Rail Transportation Power Solutions
Reliable, high-reliability power solutions designed specifically for the demanding requirements of railway and mass transit systems. Our power modules meet stringent rail standards for safety, reliability, and performance in harsh environmental conditions.
Power Solutions for Critical Rail Applications
Railway and mass transit systems demand power solutions that meet the most stringent requirements for safety, reliability, and performance. Power systems in rail applications must operate continuously in harsh environments while meeting strict safety standards and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
Our rail-qualified power solutions are engineered to provide decades of reliable operation in demanding applications including locomotive traction systems, signaling and communication systems, passenger comfort systems, and safety-critical applications. All solutions are designed to meet applicable rail standards including EN 50155 and EN 45545.
Rail Application Categories
Traction Power Systems
Power conversion and control for electric traction motors and propulsion systems in locomotives and railcars.
Requirements:
- High reliability and long life
- Harsh environmental tolerance
- Efficient power conversion
- Fast dynamic response
- High power density
Specific Applications:
- Traction Motor Control
- Power Inverters
- Converter Control Units
- Regenerative Braking
Signaling & Control
Critical power systems for railway signaling, control, and safety systems with emphasis on functional safety.
Key Criteria:
- Safety certification (SIL levels)
- Ultra-high reliability
- Fast transient response
- Wide input voltage range
- Low ripple for sensitive circuits
Systems:
- Track Signaling
- Interlocking Systems
- Train Detection
- Positive Train Control
Passenger Comfort Systems
Power solutions for HVAC, lighting, entertainment, and comfort systems in passenger railcars.
Necessary Features:
- Quiet operation
- High efficiency
- Reliability for passenger safety
- EMI compliance
- Wide temperature range
Services:
- Climate Control
- Lighting Systems
- Entertainment Systems
- Emergency Power
Communication Systems
Power for railway communication, data, and wireless systems requiring reliable, low-noise power.
Essential Requirements:
- Low EMI/RFI emissions
- Immunity to electrical noise
- Reliable operation
- Wide input voltage range
- Fast transient response
Applications:
- Radio Communications
- GPS/GNSS Systems
- Data Communication
- Wireless Access Points
Maintenance & Infrastructure
Power for wayside equipment, maintenance systems, and rail infrastructure applications.
Infrastructure Needs:
- Long-term reliability
- Harsh weather resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Wide temperature operation
- Overvoltage protection
Equipment:
- Wayside Equipment
- Trackside Systems
- Maintenance Equipment
- Power Distribution Boxes
Railway Standards Compliance
| Standard | Application | Description | Power System Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 50155 | Rolling Stock Equipment | Specification for electronic equipment used on rolling stock | Wide input voltage range (72V/110V), temperature, vibration, EMI |
| EN 45545 | Fire Protection | Fire protection on railway vehicles | Materials flammability, heat release, smoke toxicity, fire resistance |
| EN 50121 | EMC for Railway Applications | Electromagnetic compatibility for railway equipment | EMI emissions and immunity requirements |
| IEC 61373 | Shock & Vibration | Railway applications: Rolling stock equipment | Shock and vibration testing for equipment durability |
| EN 50124 | Insulation Coordination | Insulation coordination for railway applications | Creepage, clearance, and insulation requirements |
| EN 50125 | Environmental Conditions | Environmental conditions for railway applications | Temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure requirements |
Technologies for Rail Applications
High Reliability Design
Power modules designed for 30+ year operational life in continuous service:
- Derated components for extended life
- Robust packaging for vibration resistance
- Wide temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C)
- Hermetically sealed options available
- Extensive life testing and validation
Wide Input Voltage Range
Handle the wide voltage variations in rail systems:
- Operate from 18V to 132V DC inputs
- Survive load dump conditions
- Function during brownout conditions
- Regulated output despite input variation
- Automatic switching between power sources
EMI/EMC Compliance
Designed for harsh electromagnetic railway environments:
- Low EMI for sensitive signaling systems
- High immunity to electrical noise
- Meeting EN 50121 requirements
- Integrated filtering options
- Conducted and radiated emission control
Galvanic Isolation
Essential for safety and ground loop prevention:
- High breakdown voltage (up to 2250V)
- Reinforced isolation options
- Protects sensitive circuits
- Allows floating systems
- Enhanced safety in fault conditions
High Power Density
Maximum power in minimum space for space-constrained railcars:
- ChiP technology for highest density
- Efficient thermal management
- Compact form factors
- Reduced weight for energy efficiency
- More space for other systems
Fast Transient Response
Essential for safety-critical and communication systems:
- Preserved power dynamics (FPA)
- Fast response to load changes
- Stable operation under dynamic loads
- Support for rapidly changing loads
- Power quality for sensitive systems
Recommended Products for Rail Applications
BCM for Traction Systems
Bus Converter Modules for high power density current multiplication with galvanic isolation.
Key Specifications:
- High efficiency >96%
- Current multiplication
- Galvanic isolation
- Wide temperature range
- Ruggedized packaging
Common Applications:
- Traction control units
- Motor drive systems
- High-power conversion
- Isolated power supplies
DCM for General Rail Power
Fixed-ratio converters with galvanic isolation for reliable bus conversion applications.
Key Specifications:
- Fixed voltage ratio conversion
- Galvanic isolation
- High efficiency >95%
- Robust design
- Wide input voltage range
Common Applications:
- 110V to 24V conversion
- 48V to 24V conversion
- Isolated power supplies
- Signaling power
VTM + PRM for High-Current Applications
Factorized Power Architecture for high-current, fast-transient applications.
Key Specifications:
- Current multiplication with FPA
- Preserved dynamics
- Galvanic isolation
- High efficiency >97%
- Fast transient response
Common Applications:
- Processor power supplies
- Communication systems
- Safety-critical systems
- High-performance computing
High Reliability Packaging
Specialized packaging for harsh rail environments with enhanced reliability.
Key Specifications:
- Hermetically sealed options
- Enhanced vibration resistance
- Wide temperature range
- Conformal coating options
- Enhanced life testing
Common Applications:
- Wayside equipment
- Harsh environment systems
- Safety-critical applications
- Long-life requirements
Environmental & Safety Considerations
Vibration and Shock Tolerance
Railway equipment experiences significant vibration and shock during normal operation:
- Continuous vibration in rail environment
- Shock loads during switching and coupling
- Track irregularities causing mechanical stress
- Wind loads on wayside equipment
- Verified with IEC 61373 testing
Design Guidelines:
- Robust mechanical mounting
- Elimination of stress concentrations
- Proper connector selection
- Secure component placement
- Flexible interconnects where needed
Temperature & Humidity
Rail equipment must operate across wide temperature range and varying humidity:
- Operating temperatures: -40°C to +85°C
- Storage temperatures: -55°C to +125°C
- Humidity: 5% to 95% RH (non-condensing)
- Thermal cycling durability
- Condensation protection for outdoor equipment
Protection Methods:
- Wide temperature design margins
- Thermal management design
- Enclosures with proper sealing
- Heaters for condensation prevention
- Conformal coating for moisture protection
Electrical Environment
Rail systems present challenging electrical environments:
- Wide voltage variations on train lines
- High EMI from traction systems
- Lightning and surge exposure
- Ground potential differences
- RF interference from communication systems
Electrical Protection:
- Wide input voltage range modules
- High EMI immunity
- Comprehensive surge protection
- Isolated power systems
- Robust filtering
Safety Requirements
Rail systems must meet stringent safety requirements:
- Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) requirements
- Fail-safe design principles
- Functional safety compliance
- Redundancy requirements
- Safe state implementation
Safety Implementation:
- Redundant power systems
- Diversity in power solutions
- Safe output shutdown capability
- Diagnostic coverage
- Failure mode analysis
Rail Certification & Support Services
Compliance Assistance
Help navigating rail certification requirements and standards compliance.
Design Validation
Validation testing to confirm designs meet rail environmental requirements.
Long-term Support
Support for system lifecycles that can extend 30+ years.
Application Engineering
Specialized rail power system design and optimization.
Safety Assessment
Support for functional safety and risk assessment activities.
Training & Documentation
Specialized training for rail power system design and maintenance.
Power Your Rail Applications with Confidence
Our rail-certified power solutions meet the most demanding requirements for safety, reliability, and performance in railway and mass transit applications. Contact our rail specialists for application-specific recommendations.