Can standard industrial computers and networking equipment be used in railway applications instead of EN 50155-compliant systems? In most cases, no. Standard industrial computing and networking devices are not built to handle the power fluctuations, shock, vibration, and extreme environmental conditions typical of railway environments. However, in some situations, OEMs developing railway products or systems may choose to use a non-certified device if the entire solution will undergo certification, or if certification is not required for that specific application. In these cases, we can still provide guidance and support to help customers select suitable solutions for their railway projects, even if EN 50155 or other standards are not immediately applicable.
What are the key features of railway compliant computing and networking devices? Railway-grade devices are equipped with extended operating temperatures, shock and vibration resistance, power supply resilience, and ingress protection (IP Rating), often IP65 or higher for dust and moisture resistance. In addition, railway devices are built with long product lifecycles, extended support and stable component availability to reduce the need for redesign or requalification.
How are common power supply challenges in railway computing addressed? Railway power supplies are prone to voltage fluctuations, surges, and interruptions. EN 50155-compliant computers handle this with wide-range DC inputs, power hold-up functions, and transient voltage protection to ensure continuous operation even during power disruptions.
Why is EN 50155 certification critical for onboard railway devices? Railway environments expose electronics to extreme conditions, including wide temperature fluctuations, vibration and shocks, humidity, and unstable power supplies. EN 50155 ensures that computing systems can withstand these challenges while maintaining reliable performance.
How does EN 50121-4 compliance affect railway systems? EN 50121-4 certified devices do not emit or suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI) in railway environments. This is particularly crucial for signalling, communication, and control centre operations where interference could cause system failures or safety risks.