UIC 568
Encyclopedia
The 13-corded cable
with connector of the UIC 568 standard is a standardized connection cable from the UIC
, used for transmitting a variety of data and commands between a locomotive and passenger carriages. Examples of those commands and data is loudspeaker messages, train destination signs, and control of doors (locked/un-locked, open/close) and others.
Locomotives equipped according to this standard will usually have two sockets at each end of the locomotive, and carriages will usually also have one or two sockets. Loose cables is then used to establish connection between the locomotive and the carriages, as well as from carrigae to carriage.
Attempts have been made to use this cable for a complete communications bus (Train Communication Network
, TCN), but it was decided that backwards compability was important, so that un-converted carriages could still be used. This would require a 18-corded cable, which lead to the development of the UIC 558-cable and connectors. 13-corded plugs can be connected to a 18-corded socket, and the signals from the 13-corded cable carried through. The remaining five cords/pin is used for the TCN-bus and side-sensitive door control.
Very early in the development of the standard, it was decided that two cords/pins should be reserved for remote-operation of the locomotive (when using control cars).
Along with the UIC 568-cable and connectors, carriages used for international traffic are required to be equipped with electric heating. The power for this, as well as for lighting, air-conditioning, electric outlets for passengers, etc., is carried by a separate cable. This cable carries one-phase 1500 volts AC/50 Hz (with the tracks as the ground connection), supplied from the locomotive, or in some cases a carriage with a generator. In order to use this power, each carriage is equipped with a transformer, which reduces the voltage and supplies a number of electric groups (typically one for heating/air-conditioning, one for lighting, one for outlets to passengers and so on).
Cable
A cable is two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted or braided together to form a single assembly. In mechanics cables, otherwise known as wire ropes, are used for lifting, hauling and towing or conveying force through tension. In electrical engineering cables are used to carry...
with connector of the UIC 568 standard is a standardized connection cable from the UIC
International Union of Railways
The UIC , or International Union of Railways, is an international rail transport industry body.- Brief history :The railways of Europe originated as separate concerns. There were many border changes after World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. Colonial railways were the responsibility of the...
, used for transmitting a variety of data and commands between a locomotive and passenger carriages. Examples of those commands and data is loudspeaker messages, train destination signs, and control of doors (locked/un-locked, open/close) and others.
Locomotives equipped according to this standard will usually have two sockets at each end of the locomotive, and carriages will usually also have one or two sockets. Loose cables is then used to establish connection between the locomotive and the carriages, as well as from carrigae to carriage.
Attempts have been made to use this cable for a complete communications bus (Train Communication Network
Train Communication Network
The Train Communication Network is a hierarchical combination of two fieldbus systems for digital operation of trains. It consists of the Multifunction Vehicle Bus inside each coach and the Wire Train Bus to connect the MVB parts with the train control system...
, TCN), but it was decided that backwards compability was important, so that un-converted carriages could still be used. This would require a 18-corded cable, which lead to the development of the UIC 558-cable and connectors. 13-corded plugs can be connected to a 18-corded socket, and the signals from the 13-corded cable carried through. The remaining five cords/pin is used for the TCN-bus and side-sensitive door control.
History
The UIC 568-cable and connector was first introduced along with the specifications for carriages built according to the UIC type Y (24.5 meters long, 8 cabins) and the UIC type X (26.4 meters long, 10 cabins), but have later on been used for variety of other passenger carriages, allwoing mixing of InterCity (medium to long distances) and regional (short to medium distances) carriages.Very early in the development of the standard, it was decided that two cords/pins should be reserved for remote-operation of the locomotive (when using control cars).
Along with the UIC 568-cable and connectors, carriages used for international traffic are required to be equipped with electric heating. The power for this, as well as for lighting, air-conditioning, electric outlets for passengers, etc., is carried by a separate cable. This cable carries one-phase 1500 volts AC/50 Hz (with the tracks as the ground connection), supplied from the locomotive, or in some cases a carriage with a generator. In order to use this power, each carriage is equipped with a transformer, which reduces the voltage and supplies a number of electric groups (typically one for heating/air-conditioning, one for lighting, one for outlets to passengers and so on).