Research on the BER of the GSM-R communications provided by the EM transient interferences in High-Powered Catenary System Environment

The GSM-R become the communication system for data and voice transmission throughout the China Rail Network. However, the GSM-R communications can be significantly disturbed by the electromagnetic (EM) interferences produced by the High-Powered catenary system. Our measurements highlighted that the EM interferences produced when sparks occur due to the poor contact between the catenary and the pantograph radiate considerable energy in GSM-R band. This paper will then present the main characteristics of these transient interferences and analyze the relevance of characterization methods in order to establish their impact on the BER of the GSM-R communications.