The configurable PHOENIXMDS HBD/HWD functions are mounted in a hollow steel sleeper in the track. Up to 8 scanners are integrated as a modular plug-in unit and let the customer freely decide the scanning areas of bearings and brakes. The core piece of the sensor is a multi-beam infrared detector. The self-cleaning optic of the scanner unit guarantees a clear view all the time. The integrated high performance processing unit converts fast and exactly each measurement result to determine the temperature profile. A 3D thermographic image of the scanned axles, wheels and/or discs is generated. With an adapted temperature measurement level, cold wheels are also detected. The sensor output signal is transmitted from the track to the electrical cabinet. Depending on the customer specified tolerance levels the operator will be alarmed directly. The transmission can be realized over several connections like modem, LAN, or GSM.