Wireless routing platform for rolling stock
January 2012
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Bruce Chen, Moxa
The challenge of wireless network integration in the railway industry.
More and more, the rolling stock industry is moving towards wireless technology to enable network connection and communication for onboard passengers and various control systems. However, solution providers need to address several major challenges if they are to meet the needs of the rolling stock industry. This paper discusses how many of these challenges can be met through the use of an intelligent routing platform.
The challenge of wireless signal coverage
With large coverage areas, it is common to encounter issues of poor or unreliable coverage, while specific locations may simply be ‘dead zones’. Wi-Fi systems rely on access points that support a range of several hundred metres, so covering larger areas requires investing in a dense and well-tuned network of access points. Cellular systems offer far broader coverage, but there is a corresponding trade-off in performance. In addition, cellular signal strength can vary dramatically by carrier and region and there may be few or no options for boosting coverage in dead zones.
Many rolling stock users achieve the best overall wireless coverage by using both Wi-Fi and cellular wireless networks as complements or supplements to each other. For example, supplemental cellular coverage can be added through the use of a cellular gateway or router and Wi-Fi networks may be installed in a tunnel where cellular coverage is unavailable. Some manufacturers also offer specialised rugged computers that are designed specifically for rolling stock, with support for Wi-Fi, cellular and GPS modules.
Any or all of these devices can work together to help ensure a live wireless connection at any given moment, but some mechanism will be needed to ensure seamless operation. For example, a cellular router may be configured so that it is only enabled in the event that there is no Wi-Fi connection. In many cases, a far greater degree of flexibility and customisation is often required. The ideal platform would therefore offer a rich set of tools optimised for managing both Wi-Fi and cellular connections and would be easily programmed and easily customised.
When a wireless infrastructure is in place and signal coverage is no longer the crucial factor, the challenge becomes one of integration. How can multiple wireless communication systems and networks be integrated and efficiently deployed most easily?
For more on the Moxa answer to this dilemma, visit http://instrumentation.co.za/+C15910
Further reading:
Introduction to Part 2 loop signatures and process transfer functions
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The previous series of loop signature articles dealt with the basics of control loop optimisation, and concentrated on troubleshooting and ‘SWAG’ tuning of simple processes. In this new series, consideration will be given to dealing practically with more difficult issues like interactive processes, and with processes with much more complex dynamics.
Read more...
Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220. This offers a seamless and innovative drive system with comprehensive simulation and analysis capabilities and advanced connectivity features that enable full integration into digital work processes.
Read more...
PC-based control in the plastics industry
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Loop Signature 31: Non-linearity in control loops (Part 2)
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
This article is a continuation of Loop Signature 30 published in the last issue in this series, exploring reasons for non-linearities which may be encountered in feedback control loops
Read more...
PC-based control optimises robotic parts handling on plastics machinery
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.
Read more...
PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Case History 200: The final case history – desuperheater control problem.
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For this final article I have chosen to relate a problem that existed in a desuperheater temperature control on a boiler in a petrochemical refinery.
Read more...
PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
Read more...
Suppression and safety solutions for fire and gas in mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...
Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems
Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
Read more...
printer friendly version