Rail Passenger Information Systems Keep Riders Informed

By Contributed Article | February 18, 2025

The hyper-connected nature of modern railways means that even the slightest issue can affect the overall timetable. To keep riders in the loop, both network and train operators have invested greatly to advance passenger information systems.

The hyper-connected nature of today’s sophisticated rail services means that a hitch with one train or line can have a cascading effect on the overall timetable. To manage this operational reality, railway operators must keep passengers informed in real-time about any schedule changes or delays. In the last couple of decades both network (infrastructure) and train (service) operators have invested in passenger information systems (PISs). These systems provide passengers with information about train location and status, timing and schedule details, incidents that affect service operations, platform changes, and other real-time information, delivered via app, station signage, and voice announcements.

PIS can also stand for passenger information display system, and at stations and transfer facilities, a visual display provides information to commuters. On some trains, an on-board PIS updates passengers during their travel. PIS can collect data from various devices on trains, stations, and adjacent systems and infrastructure. Cameras, display monitors, and signal control systems, all controlled from a few cabinets, play important roles in these connected systems.

This information helps keep passengers informed about their journey, schedule, and safety, which contributes to passenger satisfaction and ultimately contributes towards the overall growth in rail use, making it essential to the commercial success of train manufacturers to integrate PIS in design, upgrade, and maintenance plans.

Complex systems in harsh environments

The operating environment for communication technologies still presents extreme challenges. These complex systems, with many data collection nodes located on rolling stock as well as fixed locations along the route, must operate reliably even under conditions with ever-present dust, moisture, dirt, and oil, as well as heat, electromagnetic interference, shock, and vibration. Sensitive electronic systems must be protected from these harsh environment conditions in order to deliver data reliably and instantly across complex networks.

We are in the midst of a global expansion of rail networks, including high-speed, luxury, and electrified lines. Designers of these modern systems must specify every component to maximize speed and performance while minimizing bulk and weight. Ruggedization must remain at the forefront. Connector suppliers can work with design teams to ensure all these factors are taken into consideration, and a new generation of interconnect products is available to meet the complex needs of modern railway systems.

In one example, a high-speed train manufacturer was struggling to establish stable communications signals for the PIS. The designers determined that the root cause of the problem was in the connectors; those in place lacked sufficient ruggedization and failed to withstand the continuous jarring movement of the train. This resulted in signal failure, a rapid deterioration of components, and high maintenance and repair costs.

Once the need for more resilient interconnect technology was identified, new connectors were needed to incorporate into the design of the PIS cabinets. As well as being robust, lightweight, and compact, the connectors needed to be easy to assemble and configurable for different applications and models.

Smiths Interconnect’s M12 connectors feature a common housing design with up to eight insert options, with both crimp and solder contact terminations, and comes in A and D coded versions. These features give the customer maximum scope in the future.

After reviewing various products in the market, the customer found the ideal solution in Smiths Interconnect’s M12 connectors. Based on the patented Hyperboloid contact technology, these compact connectors are designed for challenging operating conditions. Their “basket of wires” design provides continuous points of contact and a unique side-loading contact retention system that minimizes friction through even the roughest of rail conditions. An IP67 metal shell and 360° EMI shielding give them a comprehensive seal and protection from interference. All this enables them to provide unparalleled immunity to shock, vibration, and environmental impacts to provide uninterrupted signal integrity.

Other factors that made this connector suitable for the needs of this customer include a streamlined contact design that minimizes stocking requirements and allows for tool-free assembly for faster, cheaper installation and maintenance. Additionally, the design complies to various global rail industry safety requirements related to fire and smoke.

The rail customer worked with Smith’s project team to review technical information and test samples, and with on-site support incorporated the M12 connectors into their cabinets quickly. Other insights, such as color coded identification and improved instructions, helped speed up their assembly process. With deep experience in the rail sector, the team drew on the company’s market-leading knowledge of ruggedized connector technology to help the customer reconfigure their PIS cabinet to meet their requirements.

In the end, the manufacturer enjoyed an important competitive advantage through a reliable and durable interconnect solution, and the passengers benefit from a reliable information system that enhances a pleasant travelling experience.

Learn more about Smiths Interconnect’s railway solutions. Explore Smiths’ Product Configurator to solve your own connectivity challenges.