ETCS Train Protection System

The electronic equipment in this application is part of an ETCS level 2 system. ETCS (European Train Control System) is the new control-command system within the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

The exact train position is determined via a Doppler Radar under the traction vehicle and wheel encoders on the traction vehicle axes. Punctiform data transmission devices on the track (balises) are used for alignment (electronic milestones). The ETCS computer in the train transmits the measured position to the control center via Euroradio. The control center sends the needed information about the route, stops and speed back to the train.

The one-slot wide custom 6U VMEbus board designed as a part of the computer system comes with a slot for ESM™ Embedded System Modules. It provides two high-speed LVDS channel links for universal I/O on the VMEbus and can be used as a reflective memory in a VMEbus system. Reflective memory supports redundant architectures by setting up deterministic real-time communication networks across computer systems and operating systems. The VMEbus master/slave interface is built up in FPGA. The board supports two LVDS channels on the front, each channel with a transmitter and a receiver. Two LVDS 21-bit channel link controllers convert the I/O signals of the FPGA into three LVDS data streams and vice versa. The card is designed for -5 to +70°C operation temperature, is conformally coated and comes with all components firmly soldered.