High voltage measurement and speed signal doubling - world novelties for rolling stock on tour
Following the successful world premiere at Innotrans 2022, the market launch of the P16800 speed signal doubler and the P45000 high-voltage transducer is now underway in initial rail projects. These products offer precision measurement with high electrical isolation. Both points are key for delivery of performance and safety within the Rail industry.
P16800: speed signal doubler saves sensors, re-certification, effort and costs
In rolling stock, the number of systems that rely on precise speed information is increasing. Often, passenger information systems or train control systems have to be retrofitted.
To supply these systems with data without having to install additional sensors on the axles, Knick has developed the P16800 signal doubler. The P16800 takes the signal of an axis encoder of an existing installation and provides it as an identical image galvanically isolated – reliably decoupled – to another downstream control system. If the voltage signal of the axle encoder does not match, the P16800 converts it into a current signal – or vice versa. If the additional controller installed in the vehicle expects a signal with a lower frequency, the signal from an axis encoder can be reduced accordingly. High EMC resistance and insulation values ensure reliable transmission of the signals. There is no need to install additional encoders; there is no need to intervene on the bogie. The vehicle may not need to be re-registered.
When designing new rail vehicles, the number of wheel sensors required is minimized.
Original signal accurate up to SIL 4
When it comes to safety, Knick makes no compromises: There is no feedback on the original signal up to SIL 4. Signal transmission is functionally safe according to SIL 2. Functional safety is certified by an accredited laboratory. Galvanic isolation protects the control system. In addition, the P16800 improves the signal quality of a deformed encoder signal.
The P16800 is also predestined for safety-relevant control systems for wheel slide protection, the braking system, traction, doors, the driver assistance system, the black box, the computer-aided operations control system in mass transit, and the passenger information system.
P45000: High-voltage transducer for safe measurements in traction and on-board power converters of trains
Knick has launched the P45000 high-voltage transmitter as a modern and safe alternative to conventional systems. It scores with 25 % less installation space compared to conventional solutions, high mounting flexibility and SIL certification. In traction converters and on-board power converters in rail vehicles, the P45000 thus brings decisive advantages.
The compact device is designed for measurements up to 4500 V DC and up to 3000 V AC with a type test voltage of up to 20 kV AC. It is suitable, for example, for measuring contact wire voltage, in AC systems via a transducer, or on DC intermediate circuits on rail vehicles.
Ideal space utilization thanks to various installation options
The developers at Knick have created a housing concept that is specially designed for installation in converter containers on the roof or in the underfloor area of rail vehicles, where a large number of components have to be accommodated in a very small space. The P45000 modules can be mounted flexibly according to the space available, either vertically or horizontally, on DIN rails or permanently. The concept of the P45000 allows optimal use of installation space by tightly arranging several devices in a row. Optional partitions between the modules extend the clearances and creepage distances between the connections and avoid errors when mounting the ring terminals. If space is particularly tight, Knick offers the P45000 with permanently molded leads at the high voltage input, so clearances and creepage distances are not a problem.
Voltage measurement – SIL 2 certified
The P45000 is currently the first high-voltage transmitter in the world with SIL 2 certification in the rail industry. If, for example, the traction converter also performs safety-related braking tasks, a functionally safe voltage measurement is required. But a functionally safe voltage measurement is also required for the on-board converter if the fan of the traction converter is fed by this on-board converter.
The P45000 has a commercially available 50 mA output, which enables its use in existing systems without major modifications. Due to the special vertical range of manufacture, Knick also offers a high level of delivery capability for the P45000 at economical conditions.
Would you like to get your hands on the products and to know more about them?
We will be presenting application possibilities and benefits live at various trade shows.
Visit us at the SIFER from March 28-30 in Lille, Paris or at the RAILLIVE from November 29 – December 1 in Madrid, and get first-hand advice on our world novelties or take a look at our new rail brochure that offers a comprehensive view into tried and true application solutions for both Rolling Stock and Traction Power Infrastructure.
