Designed for trains, the antenna combines satellite navigation, Wi-Fi and cellular connections in a single compact unit.
Taoglas have launched MA8020 Raptor X, a railway-certified, multi-function antenna platform. It is designed to support Wi-Fi, GNSS and cellular connectivity for rail applications. One antenna can support multiple wireless technologies; hence, rail operators need to install and manage fewer antennas. It helps trains send and receive operational information while running.
The antenna platform is built on the proven Raptor X platform. The product is available in 10-in-1, 8-in-1, 7-in-1 and 4-in-1 versions. These numbers indicate how many antenna elements are combined in each version. The company claims that the antenna platform has one antenna that supports two frequency bands, L1 and L5. These help the system receive satellite signals to determine the train’s location more accurately. It can have up to four antennas to support mobile network connections. The company can also customise the cable lengths and connectors to suit different trains. Its compact, low-height design makes it suitable for installation in places where there is limited space, such as on trains.
The press release also states that the product has passed tests for railway equipment, including vibration, shocks, temperature changes, electrical insulation and electromagnetic interference. These tests showed no reduction in performance. It meets railway fire-safety requirements. Its components have been tested for their ability to resist fire and limit fire-related risks. With IP69K rating, the outer enclosure is highly resistant to water and dust, including high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. It can operate and be stored in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.
“For rolling-stock manufacturers, the challenge is not simply adding more wireless services; it is integrating cellular, Wi-Fi and GNSS capability within fewer installations while meeting stringent environmental and rail-safety requirements,” said David Connolly, Global Product Management Director at Taoglas. “MA8020 Raptor X gives engineers a configurable, rail-qualified antenna platform designed for those constraints.”
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