Transforming Smart Rail Stations with the Advantech DS-330

In today’s evolving rail infrastructure, digital systems must deliver real-time information, smooth operational workflows, and maintain continuous uptime. From automated gates and ticket kiosks to passenger terminals and cloud integration, railway operators are dealing with growing complexity and rising expectations for service availability and scalability—often in harsh, space-constrained environments. The Advantech DS-330, powered by Intel® Atom® x7000, Alder Lake N, or Core™ i3-N305 processors, offers a compact, fanless, and rugged solution that brings intelligence, connectivity, and control to the edge of smart transit systems.

The Challenge

Modern railway stations are quickly evolving into intelligent transit hubs, supporting a wide array of interconnected applications, including:

1. Automated Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) 
2. Passenger Service and Staff Terminals
3. IC Card and QR Code Validation Systems
4. Gate Access Control
5. Remote Monitoring and Incident Response
6. Real-Time Synchronization with Centralized Systems

Delivering these capabilities in demanding, high-traffic environments requires a platform that is compact, highly connected, and built for reliable 24/7 operation.

The Solution: Advantech DS-330

Why the DS-330 Powers the Future of Transit

• Seamless Device Integration: Rich I/O includes 2 x HDMI, 2 x 2.5GbE LAN, 4 x USB 3.2, 1 x USB-C, and 2 x powered RS-232 ports, enabling simple connectivity with peripherals like printers, scanners, gate motors, and signage displays.

• Reliable Display Output: With built-in EDID emulation, displays boot without interruption—even if temporarily disconnected—supporting stability in unmanned kiosks and signage stations.

• Compact and Silent: The DS-330’s fanless, compact design fits easily into tight spaces such as gate cabinets and vending machines, offering long-term silent operation in public areas.

• Out-of-Band Management: Remote BIOS-level access ensures full control, even if the OS is offline—minimizing the need for on-site maintenance and reducing downtime.

• Built for Harsh Environments: With an operating range of -20°C to 60°C and support for 12–24V input, the DS-330 is ideal for both indoor concourses and exposed outdoor platforms.

Real-World Deployment

Across major metropolitan railway networks, the DS-330 serves as the on-site control hub for fare validation and passenger flow management. Its integration into smart stations has empowered operators to reduce operational overhead, improve visibility, and deliver seamless transit experiences.

Results and Business Impact

• Streamlined System Integration: One compact device handles all critical functions 
• Reduced Downtime: Remote diagnostics and OOB control lower maintenance visits by 60% 
• High Availability: Ensures >99.9% uptime in demanding conditions 
• Faster Rollouts: Speeds deployment timelines by 30% 
• Better Decision-Making: Real-time data drives smarter transit planning and services

Conclusion

With the DS-330, Advantech delivers more than just a hardware solution—it provides a flexible, secure, and connected foundation for the digital railway of the future. Its high performance, low power consumption, and rugged design enable operators to meet increasing transit demands while optimizing long-term operational efficiency.