This specialized E-band radar assists in coupling operations between a shunting locomotive and a railcar, as well as for locomotives operating in driverless autonomous mode. Precise distance and speed data are intended to be passed to the computerized control system of the driverless autonomous locomotive or displayed to the driver on an additional display in manned locomotives.
Read ELVA’s article E-band Radars and Radar Sensors for Rail Applications to learn more about all types of rail radar apps.
All-weather 76 GHz radar eliminates crucial drawbacks of laser speed & distance detectors such as errors in operation at “direct sun in the eye” conditions or at foggy/snowy weather.
FCC and national regulators over the globe allow unlicensed radar operations in the 76-77 GHz band for collision-avoidance purposes.
E-band Radar Features for Shunting Loco
- The radar determines distance between coupler heads of loco and car with an accuracy of 0.15 m.
- Fine measurement can be done at direct sunlight, at night and severe weather conditions (rain, snow, fog).
- The radar reliably determines the distance to the car ahead exactly on the track on which the locomotive is moving at distance of up to 300 m.
- Presence of trains on neighboring tracks is determined but not interferes to loco control.
- Radar allows effectively use driverless shunting locomotive at speed of up to 40 km/h.
Loco Radar Specifications
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Distance resolution | 0.15 m |
| Distance detection range | 1.5 to 300 m |
| Speed detection range | 1 to 100 km/h |
| Speed resolution | 0.5 km/h |
| Main reflector diameter size | 600 mm (300 mm by order) |
| Beam width | 0.4 deg (0.9 deg for 300 mm antenna) |
| Radar transmitter emission power | 10 mW |
| Radar operating frequency | 76 GHz |
| Operation mode | CW |
| Sweep range | 1000 MHz |
| Interface protocol | Ethernet UDP |
| Sampling rate | 4096 points per 2.0 ms or 5.0 ms |
| Data range | 14 bits |
| Enclosure | IP65 |
| Communication connector | RJ-45 |
| Ambient temperature | -40 to +50 °С |
| Atmospheric pressure | 84.0-106.7 kPa (630-800 Torr) |
| Relative humidity at < 35°С | < 95% |
| Power supply voltage | 18 … 36 V DC with DC converter to loco voltage (optionally) |
| Power consumption | < 25 W |
| Weight of Distance sensor head | 5.5 kg |
| Weight of 300 mm/600 mm antenna | 3.5 kg / 4.6 kg |
Radar Delivery Kit
- Radar in IP-65 case with sealed cable hose for DC power and Ethernet. The hose length is by customer order.
- Antenna with radome, basic diameter is 30 cm, 60 cm antenna as option.
- Mount to fix radar on locomotive railing or similar place.
- DC converter to powering radar from loco battery if loco voltage is more than 36 V DC (optional).
- Detailed description of radar row data specification, intended for loco computerized control system.
- ELVA software application for visualization of radar data.
- Radar Operation manual in PDF.
According to customer order, an additional software application for visualization of radar data could be developed by ELVA team.
For more information, including video of radar operation, please email sales@elva-1.com