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Press Release12 July 2017Siemens AGMunich
New Siemens technology to enhance mobile signal reception in the Rhein-Ruhr Express
Without repeater modules in the cars, it has been very difficult to achieve good cellular reception in many trains. These reception issues are caused by the vehicles' windowpanes, whose metallic coating provides protection against heat and solar radiation. Unfortunately, heat and solar rays are not the only things that the windowpanes reflect. Other electro-magnetic waves are also blocked. As a result, the cars act like Faraday cages. In high-speed trains, blockage is 99.9 effective.
Siemens researchers in Vienna have now developed a special windowpane coating that allows radio signals to pass through unhindered. This is made possible by a fine pattern that the scientists apply with the help of lasers to the panes' electrically conductive, transparent layer. "This approach massively improves signal-reception levels for mobile terminal devices in trains," says Lukas W. Mayer, project head at Siemens Corporate Technology. "In high-speed trains, our solution enables us to increase signal strength in cellular frequency bands by at least 50 times. The panes also allow all frequencies useful for mobile communication to pass through. What's more, future mobile standards like 5G will be immediately available without additional investment."
The new technology will also pay off for train operators. The windowpanes can be used for decades without maintenance. They are easy to install and – unlike in-train repeaters – require no electric current. In new vehicles, they are also more cost-effective. Existing cars can be retrofitted at any time. The panes can be installed in all rail vehicles with thermal protective glazing: the fine pattern in the coating is almost invisible.
The first prototype of an electric multiple unit equipped with the new windowpane technology for the RRX was unveiled today at Siemens' test and validation center (PCW) in Wegberg-Wildenrath, Germany. In the months to come, a total of seven pre-series units will be put into operation at the PCW, where they will complete a comprehensive test program before making their first trial runs on the public rail network. The RRX is scheduled to begin passenger service in the Greater Rhine-Ruhr Region at the end of 2018.
Additional material is available at: www.siemens.com/press/RRX
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
Contact
Florian Martini
Siemens AG
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Germany
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Germany
+49 (89) 636-33446