NEWS:

New PCB for Crossrail displays

The first batch of a new printed circuit board (PCB) designed and manufactured by Infotec to go in passenger information displays for Crossrail’s Elizabeth Line has just come off the Ashby company’s production line.

Called QCR1, the new PCB forms the electronics at the heart of the new 2m-long TFT displays that will be mounted over the passenger screen doors in nine stations on the central section of the new line.

The station designers have decided to locate the Infotec next train information (NTI) displays above the platform edge doors to make them easier for passengers to read, rather than having to look along 250m platforms.

The QCR1 has smart electronic components and capability to enable the two screens that make up each display to be driven with different content by a single incoming interface.

It also carries much of Infotec’s self-healing technology that monitors the on-board Tetrus computer engine and the system’s health and works to ensure the displays operate correctly 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Production of the PCBs is a major step in the Crossrail works by Infotec. The PCBs have been manufactured using Infotec’s automatic surface mount technology pick and place machine into which the company invested heavily two years ago.

To expand and maintain efficient manufacturing to meet a growing order book Infotec has ordered a second, new flexible placement platform for its production department which is due to be installed in December.

The Crossrail contract was awarded to Infotec by fellow Ashby-based Siemens who are responsible for the Crossrail Control and Communications Contract.

Commissioning of the overall line is scheduled for the end of 2018.