A New Standardized Housing Solution for the imc MTP-NT Telemetry

Measuring wheel-rail forces during rail vehicle validation is technically demanding. The measurement system must be mounted directly on the rotating wheelset and operate reliably under real-world railway conditions.

During on-track tests, telemetry components are exposed to high rotational speeds, vibration, impact loads, dust, steel and plastic particles, splashing water, ballast impact, and winter temperatures. At high speeds, water and debris can place severe stress on housings, connectors, seals, and wiring.

Another major challenge is time. Track tests are costly and tightly scheduled. If a telemetry module needs to be replaced, the exchange must be possible quickly and safely, without causing long downtimes or requiring extensive reconfiguration.

Together with TÜV SÜD Rail, imc Test & Measurement developed imc MTP-NT-XS, a standardized housing solution for demanding and harsh environments, based on the proven imc MTP-NT telemetry platform.

The solution enables wireless, radially radiating signal transmission from the rotating wheelset. This allows the measurement technology to be mounted on the wheelset without modifying it. The modular system architecture also makes it possible to place amplifier modules close to the sensors and in accessible positions.

The standardized housing concept replaces project-specific custom housings. This improves interchangeability, reduces engineering effort, and allows telemetry modules to be exchanged, reused, or serviced more efficiently.

In operation, TÜV SÜD Rail uses imc MTP-NT-XS for wheel-rail force measurements during validation and certification tests. These measurements help evaluate wheel-rail interaction and verify whether the forces remain within a safe range during vehicle operation.

The system is particularly valuable for TÜV SÜD Rail’s internal validation projects and for the rental of instrumented wheelsets. Existing measurement applications can be reused without renewed configuration, which shortens preparation times and increases the availability of the complete measurement system.

Fast serviceability is a key operational advantage: individual modules can be removed, replaced, or reused more easily, helping to reduce downtime during expensive line tests.

The measurement setup is based on an instrumented wheelset equipped with imc MTP-NT-XS telemetry modules. Sensors capture the forces acting between wheel and rail, while the telemetry system transmits measurement data from the rotating wheelset to the stationary side.

The imc MTP-NT-XS system is available in two variants:

imc MTP-NT-XS-BASE contains the controller for measurement data processing and inductive data transmission. It also includes power conditioning for the energy transmitted to the rotating side and provides configurable slots for data acquisition modules.

imc MTP-NT-XS-EXT extends the system with additional configurable slots for measurement modules, for example analog, temperature, or strain gauge modules.

Both variants feature integrated waterproof connectors and can be connected in sequence. This allows the measurement setup to be adapted to the requirements of the specific validation task.

For reliable wheel-rail force measurement, several technical and operational factors are critical:

The system must support robust signal transmission from rotating components and provide high-quality measurement data under dynamic operating conditions. It must be flexible enough to handle different input types.

Environmental protection is equally important. The imc MTP-NT-XS system uses robust metal housings, waterproof connectors, and IP68 protection to withstand harsh railway conditions.

Serviceability is another key factor. In railway testing, fast access to modules, easy replacement, and the ability to reuse existing measurement configurations can significantly reduce preparation time and increase test efficiency.

The imc MTP-NT-XS telemetry solution helps make wheel-rail force measurement more efficient, reliable, and service-friendly.

It enables a minimal-invasive installation on the wheelset, reduces setup effort, and supports fast module replacement during service cases. The standardized housing design improves system availability and reduces the need for project-specific mechanical development.

With modular configuration, modern interfaces, inductive or wireless transmission, 18-bit resolution, up to 24 kHz signal bandwidth, and operation from -40 to +85 °C, imc MTP-NT-XS provides a future-proof data acquisition platform for rotating measurement applications in the rail sector.

For TÜV SÜD Rail, this means shorter preparation times, faster servicing, and more flexible use of instrumented wheelsets. For railway validation projects, the result is a robust telemetry solution that supports reliable measurement data acquisition in demanding on-track environments.