FAR Systems - Onboard Train Control, Monitoring, Diagnosis and Communication Systems

FAR Systems produce highly integrated systems for onboard train control, monitoring, diagnosis, communication, and onboard-to-ground communication for remote maintenance and dynamic updating of the operational parameters.

ONBOARD TRAIN COMMUNICATION NETWORK

The on-board train communication network is the true backbone of the complete system, linking every device with a communication network implemented according to the IEC61375 and UIC556.

A dedicated rack performs the management and diagnosis of all the train functions that are executed by the on-board electronic sub systems.

DYNAMIC PASSENGER INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Dynamic Passenger Information System (DPIS) supplies passengers with external and internal visual information and voice announcements (e.g. seat reservations, the destination, intermediate stops, etc). The information may be dynamically updated during the trip by the onboard-to-ground communication system (through GSM, GSM-R, GPRS or WLAN).

TRAIN DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEM

We supply a complete Driver Information System (DIS) to collect and store driver and travel information used for accident analysis, train-driving monitoring, monitoring of the train's automatic protection system (SCMT), and recording of travel event and diagnostic data. The data is matched to the driver by means of an identification smart card.

The DIS has both a legal and juridical memory. The legal memory stores files that are digitally signed by the driver and used for ruling the private contract between the driver and railway operator.

The juridical memory stores data relevant for use in the case of an accident, which is transmitted to the ground 'on the fly' using a WiFi communication channel.

The onboard system automatically receives the IP address from the DHCP server through the link to the base station. The base stations are positioned all over the Italian railway network.

LIGHT TRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Light Train Management System (LTMS) is a complete system for onboard communication, control and diagnostics to be applied to light trains and metro. It was initially developed for the MF77 project, relevant to the refurbishing and innovation of Metro rolling stock in Paris, launched by RATP.

The LTMS consists of an event recorder in which safety related data and diagnostic data are sampled and stored and eventually processed on board. Data can also be transmitted to ground by GSM, GSM-R,GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and Wi-Fi.

The driver cabin is equipped with a LED-speedometer assuring exact and reliable speed information. This system also provides vigilance and safety devices for controlling driver behaviour, and an automatic braking system.

A Passenger Information System (PIS) provides vocal communication with passengers.

RAILWAY ENERGY METER

The Railway Energy Meter (REM) is an onboard system conceived for automatic metering and recording of the energy absorbed by a train along a railway path, using the voltage and current values provided by line transducers. An eight-digit display is available on the front panel for the visualisation of instant and cumulative energy values.

TRAIN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

FAR Systems has gone one step further in energy measurement with the Train Energy Management System (TEMS), which helps achieve drive measure, thus saving energy.

The TEMS system measures the energy consumption of rolling stock vehicles, memorisation of this data and transmission of the data to a ground-station. The system also permits data uploading from a ground station to the train, helping to establish 'economic driving' instructions for the driver.It is also – due to its GPS connection – a major tool for localisation of the train.

Last but not least, our system has software that provides the right data for proceeding into rolling stock billing systems.

ONBOARD FUNCTION CONTROLLERS

A variety of controllers for different on-board functions are developed by FAR to be used by equipment builder.

LINE FAULT LOCATION DETECTION

WTB Line Fault Location Detection (LFLD) is a function of the WTB link layer, which is implemented in link management. Link management uses TNM to communicate with the other WTB nodes during the LFLD process.

The service locates the failure of a disturbed line to be between two nodes. Hereby the risk that two lines would be interrupted, resulting in the stopping of the train, is minimised.