'Black Box' for trains - a runaway winner

25 February 2004 News

An aircraft-style data recorder - the so-called 'black box'for trains, to help investigators to determine the cause of accidents, has won its inventors an industrial award.

Arrowvale Electronics was given a Queen's Award for Innovation 2003 for developing its on-train monitoring recorder. The device records the speed of the train, application of brakes and power, door control operation, and monitoring systems that stop trains passing danger signals, such as automatic train protection, automatic warning system and train warning protection system.

Compatible with a range of trains and railway systems, the black box (which is painted bright orange to be found easily) can withstand temperatures of up to 700°C and very high crushing forces. It can store several days' data from up to 105 channels without power for up to 10 months. It is modular and can incorporate global positioning system (GPS) technology and radio tagging to identify drivers.

It is mandated that after 2005, all rail service organisations in the UK, including those carrying freight, will have to be fitted with recorders.

For more information contact Arrowvale Electronics, 0944 0527 514151, [email protected]

Further reading:

Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...

---

Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...

---

Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...

---

Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...

---

Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...

---

Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...

---

Zuchongzhi-3 sets new benchmark
News
This latest superconducting quantum computing prototype features 105 qubits and 182 couplers to operate at a speed 10¹5 times faster than the most powerful supercomputer currently available.

Read more...

---

Automatic device attestation certificate for Panasonic
News
DigiCert recently announced it has partnered with Panasonic Industry Europe to integrate DigiCert Device Trust Manager with Panasonic’s PAN-MaX intelligent manufacturing service for seamless Matter certification of interoperable smart home devices.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Are we really being ripped off?
Technews Publishing News
To the surprise of many customers, installing solar panels does not always eliminate their utility bill – and in some cases, the power utility may impose additional charges on solar-powered homes.

Read more...

---

Winner of the Advanced Electronics Challenge
Avnet Silica News
Avnet Silica has named Hydronauten winner of the Advanced Electronics Challenge for breakthrough AI-driven vibration damping technology.

Read more...

---