Introduction
Locomotives and trains have been in use for centuries, and have not changed much over time. Though it is true their method of motion remains relatively the same, traveling from point to point on tracks, the technology behind getting them to each point has become much more sophisticated, ultimately increasing overall efficiency and safety.
Advantech's customer is a major provider of technological solutions (software, hardware, data communication systems) for the development and manufacturing of bundled systems. One of their products is an onboard computer designed to help railways increase transported net loads with an existing asset structure without the need to invest in new assets (trains, cars, rails). For this, they chose Advantech's PCM-9375 single board computer.
Solution
A coal train that crosses remote mountains and deserts on its way to the sea port needed communication and location-based equipment to make certain both driver and goods arrived safely each trip. The customer chose an Advantech single board computer that had to be robust in design and construction, and required a low level of maintenance. Easy customization and the flexibility to integrate with other devices were also crucial. In addition, the customer required:
• Low power consumption • Fanless operation • Compact, slim size to maximum system space
• Reduced heat output • Reliability • A single board solution to minimize maintenance
System
To meet requirements, the PCM-9375 (3.5” SBC w/AMD LX800, VGA, LVDS, and LCD) was chosen. Combined with a touch panel, GPS, CF solid state disk, speed meter, and GPIO node controllers, the ultra reliable PCM-9375 platform ensures that vital train information isconstantly streamed to the administrator. With one unit in the front of the train and another in the back, they work in real-time synchronization to display critical data and enable instant communication.
Benefits
• This all-in-one single board computer eliminates the need for add-on modulesat additional cost.
• Highly reliable in extreme vibration environments, reducing maintenance.
• Low power consumption means energy savings.