Tag Archives: signalling

PSD Signal Towers

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Clear signalling at all times, in all places

Reducing downtime and costs is the only way to ensure a competitive advantage. Unmistakable signalling status of the machine or system states is a crucial requirement. These modular signal towers of the PSD (Phoenix Signalling Devices) product range are characterized by their wide range of alarm signals in optical as well as acoustic modules.

If you require central monitoring of the machine or system status, even in an environment without network infrastructure, you are able to choose between two cost-effective alternatives. The PSD signal tower allows for the connection of a wireless interface and also enables direct or subsequent evaluation on the PC.

The PSD signal tower is also flexible when it comes to system expansion and conversions due the modular design.

Advantages of the PSD signal towers from Phoenix Contact:

Clear status indication

The optical elements are available in a choice of 5 colours with various different signal types.

Clear audible indication

The acoustic elements are available in siren, buzzer and voice output.

Fast installation

A signal tower can be erected or extended without using any tools in a matter of seconds by simply placing the individual signal elements on top of each other and turning the bayonet locking system. This automatically establishes an electrical connection between the elements. The control lines are then connected to the screw or spring-cage terminal blocks in the base elements.

Service life

Minimum LED service life of 50,000hrs which adds up to an estimated lifespan of 6 years if it is in operation for 24hrs a day, 356 days a year.

Various mounting options

The signal tower portfolio is completed by a wide range of mounting elements, which ensure optimum mounting of signal towers according to the conditions. You are able to choose from surface mounting or tube mounting.

High degree of protection

IP65, when installed.

Central monitoring and control

Using the WIN (Wireless Information Network) system, it is possible to simultaneously monitor the status of up to 50 machines at a central point by transmitting the status via wireless elements integrated into the signal towers (slaves) to a receiving element (master) that is connected to the USB port of a PC.

A slave element has a wireless range of up to 300m. The distance of the slave element from the master can be increased by up to 900m with the help of integrated repeater and routing devices.

Advantages of our WIN system:

  • Simultaneous monitoring of a large number of machines
  • Central monitoring is possible, even in area without network infrastructure (example, Ethernet)
  • Can be operated parallel to other wireless applications
  • High wireless range
  • No programming or parameterization required
  • Graphical evaluation of machine status
  • Retrospective analysis of machine status
  • Error messages alarm via e-mail

Optimum detection of machine status

The signal towers are used to indicate the status of the machines or systems, including operating states, start up, normal operating, warnings, error alarm messages, pending critical states, acknowledgement requests, etc. There are also a numerous other applications, such as the status display of access controls and cabinet systems.

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

Benefits of Signals

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Nowadays, information is necessary in improving productivity. Data collection from devices is one consideration point which Phoenix Contact specializes in. As many of you may know, several of our products have been integrated with signal indicators, such as power supply, Ethernet switch, surge protection etc.

A case in point for the benefits of signals would be for redundancy power supply units

Question: Why are signals so important in this particular system?

Answer: Because of dual PSU redundancy system, we always have spare power source in the event that we face problems from one of two power supply units. The purpose of the other device, which remains fully functional, is to provide a backup supply of energy to the system when the other unit fails. So the signal that indicates the non-functioning status of the failed unit can be sent to other systems which are integrated with this system via dry contact or analogue signals.

Case Study

Imagine systems such as QUINT and ORING [Fig – I], under normal circumstances, if the voltage between two PSU is the same level, the ACB function should be activated to balance supplied current to load.

Fig. 1: System diagram when PSU 2 AC power fails

Fig. 1: System diagram when PSU 2 AC power fails

The signals are meant to display that the redundancy and ACB are functioning normally, and it should be indicated via terminal 13/14 and 23/24 to ORING device, connected via wiring. The indicators also show activity from the PSU side. They include terminal 13/14 and the QUINT V4 model not only includes 13/14, but also includes OUT 1 and OUT 2, indicating the current which they supply to load. All signals have been integrated to DCS or SCADA system.

Fig. 2: HMI indication when PSU 2 AC power failed

Fig. 2: HMI indication when PSU 2 AC power failed

Every time when the system detect a fault, all system indicators would be displayed through the monitoring system in the user monitoring screen, triggering SMSes or emails to let operators know and respond to that alarm without any need to send someone to go on site and open the cabinet to investigate what the problem is. Moreover, we can use the data logging and monitoring systems to record any incoming signals in an archive; in case that we need to how frequently and when faults happen.

In this scenario, the verification step is eliminated because the root cause will be indicated instantly via the monitoring system. To collect all the data from this system we only need 6 digital inputs and 4 analogue inputs. It is not too much IO in case we have to compare the benefit against the investment cost.

“Prevention is better than cure”

If you have any queries, feel free to contact us!

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