Protect, Control, Communicate

Power for electric trains, which comprise the main locomotive responsible for power and propulsion systems, and passenger coaches, is typically provided from the main grid or the on-board diesel engines. The propulsion systems are based on highly efficient power converters to deliver power suitable for various motors, brakes and other on-board electrical systems. Due to the extremely high voltages and electrical noise generated in these areas of the train, fiber optic links are widely used to ensure reliable, safe operation of the power generation unit.

To withstand the stresses of operation in these challenging environments, Firecomms offers a range of robust inter-connect solutions for use on Plastic Optical Fibers (POF) or Plastic/Polymer Clad Silica (PCS) fibers for extended distances.

Firecomms DC-1 MBd and DC-5 MBd transmitters and receivers overcome the significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) challenges within the locomotive area to guarantee error-free control of rectifiers, VARs, and high-power transformers. Equally, to ensure galvanically-isolated equipment control, Firecomms DC-10 MBd components transmit clean, noise-free switching signals to fire high power IGBT/IGCT semiconductors used in auxiliary inverters or motor converters for traction and brake control systems.

Whether in the locomotive or within passenger coaches, data is typically transported over the Multi functional Vehicle Bus (MVB). Governed by the IEC-61735 standard, this bus operates at 1.5 Mbps and transmits all passenger information, and control and diagnostics systems over various protocols such as RS485 or CAN.

Fiber optic communications is used in applications where protection is needed from EMI or high potential circuits.

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LC Transceivers

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Firecomms is a global leader in the provision of fiber optic solutions and optical transceivers, skillfully combining state-of-the-art compound and silicon semiconductor technology with inventive small-scale integration.

Together with a far reaching network of representatives and distribution channels, Firecomms serves its global clients across a range of power and energy, industrial, transportation, medical and con-sumer markets.

Firecomms leverages its deep knowledge across our multi-disciplinary teams in developing the broadest range of fiber optic transmitters and receivers specifically suited to our target markets. With an emphasis on world class performance in reliability, Firecomms utilizes internally developed market leading Resonant Cavity LED (RCLED) photonics with ultra low power CMOS drivers in our transmitters.

Together with robust receiver IC architectures, Firecomms products enable ultra low power fiber optic links, from DC up to Gigabit data rates, to ensure extended lifetimes in the harshest of environments

Firecomms products with Plastic Optical or Plastic Clad Fiber (POF/PCS) links offer many advantages in high speed, electric and diesel locomotive applications:

• EMI/RFI immunity ideal for industrial, harsh, noisy environments
• Galvanic isolation between transmitter and receiver, ideal for harsh, noisy industrial environments
• Visible spectrum operation enables eye-safe, fast troubleshooting
• Low power consumption, transmitters capable of operation at 3-4 mA
• Resilient to bending and vibrations
• Durable, flexible and lightweight
• High reliability for extended machine uptime
• Industrial temperature in range of -40 to +85^o C
• Reduced maintenance cycle time provides up to a 20-year life-cycle on transceivers and cables
• Simplified field installation for easy termination of large core optical fibers in custom distances