Around 4.5 million passengers use the metro to get around the city of São Paulo every day. State-of-the-art train control and safety systems, such as the communication-based train control (CBTC) system, are used to guarantee a high degree of safety and ensure optimal use of the metro lines. HUBER+SUHNER supplied the entire array of radio frequency and fiber optic solutions for the CBTC system used in the São Paulo Metro.
CBTC systems enable bilateral digital communication between the trains and the track infrastructure. For a given line, this continuous data communication provides both the control center and the individual trains with real-time information about the traffic. By continuously adapting the movement of each individual train to the actual traffic conditions, it enables considerable reduction of headways. Consequently, it increases the transportation capacity of the line and reinforces safety thus meeting the growing demand for more efficient and safer urban transportation systems.
Complete array of radio frequency and fiber optic solutions
The São Paulo Metro network currently consists of five lines. HUBER+SUHNER supplied the entire array of radio frequency and fiber optic solutions for the CBTC system used on lines 1, 2 and 3. A CBTC network such as this consists of the train’s on-board network, the radio network and the backbone network.
For the backbone network along the edge of the track, HUBER+SUHNER supplied fiber optic cables with a high fiber capacity and fiber optic management systems. The full range of passive components, including roof top and trackside antennas, radio frequency cable assemblies and accessories such as power splitters, was used to set up the radio network between the train and the track. The radio frequency components along the route are connected to the backbone network by MASTERLINE cable systems. HUBER+SUHNER’s ability to supply all of these products from one source was key to the company’s selection as a supplier.
Meeting all requirements of the rail and communication market
Together, the radio frequency and fiber optic components ensure interruption-free data transmission between the train and the track infrastructure. The cables, antennas and other components are all extremely robust and are quick and easy to install. All the products meet the strict fire protection and environmental requirements applicable in the rail market. The fiber optic cables also meet the local requirements stipulated by the ANATEL organisation (Agência Nacional de Telecommunicaçoes).
The antennas and fiber optic connectors were produced in Switzerland, and the fiber optic cables in Brazil. The fiber optic management systems and cable systems were manufactured in accordance with the customer’s specific requirements. During the project, HUBER+SUHNER also advised the customer on technical issues.
Increasing requirements for track capacities
In addition to the CBTC project for the São Paulo Metro, HUBER+SUHNER has also successfully completed other similar projects with a variety of metro operators around the world. As the demand for track capacity continues to rise in line with increasing mobility, there is a good chance that further projects will follow in future.
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