ATB STM Antennas – Reliable Train Safety for Modern Rail Systems

Advanced Antenna Technology for ERTMS and ATB Integration
ATB STM Antennas – Reliable Train Safety for Modern Rail Systems

The European Rail Traffic Management System is an advanced concept for digital train safety and traffic management. It is the international standard for train safety that replaces the current ATB train safety system in the Netherlands.

Thinkstockphotos 187567068

Advanced Antenna Technology for ERTMS and ATB Integration

Multiple train safety systems are currently in use in the Netherlands. To ensure compatibility between European and national systems, new and retrofitted trains are equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and Specific Transmission Modules (STM). A key component within the Bombardier/Alstom and NS Blueprint ATB STM systems is the ATB STM antenna. This antenna detects the safety code transmitted from the track and converts it into an electrical signal for the train’s ATB system, ensuring continuous and reliable safety communication.

Train2

Expertise in ATB STM Antenna Design

With decades of experience in railway safety technology and active involvement in the early stages of ATB STM development, Ricardo Rail has established itself as a trusted partner for advanced antenna solutions. 

Based on our in-depth expertise, we have developed two modern ATB STM antenna models:

• PW170-0 Antenna – specifically designed for installation on a bogie.
• PW225-30 Antenna – specifically designed for installation on a train or locomotive chassis.

Both models offer enhanced performance and improved compensation for lateral train movements compared to earlier antenna types. These improvements translate into higher operational accuracy, durability, and long-term reliability — essential for today’s high-performance railway systems.

Specification: PW170-0

        Dimensions

  • Height (z-direction)    62 mm
  • Length (x direction)    50 mm
  • Width (y direction)    365 mm
  • Hole diameter    14 mm
  • Cable length    3550 mm
  • PMA PLEX PCS-17 tube
  • inner diameter    15.2 mm
  • PMA PLEX PCS-17 tube
  • outer diameter    21.2 mm
  • Weight    3.4 kg

    Electric
  • Self-inductance    4.8 H (± 5 %)
  • Rated output voltage 
    (@2A, 75Hz, Zcenter=150mm, open output)    51 mV (± 5 %)
  • Resistance    270 Ω (± 5 %)
  • Cable    4 conductors (1 mm2, shielded).
  • Shielding is not connected 2x2 parallel: red/white and blue/black
  • Colour    Purple/Black

    Qualified
  • EN 45545-2:2013    R23 HL2
  • EN61373:2010    Note: Random vibration test with 60.1m/s2

Specification: PW225-30

Dimensions

  • Height (z-direction)    90 mm
  • Length (x direction)    50 mm
  • Width (y direction)    365 mm
  • Hole diameter    14 mm
  • Cable length    3550 mm
  • PMA PLEX PCS-17 tube
  • inner diameter    15.2 mm
  • PMA PLEX PCS-17 tube
  • outer diameter    21.2 mm
  • Weight    4.3 kg

    Electric
  • Self-inductance    4.7 H (± 5 %)
  • Rated output voltage
  • (@2A, 75Hz, Zcenter=150mm, open output)    28 mV (± 5 %)
  • Resistance    280 Ω (± 5 %)
  • Cable    4 conductors (1 mm2, shielded).
  • Shielding is not connected 2x2 parallel: red/white and blue/black
  • Colour    Purple/Black

    Qualified
  • EN 45545-2:2013    R23 HL2
  • EN61373:2010    Note: Random vibration test with 60.1m/s2

End-of-Life (EOL) Strategy

Ricardo Rail follows a transparent and structured obsolescence management process for products approaching the end of their lifecycle. Our End-of-Life (EOL) plan outlines key milestones and provides guidance to customers and partners affected by upcoming changes. 

EOL Phase  

Description    

Timeline

EOL Announcement Date   Official end-of-life notification. Not applicable – to be published on this page within 10 working days after supplier notification.
Last Order Date   Final opportunity to place product orders.  3 months after EOL announcement.
End of Support Date  End of technical support 12 months after EOL announcement.

Contact Us

For technical specifications, quotations, or support requests, please contact our sales or engineering team via 

Sales manager Sales & Customer Support 
Markus Stessun
06-26947064
Ricardo Nederland B.V. 
Daalsesingel 51, 3511 SW Utrecht 
The Netherlands 
Frank Gansner
06-26953495
Ricardo Nederland B.V. 
Daalsesingel 51, 3511 SW Utrecht 
The Netherlands