EN 50155 Validation Testing of ERTMS Onboard Units
The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is a critical component in modern railway signaling and control systems. Ensuring the robustness, reliability, and safety of these systems is paramount for the safe operation of railways across Europe. The ERTMS relies on Onboard Units (OBU), which are responsible for processing information from various sensors and transmitters to control train speed and direction.
The European Union has established EN 50155 as the standard that specifies essential tests and requirements to ensure the interoperability, reliability, and robustness of electronic components in railway applications. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for manufacturers supplying ERTMS OBU systems to the European railway market.
Our laboratory provides comprehensive validation testing services for ERTMS Onboard Units based on EN 50155. This includes environmental stress tests, mechanical shock and vibration testing, and operational performance verification under various conditions. Our team of experts ensures that your equipment meets all specified requirements to operate safely and reliably in challenging railway environments.
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art test chambers capable of simulating extreme temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C, humidity levels up to 95%, and pressure changes. We also have vibration tables that can simulate the harsh conditions experienced by railway equipment during transportation and installation.
One of the key aspects of our EN 50155 validation testing service is our ability to reproduce real-world operating environments accurately. Our facilities allow us to test your ERTMS OBU under a wide range of simulated scenarios, including but not limited to:
- Temperature cycling
- Vibration testing
- Shock testing
- Humidity and condensation testing
- Powder ingress tests
- Altitude simulation
- Mechanical stress testing
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
By subjecting your ERTMS Onboard Units to these rigorous tests, we ensure that they can withstand the most demanding railway conditions. Our highly experienced engineers will work closely with you throughout the process to provide detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement if necessary.
The EN 50155 standard places a strong emphasis on robust design and construction practices. This ensures that all components of your ERTMS Onboard Units are able to function correctly even in adverse environments. Our testing process includes:
| Test Parameter | Description | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Operational temperature range | -40°C to +85°C | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.3 |
| Vibration resistance | Up to 50 g peak-to-peak for 1 hour | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.4 |
| Mechanical shock | 15 g ±1 g, duration 1 ms | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.5 |
| Humidity and condensation testing | 95% relative humidity for 48 hours | EN 50155-3:2006, Clause 9 |
| Powder ingress test | Tested according to IP rating standards | EN 50155-4:2006, Clause 10 |
| Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) | Compliance with EN 50155-7:2013 requirements | EN 50155-7:2013 |
| Environmental stress screening (ESS) | Performed to identify potential failures before deployment | Customized based on EN 50155, Clause 8.1 |
The results of our testing will provide you with confidence in the reliability and safety of your ERTMS Onboard Units. We use cutting-edge equipment and follow stringent protocols to ensure accurate and repeatable test results.
Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable testing services that meet or exceed all relevant standards. By partnering with us for EN 50155 validation testing of your ERTMS Onboard Units, you can rest assured that your products will be prepared to operate safely and effectively in the most demanding railway environments.
Scope and Methodology
The scope of our EN 50155 validation testing for ERTMS Onboard Units includes a comprehensive set of environmental, mechanical, and operational tests designed to ensure that your equipment meets all relevant standards. These tests are conducted using advanced facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
| Test Description | Target Standard | Testing Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Operational temperature range testing | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.3 | Environmental chamber capable of -40°C to +85°C |
| Vibration resistance testing | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.4 | Vibration table with peak-to-peak capability up to 50 g |
| Mechanical shock testing | EN 50155-2:2016, Clause 7.5 | Shock tester capable of 15 g ±1 g for 1 ms |
| Humidity and condensation testing | EN 50155-3:2006, Clause 9 | Humidity chamber with 95% relative humidity capability |
| Powder ingress testing | IP rating standards | Sand dust tester |
| Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing | EN 50155-7:2013 | EMC test chamber with appropriate frequency coverage |
| Environmental stress screening (ESS) | Customized based on EN 50155, Clause 8.1 | High-performance test rigs and data acquisition systems |
The methodology for our testing follows the guidelines outlined in the relevant parts of the EN 50155 standard. Each test is conducted meticulously to ensure that it replicates real-world conditions as closely as possible.
Our team of experienced engineers will work with you to determine the specific tests required based on your product's design and intended use. This allows us to tailor our testing approach to meet your unique needs, ensuring that every aspect of your ERTMS Onboard Units is thoroughly evaluated.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
The success of railway signaling systems depends on the reliability and safety of their components. By partnering with us for EN 50155 validation testing, you can ensure that your ERTMS Onboard Units meet all relevant standards and regulations.
Our comprehensive test process helps identify potential issues early in the development cycle, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before product release. This not only enhances the quality of your final product but also reduces costly rework or recall efforts post-deployment.
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain a high level of communication with our clients throughout each project phase, ensuring that expectations are met and exceeded. Our detailed reports provide clear insights into test results, highlighting any areas where improvements can be made.
We pride ourselves on delivering accurate, reliable test data that you can trust. This builds long-term relationships based on mutual respect and trust. By choosing our laboratory for EN 50155 validation testing of ERTMS Onboard Units, you invest in the future success of your railway signaling projects.
Competitive Advantage and Market Impact
In today's competitive market, meeting regulatory requirements is just one part of staying ahead. By ensuring that your ERTMS Onboard Units comply with EN 50155 standards through our rigorous validation testing process, you gain several strategic advantages:
- Enhanced product reliability and safety
- Increased market confidence in your brand
- Potential for early adoption of new technology
- Improved operational efficiency due to reduced downtime
- Competitive differentiation from non-compliant competitors
- Increased trust with regulatory bodies and potential customers
- Cost savings through prevention of post-deployment failures
- Prestige associated with meeting international standards
Compliance with EN 50155 not only demonstrates your commitment to quality but also opens doors to new markets and opportunities. It positions you as a leader in the field of railway signaling systems, ready to meet the challenges of today's evolving industry landscape.
