Electronic Interlocking Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What type of cable is planned for connectivity between the E.I and sub-systems to prevent damage from surge and lightning?

Coaxial cable

Copper wire

Optical fiber cable (correct)

Twisted pair cable

What is the primary purpose of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for Electronic Interlocking?

Simulating operational scenarios to ensure software functionality (correct)

Conducting real-time equipment functional testing

Testing installed hardware at the site

Verifying cross table with physical hardware

During the Site Acceptance Test (SAT), which of the following tests is NOT performed?

Logic and interlocking testing

Control Table testing

Cross Table testing

Software installation testing (correct)

Which of the following tests is specifically included during FAT for Electronic Interlocking?

Control Table testing Signup and view all the answers

What kind of testing is emphasized during the SAT for a new installation?

Interface and equipment functional testing Signup and view all the answers

In SAT for alteration works, which condition allows certain tests to be skipped?

If the existing ports are not disturbed Signup and view all the answers

Which type of testing is included in the SAT process following the interface with field gears?

Intercommunication testing Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the tests performed during FAT from those performed during SAT?

FAT is primarily software testing without hardware interaction Signup and view all the answers

What must happen whenever modifications are carried out to the Application logic?

The version number and Checksum shall change. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for approving the version and checksum of the Application logic?

Competent authority for circuit diagrams Signup and view all the answers

What is required for maintaining the Checksum records?

At Station, Divisional Headquarters, and Zonal Headquarters Signup and view all the answers

What type of cabinets should the Electronic Interlocking system be installed in?

Dust proof cabinets of approved type Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to reduce EMI and EMC effects in the Electronic Interlocking system?

Twist the input and output cables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition for the Application logic used in the Electronic Interlocking system?

It must have a specified checksum and be approved. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a guideline for installing the Electronic Interlocking system?

Use any type of interface relays. Signup and view all the answers

Who should verify the safety and functionality of Application logic?

PCSTE authorized officers Signup and view all the answers

What type of flooring is recommended for the Electronic Interlocking room?

Tiles or similar arrangements Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ladders should be used for carrying wires in the Electronic Interlocking room?

FRP or insulated ladders Signup and view all the answers

How should entries to the Electronic Interlocking room be treated?

They must be sealed to prevent pests. Signup and view all the answers

What is required near electronic equipment to prevent electrostatic damage?

Electrostatic Floor Pads and Hand bands Signup and view all the answers

What environmental control is essential in the room where Electronic Interlocking is installed?

Air-conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance that should be maintained between clean and dirty wiring?

150 mm Signup and view all the answers

How should clean and dirty wiring be routed when segregation is not feasible?

They should cross at angles. Signup and view all the answers

What class of devices is required for surge protection for external interface ports?

Indicative type of appropriate class and rating Signup and view all the answers

What test is specifically mentioned for checking new additions to the system?

Correspondence test Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable voltage loss for wires connecting equipment in Electronic Interlocking systems?

0.5% Signup and view all the answers

Where should the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) preferably be conducted?

At factory premises Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for the power supply arrangements in E.I systems?

Adequate redundancy Signup and view all the answers

Who should preferably conduct the FAT and SAT?

Separate officials Signup and view all the answers

What kind of external supply should power the fan in Electronic Interlocking?

Completely isolated from E.I supply Signup and view all the answers

What should be tested when existing I/O and communication ports are disturbed?

I/O port correspondence check Signup and view all the answers

What should the periodicity of tests be for existing installations of Electronic Interlocking?

At the time of alterations or new installations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Version Control of Electronic Interlocking Software and Hardware

Approved versions of the generic system software and hardware are controlled by competent authorities.
Application logic (station-specific) versions and checksums are unique per installation and approved by the circuit diagram approving authority.
Checksums are recorded and controlled.
Version numbers and checksums change with any application logic modifications.
Proper checksum records are kept at station, divisional, and zonal headquarters.

Installation of Electronic Interlocking

Installation follows approved guidelines and technical advisories.
Application logic safety and functionality are verified through exhaustive tests performed by authorized personnel.
Only approved application logic with checksums is used.
Railways maintain and control the approved checksums.
Interlocking systems are housed in approved dustproof cabinets with transparent doors.
Interface relays are paralleled for increased reliability.
Spare input/output cables are wired to Wago terminals for future adjustments.
Input/output cables are twisted for minimized EMI and EMC.
Electronic Interlocking should be placed close to the operator's room.
Direct track crossings between the E.I room and the main system should be avoided.
The E.I room floor and walls are tiled/similar material to prevent painting related dust.

Electronic Interlocking Room

FRP or insulated ladders are used for wiring.
Room entries are sealed to prevent entry of pests.
Electrostatic floor pads and hand bands are used near the equipment to prevent electrostatic discharges.
Air conditioning is required in the E.I room.

Building/Room Protection

External lightning protection is at the top of buildings.
If another metal structure provides protection, Class A protection isn't needed, but building guidelines are followed.
Surge and lightning protection is provided to power lines in an Electronic Equipment Room.
Separate power supply lines are used for the Electronic Equipment Room.
Clean and dirty wires are kept separate, with a 150mm minimum distance.
Clean and dirty wires crossing must be perpendicular.
Surge protection is in place for all copper-based interfaces.
Communications are via Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) for redundancy.

Testing of Electronic Interlocking

Factory Acceptance Test (FAT): Uses computer simulation to verify interlocking application software.
Testing does not include interface checks as hardware is not present and only reduced time application software interaction is checked.
Site Acceptance Test (SAT): Site testing with hardware and a simulation panel, including interface verification (after connecting to field gears)
Tests can differ for new installations vs site alterations.
Different tests include checking logic, interlocking, interface equipment functionality, cross tables, control tables, and intercommunication between sub-racks/correspondence.

Power Supply

Redundancy in power supply and controls is required following specifications.
Wires should limit voltage loss to 0.5%.
Separate power supplies are required for fans, isolated from the E.I system's power supply.
Fuses are required.

Lightning and Surge Protection and Earthing

Rules around lightning and surge protection and earthing are included in a dedicated section.
Wiring, testing, and commissioning are aligned with section 19.8.

Maintenance

Periodic tests for existing installations (relay/electronic interlocking):
Physical inspection (annual/as needed)
System integrity (every 5 years/when alterations happen)
Insulation testing on cables
Apparatus testing in aligned with specifications.
Electrical signal circuits will be tested by signal staff for installations with up to 20 routes / more than 20 routes respectively.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of version control and installation procedures for electronic interlocking software and hardware systems. It highlights the importance of maintaining approved versions, checksums, and installation guidelines to ensure safety and functionality. Test your knowledge on the regulations and practices that govern these systems in the railway sector.