The UIC cable, named after the International Union of Railways (French: Union Internationale des Chemins de fer, UIC), is the cable that is usually coupled within the inter-carriages of passenger trains and is used for data transmission. HARTING, a global manufacturer of electrical and electronic components headquartered in Espelkamp, has now expanded its UIC-compliant portfolio to include a series of future-proof IT versions for transmitting Gigabit Ethernet. The new interfaces are called HARTING UIC IT and differ in the arrangement of the contacts: the inserts offer space for 8, 8+16 (according to IRS 50558) or 8+8 poles. This allows them to transmit data and signals for door control or Gigabit Ethernet for passenger information, for example. The inserts for the new series are based on the established Gigabit modules from HARTING's Han-Modular series. These robust and high-performance connector components enable Ethernet transmission up to Cat. 8. This means that the series meets the requirements for an Ethernet infrastructure with higher bandwidths for rail vehicles.

New solution for the power supply in trains

HARTING's portfolio in this segment previously consisted of UIC 558 interfaces with 13, 18 and 23 contacts. Based on the UIC 558 housings, HARTING has created a further solution for the power supply in trains with UIC POWER70 (70 A/500 V). A backshell increases robustness by sealing the device socket from behind, thus achieving protection class IP69. Plugs and sockets can also be easily attached outside of the vehicle structure. HARTING UIC POWER70 thus goes beyond the circular connector solutions previously available on the market.

Standardized versions

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

Additional safety feature

Another special feature of the UIC series is the breakaway safety function. This is designed to ensure that the sides of the interface automatically and non-destructively disconnect when two electrically non-isolated vehicles maneuver apart from each other at a defined tensile force. In the UIC POWER70, the signal contacts are also used to switch off the power contacts in order to ensure safe and non-destructive disconnection.

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