RFI surveys pave the way for London Transport

RFI has conducted a series of EMC surveys to establish the electromagnetic environment of London underground stations and bus routes.

As part of Transport for London's (TfL) Prestige Project, the programme responsible for the phased introduction of Smart Cards into the gating system of the London Underground, RFI has conducted a series of EMC surveys to establish the electromagnetic environment of underground stations and London bus routes.

The results of the survey will provide vital information in helping London Transport to overcome any electromagnetic compatibility issues which may potentially disrupt other communications systems on the Underground network.

The surveys were performed in a number of stations and bus routes over several days.

Tests were carried out on station platforms, ticket halls and on buses.

Alhtough all planned smart card installations will have satisfied EMC testing to cover standard CE requirements, there are concerns that these tests do not represent the necessary threat levels to prevent disruption.

RFI's surveys will help provide confidence that equipment will meet the rigours of the actual EMC environment in which it is to be installed.

Vic Clements, RFI's principal engineer commented.

"Most electrical equipment is designed to survive in an electromagnetic environment represented by generic or very wide application limits and levels.

These measurements will enable designers of equipment intended to work in the underground or bus environment to focus on more realistic electromagnetic threat levels".

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