Contact systems
In addition to standard contacts, we also develop and produce various special contacts for different applications. Our contact systems are specially designed to be used in harsh and dynamic environments and are used in applications including electric couplings, quick-change tools, test equipment, charging stations and many more. At era-contact, we offer specially developed contacts with an optimum contact design in line with individual requirements: Male-female contacts, mobile-fixed contacts, mobile-mobile contacts or data contacts. Each cable can be connected via either a crimp, screw or plug connection.
At era-contact, we offer specially developed contacts with an optimum contact design in line with individual requirements: Male-female contacts, push-fixed contacts, push-push contacts or data contacts. Each cable can be connected via either a crimp, screw or plug connection.
Mobile-fixed contact systems:
Mobile-fixed contact systems are used to transfer control current and power current. The majority of contact systems used in electric rail couplings are mobile-fixed ones. They are suitable for transmitting electrical signals and for transferring power up to a rated current of 500 A. Mobile-fixed contact systems are designed for up to 100,000 coupling cycles and are available with silver or gold surfaces. Mobile-fixed contact systems can be used in pushed, swiveled and stationary electric couplings alike. Additional information can be found in the data sheets.
With our patented mobile-fixed contact principle, the electrical contact is produced by the rebounding contact head. This exerts sufficient contact force on the fixed contact across the entire operating range of the mobile contact, which permits axial play in the arrangement as a whole. The internal contact pin works together with the contact strip to ensure a constant contact force. As a result, era-contact achieves the best transmission properties. This ensures a durable, low-ohm connection. In addition to this internal structure, there are stranded contacts which are used for individual applications at high temperatures. The retaining strips integrated into the mobile contact head are another type of design. They conduct the electric current to the contact connector pin via the sheath. Maximum rated current up to 500 A. Signal transmission of up to 10 Mbit/s is possible depending on the version.
Technical data sheets:
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K08 Ag LA 045678/045702 30 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K10 Ag LL 028109/028170 50 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K10 Au LL 041421/028691 50 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K13/45 Ag LL 045830/045680 60 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K16 Ag LL 026690/028235 100 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K16 Ag 023231/028235 150 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K27 Ag LL 023770/023237 200 A
product data sheet mobile-fixed contacts era-contact K34 Ag LI 007695/007657 500 A
Male-female contact systems:
Male-female contact systems are used to transmit data and transfer power up to a rated current of 800 A. Silver-coated and gold-coated surfaces are also available in this range. Gold-coated male-female contact systems are designed for the transfer of low voltages and currents, of the type which occur during data transmission, with silver-coated contacts being designed for up to 100,000 coupling cycles and gold-coated ones for up to 30,000 coupling cycles.
With the male-female contact principle, the electrical contact is established by the pin via the strip of the female contact. With this principle, the bias voltage of the contact strips provides the required contact pressure. Maximum rated current up to 800 A. Signal transmission of up to 10 Mbit/s is possible depending on the version.
Technical data sheets:
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K08 Ag 047840/047838 30 A
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K08 Au 047841/047839 30 A
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K10 Ag 003824/023853 50 A
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K10 Au 003823/023852 50 A
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K16 Au 022721/022722 90 A
product data sheet male-female contacts era-contact K17 Ag 003717/003716 125 A
Mobile-mobile contact systems:
The push-push contact principle is based on the same principle as the mobile-fixed contact principle, but it differs in that two mobile contacts are used. This contact system is often used in swiveled electric couplings or as a leading contact system in pushed and stationary electric couplings.
If mobile-fixed and mobile-mobile contact systems are used at the same time, premature contacting occurs on the mobile-mobile contact systems. This may be the premature adjustment of the ground potential. This is why this contact principle is also referred to as a leading contact system.
The following sizes are recommended for use:
product data sheet mobile-mobile contact era-contact K12s 045999
product data sheet mobile-mobile contact era-contact K12s 045845
product data sheet mobile-mobile contact era-contact K13 45 045770
product data sheet mobile-mobile contact era-contact K13 52 045820
Data contacts: era-transceiver®:
The use of Ethernet to transmit different information and applications shows no sign of stopping in the rail sector either. Our field-tested era-transceiver® is ideal for meeting these requirements. With this contact system, signals are available in trainsets made up of several coupled multiple units or in locomotive-hauled trainsets without signal losses.
Fast and gigabit Ethernet contact system for real-time transmission of high-resolution video signals and passenger information signals (audio and video) via automatic couplings.
How the era-transceiver® works:
The optical radio link is used to transfer Ethernet signals via the electric rail coupling. The incoming Ethernet signal is converted into an optical radio link signal. The opposite side, which is a few centimeters away, converts the optical radio link signal back into the physical Ethernet signal. As a result, potential shifts are avoided between the connection points, e.g. between two cars. This type of transmission represents a secure connection with respect to mechanical vibrations and electromagnetic interference pulses, and therefore ensures a high level of availability. The system is also resistant to relative movements, operates without wear and cannot be intercepted. The era-transceiver also provides signal regeneration in the network and the option to display or query a status. The system is designed for 100,000 coupling cycles. Additional information can be found in the data sheets.
Functions:
- Transmission by means of optical radio link signal.
- High-speed data transmission with 100 Mbit, 1 Gbit and 10 Gbit
- Galvanically uncoupled connection
- Potential-free contact as status query
- Various interface options (RJ45, M12, SC)
- Permits a high degree of inaccurate centering/guidance
- No coupling forces on the optical contacts
- Provides signal regeneration
Technical data sheets:
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 045960
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 045980
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 045990
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 Giga 045970
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 Giga 072050
product data sheet era-transceiver® contact era-contact K50 Giga 072110
Other data contact systems:
Designed as a coaxial, twinaxial or Quartax contact. Fully shielded signal throughout the entire contact system and data rates up to 100 Mbit/s.
Transmission of video signals, Quartax systems also suitable for Ethernet transmission, option to connect 50 Ω, 75 Ω, 100 Ω and 120 Ω cables, in use around the world since 1995.
- Coaxial contact One-pin contact + shielding
- Twinaxial contact Two-pin contact + shielding
- Quartax contact Four-pin contact + shielding
The Coaxial contact One-pin contact + shielding is construed for a cable clamp for the coaxial cable.
The Twinaxial contact Two-pin contact + shielding is construed for a cable clamp for two-core, shielded cable.
The Quartax contact Four-pin contact + shielding is construed for a cable clamp for four-core, shielded cable.
Technical data sheets:
product data sheet Quartax contacts era-contact K23 100 Ω 045974/045975 500 A
Special contact systems:
In addition to standard contacts, era-contact also develops and produces a wide range of special contacts for various applications, such as ground contacts, reed contacts, switch contacts, optical radio link contacts.
Contact systems from era-contact are specially designed to be used in harsh ambient conditions in a dynamic environment. Our contact systems are also used in other applications, such as quick-change tools for the construction machinery sector, test equipment and many more.
In addition to developing and producing contacts, another main task is to arrange and design electric couplings (including the connected cables) in such a way as to ensure EMC compliance, in order to prevent signals or currents from influencing each other. era-contact can look back on almost 80 years of tradition in this field.
Technical data sheets:
product data sheet era-contact UIC558 contact 122033/122024 10 A
Accessories: Connector pins
There are various possibilities for connecting cables. On the coaxial contact systems, cable clamps compatible with the connection cables are used, so that strain relief and shield contacting can be performed optimally. The following connection options are possible for push-fixed contact systems, push-push contact systems and male-female contact systems:
- Screw connection, for direct joining to cable lugs
- Crimp connection, for crimping with different cable cross-sections, and
- Plug connection for 6.3 mm flat connector sheathes (single and double)
The connector pins are silver-coated or gold-coated, like the contacts themselves, in order to ensure optimum transmission quality. Please note that the connections you choose may change the spacing between the contacts.