Communication network having locomotive expansion module

A communication network for a consist having a first vehicle connected to a second vehicle by a fluid coupling, the communication network comprising:

• a first network component;
• an analog device configured to generate analog signals indicative of a performance parameter of the first network component, wherein the performance parameter is a pressure;
• a second network component;
• an expansion module having:
• a housing;
• an input interface connected to the housing and externally connected with the analog device;
• an output interface connected to the housing and externally connected with the second network component;
• at least one processor located in the housing and configured to receive the analog signals from the input interface, to convert the analog signals to digital signals, and to direct the digital signals to the output interface;
• and
• at least one sensor located in the housing and configured to generate digital signals indicative of a performance parameter associated with a fluid in the fluid coupling, wherein the fluid is pressurized air used for braking;
• and
• a conduit connecting the fluid coupling to the housing of the expansion module, wherein the at least one sensor is in fluid communication with the conduit.