Banner Engineering - Industrial, Radar-Based Sensors for Train Detection

Banner Engineering is a leading manufacturer of industrial sensors that utilise opto-electronics, ultrasonic, laser, magnetic-resistive and radar technologies.

Typical sensor applications include:

• Vehicle detection (cars, trucks, forklifts, etc.)
• Over height detection for tunnels and bridges
• Parking access control
• Measuring and profiling in tollbooth applications
• Train and tram detection

R-GAGE RADAR BASED SENSORS

The R-Gage is a vehicle detector using Frequency Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radar technology. The main advantage, compared to the Doppler radar, is that it is possible to reliably detect both moving and stationary vehicles.

Until a couple of years ago, such technology was available but the price of these devices was relatively high. Thanks to a sophisticated level of integrated circuitry and state-of-the-art digital signal processing, this technology is now available in a compact package and at a competitive price.

VEHICLE DETECTION IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

In spite of its slim design (75mm x 75mm), the R-Gage has a powerful range of about 8m. Its performance is unaffected by extreme environmental conditions such as temperature fluctation or exposure to strong winds. Ultrasonic and other technologies are adversely affected in such conditions.

The installation of the R-Gage is very simple. After mechanical mounting, the sensor should be aligned with the object, or at the background. An integrated signal LED indicates the relative signal strength. The R-Gage only requires a 'click-to-teach' and it's ready to go!

The R-Gage is supplied with an integral cable or, alternatively, a standard five-pin M12 connector. This allows fast and reliable connection to, for example, fieldbus network drop boxes.

The R-Gage sensor:

• Features a range of up to 8 metres, using a fixed background reference target
• Is easily aligned and set-up with integrated signal LED
• Operates in ISM-telecommunications band without the need for a license
• Operates with standard 15VDC to 30VDC supply voltage
• Comes with either PNP output or NPN output
• Is supplied with a rugged IP67 housing for harsh environments

TUNNEL FIRE-PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Tunnel protection systems include sprinklers, ventilation, camera control, train detection, fire detection and specific telecom network (GSM-R), control systems These systems manage the signals generated from the various detectors and installations such as access control, emergency lighting and Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS).

In the event that a fire is detected on a train wagon, the train driver is always instructed to try to bring his train out of the tunnel. If he cannot do so, and the train stops, then the tunnel protection systems are automatically activated. Similarly, the sprinklers are automatically activated if the presence of a train, along with a high temperature, is detected in the tunnel.

These types of train detection applications require sensors that are resistant to high pressure and that are not influenced by wind and temperature changes. The R-Gage radar sensor fulfils these requirements. It can detect trains in tunnels and is also unaffected by changes in air temperature and / or exposure to strong winds.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

The R-GAGE sensor emits high-frequency radio waves from an internal antenna, which forms a well-defined beam. Some of this emitted energy is reflected back to the receiving antenna.

Signal processing electronics determine the distance from the sensor to the train, based on the time delay of the return signal. The sensor is configured to operate like a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor.

Please also see Road Traffic Technology - Banner Engineering - Industrial Sensors for Vehicle Detection, Overheight Detection, Parking Control and Toll Booth Applications