The Knick P16800 Universal Speed Signal Doubler: A Smarter Way to Modernize Rolling Stock
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 railways are rapidly evolving. With advanced train control systems such as CBTC (Computer-Based Train Control), PTC (Positive Train Control), ETCS (European Train Control System) and ATO (Automatic Train Operation) now essential to safety and efficiency, operators face a shared challenge: All these systems depend on precise, real-time speed data.
Traditionally, integrating these new systems means adding additional speed sensors on the train’s bogie or if space is limited, replacing the speed sensors with multichannel versions. Both variants are a costly, time-intensive process involving mechanical modification, new wiring, and lengthy vehicle downtime.
But what if you could provide reliable, certified speed data to multiple systems while keeping retrofit costs and installation complexity to a minimum?
Knick’s P16800 series offers a unique solution that eliminates these issues.
Instead of adding hardware to the bogie, the compact, DIN rail–mounted P16800 is installed within a control cabinet. It decouples an existing encoder’s signal without interaction in accordance with SIL 4 (EN 50129), providing galvanically isolated outputs to other systems such as CBTC, PTC, ETCS, ATO, or Passenger Information Systems as well as Collision Warning Systems.
What sets the P16800 series apart?
- “Listens” to signals from speed sensors without influencing them
(EN 50129, SIL 4) - Transmits signals from speed sensors without distorting them
- Protects control units thanks to robust galvanic isolation
- Enables the frequency division of the input signal at a ratio of 2:1, 4:1, or 8:1 to the output signal
- Converts current signals into voltage signals and vice versa as needed
Proven in Practice: Hamburg S-Bahn Retrofit
During Deutsche Bahn’s "Digitale Schiene Deutschland” (Digital Rail Germany) initiative, the P16800 Series enabled “ATO over ETCS” integration on Hamburg’s commuter fleet “S-Bahn” without additional speed sensors.
By decoupling signals from existing
DEUTA EFI61 encoders and providing them at the outputs of the P16800 with an unchanged frequency and phase angle, operators achieved full ATO functionality with minimal integration effort and reduced approval costs.
The Engineering and Economic Edge
For both retrofits and new rolling stock, the advantages of P16800 cannot be denied: The signal multipliers universal compatibility with standard rotary encoders means no software customization and seamless integration into existing wiring and shielding concepts. This has a positive effect on development time and approval processes.
On top of that, fewer sensors mean reduced effort for installation and maintenance – a clear benefit over the entire life cycle of the rolling stock.
Explore how the P16800 can simplify your next retrofit project.
Learn more about the P16800
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