HARTING UIC IT circular connectors for fast and robust Ethernet and new solutions for power supply on trains

HARTING has expanded its UIC-compliant portfolio to include a series of future-proof IT versions for the transmission of Gigabit Ethernet. The new interfaces are called HARTING UIC IT and differ in their arrangement of contacts: They offer space for 8, 8+16 (acc. to IRS 50558) or 8+8 poles. This means they can transmit data and signals for door control or Gigabit Ethernet for passenger information systems, for example.

The inserts in the new series are based on the proven Gigabit modules from the Han-Modular^® series. Ethernet transmission up to Cat. 8 is possible with these robust and powerful connector components. The new series therefore fulfils the requirements of an Ethernet infrastructure for rail vehicles with a higher bandwidth.

The HARTING portfolio in this segment previously consisted of UIC 558 interfaces with 13, 18 and 23 contacts. Based on the UIC 558 housing, HARTING has also created a further solution (70 A/500 V) for the power supply in trains with UIC POWER70. A backshell increases robustness by sealing the device socket from behind. The new connector achieves protection class IP69, so that plugs and sockets can be easily installed outside the vehicle body. The UIC POWER70 therefore goes beyond the circular connector solutions that were previously available on the market.

The new products fulfil other relevant railway standards: These include IEC 61373, category 2, which ensures an increased protection against shock and vibration. The materials used also fulfil the fire protection requirements according to IEC 45545 (class: R22/R23, HL1-3) and are flame retardant according to UL 94 V-0.

A special feature of the UIC series is a breakaway safety function. If two electrically non-separated vehicles inadvertently move apart, the safety mechanism ensures that both sides of the interface release automatically and non-destructively above a defined tensile force. With UIC POWER70, the signal contacts are used to switch off the power contacts to ensure the safe and non-destructive separation.