Korea Railroad Research Institute Succeeds in Localizing Communication Device for Automated Light Rail Operation

On August 18, the Korea Railroad Research Institute announced that it had successfully localized the photoelectric conversion ground transmission and reception device, which is essential for automated light rail operation, in collaboration with the wireless communications specialist company Humedia.

The photoelectric conversion ground transmission and reception device is a core facility that exchanges information such as train speed, speed limits, and movement authority in conjunction with ground control equipment. Until now, the industry had relied on imported products, but as these products were discontinued, the resulting shortage of spare parts highlighted the need for localization.

Officials from the Korea Railroad Research Institute are taking a commemorative photo together to celebrate the successful test operation of the photoelectric conversion ground transmission and reception device. Provided by Korea Railroad Research Institute

The device developed by the Korea Railroad Research Institute is fully compatible with existing foreign-made products. It improved the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by more than 20 dB, thereby enhancing transmission and reception stability, and also strengthened heat dissipation, moisture protection, and maintenance features. The signal-to-noise ratio is an indicator representing the ratio of signal power to noise power; the higher this value, the less noise and the better the signal quality. When applied at the Yongin EverLine site, the device improved reception sensitivity by 16 dB, achieving a higher transmission and reception success rate than existing imported products.

This development was carried out as part of the Korea Railroad Research Institute's SME support project under the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST), with participation from Yongin Light Rail Transit and Yongin EverLine Operation. Kim Jungtae, head of the Train Control and Communication Research Laboratory and lead researcher, stated, "We plan to expand the application of this device to other domestic and international lines that use similar equipment."

Sagong Myung, President of the Korea Railroad Research Institute, commented, "This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of the institute, small and medium-sized enterprises, and operating organizations," adding, "We will continue to work on the practical application of various railway technologies and products to enhance public convenience and to advance into overseas markets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.