November 7, 2016 - Westermo has launched an Ethernet broadband bridge designed especially for the rail vehicle market. The DDW-002-B1, part of the Wolverine series of industrial Ethernet extenders, can be used to interconnect Ethernet networks within rail cars using the existing cables in the train coupling. The DDW-002-B1 uses power-line communication technology according to IEEE 1901 and is able to support data communication networks by propagating high bandwidth Ethernet traffic over almost any 2-wire cable. This communication technology is able to negate problems with degraded legacy cabling, such as oxidized connectors.
The unit has been designed to meet the full requirements of the rail vehicle market and has been tested and certified to meet and exceed EN 50155. It is also approved for track side deployment according to EN 50121-4.
The DDW-002-B1 also has potential for use in a variety of non-rail applications, e.g. involving communication over slip rings. Its compact construction makes it well suited for deployment in areas with severe operating conditions and extreme environments.
By using quality components the DDW-002-B1 delivers extended Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) figures. Features like a GORE-TEX® membrane in the IP67 enclosure prevent water build-up, and the vibration-safe integrated connector threading, further contribute to high MTBF and long service life.
