'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:
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
Silicon Labs reports strong growth
News
Silicon Labs has reported robust financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, with significant YoY revenue gains and shifting market dynamics.
Read more...
Siemens acquires Canopus AI
ASIC Design Services
News
The acquisition extends Siemens’ comprehensive EDA software portfolio with computational metrology and inspection to help chipmakers solve critical technical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Read more...
Micron breaks ground on new wafer fabs
News
Micron Technology has advanced two major semiconductor manufacturing initiatives that together reflect the company’s strategic response to sustained global demand for memory solutions.
Read more...
printer friendly version