Enhancing Rail Passenger Information & Communication Systems.
A BVM Case Study
Introduction to the Customer
Our client delivers fully integrated security, safety, and communication solutions across multiple industries, including installation, commissioning, hand-over, post-installation support, and ongoing maintenance. They specialise in the rail, commercial, and domestic sectors, providing tailored communication solutions that meet each environment’s unique demands.
As a leading player in their field, the client sought an innovative solution to upgrade railway passenger and platform information and communication systems for a major UK rail network provider. Their goal was to modernise infrastructure while improving the travel experience for passengers.
Customer Needs and Objectives
The client required a 2U rack-mounted PC with a low-power CPU and advanced audio capabilities, designed for integration into railway passenger and platform information systems. The objectives included:
- Enhancing passenger experience through clear, reliable announcements and information displays.
- Ensuring efficient communication across UK rail stations and platforms.
- Delivering a reliable, low-power computing solution capable of 24/7 operation in demanding environments.
The project faced significant challenges due to tight deployment deadlines. Designing a custom rack PC from scratch, producing prototypes for on-site approval, and manufacturing 150 customised units for deployment across multiple UK train stations required precise coordination. Seamless collaboration between BVM’s engineering, production, and logistics teams was essential to meet installation targets.
The Solution: Custom 2U Rack PC Designed by BVM
BVM quickly conceptualised and designed a 2U rack PC from the ground up to accommodate the client’s proprietary electronics. The solution featured a Micro-ITX motherboard with a low-power Celeron CPU, alongside an integrated 7.1 surround sound card to deliver crystal-clear audio for vital announcements and passenger information.
Key Specifications:
- Chassis: 2U Medium Chassis, 1 × 5.25″ External + 4 × Internal 3.5″ Drives (PCI Version)
- Power Supply: 500W Quiet 85+ PS2 Power Supply with 8cm fan
- PC Engine: Q470E Micro ATX Motherboard with TPM 2.0, Intel Celeron G5905 3.5GHz 4M, Noctua Low Profile NH-L9i CPU Cooler, Industrial 8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM, 2TB 3.5″ SATA 6 Desktop Hard Drive
- Audio: Sound card supporting 7.1 surround sound for high-quality announcements
Results: Reliable, High-Performance Rail Communication Systems
The outcome of this collaborative effort was outstanding:
- On-time Delivery: Over 150 customised 2U racks were delivered well within the stipulated deadline.
- Long-Term Reliability: All components were selected to ensure a minimum availability of five years, providing durability and longevity.
- Environmental Resilience: The racks were engineered to withstand challenging conditions, making them ideal for deployment in railway environments.
- Enhanced Passenger Experience: High-quality audio and reliable operation improved communication and information dissemination across UK stations.
Seize the Opportunity – Contact BVM Today!
Elevate your industrial computing or embedded design projects with BVM’s three decades of expertise and innovation. Our dedicated team is ready to deliver custom solutions tailored to your unique requirements. Whether you’re developing cutting-edge railway communication systems or tackling complex technical projects, BVM is your trusted partner for reliable, high-performance results.
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BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems.
From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. Our support teams have worked in a variety of industrial and embedded environments and consequently provide knowledge, know-how, experience and all round good advice around all BVM’s products & services when and where you need it.
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