On the right track

EUI. Technology standards in the European rail and transport sectors have changed in recent years, what are your thoughts on the improvements?
DS. Low energy consumption and the resulting low levels of environmental pollution are a distinguishing feature in comparison with other means of transport. As well as the environmentally friendly aspect that rail transport is extremely safe is a further point in its favour. Problematical on the other hand is the wide variety and complexity of the technical specifications and operating conditions that exist in the various national railway networks. These lead to higher costs for the construction and operation of the infrastructure and in so doing diminish the attractiveness of the railways. That is why it is extremely important to create a legal framework for Europe that supports a uniform railway market throughout the entire European Union and stimulates its development. The objective is to develop technological standards throughout Europe that will enable the straightforward exchange of components and part systems through to complex systems. In addition, it is necessary to harmonise interfaces and basic system characteristics. This is the only way for the internal market of the European Union to operate smoothly.

EUI. What are the current challenges in the electrical connectivity and data industry and how are you tackling them?
DS. Safety in rail transport is an essential requirement, because the components utilised in rail applications are constantly faced with extreme influences. That is why the regulations and guidelines are so clearly defined. As a partner to the national and international railway industry Weidmüller offers these technological concepts in the field of electrical connectivity. We have adapted our components such as terminal blocks, plug-in connectors, housings and marking systems to meet the special conditions that prevail in railway industry applications. These include undertaking extensive tests in our own accredited laboratory. The products are tested according to the relevant criteria such as resistance to vibration and shock, thermal stability as well as operational lifetime and electromagnetic compatibility.

The manufacturers of railway rolling stock are increasingly integrating bus systems. The CSB connector (ConCept System Bus) ensures safe and reliable connections in the MVB (Multi Vehicle Bus) und WTB system (Wire Train Bus). The CSB plug-in connector is a 360 degree shielded module with one or four-pole signal contacts. As you can see: Weidmüller products are utilised in all vehicle modules that have to be connected electrically with one another. Together with our products we stand for innovation and quality - to ensure that the railways remain a safe and reliable means of transport.

EUI. In your opinion, what is driving the growing trend for mobility and consequently the increasing use of modular systems?
DS. High levels of mobility are a sign of a dynamic industrial society - and mobility is permanently on the increase. This continual need has an influence on future railway vehicles. Their concepts must be designed to be extremely versatile to allow railway operators, for example, to be able to quickly alter train configurations to meet the needs of actual traffic volumes. These rolling-stock concepts require innovative platforms and modular means of construction to be manufactured effectively. Both require high-performance and reliable interfaces. Weidmüller supports these platform concepts with a broad range of solutions and an extensive product portfolio. For example, these include WF, WFF and ST-4000 series stud terminals as well as heavy-duty connectors from the 'RockStar' series. They guarantee reliable electrical connections up to 4000 V in control cabinets and in the junctions between the vehicles. Aluminium die-cast enclosures from the K-Series as well as heavy-duty connectors from the 'RockStar' series are utilised in underfloor assemblies where electrical connections have to be protected from dust and water spray. The robust but feather-weight housings are rated to protection class IP68. The use of pluggable terminal blocks allow complete, pre-assembled functional units to be installed in the driver's cab and in door controls in seconds and without any errors.

EUI. Deutsche Bahn AG has rated Weidmueller as an L1 supplier. How important is this level of recognition for you as an organisation?
DS. Being awarded L1 supplier status was very important for Weidmüller. This supplier rating has now been supplemented with the IRIS certificate (International Railway Industry Standard), which is the new quality standard for the rolling stock industry. The DEKRA certified Weidmüller with an 'above-average' result. The IRIS standard represents a further important award for the company and has already been implemented in Weidmüller's quality management regime. Both awards underline our competence as a partner, something we have been maintaining together with the international railway industry for more than 50 years.