CDM Electronics has announced a case study featuring Protran Technology, a Harsco Rail Company and leader in Secondary Advanced Warning Technology Systems for the railway and transportation industry. The case study outlines the CDM processes used to design and manufacture coaxial cable assemblies to accommodate Protran's requirements for radio transmission functionality in their newest generation vehicle-mounted Collision Avoidance System (CAS). The case study will be released at the 2016 RSSI (Railway Systems Suppliers Inc.) 56th Annual Exhibition at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX on June 28-30, 2016.
Upon review of the case study, readers will learn how Protran engineers determined that no off-the-shelf coaxial interconnect jumper cables could meet the reliability standards of their CAS, and turned to CDM to provide the best possible semi-custom interconnect solution. The case study describes CDM's methodologies, which included conducting an extensive evaluation of rail in-vehicle conditions to identify the electrical and mechanical specifications needed to enhance the assemblies' resistance to non-linear low- and mid-frequency vibration, as well as repeated tensile-pull. CDM then established a manufacturing protocol that integrated terminating harsh-environment Times Microwave Systems connectors with an oversized ferule, and Sumitomo Electrical Interconnect Products' high-performance shrink tubing. To further ensure the RoHS-compliant assemblies' performance, CDM developed a 100% final inspection system, in which assemblies must meet stringent pull-test standards.
The result of CDM's processes is the in-field delivery of semi-custom coaxial cable assemblies that support Protran's commitment to provide safety products that reduce accidents and fatalities in the railway industry. Since employing the optimized assemblies, no in-use electrical underperformance or mechanical failures have been reported in the CAS. Protran plans to continue to utilize the assemblies in all existing and future vehicle-mounted Collision Avoidance Systems.