RailNet^® AEI System

Overview

SAIC's RailNet^® Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) reader system identifies rail equipment by reading electronically coded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags mounted to locomotives, railcars, trailers, end-of-train units and intermodal containers. See photo.

Applications

RailNet AEI Reader Sites are available in a number of configurations designed to economically meet a full range of service requirements. AEI Reader systems provide automated tracking of railcars via RFID tags, and make railcar location information available to railroads for asset management and other purposes. In combination with the new Next Generation AEI Version 5.0 software, SAIC's RailNet product becomes a platform upon which new applications can be rapidly prototyped and deployed.

In addition to the standard AEI reader configuration, our team of experienced engineers can design systems to meet specific application requirements. Some typical applications include interfacing to hot-bearing detectors, dumpers, loadouts, hump computers, weigh-in-motion (WIM) scales, and defect detectors. See photo.

Features

The RailNet AEI Reader System stores AEI tag data including time, date, train direction and speed. It also responds to inquiries via modem and interfaces to scales, video systems and diagnostic and monitoring devices.

Recently SAIC introduced a new faster and more capable AEI reader system generation and associated AEI version 5 software. The new system is fully compatible and existing readers can be upgraded in the field with a system board kit. The RailNet Version 5 AEI system features faster data processing with a new Pentium-class CPU, more memory, the Microsoft® Windows® XP embedded operating system, and new application programming capabilities. The system provides other immediate benefits, such as improved double-track train-read accuracy, data storage for longer trains, and other features. See photo.

It is the only AEI system controller currently available that supports up to four separate sessions in order to transmit data to different host systems in different formats. This allows railroads to share AEI Readers and still receive data in their railroad-specific formats. See photo.

The RailNet Mainline AEI reader system is the de facto standard for Class 1 railroad mainline applications. It serves as the heart of every RailNet system, reading, organizing and transmitting equipment location data to customers' host systems over standard telephone lines. It is available as a complete turnkey solution in single and multi-track configurations. It is capable of handling trains operating at high track speeds. The standard mainline equipment configuration includes a 4'x6' hut with standby power and lightning protection.

The RailNet AEI reader system is available in a variety of configurations for single, double and triple track. Also available is the Version 5 APU upgrade kit.

Benefits

With an installed base of over 3,100 AEI Reader sites, our products are comprehensively tested, well proven, and thoroughly documented. Because of this solid, demonstrated performance, the SAIC product line is the most widely accepted AEI product line in North America. See photo.

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