How Knick’s P16800 Series Reduces Cost and Complexity in Advanced Train Control Systems
The Knick P16800 Universal Speed Signal Doubler: A Smarter Way to Modernize Rolling Stock
How Knick’s P16800 Series Reduces Cost and Complexity in Advanced Train Control Systems
P16800: SIL 4-Compliant Speed Signal Doubling for Modern Rail Systems
Simplifies retrofitting and reduces costs for new rail vehicles
Modern rolling stock design requires delivering reliable, real-time speed data to a growing number of onboard systems—from wheel slip protection (WSP) and traction control to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), European Train Control System (ETCS), and Passenger Information Systems (PIS). Traditionally, each system obtains its speed data from its own dedicated sensors. This multi-sensor approach increases engineering complexity, adds weight to the vehicle, and introduces numerous potential points of failure, complicating maintenance and compromising long-term reliability.
The Knick P16800 offers a simpler alternative. As a SIL-rated signal doubler, it safely decouples and duplicates the signal from a single speed sensor and distributes it to designated subsystems. By being able to use the signals of a limited number of speed sensors for different subsystems, manufacturers can drastically reduce complexity, and in turn cut costs and development time.
Instead of adding complex hardware components on the bogie, which add cumulative weight, the P16800 is a single, compact, 28 mm-wide, 170-gram, DIN-rail-mounted device installed within an existing control cabinet. This approach consolidates signal distribution and transforms a complex mechanical challenge into a straightforward electrical integration task. Its SIL-4-rated input and SIL-2-rated output simplify safety compliance.
For rolling stock experts, the result is clear: fewer sensors, fewer interfaces, reduced costs, and a future-proof architecture ready for additional systems and predictive maintenance applications.
All standards met by P16800
P16800 Standards Met:
| Subject | Standard |
|---|---|
| Use on Rolling Stock | EN 50155 |
| Fire Protection | EN 45545-1, EN 45545-2, EN 45545-5 |
| Isolation Coordination Railway Application | EN 50124-1 / IEC 62497-1 |
| Isolation Coordination General Industry | Dave |
| Protection against Electric Shock through Reinforced Insulation | EN 61140 or EN 50178 or EN 50124-1 / IEC 62497-1 |
| Electrical Safety | |
| Reliability | EN 61709 (SN 29500) |
| Climatic Conditions | EN 50125-1, EN 50125-3 |
| Resistance to Vibration and Mechanical Shock (Rail Applications) | EN 61326-1 |
| EMC for Rail Applications | EN 50121-1, EN 50121-3-2 |
| EMC for Industrial Applications | EN 61326-1 |
| Functional Safety | EN IEC 61508 or EN 50129 |
Why integrating P16800 can be the difference maker for new rolling stock?
- Lower Production Cost
Saves costs through fewer sensors, reduced cabling, shorter installation time, and less testing and documentation. - Reduced Engineering Effort
Fewer mounting points and simpler wiring enable easy integration. - Higher Reliability & Fleet Availability
Fewer external components mean fewer points of failure, resulting in lower lifecycle costs. - Accelerated Certification
P16800 already meets all key railway standards¹, reducing the documentation and testing required for vehicle approval.
Explore how the P16800 can simplify your next retrofit project.
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