Pre-study of new electrical coupling between train cars

Abstract: This study is meant to be an initial study of the possibility to replace the discrete control signal wires over the electrical coupler between train cars with a data bus system. The reason for this is that the electrical coupler is large and heavy due to the high amount of contacts it contains. It is also a problem for manufacturers who are upgrading an existing fleet and need to transfer more signals through a coupler with no spare contacts to use. Except the control signals there are also Ethernet and power signals in the electrical coupler. Some trains also use a bus system for control signals and/or signals containing a large amount of data such as passenger information.This report gives a presentation of some common ways to distribute electrical signals throughout a train used by most manufacturers. It also presents some design recommendations for a system that would collect existing signals to a bus system and two different design proposals that should be considered if such a system is to be developed. The study shows that there are already systems on the market for transferringcontrol signals over a bus but they are more aimed for trains under construction. Forthis reason a new bus system would only be suitable for upgrading existing couplersto free up space in the electrical coupler unit.