The Pantograph-Catenary Monitoring System (PCMS) ensures consistent power supply by monitoring the pantograph for irregularities so stable contact between the pantograph and contact line can be maintained. The PCMS actively monitors for poor contact, arcing, contact wire wear, or abnormal traction current, so proactive measures can be taken to ensure power supply stability and driving safety.

Cincoze’s client, a prominent railway system integrator in Asia, used the DX-1100 embedded computer as the core platform of their PCMS. The DX-1100 is capable of processing large volumes of data from cameras and sensors in real-time, allowing for accurate monitoring of pantograph operations and power transmission status. If an abnormal situation arises, the system will alert the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) and simultaneously transmit data back to the control center to assist in fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance. This functionality significantly enhances the reliability of the train power supply and operational safety.

High-performance computing and image processing

The embedded computer must possess powerful computing capabilities to process and analyze substantial amounts of image data from multiple industrial and thermal imaging cameras in real time. It should accurately identify conditions such as pantograph breakage, slide wear, and temperature abnormalities.

Railway dedicated I/O and international certification

The PCMS needs to integrate various monitoring and sensing equipment to promptly and accurately assess the status of the pantograph and catenary. The embedded computer must support multiple I/O interfaces, including M12 LAN, COM, DIO, and others. It must also comply with relevant rail transportation certifications to ensure stable and safe train operations.

Heat- and shock-resistant with EMC protection

Trains operating outdoors face changing climates, continuous vibrations from movement, acceleration and deceleration, static electricity from track friction, and electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic devices. Embedded computers must provide comprehensive industrial-grade protection to ensure stable operation in harsh environments.

Excellent computing performance

The PCMS generates significant image data during train operations. The DX-1100 supports 9th/8th generation Intel® Xeon® and Intel® Core™ processors and can support up to 64GB of memory, enabling real-time processing and analysis of critical image information. The system features two easily accessible front-panel 2.5” SATA HDD/SSD slots, supporting RAID 0/1/5/10 for fast data access and enhanced data security. With a compact size of only 242 × 173 × 77 mm, it is designed for installation in space-constrained environments, such as train electrical enclosures, balancing computing performance with deployment flexibility.

Railway specific I/O

The DX-1100 offers a wide range of I/O interfaces that cater to all connection requirements for the monitoring and sensing equipment used in the PCMS. It supports up to eight M12 LAN with PoE, allowing stable connectivity for industrial and thermal imaging cameras. The DIO can control lighting to enhance image quality, while the COM port integrates various sensors, including current, acceleration, laser ranging, and UV sensors, to capture key operating parameters and detect arcs. A GNSS module can also be installed via the built-in Mini PCIe slot to improve train positioning capabilities.

Rugged design and professional certifications

The DX-1100 is engineered to withstand extreme heat and electromagnetic interference in confined electrical enclosures. It supports a wide temperature range (-40°C to 70°C) and wide voltage input (9–48V), and complies with railway EMC standards (EN 50121-3-2) and fire protection regulations (EN 45545-2). Passing 5/50 Grms vibration and shock tests means it can endure the severe vibrations caused by high-speed travel and frequent acceleration and deceleration. The DX-1100 is specifically designed for railway applications, ensuring long-term stability and safety in challenging environments.