For mobile applications on trains, for vandalism-proof installations along the track and for use at stations, in signal boxes and data centres, Schroff offers reliable solutions for all aspects of railway and traffic systems with its new ruggedized product platform. Subracks with shock resistances of up to 25g, CompactPCI serial, VPX and MicroTCA systems and cabinets with shock resistances of up to 5g and other components such as backplanes and Card Loks/Wedge-Loks make up the basis of the platform.

The high versatility of the subracks and the wide range of components of this platform allow flexible modular design and construction for a diverse range of railway applications. All parts can be combined with one another. The europacPRO-based subracks can be configured for any loading from 1 to 25g. Similarly, the EMC shielding can be upgraded simply to the required level. Schroff additionally offers a wide range of system solutions with all current bus specifications.

Systems recently specified by PICMG and VITA such as CompactPCI Serial, RuggedMicroTCA and VPX are also available as standard. Based on a subrack series that is available in various degrees of ruggedness, system solutions can thus also be easily adapted to the necessary shock and vibration resistance. For building complete systems, the company has developed backplanes for the various standards: VME, VME64x, VXS, VPX, CompactPCI, CompactPCI PlusIO, CompactPCI Serial, PXI, MicroTCA and AdvancedTCA.

Since backplanes are subjected to particular environmental conditions in railway applications, they are coated with a special lacquer or 'conformal coating'. This protects them from deterioration such as that caused by corrosion or fungal growth. The Varistar cabinet platform also satisfies the stringent requirements of railway systems. The various versions for different levels of stressing are characterised by their ruggedness (up to 5g), flexibility and adaptability.

The EMC shielding concept and corresponding IP protection (IP 55) offer, along with flexible dimensions and a wide range of accessories, the ideal solution for a wide range of applications from signalling systems to demanding situations on board the train. The particularly demanding environmental conditions such as are encountered in railway systems often call for special fixing components for electronics systems.

For securing printed circuit boards in place, and also to efficiently dissipate heat from the electronics, Schroff offers a range of Card-Loks/Wedge-Loks from the Birtcher and Calmark brands, sister companies of the Pentair Technical Products Group.