Cab radios and on-board communication

The Nexus MCX is Siemens Mobility's next generation compact cab radio and our answer to the Tetra/GSM-R convergence to IP technology. The Nexus MCX builds upon Siemens Mobility's 20 years’ experience in the Cab radio market.

The Nexus MCX also offers built in Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity as well as embedded accelerometers. This also offers the opportunity to run a number of location dependent applications like Connected-Driver Advisory System and Remote Condition Monitoring.

The GSM-R transportable cab radio is a self-contained unit consisting of a GSM-R radio complete with a textual MMI, handset, and loudspeaker in a robust case. The transportable cab radio is designed to be easily carried between trains and installed with minimum effort and expertise. It can be used as an emergency backup or, in trains without a cab radio, permanently installed.

The Nexus Voice Cab Radio offers a number of new features to improve functionality and performance. The Nexus Voice Cab Radio can have two types of driver control panels, and is designed to be installed with either one or two textual driver control panels.

It features a unique gland box system allowing fast installation and replacement, and an optional uninterrupted power supply unit providing either two or four hours backup power in the event of train power supply failure. A demonstrated MTBF in excess of 250,000 hours minimises downtime and total lifetime costs.

GPS is integrated into the processor board along with the option of 2 x LTE modules and a Wi-Fi module for multiple data transfers for an array of applications. A new GSM-R transceiver optimises the shielding of unwanted interference from publicly operated networks. This is an essential addition with the ever-encroaching public 3G/4G networks threatening to interfere with the rail communications network.

The Nexus 19” builds upon the Nexus Cab Radio by introducing a 19” rack solution. Including a new interference resistant transceiver, the Nexus 19” provides the optional modules of GPS/GNSS, 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, additional processor, accelerometers and additional memory. These new modules offer the opportunity to vastly improve the cab radio functionality.

Alongside the voice capability, Nexus 19” is also able to provide full EDOR connectivity to an ETCS on-board unit in a fully integrated compact 3U sub rack.

The Siemens Mobility's SDR-200 ETCS on-board data radio provides an important link for the transmission of movement authorities from the Radio Block Centre (RBC) to the train, where an in-cab display allows the driver to control the train without reference to line-side signals. The radio is a compact unit designed for ease of installation with ETCS equipment from other suppliers. All of the main components within the data radio are fully duplicated to provide the necessary high availability the application requires.

The Nexus 19" Data Radio builds upon the SDR-200 ETCS on-board data radio by introducing a 19" rack solution that meets the EIRENE 8/16 specification. The Nexus 19" Data Radio provides an important link for the transmission of movement authorities from the Radio Block Centre (RBC) to the train where an in-cab display allows the driver to control the train without reference to line-side signals. The radio is a compact unit designed for ease of installation with ETCS equipment from other suppliers. All of the main components within the data radio are fully duplicated to provide the necessary high availability the application requires.

The Siemens Mobility's textual drivers control panel (or Human Machine Interface) is one of the smallest available on the market. Interactive dialogues between Siemens Mobility design engineers, drivers, and human factors groups resulted in a driver’s control panel layout that is both intuitive and non-distracting – making it easy to use. Drivers experience positive tactile feedback, which confirms that the desired button function has been achieved.

The Siemens Mobility graphical drivers control panel (or Human Machine Interface) was designed to take account of environment size and ease of installation. It includes an integral loudspeaker and features a color TFT display and illuminated pushbuttons enabling clear uncluttered communications to the driver. The illumination and backlight intensity is set by the driver, with automatic compensation control based on external ambient light levels. The backlit display also provides a wide-viewing angle. The high display resolution allows any character set to be presented.

Driver advisory systems support train drivers in achieving a consistent and economical driving style. Implemented as a software application, the system usually makes use of a train’s cab radio. Nexus hardware is used to provide 4G and GPS functionality, thereby facilitating real-time updates by interfacing with the Train Management System. Real-time updates of route data, timetables, and temporary speed restrictions will improve train punctuality and optimised line capacity

• 'Nexus C-DAS' product brochure

Using Nexus RCM on a fleet of trains is an innovative and inexpensive way to monitor rail networks. Every Nexus RCM system employs sensors to record the train's movements across three spatial axes. Aggregating this information across several runs provides accurate warnings and information on track defects such as voids.

• 'Nexus RCM' data sheet