQ

Key Features

  1.  High MTBF – Higher MTBF (>600,000 hours) as compared to most of our usual competitors ensures more reliabilty.
  2. Modbus Enabled – This has enabled the system to be communicated within the same network. It allows the system to be monitored from the main control room without additional hardware which translates into lesser points of failure and eventually to cost savings.
  3. Monitoring software (UPS Config) – The UPSconfigure feature allows the innovative application of the system integrator proprietary software to be integrated seamlessly into their application. This speeds up the deployment process and allows the system integrator to make more efficient time, labour and tools deployment.

If you would like to find out more about our UPS-IQ, check out our website or just leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you.

Electrical Safety Starts from the Connector

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High Voltage WarningDo you know one common challenge for devices used in areas such as filter and inductor construction, energy distribution and power supply production is Electrical Safety i.e. how to lead the high power through the panel wall safety.

Finding the right wall feed-through terminal block to address electrical safety is a challenge as there are not many suitable solutions for high current and large wire cross-section. It is also unlikely that the manufacturers  will choose the feed-through terminal blocks as early as the design stage. This often leads to manufacturers designing their customized solutions out of sheer necessity; thus resulting in problems such as maintaining touch protection or insulating the current bar from the device housing.

The device manufacturers may also face problem obtaining the necessary certification for their devices. If the device is to be used worldwide, IEC 61800-5-1 and UL 1059 certifications are required. Many solutions in the market are unfortunately not adequately certified.

High Current Feed-through Terminal Blocks

Phoenix Contact offers an extensive range of high-current feed-through terminal blocks for various applications. You can find both pluggable feed-through terminal blocks and feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections. The pluggable feed-through terminal blocks permit quick replacement and are thus service-friendly. In addition, the conductors can be preassembled. However, feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections are more economical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCv-bhu7Hzg

Do you know Phoenix Contact has been providing these feed-through terminal blocks for almost three decades?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQro-OA3pNE

Device manufacturers can choose the connection option to fit the application: fast push-in connectors, T-lox, conventional screw connectors, or simple bolt connectors. The connection areas range from 4 to 150 mm2 and the current-carrying capacity is up to 309 A.

These connectors come in standard and moulded designs, either with horizontal or vertical connection directions. The moulded version ensures high leakage resistance, even when a small amount of moulding compound is used. The product range provides various connection options for space-saving connections in all installation locations. This means that device manufacturers can flexibly select the connection type, direction, and cross section.

Interested to find out more? Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

Phoenix Contact in the Rail Industry in Southeast Asia

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High Speed train

High Speed Train

For years, Phoenix Contact has been a reliable partner of the rail industry and offers products for use in rail vehicles and signal technology.

Presence in Europe & US

In rail vehicles, we are one of the trusted suppliers for the main global rolling stock manufacturers such as Bombardier, Alstom and Siemens because our railroad specific products meet relevant standards such as EN 50155, EN 50121, and EN 45545. Our products can be found in various applications in the driver’s compartment, data transmission & ‘info-tainment’, door control and carriage connection.

For use in signal technology such as control & protection technology, switch heaters and tunnel operation, Phoenix Contact products are being appreciated due to it meets increased requirements and excels through quality, reliability and robustness.

Here in South-east Asia, the penetration of the railway industry is still at the elementary stage in comparison with Europe and US region. However, we are catching up due to booming of the railway industry especially the mass rapid transit (MRT) projects in SEA region such as the construction of Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) MRT in Singapore; the construction of Klang-Valley MRT (KVMRT) Line 1 and Line 2 in Malaysia; the Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line MRT Extension in Thailand; and the construction of Jakarta MRT North South Line Phase I.

Let’s explore where you can find Phoenix Contact in the SEA railway industry and how our products have already been deployed as shown in the examples below.

So where to start looking?

  1. Rolling Stock
  2. Automated Fare Collection System (AFC)
  3. Platform Screen Door (PSD)
  4. Signalling
  5. SCADA System
  6. Environmental Control System (ECS)
  7. Communication & CCTV System
  8. Traction Power System

Rolling Stock

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block
Bolt Connection (RT) Terminal Blocks

Bolt Connection (RT) Terminal Blocks
High Current (HV) Connectors

High Current (HV) Connectors
RJ45 Plug-in Connectors

RJ45 Plug-in Connectors
SACC Connectors

SACC Connectors

Platform Screen Door (PSD)

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Push-in (PT) Terminal Block

Marking Materials

Marking Materials

Signalling

Shielded SACC Connectors

Shielded SACC Connectors
Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks

Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks
Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
QUINT 4 Power Supplies

QUINT Power Supplies

SCADA System

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks

Universal (UK) Terminal Blocks
Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks

Spring-cage (ST) Terminal Blocks
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Printer Systems

Printer Systems
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
Mini Analog Signal Conditioner

Mini Analog Signal Conditioner

Environmental Control System (ECS)

TRIO Power Supply

TRIO Power Supply
Modular Controllers (ILC 151) and Inline I/O Systems

Modular Controllers (ILC 151) and Inline I/O Systems
Industrial Ethernet Switches (FL SWITCH)

Industrial Ethernet Switches (FL SWITCH)
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Signal Surge Arrestor (MCR-PLUTRAB)

Signal Surge Arrestor (MCR-PLUTRAB)

Communication and CCTV System

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
FLASHTRAB Power Surge Arrestor

FLASHTRAB Power Surge Arrestor
Surge Arrestor for Transceiver System

Surge Arrestor for Transceiver System
SACC Connectors

SACC Connectors

Traction Power System

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor

VALVETRAB Power Surge Arrestor
PLC Relay Modules

PLC Relay Modules
QUINT 4 Power Supplies

QUINT Power Supplies

As you can see, Phoenix Contact offers a diverse suite of products for a wide range of applications in the Rail Industry. If you are interested to find out how our products can fit into your system or contribute to your project, please contact me at eexinchong@phoenixcontact.com.sg