New connectors for rail and transport applications

With the increasing digitalisation and connectivity in the rail and transport sectors, the demand for reliable, robust, high-performance connectivity and communication solutions is increasing. In response, binder is strategically expanding its product portfolio. The company is advancing its M12-X-coded connectors to fulfil the stringent demands of these challenging markets. This development produces forward-looking solutions for applications such as Ethernet-based communication infrastructures, camera-based monitoring systems, and passenger infotainment services.

"The rail industry and the transport sector are becoming increasingly digital. We are currently adapting the M12-X-coded connectors for the specific applications in these target markets. Our connectors will be used in backbone communication structures with high data rates as well as in passenger infotainment systems," explains Dieter Sandula, product manager at binder.

The company will ensure reliable data transmission according to the Cat6A standard – even under extreme conditions such as strong vibrations and shock loads. Connectors for these target markets must meet specific requirements. The DIN EN 61076-2-109 standard specifies, among other things, the need for the mechanical robustness, vibration resistance, and sealing of connectors specifically designed for industrial and harsh environments. Also, there are stricter requirements for new areas of application. For railway applications, connectors must pass additional shock and vibration tests according to DIN EN 61373. Connectors that pass these tests ensure their functionality even under short-term stresses, such as during shunting or coupling operations.

Dieter Sandula explains: "Mechanical robustness and fire safety of materials are particularly significant challenges. binder addresses these by using new materials that are reliably processed in adapted manufacturing processes. These materials have been selected based on the criteria of EN 45545-2. Additional manufacturing steps are necessary to ensure that the quality standards and protection levels expected by our customers are met."

In addition to the rail industry, where several hundred connectors could be installed in a single carriage, and the transport sector, which demands ever-higher data rates in every vehicle, the robust connectors are also finding applications in agriculture. Highly complex machinery in this field demands reliable, robust functionality to prevent downtime. Furthermore, increasingly data-intensive real-time monitoring systems are being integrated into this sector. These systems work with real-time data, such as in combine harvesters, where camera-based systems help to avoid collisions with wildlife.

Dieter Sandula draws the conclusion: "The railway industry, as well as other transport sectors, is evolving rapidly in the wake of digitalisation and the mobility transition. For us, it is a logical step to literally jump on this train in time, actively shape the future of these industries, and unlock new business opportunities."